Tie/stap down procedures?

[dodge man]

I haul my BX with ratchet straps. I'm pretty sure its strong enough and meets regs, the tractor probably weighs less than 3000 lbs. The only problem with ratchet straps is I can see them wearing through if you hauled a long way. I use 4 straps also.

 

[kernal]

Since the total weight of the tractor is well under 10,000 lbs, wouldn't section 393.128 apply? Requiring a minimum of 2 tie downs, plus one for the attachment.


393.128 What are the rules for securing automobiles, light trucks and vans?
Applicability. The rules in this section apply to the transportation of automobiles, light trucks, and vans which individually weigh 4,536 kg. (10,000 lbs) or less. Vehicles which individually are heavier than 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) must be secured in accordance with the provisions of & sect;393.130 of this part.
Securement of automobiles, light trucks, and vans.
Automobiles, light trucks, and vans must be restrained at both the front and rear to prevent lateral, forward, rearward, and vertical movement using a minimum of two tiedowns.
Tiedowns that are designed to be affixed to the structure of the automobile, light truck, or van must use the mounting points on those vehicles that have been specifically designed for that purpose.
Tiedowns that are designed to fit over or around the wheels of an automobile, light truck, or van must provide restraint in the lateral, longitudinal and vertical directions.
Edge protectors are not required for synthetic webbing at points where the webbing comes in contact with the tires.

 

[FTG-05]

Good point. Would this tractor (in the pics above) be a normal vehicle under 393.128 or would it be under Heavy Equipment (i.e. CFR 393.130 quoted above)?

My answer: Irrelevant. Meet the more stringent requirement so there is no fuzz on the peach.

Here's why:

The criteria is not staying on the trailer while you're driving it around from point A to point B, like some are wont to say (not so much here but places like Pirate4x4 et al).

The criteria should be: In the event of a major catastrophic accident, the lead accident investigator walks up to the disaster area, views the truck/trailer/payload combination in question and the first words out of his mouth (and into his report are): "The trailered payload tie downs exceeded Federal Standards and as such the tied down trailered payload was not the cause or contributory causel factor in this accident".

As usual, YMMV.

 

[Slugo]

Over the last year, I've taken to using 4x5/16" G70 chains and only 2 load binders on the back. I place the front two on then back the tractor into them and put the parking brake on while the chains have significant tension on them. I then put the back two on and use a load biner on each one to snug them up. Seems to work well and even with long hauls, I havent had anything come loose.

Loader and any other attachement each get their own additional tie down.