I used to load and haul utility poles, up to 105 foot in length. The way in which I would haul poles, of that length, on a standard 48 ft. spread axle flatbed, is with what is called a “Float Bunk”. The procedure for setting up to “float” a load of poles is to drop the trailer, pull the tractor forward 25 feet and stabilize the fifthwheel, in a horizontal position. I would do this by jamming solid oak 3′ long 4′X4′s, perpendicular to the chassis, underneath the front and rear of the fifthwheel, holding them in place with bungee cords. Then using the logging “self-loader” crane boom that was attached to my truck, I would hook my “Float Bunk”, a U-shaped piece of equipment with a kingpin and fifthwheel plate welded to the bottom, into the fifthwheel. I would then chain another “Bunk”, without a kingpin and fifthwheel plate, to the deck at the rear of the trailer. The butts of the poles would then be loaded between the uprights of the “Float Bunk” and the heads between the uprights of the “Bunk” mounted on the trailer. After 4-6 poles, depending on their diameter, were loaded I would “Gut Strap” the poles to the trailer with 3 nylon straps and I would use 3 chains to secure the front of the trailer to the bottom of the poles. I would then raise the the dolly legs, the rest of the poles would be loaded and I would throw the rest of the straps, 1 strap for every 10 feet of pole length (105 ft. poles = 11 straps). Then I would use straps and chains to secure the butts of the poles into the “Float Bunk” and attach the required lights, flags and signage, for oversize loads.
Any questions?
