Proper securing of tractor while trailering

[56FordGuy]

If you were moving a big tractor on a big trailer, I'd go for chains on all 4 corners.

For a 1500 lb machine, I would have no problems using 2", 3300 lb working load limit ratchet straps. Depending on the way the machine is designed, you might be able to use 2 of them, or you might need 4.

Chains would be better, but for that load I would be fine using some good ratchet straps.

 

[Ken45101]

if going long distances used a chain on every corner crossing them with the front chains pulling backwards and the back chains pulling forward

No. Do not have the front chains going backwards and the back chains going forward. At least not if you are following the federal rules. If one chain came loose or broke, the load could rotate sideways and come loose. If properly chained (each corner of the load to the nearest corner of the trailer), the load could stay secured even with the failure of one chain.

One could argue over your statement, "Although it does not legally apply to non commercial use, it is a good guideline."

Were you to have an accident, there would be no arguement. You would likely be charged with not having a properly secured load.

It probably depends on the accident? If your equipment comes loose in wreck, you'll probably be charged even if you meet the federal rules (your defense would be to show that you were following the guidelines.) If it doesn't come loose, you probably won't be charged with not properly securing the load.

 

[whodat526]

No. Do not have the front chains going backwards and the back chains going forward. At least not if you are following the federal rules. If one chain came loose or broke, the load could rotate sideways and come loose. If properly chained (each corner of the load to the nearest corner of the trailer), the load could stay secured even with the failure of one chain.




that is exactlly how the state dot told me to connect them and everybody that i see at auctions hauling tractors for a living connects them like this i have sold tractors to people from ohio two big ih 1066 hc at one time and the also connected the chains like i explained

but i dont see how the load can shift if only one chain was to break

but where does the federals say that each corner of the load should be fastened to the nearest corner of the trailer because i could be wrong and would like to know the correct way but i believe my way is perfectly legal

 

[Ken45101]

that is exactlly how the state dot told me to connect them and everybody that i see at auctions hauling tractors for a living connects them like this i have sold tractors to people from ohio two big ih 1066 hc at one time and the also connected the chains like i explained

but i dont see how the load can shift if only one chain was to break

but where does the federals say that each corner of the load should be fastened to the nearest corner of the trailer because i could be wrong and would like to know the correct way but i believe my way is perfectly legal

Well I can't find it in the federal reference so I guess I was wrong there.

But it seems to me that if you chain from front to back, and one of those chains comes loose, the rear of the tractor would be free to move sideways away from the remaining chain, creating slack on the three remaining chains.

There is also the requirement that equipment be restrained from vertical movement. Your front to back chaining would reduce that restraint, especially if the chains are low on the tractor. It seems to me that in an extremely hard stop (wreck), a tractor could possibly flip if chained as you suggest.

BTW, light vehicles and equipment (under 10,000#) only need two tie downs:

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.

Heavy equipment (10,000#) needs four tie downs.

 

[QRTRHRS]

My preference is an "X" pattern with the securement chains or straps pulling away from the vehicle. To be clear about the direction, let's start by wrapping a chain around an axle towards the tire and hooking it. Then, run the chain to the opposite side of the trailer and away from the vehicle. Relative to the vehicle and the trailer, the chain is positioned in a compound angle. The goal is to have that angle as even as practical.

Viewed from the rear (or front) imagine the angle of the chain relative to the flat deck of the trailer to be a certain angle, lets say 30'. Now imagine that you are up in the air looking down at the vehicle with the chain angling away from the tractor and that angle is also 30'.

Now secure your other fastening devices in the same manner. You have resistance to movement of the vehicle in any direction.

While the angles more than likely will never be the same and you need not loose sleep over having them that way, matching angles will equalize the forces you are dealing with.

Even if you do not like or cannot set up the chains in an "X" pattern, you still want your chains set up to angle away from the vehicle towards the sides of the trailer.

This should be required reading for anyone wanting to haul something. It is in PDF format so it may take some time to download. The drawings will explain a lot..