Transporting boulders

[plowhog]

I want to transport some boulders about 50 miles. I have a 5x8 heavy duty dump trailer that should probably handle 2 or 3 of them. How in the world do you fasten them down for transport? Or not bother?

The sides on my trailer are high enough where the boulders could not possible fall over the sides or the back. It's more if I was in an accident-- those boulders flying around could do some serious damage.

I don't have D-rings in my trailer ....

 

[4570Man]

A big rock is coming loose in much worse than a fender bender anyway. Drop them in and roll.

 

[nikerret]

Legally, it’s supposed to be secured. How well it’s secured is always the talking point. Gravel and dirt is only “secured” by a tarp. Obviously, this doesn’t meet the written legal requirement, but is the commonly accepted method.

How big of boulders are we talking? I would chain and boomer them, if they are large enough. If they are smaller, a heavy duty tarp (not the roll on kind) would be a good way.

I came back to add, if three rocks fit in a 5’x8’ trailer, they probably can’t be easily chained. Those aren’t what I refer to as boulders. I was thinking something closer to two or three times the size your post brings to mind.

A heavy cargo net or tarp is the most correct answer. Most people will just roll.

How heavy duty can a 5’x8’ trailer be?

 

[dirttoys]

I want to transport some boulders about 50 miles. I have a 5x8 heavy duty dump trailer that should probably handle 2 or 3 of them. How in the world do you fasten them down for transport? Or not bother?

The sides on my trailer are high enough where the boulders could not possible fall over the sides or the back. It's more if I was in an accident-- those boulders flying around could do some serious damage.

I don't have D-rings in my trailer ....

I have a fourteen foot, and my move was shorter than 50 miles. I put 3/4 inch plywood on bottom (to save trailer bed), then sheets on top strapped down. If you can't stand the weight to fill the bed, it will be tough, I would probably "hope for the best" and roll

Best,

ed

 

[bcp]

Some ideas here.

Securing Large Boulders | High Road Online CDL Training

Securing Large Boulders will be covered on page 149 of The High Road Online CDL Training Program. Prepare for your CDL test now!

www.truckingtruth.com

Bruce

 

[Rockbadchild]

3 heavy straps crossing on top of each boulder, that's probably what I would do … even if they are not totally secure at 100% at least its a indication of effort and would be able to avoid a unsafe load if getting pulled over or seeing a cop...

 

[nikerret]

3 heavy straps crossing on top of each boulder, that's probably what I would do … even if they are not totally secure at 100% at least its a indication of effort and would be able to avoid a unsafe load if getting pulled over or seeing a cop...

Yes! It’s much better to have a debate about the effectiveness than have to admit there was no effort put out. For me and most of the guys I’ve worked with, some effort was often enough to get passed over on inspections.

 

[5030]

X chain them with the chains crossed on each other in the middle of the rock and wood blocking nailed to the floor against the bottom. I used to haul metal scrap crushing balls that way and it's legal.

 

[bigtiller]

With a small dump trailer and no D-rings there isn't much you can do. Maybe just cover them with a heavy tarp and stretch a few straps across the top. Take the less traveled roads, don't get in a hurry, drive slow, defensively and under the speed limit. Give the tailgaters ample time to get around you.

If possible, throw in some dunnage or old pallets to act as a shock absorber just in case.

 

[Hay Dude]

Put a thick layer of soft material, like dirt in the bottom around the boulders lower 1/3.
That‘ll help prevent them from shifting. Then add straps across tops
If you strap them without the soft material, the straps will constantly work their way lose