3 Tools Every Flatbedder Needs

These simple tools will make your life easier out on the road.

[@albertochaparro8054]

Good to see you and these tips are very helpful keep the good work and keep on trucking

[@CraigRyan]

I will, thanks!

[@andrea4246]

Experience brings Wisdom. Great videos.

[@CraigRyan]

Thank you!

[@Zack-dn3kl]

Great video thanks

[@superpanda978]

Keep on doing what you’re doing, Craig!

[@CraigRyan]

You too!

[@kevdaceo]

Thank you sir for those tips. New flatbedder and driver here

[@CraigRyan]

Good luck, please be careful out there.

[@kevdaceo]

@@CraigRyan Thank you! Yes Sir. I will.

[@southernstyle067]

Another informative video.Good job.Those are some great ideas. I would always carry a piece of old tarp and some pvc glue to patch tears in my tarps. Sometimes we would get tarps from another driver when we would repower a load. And they would have tears in them and you wouldn't find out till it was too late. Lol

[@CraigRyan]

Good point! All of us have a tarp patch kit we carry with glue and vinyl. Thanks!

[@mdm6461]

A very informative video, thank you, I like the edge protector tool. I built a similar tool for pushing or pulling chains or straps through tight spaces in the middle of existing loads. I used a 10 foot long 3/4 inch conduit with a hole drilled in one end where I made a loop out of 1-foot long wire cable. I cut the conduit in two and used a conduit connector with wing nuts and bolts to put the halves together when I needed it. It is a handy tool for less than 6 bucks.

[@CraigRyan]

Sounds like a handy tool for hooking a chain. Thanks!

[@byewhobayou8868]

A circular saw for the cut, and a grinder with a polishing wheel to smooth the rough edges would make this a lot faster and easier. But this is definitely a GREAT idea! I can’t wait to try this! Thank you sir.

[@CraigRyan]

Nice to hear Joseph!

[@CheddarCheeseBandit]

I use a filed smooth 2 inch putty knife for shoving straps thru winch slot, and by the way those lights are awesome! I’m ordering a set of those lights tomorrow, I’m glad you shared your wisdom, thank you.

[@CraigRyan]

I used to use plastic puddy knives. Inexpensive. Thanks Jeff!

[@outdoorzone]

Great ideas...I would of like to see you demonstrate the strap tool.

[@CraigRyan]

Thanks, but since I'm no longer doing flatbed I can't help you out!

[@TheNewLife4ever]

What type Trucking are you doing now and why did you get out flatbed? (I've been accepted for Maverick's Orientation and heard they no longer have TCD)

[@RICKYMUNDAY]

Gotta get sum of those lights!!! Thanks for that.

[@CraigRyan]

Good move!

[@TOTALLYRELAXED]

I retired in 2015, after 38 years OTR, the last 25 hauling flatbed, step deck, and, low boys....to ME the most important tool was a strap roller. For several years, before you could buy them in truck stops, i developed carpel tunnel syndrome from hand rolling straps...that's a LOT of rolling up of straps when you used, like, 20 straps on a load! The corner protector tool you made was something I never had...I just used a fifth wheel puller to knock them off when the load was being unloaded. Putting them UP initially was a pain in the butt for me...I would often just use a ratchet bar to 'ease' them up over the load edge! Good video, and, glad to see you making your own 'helpers' instead of buying them! Waving from Houston, Texas, USA!

[@CraigRyan]

Thanks Jim, that's quite a career!

[@tuesday6433]

I worked with a guy who took a 3/8 speed wrench and bent a hook on the end and make one himself

[@slimchancetoo]

@@tuesday6433 ???????????????????????????????? !!

[@tuesday6433]

@@slimchancetoo agreed

[@Me-fj8sb]

Yesssssssssssssssssssss, or you will look like Popeye in no time

[@MrTrucker771]

Excellent info sir, thanks 👍

[@CraigRyan]

Thanks GJ!

