Log hauling with dump trailer

[bitternut]

I recently hauled some logs home in my dump trailer and did not strap them down. The logs were stacked just below the top of the side boards. On the trip I got to wondering if I was legal or not hauling them unsecured by straps. I have a D-ring in each corner of the trailer floor but once the logs are in they can't be accessed.

So what do you folks do, straps or no straps? I am in NY State and the trailer is a 7 x 12 12000# trailer.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I usually will forgo tying them down if the logs are below the sides. I'm sure the DOT cops would advise them being strapped/chained regardless.
If stacked above the sides I always secure them.

Matt

 

[oosik]

If I'm hauling log around on the property - I don't strap them down. Around the property I'm never going more than 5 mph. I have no idea what the DOT would require if I was out on the public highways. I would strap the logs if out on the highways - as a safety measure. Better to be strapped down out on the highway for safety sake and also, so you don't get a ticket if its required.

If you have "standard" straps - split the strap into its two pieces, put each end hook thru the d-ring, load the logs, pull the straps over the logs and tighten with the ratchet.

 

[GLyford]

I have a D-ring in each corner of the trailer floor but once the logs are in they can't be accessed.

Hook your straps/chains to the D-rings, then load the logs...?

 

[DB Pilot]

WOW! I am in western new york also and have a similar dump trailer. I often put the Bx2200 in the trailer. Of course I always strap it down to those 4 d-rings. I have never seen any strap requirements for the different types of cargos that might be hauled. I do know that no matter how correctly the cargo is secured, should it fall, roll, fly or slide out of the trailer and do damage to something. The driver will be liable.

That being said, I don't think you broke any laws. I would not like to see any more regulations in this state but everything goes better if I secure any load in the trailer or truck and that includes a cover tarp for loose trash to the landfill. I see trailers and trucks full of fire wood with no securing at all and think that might not be very smart as I have found loose pieces of firewood in front of my house ( I live on a curve).

Glad you started this thread. From now on instead of thinking it's a chore to secure a cargo I'm going to see if I can secure one better than anyone else. :thumbsup: Why use two straps when four will do. :laughing:

 

[Trials]

Don't you have a roll-away tarp? You should always tarp your load if possible, that keeps everybody happy

 

[4570Man]

I haul plenty of logs in a dump truck. I don't strap them down. I don't load above the side boards. I have hauled logs on a gooseneck trailer, and those get chained on. I have never secured firewood either. How exactly do you go about doing that?

 

[bcp]

...I have never secured firewood either. How exactly do you go about doing that?

You aren't trying hard enough. Anything can be strapped in.



Bruce

 

[4570Man]

You aren't trying hard enough. Anything can be strapped in. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/trailers-transportation/450153-log-hauling-dump-trailer-sandstrap1-jpg"/> Bruce

But that doesn't mean the strap will actually do anything.

 

[RandyT]

I wouldn't worry so much about the tie downs for logs in a trailer with sides. I would be more worried about the DNR or whomever is in charge of forestry products in your state. In IL hauling 2 or more logs at a time requires a logging license,

 

[roadhunter]

I wouldn't worry so much about the tie downs for logs in a trailer with sides. I would be more worried about the DNR or whomever is in charge of forestry products in your state. In IL hauling 2 or more logs at a time requires a logging license,

LOL. That cracks me up.

 

[NorEaster]

I wouldn't worry so much about the tie downs for logs in a trailer with sides. I would be more worried about the DNR or whomever is in charge of forestry products in your state. In IL hauling 2 or more logs at a time requires a logging license,

Section 1530.50 doesn't actually say that.

 

[RandyT]

Section 1530.50 doesn't actually say that.

It actually says you have a record of "proof of ownership" on the specific DNR form. So as long as you have the proper proof of ownership forms if the Conservation officer stops you are fine. Now how many people know about this little quirk and could prove ownership while setting on the side of the road with the Game warden setting behind you with the lights flashing.

 

[bitternut]

I had originally planned on strapping the logs down with two 3" wide ratchet straps but the ratchet end of the strap has a very short length of strap to the hook making them useless in my case. There were 10 logs to be exact so I guess I was illegal in the land of Obama. They were logs left at the landing from my recent timber sale and none of them were ash. Mostly maple and oak with one cherry. They have been sitting at my landing all summer and the contract is long past so they belong to me.

I just happened to wonder on the drive home if I was legal or not with the load unsecured. I know that I see dump trucks hauling large boulders unsecured and even if I had a tarp it would be useless as a restraint. Anyways I took it slow and arrived home without any incident. Oh yeah, and I made sure that the trailer was still hitched good when dumping. Kind of bumps the truck around once they start sliding out.

Also my new grapple worked great for loading the logs and picking them out of the log pile that the loggers left. Might pick out some more next spring and haul another load. I think I will rig up some chains for the next load just to be on the safe side.

 

[jimmysisson]

Depending on the trailer, I'd want the tops of the sides restrained from being pushed out. Shifting logs can put a lot of pressure on the top of the sides. I guess if the tailgate will close and hold the sides that would help.
Jim

 

[Sterff]

I haul plenty of logs in a dump truck. I don't strap them down. I don't load above the side boards. I have hauled logs on a gooseneck trailer, and those get chained on. I have never secured firewood either. How exactly do you go about doing that?

Here's what I do. Better than nothing I guess...