Ratchet Strap Tie Downs

[cointoss]

Any suggestions on which ratchet straps to buy, length, strength etc. for hauling tractors on an aluminum trailer? I always used chains and binders in the past but with DOT checking anything for a ticket I thought I would just buy 2" tie down ratchet straps and be done. I know that the minimum is 4 tie down anchor points plus additional for implements so this makes me wonder if I should buy 27 footers off Fleabay , so what do you all use?

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Out here it is chains and binders for wheeled equipment. Straps for other static loads are OK. I always put wood dunnage between metal to metal contact items to add the friction factor. Small movement can cause straps to stretch or the load compress and make the movement increase; soon things are slamming around hard. Precept of loading anything is it has to become a non-moving part of what it is anchored to.

Ron

 

[jix]

Aircraft Loadmaster knows to tie down for 5G's (ie 5 times tractor weight plus implements) in any direction. Ratchet tie down is not strong enough and is elastic.. So they use chains with threaded tighteners. I woulds also use chain on a tractor. Takes 4 chains if used as diagonal tie down. Each 1/4 hardened chain can provide for up to 10,000 lbs dynamic stress. Loadbinders on chain should be moused closed after tightening. This would exceed any highway requirement, IMO and is stronger than most alum trailer frame. FWIW.

 

[aczlan]

Aircraft Loadmaster knows to tie down for 5G's (ie 5 times tractor weight plus implements) in any direction. Ratchet tie down is not strong enough and is elastic.. So they use chains with threaded tighteners.

Not always:
2-6 CAV loads OH-58Ds on Air Force C-17 | Hawaii Reporter

Aaron Z

 

[RedNeckRacin]

the best thing to use is chains and binders. I have no idea why you think straps would be an improvement? They wear out and are not nearly as strong. Use 4 Gr 70 chains for the main piece of equipment. Them use your ratchet straps for any accessories. The 27 footers are ok but you are usually trying to wind up alot of slack. I'd say buy a couple 15' and 2 27' unless you know you are hauling large bulky items.

 

[newbury]

There are many threads you can read here on the slightly modified methods of securing equipment to trailers.

There is a wide variety of opinions and experience on towing tractors. From the guy that just drives his 15HP lawn tractor on to a 5'x8' trailer and sets the brakes to the pro's with CDL's driving trailers hauling tanks with thousands of dollars in chains and tie downs..

There are trade offs in time, equipment and complexity.

The first consideration should be preventing injury to humans or damage to property. You don't want anything to fall off your load and hit a person or car for example.

Straps can loosen. I just drove down from Virginia to Mississippi, I used 2 main long straps over the cargo box because of SWMBO's concern. Both were tight and rode for about 350 miles fine. Then we got in a heavy rain. One strap loosened up and swung around a bit. As straps age they wear. Chain doesn't wear as fast. Extreme care needs to be used so straps don't wear and break while driving, with chains you need to protect what is being chained.

On the subject of tie down points you need four tie downs with four chains. Don't loop one chain to two tie downs. for my tractors I use mostly 5/16 grade 70 which cost about $2/foot at HD or HF. WLL of 4700 lbs. . For larger tractors you will probably need to up up a size in diameter.

 

[jix]

Hi Gents:
With all due respect for the air cav and US AF methods: the binding authority for ALL non-exemp A/c is the IATA. The standard is Tie down for 5 G's in any direction applies to ALL Canadian A/C including Hercules and Globemaster (C19). US Military A/C may be exempt in combat config, I dunno, but CAF A/C are NOT exempt so we CAnucks follow the IATA regs in A/C in all configs. It is the highest standard that makes any sense, hence it would cover a tractor on a trailer, if the civies had their regs standardized... which they may not The forgoing post was only offered as a helpful reference. You guys can do pretty much what you think is right, but please don't throw any flack at me, for I Do Know what I am tasking about IN SPADES on this subject. Thanks

Yes straps are easier and cheaper, but they have serious drawbacks, as the OP has said. When new, they only provide 5,000 lbs of tiedown... if they are carefully rigged.. Which means not looped, crossed or passed through metal struts, etc At 5 G's one strap is good for only 1,000 lb load..and one chain is good for only 2,000 lbs of tractor weight. As a standard, a frayed MC1 strap is worthless.
:talktothehand:

 

[PILOON]

I use straps for certain applications but am leery of abrasive damage.

My solution is to slide sections of discarded fire hose (they generally are flat when rolled) which I place at the contact locations.
Works great!

The hoses generally are rubber lined (which prevents slippage) and the exteriors are super tough nylon or rayon material.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Aircraft Loadmaster knows to tie down for 5G's (ie 5 times tractor weight plus implements) in any direction. Ratchet tie down is not strong enough and is elastic.. So they use chains with threaded tighteners. I woulds also use chain on a tractor. Takes 4 chains if used as diagonal tie down. Each 1/4 hardened chain can provide for up to 10,000 lbs dynamic stress. Loadbinders on chain should be moused closed after tightening. This would exceed any highway requirement, IMO and is stronger than most alum trailer frame. FWIW.

I flew freight for 3 years for both UPS and FedEx and never used a single chain. It was always straps and never had a single failure.

We are talking loads of many tons on roller floors that are so smooth one man can move 3 ton pallets on their own.

Chris

 

[oldpilgrim]

I've towed trailers with cars on/in them all over the East Coast using straps. Never had an issue loosening or stretching. These are not the straps you'd buy in TSC, which are very thin and almost plastic looking. These are a very fine weave, approx 1/4 inch thick, 3-4 inches wide strap, made for trailering. Not cheap either.

If straps are no good, why is it that truckers use them to secure their open loads ? Their trailers are even made with places to mount the strap hooks.