trailer tie down recomendations

[Dale1995]

Hi guys I just purchased a big-Tex 60CH tandem trailer today to transport my John Deere 2320. Love the trailer but am wondering what I should use for tie down straps, or chains. I found some at a local auto supply house that have a 1000 working limit, but I believe are rated to 3000 lbs....would this be good enough? What are you guy using? Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[kevinj]

Hi guys I just purchased a big-Tex 60CH tandem trailer today to transport my John Deere 2320. Love the trailer but am wondering what I should use for tie down straps, or chains. I found some at a local auto supply house that have a 1000 working limit, but I believe are rated to 3000 lbs....would this be good enough? What are you guy using? Any suggestions? Thanks.

Ya might want to SEARCH as this has been beat to death. Chains seem to be best for live loads like a tractor. Straps for dead loads like lumber.

 

[Will_C]

Kevin is right, there has been discussion on this topic. I'll tell you what I do, take it for what its worth!

I secure my Kubota 2620 (the same size tractor as yours) with a 5/16" Grade 70 chain and a ratchet binder at the rear. I put a shackle on the drawbar and run the chain through this. I can't find a place on the front to run a chain without scratching paint, so I use two 10,00lb car hauler straps attaching to the lower box of the frame. These straps wrap around the frame and hook to themselves. They have a protective sleeve where they contact the tractor frame.

I'm not claiming this is the best way, but it's my way!

Will

 

[Hematite]

According to the fellow that sold the trailer to me, to satisfy DOT requirements, 4 chains and 4 ratchet binders attached to the tractor frame or axles are required. He has spent 40+ years dealing with DOT in the transportation business so, I would say that he knows what he says. I use the 5/16" G70 chain.
The FEL and BH, if applicable, need to be restrained, seperately.

 

[LBrown59]

Hi guys I just purchased a big-Tex 60CH tandem trailer today to transport my John Deere 2320. Love the trailer but am wondering what I should use for tie down straps, or chains. I found some at a local auto supply house that have a 1000 working limit, but *I believe are rated to 3000 lbs....would this be good enough? What are you guy using? Any suggestions? Thanks.

*I think you need moore than shoe strings to tie it down.
Does it have brakes on 4 wheels?
How long is it?
What is your tow vehicle?

 

[Duffster]

Does it have brakes on 4 wheels?
How long is it?
What is your tow vehicle?

And why does any of this matter?

 

[westcliffe01]

Buy from a "proper" trucking supplier like below. You can get the right stuff ftom TSC but it is 3-4x the price. You want grade 70 chain and I got the 3/8" binders. I got 2 of the longest chains (24ft ?) with the hook at either end. With the ratcheting binders this is a very flexible system that has fit every move I have done so far. If you get short chains, you will be wishing for a longer chain by the second move or when you find you need to drag a log or pull someone out a ditch...

On the highways, law enforcement can and will pull you over for an inspection and if you don't have stuff rated for the job it will be a fine and you will get a tow from the operator that the sherrif calls.. Seen it happen a few times now.

Chain Binders, Load Binders, Ratchet Binders, Grade 70 Chain

 

[Builder]

You don't need chains.

My gosh, some of you guys are so **** about stuff it's a wonder you can transport a log splitter without a diesel DRW truck. We're talking about a subcompact tractor here, not a D-9.

Dale, take it from me an experienced operator that transports a 19,500 lb New Holland backhoe, there's nothing wrong with well made ratcheting straps that meet or exceed the WLL needed to hold your tractor in place. I do use chains & binders because of the weight, but I use straps on smaller tractors all the time.

These guys will have you buying battleship chains for a backhoe. It's overkill. Straps are nice because they are easier on your equipment and lighter/easier to operate. Get yourself some nice straps and enjoy transporting your machine.

 

[westcliffe01]

If the vehicle does not have proper eyes for securing it from the factory, then by all means use proper rated lifting slings. A 5000# rated sling is just $15. Even a small CUT weighs 1500lbs and can be lethal if it works loose.

Good equipment is like insurance. Spending $250 to get rated equipment for securing your tractor is peanuts compared to what it cost to buy the tractor in the first place. Compare that to how much you will be sued by the family of the person who crashed into your tractor after if fell off the trailer. Static loads like dimensional lumber or firewood are one thing, but a wheeled load is much more likely to move when stressed by braking or cornering loads. Chains have little give, which is a good thing. Straps by comparison have a lot of stretch and it can be shocking to see how a load "re-arranges" itself when using them.

How cavalier you approach the move also depende on whether you are going 2 miles, 10 or 200. Or over the rockies. Be safe out there..

Polyester Round Eye & Eye Lifting Sling 4' Purple Lifting Sling [PRS1EE-4] - $15.63 : Ratchet Straps, Tie Down Straps, E Track Tie Downs, Moving Blankets & Pads, Cargo Straps, U.S. Cargo Control

 

[Diamondpilot]

This time I have to agree with Builder. I use my 4 2" x 8' long ratchet straps and 4 axle straps for 95% of the loads I carry, including my 5,200# tractor, dads Corvette, and numerous other vehicles as large as a Suburban. The straps are rated at 10,000# each with a WLL of 3,333# each. I do have 4 3/8" x 14' pieces of chain and binders but only use them when transporting something that my cut or rub my straps. By the way I also have 4 2" x 20' ratchet straps and 8 corner protectors for hauling things like lumber.

Chris