Chain Binders vs Rachet Axle Straps

[BigDan]

Alright this forum's first Poll----

What do you guys prefer? I like the Axle Straps and my buddy is die hard Chain. I know chain will stand the test of time and is always legal for any weight, but I like the ease of the straps.

[AGGIECJ-7]

i have been through a few straps with my jeep and trailer. the onbly reason that i have had them break is that the rub up agienst something and get a small tear in them. when you start putting the force of stopping a vehicle on them they start to tear. i recently got some straps that only go around the axle tube and the straps hook to that and the trailer. hopefully it will eliminate the tearing problem. the main reason that i dont like chains is that they are unforgiving and have no give at all. Also i dont think that there is more then 10,000 lbs of holding force excerted on the straps(thats what they are rated at).....

[TJpwr]

I remember in another post similar to this, quite a few people agreed that a strap in the front and a chain in the rear was the way to go. The reason is that the rear will almost always have more load put on it (braking, crash:eek: ) This is what I have been doing latley and it has worked out great. Now I did not vote because I don't fit in either one...

Phil:usa:

[randii]

Choice C: All of the above.
Yea, that's right.... both.

Straps are convenient, easier on the rig, easier to dial in to exact lengths (not dependent on chain link increments) ... and quieter to use (neighbors won't kill you for late-night chain-ups). I use the straps on the front axle.

Chains go on the back axle.... even loud and awkward as they are, i can use a chain graded for 20k-plus pounds on each side -- try that with a strap.

I think straps would hold fine on the road, even under emergency braking, but if I ever t-bone the proverbial busload of nuns, I don't want to worry about my load snapping its straps in the collision and coming up on top of me! :eek:

So, belt and suspenders.... here's how I do it, YMMV,
1.) Chains up the back axle.
2.) Roll the truck forward to tension the chains
3.) Crank the straps tight in the front.

Randii

[That Mick]

I boom down to the axles.

Wrap the chain over the axle, under the pumpkin and over the other axle.

Works great as long as you allow for the brake lines and such.

FWIW: if you boom to the axles and need it very tight, air down, boom, then air back up 5 lbs.

[MattS]

These straps are similar to the ones I used: http://www.rjays.com/Rjays_tiedowns/S-Line-1.htm They have a nice sleeve to keep the strap from fraying. 40,000 pounds worth of straps for under $200.

[70~K5]

If you like chain and binders, try the screw type binders. They work a lot better than cam over binders for tieing down rigs.

[Travis Waldher]

Heh.. I think you guys missed something.

Your not tieing your rig to the trailer, more like the opposite. If the trailer only weighs in at 1800lbs or so, and the rig is 3,000lbs... well you get the idea.

Myself.. I just use ratchet straps. The standard ones have a max load rating of 10,000lbs, working load limit of 3,333lbs. I just tie to the frame and ratchet down until the suspension is compressed a good bit. haven't had a problem, even in emergency manuevers.

[BigDan]

That's what winch's are for. I also use my winch as a frame to trailer mount.

[Recurve]

I use chains on the back and straps on the front.

[85 rocrnr]

straps all the way chains are such a mess!

[tigger4x]

Originally posted by randii
Choice C: All of the above.
Yea, that's right.... both.


So, belt and suspenders.... here's how I do it, YMMV,
1.) Chains up the back axle.
2.) Roll the truck forward to tension the chains
3.) Crank the straps tight in the front.

Randii I'm gonna hafta go with Randii on this one!! I figure it the saem as a couple others so far and that is chains will have the FULL AWN strength to keep your rig from coming forward in a bads situation AND using the ratchet straps up front to bring it up tight. I'm gonna consider using the winch to bring the front end down as well because you never know when Murphy's Law is gonna :skull: the straps. :beer:

[TEX]

Chains. Once they're tight, they're tight. They don't break. And if you can't muscle 'em down with a bar, then get a ratcheting load binder. I've used both & I really can't see how straps would be more "convenient" :confused: Just the opposite really since you have to make sure they don't twist or rub on anything sharp.

TEX

[nobody20]

I use 4 rachet straps now but after reading others responses I am going to change to chains in the rear.

Does anybody use the over the tire straps?

[tigger4x]

Originally posted by nobody20
... Does anybody use the over the tire straps?
Haven't seen available YET ... but I haven't really been looking I guess. Seems like they could potentially be incorporated into a good trailer up front at least.

