Transporting boulders

[plowhog]

I definitely like the idea of using a U-haul trailer to move big rocks. They're very well built, quite heavy duty, and best of all, if you bang them up, it is someone else's trailer, not yours.

Lots of good advice in this thread. Thank you.

I'm thinking my 5x8 dump trailer is the wrong one for the mission. I do have a 25,000lb rated flatbed trailer with plenty of tie downs on the side. It formerly transported a 10,000 lb dozer. The tires are shaky though-- so no free lunch there.

I also have a BigTex 14,000 lb car hauler, bumper pull. Although it had a wood floor. Maybe I could put down some heavy plywood. I didn't consider the flatbed trailers due to the difficult of unloading. But-- if I chained the boulder at the site or origin, and used those chains to lift it, I would leave the chains in place during transport. Then I would have something to tie down with, and a way to unload them.

Or, a U-haul trailer looks feasible. There is a lot to fasten to with those open trailers-- as long as I don't cinch down too hard and bend the trailer.

 

[Leejohn]

chain link fence strapped down over them.

 

[Geunther]

I would use sand bags, 4 or 5 per boulder, placed to inhibit movement. I use feed bags to help me move them easily. 60 to 80 lbs. of construction sand will do it, I think. Best of luck!

 

[Jstpssng]

Do keep in mind that when driving on a public highway, you come under the rules and regulations of the DOT. Last time I checked, ANY load must be secured against movement. I told you how to secure them a ways back. You can either heed my advise or wing it but be apprised if you wing it and something happens, not only will you be liable for damages, you'll probably be ticked for an insecure load as well.

Your choice. I KNOW what mine would be.

Sage advice. Now to the second part of his question; what's the best way to do it. Your way is probably best... something about having done it commercially makes yours among the best.
Unless they are square, getting a normal chain to stay on a boulder will be a challenge. Some good suggestions above to do that... and others not so good. The suggestion of using biomass to help hold them in place would reduce the excess weight vs gravel or stone.(wood chips from a tree service would work well.)
In that case he would want a tarp as others suggested, to keep debris from blowing. Then a decent set of chains around each boulder... the chain link fence mentioned above would be a good way to hold the chains where you want them.
A cubic foot of granite weighs about 175 lbs.
The other thing not mentioned is that an object that big is going to make the trailer do funky things if it shifts. If we could plan when we were going to crash, it wouldn't be called an "Accident."

 

[al b]

Haven't read all posts so I don't know if this has been mentioned but how about pallets? They are light and would use up space. Put them under and cut some in half and pack them around the bolders. Maybe some on top too to hold the chains steady.

 

[Egon]

All said and done the proper way means following your jurisdiction’s rules for towing and securing the load.

Many times Assumptions cost money.

 

[ljjhouser]

I think I agree with 5030. I like 5/16 chain G70 and binders on most things. Of course straps and chains must be labeled (G70 or Strap weigh rating). Not all straps are not equal. But none of this makes any difference unless you are stopped or in an accident, then everything seems to make a difference. I have never been stopped and inspected with a load, but I am careful to secure that best I can. In the end, do what YOU are comfortable with. I have an L4701 that I haul as far as 250 miles. The more I haul it, the more caution I use to be sure 4 pt tractor and each implement are secured.
Good question, rocks or boulders are difficult to capture. If possible, add another rock to see if you can pack against the sides to prevent lateral movement. Then maybe a piece of sheet stock (maybe 3/4" plywood) over the top and then chain and binders.
That said, it sounds like overkill. But in an accident, it might look just right. Best wishes, Larry

 

[gejandsons]

Place them in the trailer then dump dirt or sand in so they can’t roll. Or build a crate out of plywood.

 

[sixdogs]

If you don't strap down a boulder and do get seen by a cop you will indeed pay a very large fine. No doubt about it. And in hauling boulders, the only thing that works are chains or rated straps over a safety net or with a pallet crushed on top of them and chained or strapped so they are securely restrained. You can also put a pallet under and pallet over if it's a biggie or really round. The pallet will mold (crush) itself to the rock and I've never seen one even try to move this way.

There is no "sort-of" OK or "pretty secure" when hauling big rocks because rocks are either 100% secure or 0% secure. Give them and inch and they'll take a mile. And if one ever did get loose, it will cause tremendous damage and/or loss of life so be prepared to lose everything you own and everything you will own and then plan on wearing stripes for a while.

 

[Hay Dude]

Dont know if anyone mentioned, but when landscape boulders are professionally palletized and shipped, they are placed on a HD pallet, then a wooden crate is built around it in the form of a box, using thick pieces of locust or other heavy pallet grade lumber. This is so the boulders can be shipped on a flatbed trailer, then easily offloaded with a skid steer with pallet forks onto a staging area, uncrated and carried to the boulders resting place.