[@timmiryan4721]

Thank you!!

[@CraigRyan]

Thanks!

[@olddominion5string834]

Great video!

[@CraigRyan]

Nice to hear, thanks!

[@alexandercastellanos1378]

Thank you Sr Good video

[@CraigRyan]

Thanks Alexander!

[@JohnSmith-li2hz]

I see that you have maintained your quiet hilarity. Thanks!

[@CraigRyan]

Well at least I'm funny looking!

[@damiansp1135]

perfect..sr really useful thank you nice job

[@CraigRyan]

Thanks!

[@chrislawnservice1077]

Thanks for the nice video

[@CraigRyan]

Thanks Christopher!

[@the.porter.productions]

Good tips...can use them even though I don’t pull a flatbed, I do pull a smaller cargo trailer. Truck em easy! Porter Dude of Ohio.

[@CraigRyan]

Thanks!

[@steamfreak1]

Loving the new videos Craig. I have yet to watch the joining maverick series yet as I want to watch them all together. Are most Canadian/US companies as stringent in their new employees?

[@CraigRyan]

No, I think Maverick is unique in this industry over here. Thanks, you keep it up also!

[@slimchancetoo]

Brilliant --------------- I should have a 45 incher in my 47 .5 inch toolbox by Monday morning.

[@CraigRyan]

Ha! Good one!

[@JBLOGDOG]

Very well put together video

[@CraigRyan]

Thanks!

[@fun782house]

thanks

[@slimchancetoo]

This guy is clearly of Australian ancestry. So simple. so cheap ------------AND IT WORKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mikemascow]

Excellent video, I look forward to watching more. I have seen the edge protector tool, there is a place I pick up flat insulation panels near my home that has them scattered about....the place is huge, they usually load 12 or 15 trucks at a time staggared across 4 or 5 bays, backing in 2 and 3 deep. They do come in handy, and, I get what you mean, there's are made of real thin plastic pipe that bends way too easy and a small head like the first one you showed. I will make one with the thicker pipe and larger T. Never thought of the metal strap coaxing device...good idea. I generally keep my straps inside when not in use...so, they don't usually get too wet. But, still a great idea! Those flashing lights are a GREAT safety addition. I have portable yellow lights that are magnet mount, they double as a wide load marker strobe...I know those lights you showed come in colors...I'd suggest yellow over red, not to get ticky-tacky. A drill with a large allen key makes for a GREAT strap winder. Or, if you are like me and leave your straps off, I have bought the 2 prong tool that clamps on the rub rail and lets you wind up straps pretty quickly. I ran across your video here searching for a tool I have seen before that helps you throw straps over tall cargo. I am 55 pushing 56 and my back and shoulders aren't what they used to be. Anything you can do to minimize stress, wear and tear on your joints will increase your longevity and help you sleep better at night with fewer aches and pains. One bit of advice for young flatbedders out there...and really, all truckers...your body is your most important tool when it comes to driving. I see a lot of young drivers who jump off their flatbed or off the top step of their tractor getting out. While this might not bother you today...you are putting undo stress on your spine, hips, knees ankles and feet. One day, you will hear a "pop" and, you'll wonder why you were jumping off stuff to begin with. I have torn meniscus in both of my knees and had surgery twice. The first was a slip and fall accident off a piggy back forklift, I was trying to move too fast early in the AM and, one foot slipped off the step coming down, I managed to catch myself (3 points of contact ALWAYS) but, in doing so, I pivoted with all my weight on my right knee. I thought it was a sprain but, after a few months, it was only getting worse and tight...eventually, an MRI showed the tear and 2 cysts that were forming which were causing the continuous pain and stiffness. Surgery and 4 weeks of PT. It really took about 3 months before I felt 100% and could walk at the same clip as before. Last year, which was 5 years since the first knee operation, I started to feel the same sort of pain in my left knee and it was "catching" depending on how I moved. I don't recall having any fall that might have caused it. An MRI was inconclusive, so, they stuck me in therapy. After about 2 weeks of excruciating pain, we opted for exploratory surgery. A tear was found towards the back of the knee, right next to the root of the meniscus. I had similar surgery as the first time (arthroscopic) and actually got back to "normal" much quicker. All the PT I had done helped to strengthen the area. A root tear requires stitches and 4-6 weeks on crutches with NO weight on your leg so the stitches can heal. The therapy after is excruciating due to the scaring and lack of use. There was patient in my PT sessions who I met that was going through that. I don't wish that on anyone. My sister slipped on the ice and fell in the parking lot at work just before Christmas, she drives a bus. She broke her knee cap and had a "complex" tear in her meniscus. The meniscus had to wait until the knee cap was healed, THEN surgery, which she just had on April 10th...she is 62, and because the tear was so bad, they ended up doing a full knee replacement. She starts therapy next week and probably won't be cleared to drive again until May 15th at the earliest. Do the math, that is 5 months, no work. Fortunately, she gets disability, BUT, that is half her normal pay and she still has to pay for ins. Always think safety first.

