Bundling cargo ratchet straps (method w/pics)

[aczlan]

Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations 393.108 (synthetic webbing yield strength).through 398.116
Actually the reg was updated some years ago, but, as usual, it's at the enforcement officers descretion.... It's not thickness, it's width.

You might re-read that. It says:

(b) The working load limits of tiedowns may be determined by using either the tiedown manufacturer's markings or by using the tables in this section. The working load limits listed in the tables are to be used when the tiedown material is not marked by the manufacturer with the working load limit. Tiedown materials which are marked by the manufacturer with working load limits that differ from the tables, shall be considered to have a working load limit equal to the value for which they are marked

Note that in the table further down, it lists synthetic webbing from 1 3/4" to 4" in width:

Synthetic Webbing
Width mm (inches) - WLL kg (pounds)
45MM (1 3/4") - 790KG (1,750#)
50MM (2") - 910KG (2,000#)
75MM (3") - 1,360KG (3,000#)
100MM (4") - 1,810KG (4,000#)

So, as long as the straps are tagged with their WLL, that table does not apply. If they are not tagged, its like with untagged chain which goes off of the Grade 30 chart for WLL.

Aaron Z

 

[downsizingnow48]

I looked at that table too. Clearly the DOT is saying that 1.75, 2 and 3 inch straps can be used according to WLL. Then I went to the Rack-It strap website. Their straps have a working load limit of 500 lbs. That does not meet the DOT minimum standard. Learn something new every day.

 

[aczlan]

I looked at that table too. Clearly the DOT is saying that 1.75, 2 and 3 inch straps can be used according to WLL. Then I went to the Rack-It strap website. Their straps have a working load limit of 500 lbs. That does not meet the DOT minimum standard. Learn something new every day.

They are also using 1.5" straps, so that chart does not apply to them as it only goes down to 1.75".
As I understand, any strap with a WLL listed on it can legally be used up to that WLL, no matter the size.

Aaron Z

 

[downsizingnow48]

Yep I read it again you are right. So I don't know what has changed.

Back to Sodo. That looks nice. But, for as long as I have had ratchet straps I dump them in a pile in the right side of the truck toolbox. They tangle themselves up but I always know where to look for them. When I need them I untangle them which takes a minute or two. Now your method looks to me like what might be called preemptive untangling. Have you compared the two methods (preemptive untangling vs post-tangle untangling) to see which one is faster? Either way I don't think I can reform.

 

[aczlan]

Personally, I like using shopping bags to hold straps. One strap per bag, the ratchets get stored separately and I only have to untangle one strap at a time.

Aaron Z

 

[aTexasYankee]

Personally, I like using shopping bags to hold straps. One strap per bag, the ratchets get stored separately and I only have to untangle one strap at a time.

Aaron Z

Hmm, that's a great idea. Combine that with the OP setup and I like. I'll probably completely forget to do this, though, but I like it.

 

[TMGT]

I TRY to keep mine rolled up and use velcro straps to hold the roll together. That being said, there is a big pile of straps and ratchets in the bed of my truck at the moment............

 

[JJZ 109]

Yep I read it again you are right. So I don't know what has changed.

Back to Sodo. That looks nice. But, for as long as I have had ratchet straps I dump them in a pile in the right side of the truck toolbox. They tangle themselves up but I always know where to look for them. When I need them I untangle them which takes a minute or two. Now your method looks to me like what might be called preemptive untangling. Have you compared the two methods (preemptive untangling vs post-tangle untangling) to see which one is faster? Either way I don't think I can reform.

Yup. I wrap them up the best I can and toss them all into an old duffle bag. Sometimes things are overthought. My main concern is knowing where they all are when I need them, hence the bag. If I don't lose track of the bag, it's a good day!

 

[aczlan]

Hmm, that's a great idea. Combine that with the OP setup and I like. I'll probably completely forget to do this, though, but I like it.

I have also thought of taking the legs from an old set of pants and making a bag for the straps out of that (sew one end shut, add a drawstring in the other). That would also let me leave a slot in the closed end so the bag could sit "inline" on the strap and any extra strap could go inside the bag after I finish tieing things down.
You could probably make 4-6 bags out of each set of pants.

Aaron Z

 

[aTexasYankee]

I have also thought of taking the legs from an old set of pants and making a bag for the straps out of that (sew one end shut, add a drawstring in the other). That would also let me leave a slot in the closed end so the bag could sit "inline" on the strap and any extra strap could go inside the bag after I finish tieing things down.
You could probably make 4-6 bags out of each set of pants.

Aaron Z

Makes sense. Sometime I have 20 feet of strap I have to tie around something so it's not flapping all over the place. An industrial gigantic rubber band type thing would be awesome.