Flatbed Gear Wear & Tear: What to Watch and When to Replace
On the open road, gear failure isn’t just inconvenient - it’s dangerous for you, your cargo, and everyone on the road. Your gear takes a beating load after load in the weather and stress. And like any hardworking tool, it won’t last forever.
Whether it’s your tie down straps or the chain binder keeping equipment in place, it’s crucial to know when to replace your flatbed equipment. In this guide, you’ll learn signs of wear, safety risks, and recommended replacement guidelines for your most important flatbed equipment.
When to Replace Tie Down Straps
Winch straps and ratchet straps are some of the most relied-on tools in flatbed hauling. But they’re also some of the most abused.
Watch for these signs to know it’s time to replace your straps:
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Fraying edges or tears: Any sign of broken fibers, wear along the edges, or sharp cuts is enough to pull a strap from service. Also look out for any damage to the stitching pattern.
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Tag Loss: The DOT requires all tie down straps to have tags stating their Working Load Limit. If your tags get torn or go missing, you need to replace that strap to avoid DOT fines.
- Excessive Stretch or Deformation: Straps that don’t hold tension or feel overly spongy and loose can put your load at risk and should be discarded.
To avoid strap failure, you should always inspect your straps before and after use. Consistent inspection allows you to find faults before a strap failure. And when in doubt, toss it out.
If you feel that your straps wear down fast, consider upgrading to BlackLine Straps. These are the strongest straps on the market. With reinforced edging and a 23% higher WLL, these straps are built for extreme performance and extended use.
When to Replace Winches & Tie Down Anchors
Your winches & tie down anchors do the heavy pulling. Even if your straps are pristine, a weak tie down anchor puts your cargo at risk. Replace your tie down anchor if you notice the following:
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Visual damage: Corrosion, rust, or cracked/pitted metal weakens the unit.
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Mechanical Failure: If the pawl doesn’t lock correctly or the winch slips under tensions, it’s unsafe.
- Distortion: Warped frames can cause poor strap alignment and unsafe operation.
To extend the life of your winch, lubricate moving parts regularly and protect them from road salt and moisture as much as possible.
When to Replace Tarps
A torn flatbed tarp not only puts your cargo at risk. It also becomes a safety hazard for other drivers on the road. Here’s what to look for:
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Holes & Tears: Make sure to inspect areas near grommets for any wear or tears. Replace the tarp if you find any damage near high-tension areas.
Small holes or wear in the middle of the tarp can be repaired sometimes! Check out our blog on the steps to repair minor damage to your tarp.
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UV Damage: If the tarp material feels brittle or chalky, its protective layer is likely damaged due to UV rays. Replace your tarp to ensure cargo protection.
- Compromised Waterproofing: If you find water leaking under your tarp, it’s time to replace it. Wet cargo equals damage claims more expensive than the cost of a new tarp.
Make sure to clean and dry your tarp before storing to maximize its longevity.
When to Replace Chains & Binders
Just because transport chain is heavy-duty doesn’t mean it's indestructible.
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Chains: Look for stretching, cracks within links, deep rust, or missing identification tags.
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Binders: Look for bent handles, weak tensioning mechanisms, or excessive rusting.
Make sure to keep chains & binders clean & lubricated. Don’t forget to look out for missing identification tags that could result in DOT fines!
How to Prevent Failure? Inspection, Inspection, Inspection.
Regular inspections are the best way to prevent gear failure. Before and after hauling each load, make sure to do a quick inspection of all your gear. After several long hauls or severe weather on the road, be sure to do a more thorough inspection.
Stay Road-Ready with US Cargo Control
Flatbed work demands gear as tough as the job at hand. Replacing worn equipment before failure is crucial to keeping yourself, your cargo, and others on the road safe. At US Cargo Control, we carry replacement winches, winch straps, tarps, chain, and chain binders that meets the highest standards of professional haulers. Our team is here to help with all your needs.
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