trailer tie down recomendations

[MESSMAKER]

I would agree that chains are stronger but they are also heavier and more difficult to position. I never hear anyone talk about the fact that it is more simple to get a strap tight or to even tighten it when loose. A little shifting or inattention can leave a binder loose or cranked to the max but not tight enough.You can have a kink in the chain or a grab hook not properly seated. I am not sure what the answer is but you can do it poorly with either system.

 

[Hematite]

I would agree that chains are stronger but they are also heavier and more difficult to position. I never hear anyone talk about the fact that it is more simple to get a strap tight or to even tighten it when loose. A little shifting or inattention can leave a binder loose or cranked to the max but not tight enough.You can have a kink in the chain or a grab hook not properly seated. I am not sure what the answer is but you can do it poorly with either system.

I would agree with you that when a strap system is NEW, they can be very easy to deal with. The reality is that once the straps are exposed to weather and aquire dirt in the fabric and rust in the ratchet assembly, literally after a few uses, they can be a bear to use and keep adjusted. I've gone through that with a friend that does use straps and it's quite a nightmare.

At least with a ratchet binder for a chain you can grease the heck out of it so that the weather won't affect it. If the chain loosens it's also easier to tighten than with a well used strap.

It really is a personal decision as to which to use and neither system is perfect but I can tell you that the DOT really likes to see chain tie downs with ratchet binders.

 

[Builder]

I would agree with you that when a strap system is NEW, they can be very easy to deal with. The reality is that once the straps are exposed to weather and aquire dirt in the fabric and rust in the ratchet assembly, literally after a few uses, they can be a bear to use and keep adjusted. I've gone through that with a friend that does use straps and it's quite a nightmare.

At least with a ratchet binder for a chain you can grease the heck out of it so that the weather won't affect it. If the chain loosens it's also easier to tighten than with a well used strap.

It really is a personal decision as to which to use and neither system is perfect but I can tell you that the DOT really likes to see chain tie downs with ratchet binders.

If you know how to buy quality straps made with polyester instead of cheap ones that don't stretch and anodized ratchets that don't rust after a few uses, you'd see that they can easily last 5-10 years.

Remember, binders can rust and break. Look at where they're made now. Ever seen a cheap chinese casting or part snap right before your eyes? I have.

I think what we have to remember is most TBN (not all) members impressions of ratchet straps are the ones from harbor fr__t, not quality units from a pro truck parts department.

 

[powerstroke444e]

Builder I agree with you that most of the TBN readers rely on HF or china on sale straps/chains to much.

I have seen the insurance claims photo's of equipment that is tied down wrong and things that have been tied down right. The differace is not chains vs straps but doing it correctly. I have seen equipment still tied to the trailer with straps after the rolling over several times.
I hope TBN guys watched the clip you posted as that is very good advice. Saftey is everyones job.

 

[Builder]

Builder I agree with you that most of the TBN readers rely on HF or china on sale straps/chains to much.

I have seen the insurance claims photo's of equipment that is tied down wrong and things that have been tied down right. The differace is not chains vs straps but doing it correctly. I have seen equipment still tied to the trailer with straps after the rolling over several times.
I hope TBN guys watched the clip you posted as that is very good advice. Saftey is everyones job.

That's exactly right. Whether it's cheap straps or cheap chains/binders, they all put your equipment and everyone's safety in jeopardy. Most of the time it's operator error, not straps versus chains when accidents happen.

So you liked the video? They're nice straps aren't they?

 

[QRTRHRS]

Yes, others can type until they are blue in the face and there isn't even a remote chance that I'm going to believe a single word if they advocate using straps over chains for securing tractors. The only time I actually got to spend some 'quality time' with a DOT cop (female, but definitely a type A personality), they told me that if your load isn't worth securing properly it's probably not worth having. If she stopped you hauling a tractor the only strap being used better be securing an implement. Otherwise, grade 70 chain of appropriate size on all four corners with either ratcheting or lever binders securing the rolling load. Although not required, she also suggested blocking both the front and rear wheels as well.

As I've said before, I was stupid before and got lucky for my stupidity. It takes it to a whole different level when you've been told by the huge majority of people to use chains and you opt to ignore them and use straps anyway and then have a problem. If you want to use "quality" straps with the proper rating, that's fine. Just be aware that you'll be spending about double what the appropriate sized setup in chain will cost you, especially over time when you have to constantly replace the straps if they are exposed to UV rays, dirt, grit etc.; basically, if they are used.

Couple of thoughts here. When it comes to chain, I used to think that Grade 70 was an absolute. It is not. Like previously posted here by someone else quite some time ago, show us where in the regs that Grade 70 is an absolute.

Absolutely, Grade 70 may make your stay at a weigh station a little shorter because some overzealous DOT officer may be uniformed and the bottom line is pretty much if they cannot win in the end over that argument then they will find something else however trivial.

Given that most people don't have the time or resources to prove a point, Grade 70 may be the best choice. It really boils down to the WLL and I don't care if you are talking straps or chain. If your equipment meets specs and is properly secured then when push comes to shove, no DOT officer can make their own rules.

Generally, chains and straps have a place where each excels both in terms of ease of use and in protecting the load in question while securing it. What you do with your personal tractor is one thing but in a commercial setting, you put chain marks on someone's million dollar cargo, there just may be an issue. True, there are some exceptions. Crushed cars for one. There, you must use chain.

Straps do wear out and need replacement which is relative to their use. But to say that they are illegal or unsafe per sey is simply not true. Nor is it true to say that they cannot be used to secure equipment. Chain has the advantage of being easier to secure and you need to be concerned about damage to the equipment rather than the strap.

 

[powerstroke444e]

That's exactly right. Whether it's cheap straps or cheap chains/binders, they all put your equipment and everyone's safety in jeopardy. Most of the time it's operator error, not straps versus chains when accidents happen.

So you liked the video? They're nice straps aren't they?

I like the video & I am pretty sure I was following the guy that they made fun of hauling a jeep with one cheap strap on intersate today.

They look like good straps. I have always bought what I thought were good straps and after looking at the way they sowed theres I looked at the ones i use and they are sown the same way which made me feel a little better. I do have an issue with straps I can never leave the local truck dealer with out purchasing one or more straps. Parts guy always throws one the counter when he see's me coming