Many Ways to Use Pipe Stakes Do What Works for You

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• Publié par: seorumer
• Publié le: 29 mars 2016
• Nombre de lectures: 1
• Langue: English

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Many Ways to Use Pipe Stakes: Do What Works for You

Among the many tools flatbed truckers have at their disposal is the trusted pipe stake, used for securing pipe loads by creating a barrier to prevent a loss over the sides of the trailer. Pipe stakes are affixed to the trailer using sleeves that fit into stake pockets built into the trailer by the manufacturer.

Truckers may usesteel pipe stakesbecause shippers require them, or simply because they prefer the extra security the devices offer. There is some debate as to whether any states require the use of pipe stakes but, in the end, it c omes doǁŶ to the driǀer’s legal respoŶsiďilitLJ to properlLJ seĐure the load ďefore startiŶg a jourŶeLJ. There are ŵultiple ǁaLJs to do this.

Securing Pipes Over the Top

A geŶeral rule for pipe stake height is 4ϴ” –you can purchase both taller and shorter stakes. When a load exceeds the height of the stakes, some drivers have been known to secure them over the top of the load by connecting opposite stakes with chain or straps. The extra tension pulls the stakes together and creates a secure load.

A benefit of this setup is that it provides a natural frame on which to place a tarp if tarping is necessary. On the other hand, securing pipe stakes in this way does take time that could be spent turning the wheels. A less time-consuming method of securing stakes is to run chain or straps around the perimeter of the trailer and winch everything tightly together.

Securing Pipes at the Base

Because pipe stakes tend to be made of galvanized steel, there is little worry about them bending or cracking as long as the pipe load itself is properly secured. The real concern is that stakes might break loose from their pockets during transport. Some drivers address this risk by securing pipe stakes at their base.

To do this, a chain is wrapped around the base of the stake, run down through the rub rail, sent back up the other side of the stake pocket, then run across the bed and repeated on the other side.

This ŵethod is effeĐtiǀe for pipe stakes of 4ϴ” or shorter. For loŶger stakes, seĐuriŶg at the ďottoŵ is soŵetiŵes complemented by additional securement at the top.

Shippers Ultimately Have their Say

The question of whether to use pipe stakes may not be so difficult to answer in light of shipper requirements. For example, a brief perusal of a number of trucker forums reveals that multiple shippers will not allow pipe loads to leave the yard unless drivers use pipe stakes. Shippers obviously have a vested interest in making sure their products arrive safely; they may not be willing to take a chance with a trailer that is not staked.

To keep shippers happLJ aŶd loads seĐured as ǁell as possiďle, pipe stakes are a good idea. The aǀerage truĐker’s tool ďodž should aĐĐoŵŵodate 4ϴ” stakes ǁithout issue, aloŶg ǁith the assoĐiated hardǁare aŶd haŵŵer ĐhoĐks. We reĐoŵŵeŶd our oǁŶ 4ϴ”, ϳ-gaugestakes ǁith a ϲ” flat ďottoŵ that easilLJ sits iŶto ŵost poĐkets

You may be tempted to make your own pipe stakes out of scrap, but we would advise against doing so. Purchasing a manufactured product ensures the integrity of the steel and the individual pipes themselves, offering you maximum stability, security and strength.

If you haul pipe loads, you need to keep a selection of pipe stakes on board. Doing so will give you access to more loads and more pay.

Source:  Steel Pipe Stakes for Flatbed - http://www.myteeproducts.com/galvanized-steel-pipe-stake-54-7-gauge.html