Legal to tarp over the rub rail?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Mr biggs, Dec 25, 2016.

  1. Mr biggs

    Mr biggs Light Load Member

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    Is it legal to tarp over the rub rail covering the reflective tape.
     
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  3. street beater

    street beater Road Train Member

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    Dont think so, but not positive, why would you?
     
  4. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    NO.

    I'll teel you why. Not much as Legal but life saving.

    I was coming up a grade on US 15 north of Spanglers Spring bound for Camp Hill, There was a cross intersection for a tiny good truckstop on the slope of that hill. It was 6 am, filthy weather and deep fog.

    I saw reflective tapes in the lights in time to apply the air.

    I consider that my 2nd or 8th Birthday. Big rig was crossing my side of the divided road to get to the stop. I would have T boned him and died.
     
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  5. Mr biggs

    Mr biggs Light Load Member

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    I guess I'm thinking when I have a skinny skid on with alot of slack and poor d ring placement, pin it against the rub rail so it doesn't flop around. i have yet to per fect the tarp. Just trying to learn different tricks of the trade.
     
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  6. street beater

    street beater Road Train Member

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    Ya want perfect? @Dye Guardian has that market cornered
     
  7. Jumbo

    Jumbo Road Train Member

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    I don't see how pinning it against the rub rail is going to cover the tape. The tape is on the outside of the rail. Usually you fold the excess under and go around the spools or rail with the bungees. That keeps the tarp from coming outside the rail and covering the tape.
     
  8. cke

    cke Road Train Member

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    Some people instead of using bungees throw straps over the tarps then pinch the tarp between the rub rail and strap and that might cover up the reflective tape
     
  9. Mr biggs

    Mr biggs Light Load Member

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  10. Espressolane

    Espressolane Road Train Member

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    The reason you tarp a load is to try and protect the product from the weather. If the tarp is outside the rub rail, you are leaving a gap open to the elements. Water and other things will get in under the tarp by that gap.

    Also would have to say it could lead to a problem. the DOT reflective tape is there for a reason, having it covered could be a viloation. Minor perhaps, like the write up in an inspection for missing the tape.

    The other part of this is getting into the long and drawn out beat the dead horse of straps inside or outside the rail.


    I like real butter on my popcorn.........
     
    Last edited: Dec 25, 2016
  11. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    It is legal to cover the reflective tape.
     
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