Securing tractor to trailer; California regs

RobertN · Mar 31, 2004

Ca-DMV driver books say to check within the first 25 miles. Don't remember after that; I have never trailered mor than 25-30 miles.

On my trailer, they welded pieces of channel steel to the sides for chain loops. They are like 6" C-channel, about 6" tall. It looks like it is pieces chopped up from leftover steel of other trailers. It is solid as a rock as a chain point. It would be easier to feed chain through the loop tie though...

keeney · Mar 31, 2004

As has been posted, you can use one length of chain to secure more than one corner as long as each corner is independantly secured using chain grab hooks or the hooks on the binder.

What you cannot do is use a single chain, connected on one corner, looped through a ring or part of the frame or around the bucket or something and then connected to the other corner. If either end of the chain comes loose, that whole end of the machine is loose.

- Rick

PerryWhite · Mar 31, 2004

I use the 4 chain method. Two without binders as I snug
them with tractor power. The other two with binders.
What I found out later from my insurance agent is that
my homeowner's policy will only insure the tractor
if it is on my property. It is not insured if I load it on
the trailer to take to the dealer for any repair work.
The agent said they (the insurance company) was working
on trying to plug the gap but in the meantime, have
your dealer pick up and deliver. Extra policies
for a $25k CUT cost about the same per year as a $25K car.
This whole situation sure changed my philosophy about
doing small jobs for friends as I assume all of the risk....
Somthing to think about.

dummy · Apr 1, 2004

Right. Homeowners does not cover transportation, but my auto insurance carrier covers the trailer and anything on the trailer. Might want to check with yours.

JDGREEN4ME · Apr 1, 2004

DK35, could you post some pics of your tractor on the trailer? I was also told that you can no longer use the nylon straps (regardless of rating) to use for tie downs. Is that true? I currently use two 15' chains for the tractor and nylon straps on the loader and BH boom. Sounds like I am going to need to cut my chains to comply. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

DK35vince · Apr 1, 2004

Sorry Bill,
I don't have any photos of my tractor chained on the trailer.
Next time I load it I will try to remember to get some.
As far as your question on the straps being legal, I don't know that answer.

DavesTractor · Apr 2, 2004

dummy,

Most auto policies specifically exclude damage to contents and payload.

So for at least most common auto policies, a tractor on a trailer would not be covered for physical damage. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

SageBrush · Apr 2, 2004

I insured the L4330, loader and bush hog mainly for transport and theft. It cost less than $200 a year, which is not bad for 25K worth of stuff. I think it cost $186.00. Its full coverage with some medical coverage too.