[@CraigRyan]

Good advice Mike!

[@mikemascow]

@@CraigRyan thanks Craig, happy Easter and safe travels to you!

[@rossstevens6165]

My favorite tool for a flatbed was a staple gun. Made making v-boards much easier. Also much less likely to split the wood like a hammer and nail. Carry a hand saw so you can make your v-boards different lengths.

[@CraigRyan]

Great idea Ross!

[@leonardburns1780]

good ideas I think ill make up those three things it is a real treat to see something that can be used without having to spend time putting it all together ehhh

[@CraigRyan]

Easy to do! Good luck.

[@driftinso]

Craig! You're a fantastic teacher! Keep it up and don't stop. Suggestion: show a little bit of the loading and unloading by the different sites where you deliver. Just enough for us to get a flavor. Maybe a little of your interaction with forklift drivers and such as you get the load positioned just right

[@CraigRyan]

I'd like to Jeff, but I'm constrained by privacy usually. Thanks!

[@driftinso]

Make sense.

[@driftinso]

Make(s) sense.Can't spell today

[@driftinso]

Also, you need to leave your text insertions on a little longer so viewer can fully read, Remember: viewer is watching video and trying to read text without missing anything. In other words, glancing back and forth. Still, everything you produce is A +

[@mattberg6785]

Jeff erlandson, one thing I might add here ..... its your rig , your license. Make sure it's the way you want it.

[@thatguy-pl8py]

We use something like your first tool, but longer with a smaller diameter T. We use them at Tenaris in Bay City TX to run straps between layers of casing

[@CraigRyan]

Sounds great!

[@Torsee]

How about adding a deadblow hammer? (Sand filled) It's none marking, it will help coax anything into submission.

[@CraigRyan]

Great idea, thanks!

[@crazywomancreek1]

Make one for me when I get out there!

[@CraigRyan]

It's easy!

[@tanveer19811]

Sir can you please share a video how to use these tools you made

[@CraigRyan]

I use them at various times in all of my old videos flatbedding.

[@ericwhittaker3139]

Yes sir that is a dangerous stretch of highway I live right across the mountain i can hear 77 . Almost ever week there is a bad wreck over there.

[@CraigRyan]

Yes, thanks Eric!

[@412hwc]

i bought this weird ass tool at menards for $13 after tax and mannnn its tha best edge preotecter putter upper tool ever

[@CraigRyan]

Whatever works!

[@412hwc]

@@CraigRyan aint that tha truth lol

[@petercoulton1489]

Hi some good videos there came here via cjaceys you tube site.

[@CraigRyan]

Nice to hear Peter, thanks for following his link.

[@nicksperry9936]

how wide was the slot on the PVC pipe that you used the hacksaw for?

[@CraigRyan]

Look at your edge protectors and base it off off that. About a 1/4" I'm thinking.

