Two Chain Questions

[mculik5]

I have a Kubota B2650 and a 16' equipment trailer. I'm relatively new to trailering. Currently, I use two lengths of 3/8" G70 and two binders to tie down the front and rear of the tractor. The chains go through D-rings on each side of the trailer and then through some pulling hooks on the front and over the backhoe on the rear. This has proven secure for local trailering, but I'd feel better having each corner tied down independently, and don't like pulling down on the backhoe.

So, my plan is to add some proper tie down points to each corner, get two more binders and then make some custom chains used only for tying down.

Regarding the chains, I have two chain "etiquette" questions as I think about how I want to work my setup:

1. Is it OK to install a properly rated, latched SLIP hook and connect that directly to a D-ring (vs. pass thing the chain through the D-ring and connecting it to itself using a grab hook)?

2. Is it ever OK to use a plain piece of chain (no hooks) in between two grab hooks, where the ends of the chain not under tension (meaning not between the two grab hooks) are not connected to anything?

Thanks!

 

[Cataclysm]

1) Yes, that is part of my standard tie down.

2) Yes. I do that at times depending on what I am hauling.

 

[ljjhouser]

I am not clear on your first question. If you connect the slip hook to the D ring, it would be ok as long as the load is tight and no slack. So I would think the answer to that is Yes. Question 2 also looks ok if I am understanding what you are asking. But I will say that 3/8" chain is overkill and will make you work a lot harder on loading. 5/16" G70 is rated for 4700 pounds (I think 3/8 is 6600 pounds) per tiedown. Thanks. Welcome to TBN

 

[Doughknob]

Use grab hook in #1. Not slip hook. Otherwise fine.

But, good practice is to tie the loose ends (#2) of chain so it doesn’t flap or work itself out.

 

[crashz]

1) I prefer grab hooks looped through the D ring as I've had chains loosen up on me. The bounce of the tractor could let the slip hook detach unless you use the kind that has the spring latches.

2) No different than if that chain had hooks. I see no issue with that.

I haul my tractor quite a bit, and because of that, I try to tie down in a fashion that has some redundancy. 4 dedicated 3/8" Grade 70 chains (stamped) with appropriately marked hooks and ratchet binders. If something loosens, something else will catch it. Even if my binders magically evaporated, the method in which I chain will still hold the tractor to the trailer (albeit not tightly). Per DOT regs I also tie down the attachments, so there is the redundancy of those securing the tractor too.

For what it's worth, I have lowered my air pressure in the tractor tires (mostly for ride and footprint) and this has had a dramatic affect on the chains loosening when trailering. While I travel short distances, anything over 10 miles, I pull over and check the binders now.

 

[ljjhouser]

1) I prefer grab hooks looped through the D ring as I've had chains loosen up on me. The bounce of the tractor could let the slip hook detach unless you use the kind that has the spring latches.

2) No different than if that chain had hooks. I see no issue with that.

I haul my tractor quite a bit, and because of that, I try to tie down in a fashion that has some redundancy. 4 dedicated 3/8" Grade 70 chains (stamped) with appropriately marked hooks and ratchet binders. If something loosens, something else will catch it. Even if my binders magically evaporated, the method in which I chain will still hold the tractor to the trailer (albeit not tightly). Per DOT regs I also tie down the attachments, so there is the redundancy of those securing the tractor too.

For what it's worth, I have lowered my air pressure in the tractor tires (mostly for ride and footprint) and this has had a dramatic affect on the chains loosening when trailering. While I travel short distances, anything over 10 miles, I pull over and check the binders now.

Great post. Nothing like being safe and NOT worrying about the load problems. I also love the ratchet binders. I do not haul my tractor often, but when I do it us usually about 300 miles. I usually stop at a CAT scale to verify all is in order. Then after about 10 miles, I also recheck chains and binders. They almost always have settled and a little slack in them.

 

[mculik5]

Thanks, all. Looks like I'm thinking about it correctly and safely. Appreciate the quick responses.

 

[setxjeff]

I use locking hooks on almost everything now, I got tired of the sheet metal type safety latches on hooks and bought these. I like to use the slip hooks to make the end connection to d-rings and shackles less bulky .

 

[4056982fly]

Have you looked at properly rated carabiners for the D ring connection end?
I like the ones with the threaded closure that have a hex shape and can be wrench tightened.