Chains Chains or straps?

[Gittyup]

The G-forces in a crash may be much higher than 2Gs. G-forces can be as high as 30Gs or more. That's 60,000 lbs for a 2000 lb object. Straps are generally not a good idea.

 

[Canada_CT230]

How can you say straps are no good. Straps can be rated at 10,000 lbs. So if someone uses a 5000 lb chain or a 10,000 lb strap what is the difference.

Chains can rust / straps can fray. That aside the big boys use both. I have seen a plenty of combine heads and other machinery strapped down with only straps.

30G @ 3500 lb tractor = 105000 lb of force.

Do you think a 10,000 lb chain or 10,000 lb strap is going to hold that?


Just my 2 bits.

 

[andersonst]

I was in an accident a year or so ago while pulling a trailer with an ATV strapped on it. Now this ATV weighs at most 700lbs, and was strapped in using 2" 10k lbs straps at all 4 corners, which at the time I thought was overkill. I was in traffic and almost at a stop when the trailer was rearended, how the guy missed my big blue F350 with a 15 ft trailer behind it stoped in traffic is still beyond me, but, both of the straps in the back corners were torn in half and the ATV moved almost all the way to the front of the trailer.

I totally agree with being prepared for the worst on the road because you never know when (not if) that idiot will cross your path. I would much rather deal with the slight pain in the butt at first then the miserable headaches after the fact for being lazy (or not careful). Straps have their place and chains have theirs, and while nothing can guarantee that chains won't break either, use chains for a load as heavy as a tractor.

 

[azop]

For the record I went with 3/8 grade 70 chains with hooks. I'm glad that I did, as I wouldn't have felt comfortable towing my "baby" with straps.

 

[Gittyup]

Well, this subject has been beaten to death on TBN. Recent changes require chains for rolling loads above a certain weight in many U.S. states. It is different for non-rolling loads. I don't know the specific numbers. But, I do know that I would be illegal and irresponsible to go down the road with my 5000+ tractor not chained down using grade 70 or better chains.

Yes their are plenty of irresponsibles out there using straps where they aren't supposed to and they are "getting away with it". I just don't want to be around one of them in an emergency situation. I've watched my share of guys loading skid loaders and the such using straps. Many of those guys don't even own the equipment. They really couldn't care less if it's done right or not. I certainly wouldn't follow their lead as an example of what is right.

 

[94BULLITT]

I like when you see people using come alongs for tie downs.

 

[Dmace]

For the record I went with 3/8 grade 70 chains with hooks. I'm glad that I did, as I wouldn't have felt comfortable towing my "baby" with straps.

Good for you! My motto has always been: Do it right and sleep good all night! :thumbsup:

 

[20 20]

So how many major accidents have you been in where you had a tractor strapped to a trailer with just straps...?

None thanks for asking, I have been accussed of being an overly cautious driver, maybe that's why.

I rode a motorcycle for years with no helmet with no issues but I guarantee one accident could have done plenty of damage that a helmet would have prevented. Prepare for the accident, not for the ride!

I also ride and have allways used a helmet, BUT anything over 20-30mph a helmet won't do crap.
Now back to the subject, if you noticed I did write "proper" straps and I also said check load along with bindings{whatever is being used}. I have seen chains snap so if you think just because you have used a chain you have nothing to worry about please advise which roads you'll be running so I can use another. I believe PROPER tie downs should be used but just as important constant checking of load/bindings should be performed.

 

[Dmace]

Now back to the subject, if you noticed I did write "proper" straps and I also said check load along with bindings{whatever is being used}.

You go ahead and keep telling yourself that those "proper straps" will work just as good as chains. What ever helps you sleep at night. :laughing:

 

[Duffster]

Can anyone explain why chains are better then a properly used and sized strap?

I doubt it.

 

[Dmace]

Can anyone explain why chains are better then a properly used and sized strap?

I doubt it.

Because even when "properly sized", straps stretch. Because overtime, straps lose their strength. Because the actual device that locks a strap in place, one gear held by a little piece of metal is not nearly as strong as a solid chain binder. They may tie down UPS boxes with straps but the real loads are held with chains for a reason.

 

[94BULLITT]

Can anyone explain why chains are better then a properly used and sized strap?

I doubt it.

I would like to know that too. I feel safer using strap because it will not hurt you like a chain snapping.

 

[94BULLITT]

Because even when "properly sized", straps stretch. Because overtime, straps lose their strength. Because the actual device that locks a strap in place, one gear held by a little piece of metal is not nearly as strong as a solid chain binder. They may tie down UPS boxes with straps but the real loads are held with chains for a reason.

You have never seen a chain with streched links? If the ratchet strap is not as strong as a chain how can it get the same weight rating.

 

[Dmace]

You have never seen a chain with streched links? If the ratchet strap is not as strong as a chain how can it get the same weight rating.

I have used some pretty heavy 4" straps that constantly loosened up on every load even on short trips. I have seen stretched links but that is only over a long period of time not a 50 mile trip like those straps. They may rate straps as high as some chains but again, the strap is only as strong as that useless little ratchet that holds it. I've seen plenty of those ratchets fail and NEVER seen a chain binder fail.

I would love for you guys to try telling the big haulers at my company to use straps for that off highway dump truck or D10R. :laughing:

 

[20 20]

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


Duffster; the only answer I can come up with is, ignorance is bliss :laughing:

 

[Duffster]

Because even when "properly sized", straps stretch. Because overtime, straps lose their strength. Because the actual device that locks a strap in place, one gear held by a little piece of metal is not nearly as strong as a solid chain binder. They may tie down UPS boxes with straps but the real loads are held with chains for a reason.

And what exactly is a "real load"? :laughing:

 

[94BULLITT]

I have used some pretty heavy 4" straps that constantly loosened up on every load even on short trips. I have seen stretched links but that is only over a long period of time not a 50 mile trip like those straps. They may rate straps as high as some chains but again, the strap is only as strong as that useless little ratchet that holds it. I've seen plenty of those ratchets fail and NEVER seen a chain binder fail.

I would love for you guys to try telling the big haulers at my company to use straps for that off highway dump truck or D10R. :laughing:

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

 

[Nissan197]

I have always used straps when transporting my tractor. So far, so good.