Items on top of headache rack

The only Headache Rack I dealt with had a row of hooks up top for around 20 or so binders, chain or straps with hooks on them. Straps are generally rolled up and stored in the land side box between the axles so it's usually binders or a particular type of rachet binder that is like a french roll with teeth in the center to make them tight or loose on chain. Then I hung chain off them as well. There were bins at the bottom of the headache rack so that 20 chain made for a good little rattle load.

There was a second bar that went over the hooks and top of headache rack where you closed it and put a large ship padlock on one end so that no one can run up and steal chains from there. If I had extra Rachets or binders, they usually went into the side land box with the rolls of straps. Rather than on the headache rack which again usually chain only.

There were a number of bungee cords tied off inside the bottom bins of the headache rack we had so that when you hit a bad bridge your chain bundles wont "Hop" out of the bin and then drop down past your rotating drive shaft between the tractor frame rails among other really big important headache splitting migraine inducing strong drink craving big time safety problems that would get you or someone or several someones killed in interesting ways.

And finally but not last There was usually one chain somewhere between the headache rack and the tractor itself set just so that if either or both the large U Bolts broke allowing the headache rack to escape it's frame mount and REALLY cause a problem, that chain will be a safety and keep a hold of it until you can get somewhere safe long enough to really secure it to to the flatbed deck. There were moments when you hit a bad bridge just so and the whole tractor catches air and then slams down several times you wonder how in the world those little U bolts were able to hold that rack with it's weight.

 

Have always used straps like these for holding things to the headache rack.

1inchstraps

 

Keep in mind that whatever means you decide on, the securement devices used should have some sort of DOT rating stamped or printed on them.

A butt hurt officer could write you up if not. At least, I don't remember ever reading a reg that said any old strap works as long as it's used for your equipment.

 

As far as Canada is concerned, Ontario is big sticklers for securing "additional equipment". Dunnage needs to be on a rack with a strap (no dunnage on dolly legs), tarps need to be strapped not bungeed, etc. Manitoba and Saskatchewan are really lax by comparison.

I'd say better to have and not need than need and not have.

Unmarked straps aren't an issue in the US. They are illegal in Canada. In the US, unmarked securement devices are given a "minimum" rating based on type. There is a table in the regs.

 

Now that you mention it, I remember that table. Vaguely. But I remember it.

 

Found it:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/drivers-handbook-cargo-securement-appendix-default-wlls-inmarked-tiedowns

 

Not disagreeing with your statement at all you are most likely correct.

If a butt hurt officer writes you up for that you were going to get wrote up for something anyway.

 

According to Washington state patrol the only thing allowed to be secured by a rubber strap with metal hooks is a tarp covering a load. They have no wll in the regulations.

That being said it's up to officer discretion like most things.

If you don't want to use 1" ratchet straps get some rope and learn how to tie a truckers knot.

 

On 1 and 1 1/2 inch straps. All of the ones I have and use do have a load rating tag sewn into them. I have not seen any that don't so far.

Using rope is fine. Secure tarps with rope. just as fast as bungees and seems to work better.

You will need to learn how to tie several types of knots, bents and hitches. You can find a number of web sites and youtube video on the most popular ones.

I use this rope, low cost, good quality. 3/8 X100