trailer tie downs

Soundguy · Jun 10, 2006

One of our members here has had a bad issue with straps.. still.. I use the HD straps... I use the ones rated 3x for load. I've never had a problem. Considering that many tractor trailers have oem equipped tie down straps on the trailer to secure cargo.. heavy cargo.. I do believe they work well for what they are intended for. Straps have alot of pro's.. and only a few cons. For instance.. they are not nearly as rough on paint as a chain... Considering I hauls antiques to shows.. that's a HUGE issue. Also.. nylon straps are pretty decent. My use snatch slings at the GC I work for in situations where chains would be downright dangerous.. the slapback from a broken strap will raise a welt.. the snapkack from a broken chain will plain kill you, Also.. all our concrete pipe slings are loop or double eye nylon straps.

Now for the con's... they are degraded by UV light and environmental abuse.. They fray.. and sharp edges increase that. Also.. I've seen some cheaper poly propyline? straps that do not look as strong.. nor do i think they hold up as good/long.

One thing I will add about chains... a length of old fire hose will make a chain nearly as paint friendly as a ratchet strap...

I'll also add that overdoing it is better than not. While I don't use chains alot.. if I am toting a work tractor.. the front bumper usually gets a chain, and then 4 point corner straps with the ratchets.. each rated for 2x or preferably 3x the load, individually..

Soundguy

Soundguy · Jun 10, 2006

One of our members here has had a bad issue with straps.. still.. I use the HD straps... I use the ones rated 3x for load. I've never had a problem. Considering that many tractor trailers have oem equipped tie down straps on the trailer to secure cargo.. heavy cargo.. I do believe they work well for what they are intended for. Straps have alot of pro's.. and only a few cons. For instance.. they are not nearly as rough on paint as a chain... Considering I hauls antiques to shows.. that's a HUGE issue. Also.. nylon straps are pretty decent. My use snatch slings at the GC I work for in situations where chains would be downright dangerous.. the slapback from a broken strap will raise a welt.. the snapkack from a broken chain will plain kill you, Also.. all our concrete pipe slings are loop or double eye nylon straps.

Now for the con's... they are degraded by UV light and environmental abuse.. They fray.. and sharp edges increase that. Also.. I've seen some cheaper poly propyline? straps that do not look as strong.. nor do i think they hold up as good/long.

One thing I will add about chains... a length of old fire hose will make a chain nearly as paint friendly as a ratchet strap...

I'll also add that overdoing it is better than not. While I don't use chains alot.. if I am toting a work tractor.. the front bumper usually gets a chain, and then 4 point corner straps with the ratchets.. each rated for 2x or preferably 3x the load, individually..

Soundguy

escavader · Jun 10, 2006

FARMER JIM,
I too bought the heavy duty ratchet straps,only to have them start to come apart on the stiching on my maiden voyage.It aint worth losing a tractor off and wrecking it,or killing someone,for a few extra dollars for binders and chains. What do you think what might happen if the tractor shifts to the rear of the trailer at 50 mph,and you lose all hitch weight?Even though you may get the tractor down tight,most trailers will flex alot in transport.Before you decide,either way,find out what your states LAWS are pertaining to hauling equipment.I went to the state police headquarters up here to get info,and its available on the computer.Also my homeowners wont cover my tractor,my auto insurance will pay for damages i make if i lose it[but not the tractor].For all the money these tractors cost,why wouldnt you go all the way with the safest method?Good luck
ALAN

escavader · Jun 10, 2006

FARMER JIM,
I too bought the heavy duty ratchet straps,only to have them start to come apart on the stiching on my maiden voyage.It aint worth losing a tractor off and wrecking it,or killing someone,for a few extra dollars for binders and chains. What do you think what might happen if the tractor shifts to the rear of the trailer at 50 mph,and you lose all hitch weight?Even though you may get the tractor down tight,most trailers will flex alot in transport.Before you decide,either way,find out what your states LAWS are pertaining to hauling equipment.I went to the state police headquarters up here to get info,and its available on the computer.Also my homeowners wont cover my tractor,my auto insurance will pay for damages i make if i lose it[but not the tractor].For all the money these tractors cost,why wouldnt you go all the way with the safest method?Good luck
ALAN

GeneD14 · Jun 11, 2006

I used to rely on nylon straps for years to transport my tractors. After seeing how easy they fray and hearing horror stories about them breaking, I have switched Grade 70 5/16" transport chain. I feel much safer now. For about $70 or so in chain and 4 binders for about $100 I think that it is the best money I have spent.
To keep from scratching my tractor I bolted on hooks for the chain to attach to. Good luck and be safe.

RobertN · Jun 11, 2006

I use chain and binder, at each corner, plus I have some extra for implements ect.

1st, call, visit, or email your State Trooper office. Laws vary state to state, and may affect you if you tow interstate. I called and email the CHP here; they were very nice to work with, and provided me with all the info I needed. They know the code, so from a legal standpoint that was great information.

2nd, search this site for trailering and tie downs. TONS of great info.

I found that originally I was chaining my tractor improperly. I also found it didn't cost that much more to do it properly. And it was a small cost compared to the price of my tractor(albeit older used tractor mid-80's Kubota) trailer truck combo.

I do still use straps occassionaly; I'll use them for my painted up Farmall. And, I use them for static loads, like lumber ect.

Iowachild · Jun 11, 2006

I found that originally I was chaining my tractor improperly. 

Would you elaborate of this please. Probably several of us out here that would like to know the proper method. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Soundguy · Jun 12, 2006

( I found that originally I was chaining my tractor improperly.

Would you elaborate of this please. Probably several of us out here that would like to know the proper method. )

He said you need to call _your_ state dot to find out how _they_ want you to do it. You will find that state to state rules will vary. What may be legal in one state, may not eet regs in another state.

Probably has something to do with spacings and number of tie downs.. prehaps independent corner bindings, as well as a middle strap.. etc.

Again.. for your specifics.. contact your DOT.. they will be the one writing the tickets.. so get thair rules to make them happy.

Soundguy

Highbeam · Jun 12, 2006

Also, try and get something in writing. A brochure showing pictures is ideal but you have to realize that the guy that pulls you over won't be the same guy who tells you how he wants it at the tropper's office. There are more ways to do it wrong than to do it right.

Soundguy · Jun 12, 2006

Baring getting it in writing.. i would at least get a name and rank of who you spoke to... badge number etc.. so that at least when you were pulle dover on the side of the road.. you can say who gave you the info...

Soundguy