Straps vs chains - trailering

[BTDT2]

I choose to use chains on the tractor, both front and rear, and straps on the implements- FEL, Bushog, Box-blade, etc.

FWIW and IMHO I disagree with those who chain/strap the back but only chain/strap the FEL on the front. I consider the FEL an implement and not suitable for securing the front of the tractor.

 

[BTDT2]

Just visited the Federal Motor Carrier Safety page and looks like straps or chains is non-problem but if the 'tractor' is under 10,000 lbs you can use the following rules from chapter 9 versus the heavy equipment wheeled or tracked chapter:

"Securing Automobiles, Light Trucks, and Vans (Section 3.7.2)
Tiedowns attached to the vehicle being transported are the most effective securement system.

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

Note: More tiedowns may be required to satisfy the general cargo securement requirements. The Standard states: "The sum of the working load limits from all tiedowns must be at least 50% of the weight of the cargo."

 

[downsizingnow48]

When I was still in my teens my Dad and uncles had a rule, if it is metal use chains, if it is not metal use ropes. Straps replaced ropes of course. I still follow the same rule and have never had a problem with a load, or with the chains/ropes/straps, or with law enforcement.

 

[powerscol]

Just remember that whatever you use be sure the straps or chains are DOT compliant. Many of the TSC ones are not, which I was using. I ran through a check point last summer with my Bobcat CT235. I had it tied down with chains and straps. Some were compliant, and others not. Inspector was very nice about it and explained what I really needed, both per CO and federal law and for my own liability. I could have been fined if I was running commercial - I am considered farm. Found out if I ever was in an accident and the load came loose I could be in a world of hurt if they found the load not secured properly. I also checked with my insurance folks and yes they could deny coverage if I knowingly did not secure properly. I ordered 4 set of DOT chains and binders from truck&tow. I got the folding handle ratchet type binder - makes slick work of securing.

Would be worth checking into depending on your state.

 

[aczlan]

Just remember that whatever you use be sure the straps or chains are DOT compliant. Many of the TSC ones are not, which I was using. I ran through a check point last summer with my Bobcat CT235. I had it tied down with chains and straps. Some were compliant, and others not. Inspector was very nice about it and explained what I really needed, both per CO and federal law and for my own liability. I could have been fined if I was running commercial - I am considered farm. Found out if I ever was in an accident and the load came loose I could be in a world of hurt if they found the load not secured properly. I also checked with my insurance folks and yes they could deny coverage if I knowingly did not secure properly. I ordered 4 set of DOT chains and binders from truck&tow. I got the folding handle ratchet type binder - makes slick work of securing.

Would be worth checking into depending on your state.

What makes them DOT compliant or not?

Aaron Z

 

[Peter 315]

What makes them DOT compliant or not?

Aaron Z

With the wide variety of tie strap, ratchets and cam buckles US Cargo Control offers, you can rest assured our products are extensively tested for safe use. All of our ratchet straps have labels with working load limit information and most meet several requirements and guidelines, including:

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) guidelines
Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations
Web Sling & Tie Down Association (WSTDA)
North American Cargo Securement

 

[Tractor Seabee]

What makes them DOT compliant or not?

Aaron Z

Good point about checking with your insurance. Last thing you want is an accident and insurance is denied. Remember put wood dunnage between metal surfaces and heavy items at the bottom of the pile. Proper tie down makes the trailer and load one solid mass. Shifting cargo can produce some awesome forces.

If you ever worked break bulk sea cargo you would have that experience. It was a lot of work making all that mixed sizes of cargo into a solid mass with the ship.

Ron

 

[aczlan]

With the wide variety of tie strap, ratchets and cam buckles US Cargo Control offers, you can rest assured our products are extensively tested for safe use. All of our ratchet straps have labels with working load limit information and most meet several requirements and guidelines, including:
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) guidelines
Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations
Web Sling & Tie Down Association (WSTDA)
North American Cargo Securement

Good point about checking with your insurance. Last thing you want is an accident and insurance is denied. Remember put wood dunnage between metal surfaces and heavy items at the bottom of the pile. Proper tie down makes the trailer and load one solid mass. Shifting cargo can produce some awesome forces.
If you ever worked break bulk sea cargo you would have that experience. It was a lot of work making all that mixed sizes of cargo into a solid mass with the ship.
Ron

Neither of which answers my question.

