Chains Chains or straps?

wvpolekat · Mar 15, 2011

Everything you wanted to know:
Cargo Securement Rules - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Either is acceptable if properly rated. Unless over 10,000 lbs, it is treated just like a car. Two properly rated tiedowns. It does not state that attachments must be secured separately if under 10,000 lbs.

sect;393.128 What are the rules for securing automobiles, light trucks and vans?

1. Applicability. The rules in this section apply to the transportation of automobiles, light trucks, and vans which individually weigh 4,536 kg. (10,000 lbs) or less. Vehicles which individually are heavier than 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) must be secured in accordance with the provisions of & sect;393.130 of this part.
2. Securement of automobiles, light trucks, and vans.
1. Automobiles, light trucks, and vans must be restrained at both the front and rear to prevent lateral, forward, rearward, and vertical movement using a minimum of two tiedowns.
2. Tiedowns that are designed to be affixed to the structure of the automobile, light truck, or van must use the mounting points on those vehicles that have been specifically designed for that purpose.
3. Tiedowns that are designed to fit over or around the wheels of an automobile, light truck, or van must provide restraint in the lateral, longitudinal and vertical directions.
4. Edge protectors are not required for synthetic webbing at points where the webbing comes in contact with the tires.

MMagis · Mar 15, 2011

94BULLITT said:
The ratcheting mechanism on a binder work off of the same principle as a ratchet strap.

Same principle doesn't mean much when once is made much "beefier" than the other. Regardless, I'm pretty sure everyone is referring to lever binders, not ratchet binders. I think for that very reason, they just aren't as trusted. I do see a lot of them on trucks though.
Does anyone know, those ratings on ratchet straps, are they for the strap itself or the ratchet mechanism? Or both as a unit I suppose?

Dmace · Mar 15, 2011

20 20 said:
Dmace; Wonder why tractor trailers have been using them for years?

Show me a tractor trailer towing heavy equipment with straps. You may see straps on these little homeowner tractors or bubba's atv but I guarantee those hauling excavators, backhoes, skidders, etc... have chains.

94BULLITT said:
The ratcheting mechanism on a binder work off of the same principle as a ratchet strap.

I'm talking about Chain Binders, not Ratchet Binders but even the ratchet binders use a real thick heavy duty locking key vs. the little key on those ratchet straps. Also, the ratchet binders are loaded completely differently. The ratchet is only holding the hooks from spinning whereas the ratchet straps put the entire load on that little key.