Securing a livestock float on a trailer

[Romney_Rob]

We have just bought a lorry body and a trailer arrives next week. It's a twin deck 26ft which will be loaded with sheep. What is the most appropriate way to secure the 2 ? Bolts straps another way? Also does anyone put some kind of membrane between the float floor and the trailer?

 

[borderterribles]

I'd say that it all depends if you are planning to take the container off regularly/ever. If you are then the turnbuckle type arrangement will make reattaching the box easier. If you are going to leave the combo together, then I'd bolt through the siderails. Always a faff lining the boltholes up again though, if you decide to take the box off, to use the trailer. I always think that nothing shouts "Stop Me" louder than ratchetstraps fastening a livestock body down
As for a membrane, probably not worth it, in my opinion.

 

[yellowbelly]

Bolt these through the choc rails on the trailer, bolt through the 'eye' onto the verticals of the container.
Surprising how many you see just 'ratchet strapped' nowadays though

 

[Pistonbroke]

Farm assured inspector liked mine bolted down to the crossmembers and said if vosa see one strapped down it's impounded automatically

 

[neilo]

What bed is on the trailer now? I would think a livestock float would need to have a floor that can be effectively cleansed and disinfected these days, which would surely rule out a wooden floor.

 

[hally]

We have a newish Stewart livestock box and it’s just held on by 4 short wagon straps, a doddle to take off and on. If they weren’t up to the job I’m sure a major manufacturer like Stewart would not use them.

 

[sticky]

I too have a box to go on a trailer and so when at market I have done a little research

 

[Old Tip]

The first one looks a right weak set up, wouldn’t be keen on driving they yoke

 

[sticky]

The first one looks a right weak set up, wouldn’t be keen on driving they yoke

Yes it needs a stronger bolt but it was secured on the front (pic 3) so it wasn't going anywhere.

 

[Hilly]

I use a ten ton ratchet strap in each corner , i used it alot with nothing for a while never moves anyway so ten ton ratchet s more than enough they cheap as chips from ratchet strap shop, and 40 ton strength holding it down.

 

[pine_guy]

What bed is on the trailer now? I would think a livestock float would need to have a floor that can be effectively cleansed and disinfected these days, which would surely rule out a wooden floor.

If it’s an old wagon float, I think it will have its own floor in it. That’s why they take no holding onto the trailer. As there is no force from the animals to move the float sideways.

I borrow a neighbours a bit, it’s held by ratchet straps.

 

[Netherfield]

Originally fitted with bottle screws by Houghtons Parkhouse, but after a while the threads became worn and difficult to use, so replaced with 4 x 10 tonnes ratchet straps. Don't know what they use now though.

 

[Hilly]

Originally fitted with bottle screws by Houghtons Parkhouse, but after a while the threads became worn and difficult to use, so replaced with 4 x 10 tonnes ratchet straps. Don't know what they use now though.

What are Bottle screws ?

 

[Netherfield]

What are Bottle screws ?

Pieces of flat bar turned over one end to hook over the chassis on the trailer/truck or a bracket attached to the body of the float's upright member, a short length of chain welded to the other end, attach bottle screw to free end of the chains.

 

[Old Tip]

What are Bottle screws ?

It’s like a mini top link

 

[Wooly]

We have just bought a lorry body and a trailer arrives next week. It's a twin deck 26ft which will be loaded with sheep. What is the most appropriate way to secure the 2 ? Bolts straps another way? Also does anyone put some kind of membrane between the float floor and the trailer?

Has the lorry body got a floor ?

If so, it will strap on easily with a few straps, as per Stewart trailers.

Our box has the trailer floor as its floor and is bolted onto the trailer.

 

[Hilly]

Pieces of flat bar turned over one end to hook over the chassis on the trailer/truck or a bracket attached to the body of the float's upright member, a short length of chain welded to the other end, attach bottle screw to free end of the chains.

View attachment 740056

Ah, you learn something everyday, i would have called that a turn buckle, thanks for explanation

 

[Netherfield]

Ah, you learn something everyday, i would have called that a turn buckle, thanks for explanation

Should have added, a broken haybob tine was used to tighten it up.