Securing tractor to trailer; California regs

RobertN · Mar 30, 2004

FYI. I sent an email to the Calif Highway Patrol, asking about properly securing a tractor on a trailer. I looked at Ca-DMV, CHP, and DOT sites for info, but didn't find anything. CHP emailed back the following:

The California Highway Patrol (CHP), Commercial Vehicle Section received your e-mail dated March 14, 2004, regarding the proper way to secure your small tractor to a trailer.

Section 29004 (a) (3) of the California Vehicle Code (VC) states in part, any vehicle transported on a conventional trailer shall be secured by at least four tiedown chains, straps, or an equivalent device. In addition, it is your responsibility to ensure the vehicle is safely secured for transportation on the highway. The type of securement device you use is only limited to its ability to safely secure the load. Therefore, a ratchet style cargo strap may be utilized to secure your load.

Thank you for the opportunity to assist you in this matter.

KiotiJohn · Mar 30, 2004

Thanks for the info Robert. I suspect that pretty much is valid in most states, but with some differences. I think most would feel pretty secure doing it this way. John

Henro · Mar 30, 2004

I don't have a trailer but I might some day...

When they say four chains, do you think the mean four separate chains?

Or might they mean four points where the chains connect to the trailer?

I know for sure that when my tractors were delivered they were not held on with four individual chains. I think there were only two, but that they were tied essentially at four corners of the truck bed. It was one of those tilt bed trucks...Might have been three chains, but not four.

I guess four chains would be the safest way to go...so perhaps that is what they mean... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

DK35vince · Mar 30, 2004

( I guess four chains would be the safest way to go...so perhaps that is what they mean... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif )

That is the new law in Pa. starting the beginning of 2004.
1 chain for each corner of every machine.
If the machine has a boom the can swing (backhoe or escavator) a swing lock or chain on the boom to prevent swing is also required.

BigAl · Mar 30, 2004

In some situations CHP will not allow cargo straps to secure loads . I believe steel track tractors on steel deck trailers might be one of them . I worked with Caltrans at one time and the requirements were always changing ! They even made us chain the bucket or blade down too ,besides any booms.
Big Al

RobertN · Mar 31, 2004

You could use two chains, IF the they chain to four independant points. For the back as an example, you could set the chain hooks to the two back corners of the traier. Then, hook binders from the chain to each corner of the tractor. There would be some loose chain in the middle, if that makes sense(the what you think and how it types differently syndrome).

HERKYEC130 · Mar 31, 2004

You will need forward and aft restraint.
Running your tiedowns at a 45 degree angle will provide you forward and aft restraint as well as lateral and vertical restraint.
I prefer the nylon 5,000 lb ratchet tiedown straps that are rated at more than my tractors weight.
I just bought two last weekend at TSC for 20 dollars each.
I also have a few that came from the Air Force.
The Military Tie down straps we use on C-130 Aircraft are great.
Happy trailering /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

ReddingRed · Mar 31, 2004

In California, at least, you must have four independent attachment points (if one fails it must not have an effect on the other attachment points). Also, fore and aft chains (straps) must pull in opposite directions (either towards the ends of the trailer or towards the center). /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

RayBee · Mar 31, 2004

If you value your equipment and safety on the highway,
weld four of these heavy duty D-rings on your trailer. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif .
Don't forget to check the tightness of your chains, periodically,
they will loosen. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif ...RayBee

RayBee · Mar 31, 2004

I think ... using a good grade of transport chain and HD ratchet binders
will pay in dividends, down the road.
(This isn't the place to save a few dollars).
As you can see I also believe in
tying the boom of my BH. ..... Happy Trailering! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif ....RayBee