Properly securing a CUT for trailering

[Corm]

One more thing that I haven't seen mentioned yet - I always place my chain binders where I can see them in my rear view mirrors. That gives me the ability to easily do a visual check of all four binders while I'm driving. It's easy to see if you have a chain getting loose.

Corm

 

[BigEddy]

Some mention using 4 binders and some use 2.

What's the general consensus? Assuming I'm using 4 chains, is it acceptable to adjust the rear chains to length, then tighten with binders on the front chains only, or should there be binders on all 4 chains?

I like the idea of only using 2, (on the front as suggested earlier) but have been using 4 so far and want to understand everyone's thoughts on the pros and cons of either way.

 

[dummy]

Safety being the key factor, after that... IMO...pretty much up to a personal preference. You may or may not find this helpful.


[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 4]
[Revised as of October 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR393.130]

[Page 1155]

TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION

CHAPTER III--FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

PART 393--PARTS AND ACCESSORIES NECESSARY FOR SAFE OPERATION--Table of Contents

Subpart I--Protection Against Shifting and Falling Cargo

Sec. 393.130 What are the rules for securing heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery?

(a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to the
transportation of heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery which operate on wheels or tracks, such as front end loaders, bulldozers, tractors, and power shovels and which individually weigh 4,536 kg (10,000 lb.) or more. Vehicles, equipment and machinery which is lighter than 4,536 kg (10,000 lb.) may also be secured in accordance with the provisions of
this section, with Sec. 393.128, or in accordance with the provisions of Secs. 393.100 through 393.114.
(b) Preparation of equipment being transported.
(1) Accessory equipment, such as hydraulic shovels, must be completely lowered and secured to the vehicle.
(2) Articulated vehicles shall be restrained in a manner that
prevents articulation while in transit.
(c) Securement of heavy vehicles, equipment or machinery with crawler tracks or wheels.
(1) In addition to the requirements of
paragraph (b) of this section, heavy equipment or machinery with crawler tracks or wheels must be restrained against movement in the lateral, forward, rearward, and vertical direction using a minimum of four tiedowns.
(2) Each of the tiedowns must be affixed as close as practicable to the front and rear of the vehicle, or mounting points on the vehicle that have been specifically designed for that purpose.

Sec. 393.112 Must a tiedown be adjustable?

Each tiedown, or its associated connectors, or its attachment mechanisms must be designed, constructed, and maintained so the driver of an in-transit commercial motor vehicle can tighten them. However, this requirement does not apply to the use of steel strapping.


the rest of the regulations can be dug up here CFR