Ratchet Strap Tie Downs

[PILOON]

As I mentioned in post #10. It apparently doesn't make any difference to some posters.

It is the standard "Only my way is the right way"

LOL, back when, I was certified by the material handling association as to how to load cargo on flat cars down to using fork lifts and packing fragile products.
It is like anything, there are rules and regs specs etc and more so you are needing a certificate to do anything. Logic no longer is valid.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I see nothing wrong with using straps if used correctly, tensioned correctly, protected from sharp corners and of the right rating for the equipment weight. I use chains and binders for my tractors mainly because there is really no place to tie off that doesn't have at least one sharp edge. I am not worried about knocking off a little paint if it happens. It is lots easier to spray some more black or orange paint than to pick up pieces if it comes off. A big plus is that it is much easier to determine if a chain is still good vs a strap that can look good but have chemical damage, sunlight damage, fraying etc that makes it useless. I have some 5000# rated straps that I use to anchor the FEL / backhoe but the chains and binders anchor the main load (tractor).
The problem with straps is that they do wear out rather fast, should be replaced at least every 5 years (or less if manufacturer requires it) regardless of wear and the heavy duty ones are not cheap.

 

[bcp]

Federal standards:

Up to 10,000 pounds
Driver's Handbook on Cargo Securement - Chapter 9: Automobiles, Light Trucks, and Vans | Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Over 10,000 pounds
Driver's Handbook on Cargo Securement - Chapter 10: Heavy Vehicles, Equipment, and Machinery | Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Bruce

 

[BarnieTrk]

bcp,
Thanks for those FMCSA links!


In the link pertaining to <10K# loads, it states:

Securement requirement
- Use at least two tiedowns at both the front and rear of the cargo to prevent movement.
-- Side-to-side
-- Forward and rearward
-- Vertically

So,,,, the way I read that is that they want a chain and/or strap at all four corners - two in the front and two in the back. Fine, I get that.

Now, sometimes I've seen these four tiedowns crossed - like in an X - and other times they are simply direct, corner tiedowns and do NOT cross each other.
Is there a reason for these two ways of tiedown configuration?

BarnieTrk

 

[oldpilgrim]

crossing the straps on either end help keep the vehicle from moving side ways.

 

[aczlan]

Now, sometimes I've seen these four tiedowns crossed - like in an X - and other times they are simply direct, corner tiedowns and do NOT cross each other.
Is there a reason for these two ways of tiedown configuration?

Personal taste and tiedown angles? Ideally, you want 45 degrees front to back and 45 degrees side to side.
Sometimes, the angles (to clear obstructions) work better crossing to the other side vs going to the the same side.

Aaron Z