Chains and binders

[npaden]

Well, I called the Texas Department of Public Saftey and they said that as long as my combined weight was under 26,000lbs for the vehicle and the trailer there basically weren't any specific requirements. My load simply has to be secured. He said that could be 200 bungee cords strapped all over the place or 20 ropes or 2 chains. As long as the load was secured. His exact quote was "as long as the load doesn't come off the trailer".

He said using 2 G70 chains and binders would be more than sufficient in his eyes and nearly any troopers eyes.

Its kind of funny because I got a warning ticket for having an unsecured load one time when I had my pickup tailgate down and had an empty coke can in the bed. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I think I will go ahead and get the 3/8" G70 chains just to have complete overkill and it's only an extra $30 over the harbor freight 5/16" G70 chain for 2 chains.

He said that if I crossed state lines then the rules would change but the 2 G70 chains would be plenty enough to comply with any of the states adjoining Texas. He said the chains needed to be rated for 50% of the weight of what they were securing. But that was only if I left the state.

He also stated that the brakes on the trailer were not required to work but recommended getting them fixed ASAP.

Sounds like a lot of folks might want to stay off Texas highways! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

FWIW, Nathan

 

[npaden]

Okay, I just went and picked up the chain. WOW the 3/8" chain is quite a bit larger and heavier than the 5/16" chain.

The chain that I bought said G70 on the bin it was in and is gold colored and every 4th link is marked L7 and then every 2nd link is marked TX. Does that mean the chain was made in Texas? The hooks say G70 on them but I want to make sure the L7 = G70 also.

Thanks, Nathan