What makes them DOT compliant or not?

Looking, TSC has 3 brands of 2" wide straps listed online:
Python:

Python 3500 Series Heavy-Duty Ratchet Straps are for rugged industrial jobs and tough farm use. The deluxe ratchet system on this strap gives you the flexibility to control and adjust the tension applied to your cargo load. This is the strap you turn to when looking for that extra level of security for heavy-weight cargo hauling.

Premium polyester straps
Rugged 8 in. x 4 in. wide steel ratchets
2.75 in. double J-hook ends ensure cargo is secured
Protective coated hooks prevent damage to cargo
Deluxe coated ratchet handle
Measures 2 in. W x 14 ft. L
Deluxe ratchet
Premium hook
Reinforced stitching
Yellow; pack of 2
1 year limited warranty

Smart Strap:

The SmartStraps 2 in. x 27 ft. Yellow Ratchet with Double J-Hook is designed to withstand the extreme rigors of heavy-duty cargo transportation.

2 in. wide x 27 ft. long
3,333 lb. safe work load
10,000 lb. break strength
Commercial-grade capacity ratchet tie down
Rugged, heavy-gauge steel construction
Extra-long with high safe work loads and high break strength
High-visibility yellow webbing
Super strong, plated double J-hooks

Buyers:

The Buyers Products 3 in. Ratchet Strap is 27 ft. long and features flat hooks to fit your stake body side rails.
Capacity of 15,000 lb.
Working load limit of 5,000 lb.

It would appear that all three are intended to be used to secure cargo on a vehicle and if one were to get a ticket because they weren't rated for securing cargo, you would have grounds to ask TSC to pay for the ticket as it was advertised as being for cargo securement.

Aaron Z

 

[Peter 315]

Neither of which answers my question.


Looking, TSC has 3 brands of 2" wide straps listed online:
Python:

Smart Strap:

Buyers:

It would appear that all three are intended to be used to secure cargo on a vehicle and if one were to get a ticket because they weren't rated for securing cargo, you would have grounds to ask TSC to pay for the ticket as it was advertised as being for cargo securement.

Aaron Z

I guess if they have the working load limit on them there ok , In 35 years of driving trucks i never had a problem with tie-downs just everything else

 

[Peter 315]

Neither of which answers my question.


Looking, TSC has 3 brands of 2" wide straps listed online:
Python:

Smart Strap:

Buyers:

It would appear that all three are intended to be used to secure cargo on a vehicle and if one were to get a ticket because they weren't rated for securing cargo, you would have grounds to ask TSC to pay for the ticket as it was advertised as being for cargo securement.

Aaron Z

Similarly, unmarked webbed cargo straps in good condition are minimum-rated at 1,000 pounds WLL per inch of width. A properly marked 4-inch strap could be rated as high as 5,400 pounds. If that 5,400-pound strap were downgraded 4,000 pounds because the label or marking was missing or not legible, the driver could come up 1,400 pounds short per damaged strap in meeting the minimum AWLL for the cargo.

 

[powerscol]

What makes them DOT compliant or not?

Aaron Z

I am not and expert but will pass on what I was told. The folks at Truck Accessories, Towing Equipment and Cargo Control: Truck n Tow .com can help further as well as your local DOT folks.

Binder chains need to be grade 70 or better - usually gold colored. However the hooks and binders should be equally rated for the chain dimension.

Most DOT/Cargo rated strapping will have a load rating or DOT certification printed on them or a tag. You use the load rating based on the weight of the cargo you are securing. As others have said there may be a default rating if this information is missing.

When I was checked the officer indicated to only use grade 70 or better (stamped on the chain and hook) or use strapping that had the tag or load rating imprinted on the strap. Frayed straps were a concern to them. I am sure there are other regulations but have not looked further. I invested in a DOT rated set up to handle my tractor and implements. I have 3/8 grade 70 chain/hooks and matching rated binders. I also found out that my cam lock HF binders were unrated. Office took the time after I asked to check what I had in the box. I now have a lot less in there.

Hope this helps

To me getting the correct securement materials, be it chains or straps, is cheap insurance to paying for a broken tractor or implement and the possibility of hurting someone else.

