I use Twizzlers , then at the next job you have a little snack ....
I use the approved straps myself for ladders and anything else on my racks. The ladder is on and off that much that any signs it's going to break will be picked up when tensioning the strap down. Plus I'd rather have more opportunities to inspect the straps than less. I've only had 1 strap break on me in 9 years in the trade and that was when I was tensioning it right down and it snapped and was put straight into the bin and a new strap used in its place.
Glad to see others are as anal as I am about this. If your not, just Google image search “ladder on freeway”. Wouldn’t want to be the cause of any of that.
https://www.google.com/search?q=ladd...=1347&bih=1229
Hearthman, looks like your “wire rope” is good to go. This is from eHow “DOT Tie-Down Regulations” edited.
DOT Tie-Down Regulations
The Federal Department of Transportation oversees commercial trucking and sets safety standards. Among these standards are requirements for loads on flatbed trucks that require tie-downs, with DOT mandating the type of tie-down and manner of securing cargo. Inspectors perform checks at weigh stations to ensure that drivers are meeting these standards.
Tie-Down Specifications
• According to Rule 393.104(f), tie-downs must be free from knots; repaired in DOT approved manner for the type of tie-down; and be protected from rubbing or abrasion through the use of edge protection. Each tie-down must be secured in a method that keeps it from coming undone or loosening while in transit. Tie-downs must be adjustable so drivers can tighten them if items settle in transit, as required by Rule 393.112. Tie-downs can be made of steel, chain, webbing, wire rope or cord, as per Rule 393.104(e).
Minimum Number of Tie-Downs
• The size and weight of your cargo determines how many tie-downs are required, as defined by Rule 393.110. If your cargo is less than 5 feet long and weighs less than 1,100 pounds, one tie-down is adequate. You must use two tie-downs if you transport any item between the length of 5 and 10 feet, regardless of weight. For each additional 10 feet in cargo length, you must use one more tie-down. Thus, a 12-foot load requires three tie-downs and a 22-foot load needs four.
I haven't tied down a ladder in 25 years. I use Weather Guard racks that lock- always have.
Working from a van, I do not use a ladder rack. Most of my customers are residential, I have no need for ladders most of the time. Carry a 3 step (2' tall) in the back, for odd things. The customers where I need a ladder, I schedule their PM's on specific days and carry the appropriate ladder inside the van.
On occasion I will need a longer extension or free-standing ladder, will tow a trailer. The ladder is always strapped down with multiple of those adjustable straps one gets in 4 packs at the big box stores, always THROUGH the ladder, and I generally tie a piece of 1/2" dia nylon rope through the ladder as a back-up.
Lets not forget the red rag on the back of the ladder if it sticks out...
The idea of a ladder (or anything) coming loose and going through the windshield of a car... is just not something I want to be responsible for... EVER. It does not take that much time to secure objects properly... IMO this comes under the heading of Nike: "Just do it"...
GA-HVAC-Tech
Your comfort, Your way, Everyday!
GA's basic rules of home heating and AC upgrades:
*Installation is more important than the brand of equipment
*The duct system keeps the house comfortable; the equipment only heats and cools (and dehumidifies)
*The value of comfort, over the long term; leave economic choices behind!
Choose your contractor wisely!
I worked for ARS years ago. We had an emergency meeting one morning where we had to check the bolts on the ladder racks. A truck in NJ had the rack come off of the truck and kill a family of four on the highway. Everyones bolts were loose on the racks..
have used romex since i was sixteen and have found nothing better or had a ladder stolen...
Looks like federal regs are for commercial vehicles over 10,000 lb gvw, with a specific definition of "cargo"
"Cargo
Any cargo and dangerous goods/hazardous materials, including:
All general freight.
All equipment carried for vehicle operation.
Intermodal containers and their contents.
Some specific commodities have additional or different securement requirements (see later sections of this Handbook).
Additional requirements under separate regulations may also apply for transportation of certain types of dangerous goods or hazardous materials."
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/drivers-han...rgo-securement
I'm sure there are state and local requirements, too, but I don't think the feds will come down on you for bungee straps on your ladder.
-It has not escaped me, however, that the federal government's definition of "cargo" begins with "any cargo." Smart and competent as always!
I am not sure of the wording... however I have been told more than once:
Here in GA... you MUST use the ratcheting straps to tie down things... state law.
So regardless... to avoid being pulled over... I will have at least two of the ratcheting straps on the load... in clear sight...
Ya never know what attitude the copper has... and when they go lookin' for things... it is amazing what they find.
GA-HVAC-Tech
Your comfort, Your way, Everyday!
GA's basic rules of home heating and AC upgrades:
*Installation is more important than the brand of equipment
*The duct system keeps the house comfortable; the equipment only heats and cools (and dehumidifies)
*The value of comfort, over the long term; leave economic choices behind!
Choose your contractor wisely!
I have a buddy who's a chimney sweep. He kept forgetting to secure his ladders and did the freeway dump several times. He decided the fix was to place a reminder by his door to check the ladders. He had decals made up of ladders. Every time he lost another ladder, he added a sticker right at the 'A' post where the windshield and drivers door all come together. I told him if he was a fighter pilot he'd be an ace--5 confirmed killed ladders. No civilian casualties but all were close calls. He has not lost a ladder in over 15 yrs. since he instituted this program. FYI, I've seen where commercial ladder racks with the load assist function failed. In some cases, the whole rack was snatched off the roof by the wind. If you're in an area of enforcement then by all means, comply. Otherwise, I'll use what works the best for me.
Keep the fire inside the fireplace.
My current van has a ladder rack with factory clamps, and room inside for my stepladder. My old van had a basic roof rack, and I strapped the ladders down with wire, bungees, and cable ties. The aerodynamics were such that the ladders each whistled a distinct pitch while travelling on the highway, and depending on how I secured them, I could produce some interesting chords.
Carpe Carp~ Seize the carp
While we're on the subject of being anal about things... I H A T E when people "help" me by putting my tools back in my bag. My tools go in a SPECIFIC PLACE IN MY BAG!!!!! If it's not there I think I've LOST IT!!!! Just leave it NEXT TO MY BAG IF YOU WANT TO HELP!!! End rant.
James 4:10
listen > talk
It never bothered me at all. Not sure about those next to me on the road, though. I never hit a deer.
Carpe Carp~ Seize the carp