A Barrel of Monkeys

theoldprof · Mar 31, 2006

I've never hauled a barrel of monkeys in my van, but I have carried one or two barrels of liquids. What means do others have of securing the 55 gal drums. I have used straps across the tops of the drums, but with the cylindrical shape of the drums, they tend to slide off. I have secured them using straps from my side walls, but unless they are pulled tight to the side walls, the straps loosen up and fall loose. Recently I installed a cross brace behind the seats and bunk with e track mounted to the cross brace so I can secure a drum to the brace. I haven't used it yet. Any suggestions? Thanks. :+ :+

terryandrene · Mar 31, 2006

Prof: In addition to securing the drums to the cross brace, I would lay a length of 2x4 across the tops of two drums, fasten a ratchet strap to the deck, thence across the top of the 2x4 and fasten other end to the floor e-track and honk down on the strap.

highway star · Mar 31, 2006

I use the floor e-track and criss-cross the straps. And, I completely and totally hate hauling barrels. I just worry the whole time.

cheri1122 · Apr 1, 2006

Like Highway Star, I wrap straps around the drum/s in both directions, secured to ETrack on the floor, and I add a 2x8 board dropped into ETrack sockets, both in front of, & behind - & I drive like I'm hauling glass!

MR.SNAPPY · Apr 1, 2006

I always put a piece of card board under the 55gal barrels and then just load lock them in. hauled 20 55gal barrels 1800 miles never moved.this will also keep from leaving barrel ring marks on your floor

Moot · Apr 1, 2006

I have E-Track on the walls and two 2x6s with E-Track. I drop the 2x6s fore and aft of the drums and then run straps from the E-Track in the floor over the 2x6s and back to the floor. This secures the drums on all four sides and the straps also keep the 2x6s from jumping out of the hangers.

I met a guy that used small metal C-clamps. He put the clamps on the lip of a 55 gallon drum and then ran the straps over the top. The clamps kept the straps from sliding off. Looked like it worked well, but not with fiber drums.

If drums are palletized I will ask shipper if I can remove them. Drums on pallets make for easier loading and unloading but are dangerous in transit. I don't place cardboard on the floor of my van but certainly would in a truck or trailer.

theoldprof · Apr 1, 2006

C-clamps and 2 X 4s. Sound like good combinations. Vise grips also sound good. Thanks. :+ :+

Moot · Apr 1, 2006

Prof, your post and my reply got me thinking. Why am I toting around two long 2x6s that I rarely use. I have 2 cheapo load bars for pick-up trucks. I removed the "feet" and now will use them instead of the 2x6s. Yippy skippy I can hardly wait for a load of drums!

[image width=320 height=240]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-10/1096631/Thing4.jpg[/image]
[image width=320 height=240]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-10/1096631/Thing1.jpg[/image]
[image width=320 height=240]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-10/1096631/Thing2.jpg[/image]
[image width=320 height=240]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-10/1096631/Thing3.jpg[/image]