The best for the new year folks.

 

[aczlan]

Similarly, unmarked webbed cargo straps in good condition are minimum-rated at 1,000 pounds WLL per inch of width. A properly marked 4-inch strap could be rated as high as 5,400 pounds. If that 5,400-pound strap were downgraded 4,000 pounds because the label or marking was missing or not legible, the driver could come up 1,400 pounds short per damaged strap in meeting the minimum AWLL for the cargo.

I agree, however I was trying to see what powerscol was talking about when they said:

Just remember that whatever you use be sure the straps or chains are DOT compliant. Many of the TSC ones are not, which I was using. I ran through a check point last summer with my Bobcat CT235. I had it tied down with chains and straps. Some were compliant, and others not. Inspector was very nice about it and explained what I really needed, both per CO and federal law and for my own liability. I could have been fined if I was running commercial - I am considered farm.

As near as I can tell, ALL TSC straps are compliant when sold. If damaged or missing their tags, they are only rated for the "standard load rating" (rather than whatever they are actually rated for).

Aaron Z

 

[tman1020]

I have seen many people take a chain or strap and run from one side of the trailer over a axle or through a securement point of the load and then back down to the other side of the trailer. Then do the same on the opposite end and call this good. This appears to be two points of connection at each end of the load. But to me that is only one point at each end. If that strap or chain failed at either end it would lose both connection points on that end. Does this make sense? What I’m saying is a individual strap and or binder for each corner of load is better.

 

[Peter 315]

I have seen many people take a chain or strap and run from one side of the trailer over a axle or through a securement point of the load and then back down to the other side of the trailer. Then do the same on the opposite end and call this good. This appears to be two points of connection at each end of the load. But to me that is only one point at each end. If that strap or chain failed at either end it would lose both connection points on that end. Does this make sense? What I知 saying is a individual strap and or binder for each corner of load is better.

over 10k each corner (4) under 10k I just use 2 the way u said

 

[downsizingnow48]

I have seen many people take a chain or strap and run from one side of the trailer over a axle or through a securement point of the load and then back down to the other side of the trailer. Then do the same on the opposite end and call this good. This appears to be two points of connection at each end of the load. But to me that is only one point at each end. If that strap or chain failed at either end it would lose both connection points on that end. Does this make sense? What I’m saying is a individual strap and or binder for each corner of load is better.

Agree with that. I have 6 10ft chains and 6 binders set aside for trailering. One for each corner of the tractor, one for the backhoe, one for the loader.

 

[FTG-05]

I have seen many people take a chain or strap and run from one side of the trailer over a axle or through a securement point of the load and then back down to the other side of the trailer. Then do the same on the opposite end and call this good. This appears to be two points of connection at each end of the load. But to me that is only one point at each end. If that strap or chain failed at either end it would lose both connection points on that end. Does this make sense? What I’m saying is a individual strap and or binder for each corner of load is better.

Retarded way of restraining a load, IMO. One failure point at each end and no side-to-side restraint at all. If that load starts going sideway, which it will during an accident, there's nothing restraining the load and allowing it to get some momentum sideways.

Like I said: Retarded.

 

[StuartDK45SE]

I'm guilty of this too at times but it doesn't matter if you are towing 10 miles or 1000 miles. Bad things can happen on short trips as well. You could be involved in a wreck, have a blow out, hit a slick spot in the road etc. I now try to always secure my load the same now even if I am going "just down the road".

 

[bcp]

Most accidents are within 10 miles of home, so you should avoid that area.



Bruce

 

[Mace Canute]

One thing that a lot of people don't take into account is a rubber tired load will bounce a certain amount as you go over rough spots. When that happens and the load comes up again after the tires have squatted, the load imparted to the hold downs will be greater than what it was in a static situation. If that bounce is great enough it is possible it can cause the hold downs to break, even fairy hefty ones, and don't forget...the angle of the hold downs between trailer and resultant loads also influences the load on them and can magnify the forces. Vectors and geometry and all that stuff.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Mace, as usual you are right. I compensate some for that by pulling the tractor down till the tires squish down an inch or two. Back to my basic premise; the load has to make a solid cube with the truck or trailer or it will move around. I learned that doing break bulk ship loading in the Navy.

Ron