Toggle over load retention, trailer devices?

[andyvh1959]

I am looking for a device that makes retaining a repeatable load in a trailer a consistent and quick easy action. The chorale group I am in has a large van trailer to transport our performance risers. In the trailer we use D-rings in the floor, to which we use large caribiners and turnbuckle devices to retain the risers (which are on casters). But the turnbuckles have to be properly cranked to put the caribiner and turnbuckle into a loaded condition to adequately keep the risers from moving around. When folded up for transport, each four step riser section is about 85" long, 30" wide and 60" high.

I may check Grainger, McMaster-Carr or perhaps even a marine supplier for a cam over toggle device that once properly preset, we connect the large caribiner to the D-ring on one end of the riser section, then connect the other end to the D-ring and simply swing the toggle clamp over to apply the right retention onto the riser section. I may also install low profile steel recessed pockets on the trailer floor for the 4" casters to set into. Ideas anyone?

Signature® Choral Risers

Lightweight, easy to set up, durable choral risers

shop.wengercorp.com

 

[andyvh1959]

McMaster Carr has these load binders, rated at 370 lbs each which should be good for our application:

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

But I'd prefer more of a hook shape at each end of the device.

 

[wssix99]

 

[Firebrick43]

Are you against ratchet straps?

Etrack can be put on the floor or side and short e track tie off rings hooked to the carabiners in the front and a single e track ratchet strap in the back? They even make retractable e track straps which make managing the tails easy



over center binders are always a pain in the rear and can be unsafe if not properly tension coming loose. For chain my father and I only trust the ratcheting ones like wssix99 showed

 

[jack stand]

I imagine that you're not using chains, and the trouble with your idea is a static length tie down/over center binder would only work with the right load/cargo dimensions. I'm envisioned several stacks that probably are not the same dimension.
Ratchet straps - good one's, are the way to go. I've gotten some nice "little ones" with a heavy 1' strap and a heavy duty ratchet assembly, ordered to length and the desired attachment ends (hook, t-wall, hook & ring,etc) from ratchet straps USA

SPIN FREE Ratchet Straps | USA Ratchet

Check out the deal on at USA Ratchet

usaratchet.com

Quick, easy and versatile.

 

[larry_g]

spring loaded binder - Google Search

Spring loaded binders?

 

[finn]

Look for trailer tie downs used to retain the transom of a small boat to a trailer. They are adjustable straps with hooks on both ends and an over center cam device.

Look up “Transom straps”. There are dozens of different brands, and they’re stronger and less hassle than normal cheesy ratchet straps,mand easier on your equipment than clunky traditional load binders, since they’re webbing, like seat belt material.

 

[andyvh1959]

Good points about the ratchet strap idea versus the load binders. We most often load our riser trailer after a concert, while wearing our Tux gear, so quick, easy, positive access and secure loading is key. I'll have to find a ratchet strap type that does not require a lot of handling to use.

 

[firebirdparts]

turnbuckles are terrible slow, you're right. You could look around for ultra-light-duty chain binders and then ideally match that up with a strap of some sort that is the perfect length.

I'm not sure what these are intended for, but these are the lightest ones I've ever seen:

Of course you could make something no more complex than that.

 

[firebirdparts]

Do you sing barbershop? I thought was I was the only guy loading a trailer wearing a tux.

 

[andyvh1959]

This is us, the longest running continuous male chorus in the upper midwest: https://macdowellchorus.com/
Not Barbershop. We're about 60 members performing now, was close to 100 when I joined back in 1992.

Now into our 91st concert season, my 33rd year with the chorus.

Challenge with the load straps is they need to be fairly short overall, like less than 12" long hook to hook. I may have found another option; a transom cam over strap for a boat strap onto a trailer. Its like a lashing strap, but with a cam over handle to load the strap rather than just pull on the loose end. I may be able to shorten the overall length to allow just enough to connect to the hook on the riser frame and to the D-ring on the trailer floor, then just lever over the handle to load the strap. If I move the hook on the riser frame I can allow for a longer overal strap length.

These show on Google as available at Meijer for $14 a pair. Hook each end onto the D-ring and riser frame, pull the strap through and lever over the handle. Then a Velcro strap holds the leverin position.