[@sapprdaddy]

What is the size of the slit used to hold the edge protector?

[@CraigRyan]

I went about 3/8", measure your edge protectors.

[@denisk9611]

Thanks man 👍

[@CraigRyan]

You bet Denis!

[@jamesleake2121]

In one of your comments you said that you are not doing flatbed any more so what are you doing now days?

[@CraigRyan]

Hi James, I know it's hard to get the big picture if you're viewing on a phone... I had a heart attack on xmas eve, so decided it would be best to leave flatbedding for a regular dry van.

[@jamesleake2121]

Craig I hate to here that and glad that you are doing OK, I drove for 25 years and it took a toll on my legs and caused me to have a lot of problems, I did flatbed and box van I wish you the best my friend and take care of yourself. I miss being out there sometimes

[@iCassius]

I keep an all purpose saw in my truck to hack off any dunnage the may reach beyond the edge of my deck.

[@CraigRyan]

I think I have just the saw for that, it's a fiskars sp? pruning saw.

[@disarmyou84]

I still don’t get what the pvc is for

[@CraigRyan]

Edge protectors on a flatbed load. Or, put a paper towel in it to wipe bullshit off the back of your trailer some idiot wrote.

[@sethsmith4963]

Is this adam savages trucking brother?

[@CraigRyan]

No one will ever know!

[@johnmatthes8608]

Demos of the first two would've been a nice addition. Good info though

[@Me-fj8sb]

There was a time that I have more inventory than home depot, it doesn't matter how many tool boxes you have, they are not enough, flat beds and step decks, wow, not talking inside the truck, full of thing

[@billchapel5248]

Anyone ever tell you that you look like Indiana Jack?

[@CraigRyan]

No, just Brad Pitt!

[@mattberg6785]

Have seen a 3 or 4" piece of PVC pipe slightly longer than your bungees. Hook them end to end on the pipe, they won't tangle. Also I wish people in general were taught that if you can't get away from your broken down vehicle get in it and buckle up. Please don't just stand around on the side of any road

[@CraigRyan]

Great tips! Once I broke down and remember sitting in the drivers seat buckled up. Scary place to be.

[@slimchancetoo]

Yeah that's the way I do it. Draw TWO LINES and cut it. My buddy Irish Mick ALWAYS draws the lines AFTER HE CUTS IT. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CraigRyan]

Ha! Nice to hear from you!

[@fuzzybutkus8970]

The phone number to a good tank or reefer company.

[@martymc92]

I have an alternative for two of the items. 1. You can buy a garden fork. It is about 7 dollars and comes with a long stick. You only need to straighten the forks and it works good with heavy metal edge protectors. 2 you can buy a scraper. Harbor freight sell them for cheap. It works great for the straps and also it is always good to have one in the truck.

[@CraigRyan]

Great ideas Marty! Thanks!

[@austinmoehring6110]

Your not supposed to wear gloves when using a bench grinder. They could suck your hand into the grinder. Just saying.

[@CraigRyan]

Good tip, thanks!

[@arienwisner]

You can't call what maverick does 'trucking' those guys are part of the reason owner Operators can't get a decent rate anymore, they are taking the skill out of driving, so sad

[@CraigRyan]

It would appear you don't have your operating costs under control.

[@slimchancetoo]

Sweet Jesus. You have prescription safety glasses (lens) ??????????????????????????????????????

[@SirXyloid]

You must be a very proud maverick company driver. Also, I laughed when you said transmission actuator. I’m sorry, it’s a good video but you, you yourself need to realize you are not in the right place.

[@CraigRyan]

Thanks for watching!

[@helphelp7562]

Pvc is garbage. Bends too much.

[@CraigRyan]

Use 1" or better and it's good to go.

[@helphelp7562]

@@CraigRyan ill keep that in mind

[@FirstLast-ze7sl]

music is terrible

[@CraigRyan]

Sorry to hear that, just doing what I can. Thanks for the input!