SmartStraps Tie Downs

[Lutzy48]

Anybody have any experience with SmartStraps tie-downs. I had bought some ratcheting tie-downs at Home Depot and had to return them as they were chafed after one use. And no it was not a sharp edge that did it. It was a radiused corner square tube. If you know of a better brand of decent tie-down, recommendations would be appreciated. I don't want to loose my 4000# + Ford tractor.

 

[mikehaugen]

Chains don't get chafed.

That said though, I use mostly straps as well. I can't really recommend one brand over the other though. Check ou US cargo control. That is probably where I will buy my next ones.

 

[Scooby074]

I like the Erickson straps. They seem to last and replacement straps are pretty cheap.

Nothing will take sharp edges without some sort of protection. Chains are better overall, but harder to work with.

 

[grnspot110]

Old split fire hose makes good chafing protectors!

 

[bdog]

Chains are your answer.

I don't use straps for anything that has wheels or tracks.

Straps are good for some things but I prefer chains on vehicles.

 

[Lutzy48]

Old split fire hose makes good chafing protectors!

Not being a firefighter, where does one get old fire hose?

 

[TomSeller]

Not being a firefighter, where does one get old fire hose?

I see it on Craigslist quite often.

 

[grnspot110]

Check with you local fire station, fire hose must be tested yearly, they may have some old hose available. We usually just cut the couplers off & tossed the hose in the dumpster.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I use straps 90% of the time. The key is to not allow the strap to touch the equipment. I installed permeant tie down points on my equipment so the hooks of the straps are the only thing that touches.

For hauling stuff that's not mine I have 4 axle straps and 4 towing multi hooks.

Chris

 

[Wolfy]

Lutzy48 I have a 1710. I run a 5/16 chain in the front through the little piece the suitcase weights would hang from. Then I run another 5/16 chain through the pin in the drawbar. Straps are not usually dependable enough for tractor use, and I would not trust them. They do work great for garden tractors though.