Do you have a lead on where to get 'em:question:

[BillaVista]

btt

[kwrangln]

Just watch your ass with chain binders. When I delivered lumber, one of the yard monkeys was doing me a favor by binding the load together and the cheater pipe slipped off the binder. Handle of the binder caught him right above his left eye, fractured orbital and it lifted him a few feet off the ground, he landed on his ass a few feet away out cold. If you do use chain binders, always zip tie the handle so that it cant just be lifted open. Always put the binder (or ratchet of the ratchetstrap for that matter) on the passenger side so your not standing in traffic to check your load. Always face the handle of the binder toward the rear of the trailer so it wont snag brush etc and be forced open. Winches should not be used to secure the vehicle, they have a real small brake to be trusting. Secure the axles, not the frame, unless you snug the suspension to the bumpstops then there will be movement of the suspension when you drive over bumps, this will slack and tighted your straps/chains every time you go over a bump. OK, thats all for now.

[RawkRash]

I use 4 chains. One at each corner to anchors built into the deck of the trailer. I loop the chains over the rear axle and back to themselves and hook them. Then I roll the Jeep forward to tighten them. I hook the front chains the same way, as tightly as possible. Then I take a 5K ratchet strap and hook it between the two front chains and pull them toward each other. Doing this tightens all four chains and if the strap should break, the vehicle is still held by 4 chains with very little slack.

So far, so good. . .

[Two Dogs F..king]

We use chains and booms. Can't ever go wrong with that. They stay secure, and don't brake. GO CHAINS AND BOOMS! :flipoff2:

[postal]

At one time I was thinking about buying some straps. They sounded good, but about that time, a friend was hauling a load of car trailers stacked on his gooseneck, and his straps broke and left trailers all over the road. Luckily, no one was hurt. I'll stick with my chains, thank you.

Think about it - we've all seen straps break. Tow straps, etc. I've seen them on the side of the trail. I've seen them tied back together to use again - stupid! I broke a 20,000 lb. rated strap trying to pull an old bush out of the ground. Yet I have never broken a 3/8" steel chain. I've pulled trees out of the ground with chains, no breaks.

I agree with kwrangln's post. All good pointers. For securing the binder handles, instead of zip-ties, I use a tarp strap to wrap around the handle and chain, and then hook to the trailer. One chain at a rear corner (around the axle) and another chain at the opposite front corner. If you think chains are too dirty and messy, maybe you've chosen the wrong hobby:question: :question:

:usa:

[damon_achey]

Originally posted by kwrangln
... Always put the binder (or ratchet of the ratchetstrap for that matter) on the passenger side so your not standing in traffic to check your load. ...

I know it makes sense that way, but I like to put mine on the drives side because it makes it easier to check them periodically in the mirror while driving. I'm just that paranoid.

Damon

[66CJdean]

With chains it isn't all that hard to bend the housing but it isn't like you cant tighten it down hard or they might come loose. I use 4 rachet straps on my rig.

[Paul Gagnon]

Originally posted by postal

I agree with kwrangln's post. All good pointers. For securing the binder handles, instead of zip-ties, I use a tarp strap to wrap around the handle and chain, and then hook to the trailer.

For long distances mousing wire would be safer and more durable.

[postal]

Not sure what you mean by mousing wire, but I've used some fairly heavy steel wire before to keep the binder handles closed. Works OK. I'd like to find the right kind of "clip" that would stay attached to the binder handle, then I could just snap or clip it to the chain.

:usa:

[NZRFU]

Sorry 'bout the newb post, but . .

I see chains are becoming predominant. Is it in your experience to wrap chains around the axle (using one chain) to then bind to the opposite side of the trailer, or use two separate chains on either side of the axle and then bind?

OR Use chains to compress the suspension around some part of the frame?

Thanks and cheers . . . http://fool.exler.ru/sm/alc.gif

***EDIT-Nevermind. Just read thoughts and opinions a coupla posts down in "How to bind . . " ***

[Dan shsss]

I always use chains and dont forget to cross tie your rig our cradle it when tieing it down, The chains will look like a X when tied down

[Paul Gagnon]

Originally posted by postal
Not sure what you mean by mousing wire, but I've used some fairly heavy steel wire before to keep the binder handles closed. Works OK. I'd like to find the right kind of "clip" that would stay attached to the binder handle, then I could just snap or clip it to the chain.

:usa:

Mousing is tying a piece of cord or wire across the jaws of a hook to prevent a rope or sling from jumping out of the hook. Mousing wire is a strong but easily workable wire used for this purpose and also works well in tying the handles of load binders.

[jaluhn]

When I see the big lowboy guys start using straps, then I'll use them. If chains can hold down 50 tons of cat, I don't have to worry about them braking. Chains seem to be more durable, at least in my opinion. Granted, they're noisey, heavy, and akward, but they'll last forever, and you don't have to worry too much acout rubbing or pinching problems.
~John

[TheRamChargerMan]

I plan on copying the ideas of a few drag racer friends.

They weld a small loop onto the axle housing, off the back, on both sides, in such a way as to not interfere with the suspension, so they have a place to hook to. They also use the 'x' pattern when tying the car down. If you have a specific tie down point on the axle housing, there is less chance of somethign being damaged when towing...like the brake lines getting crushed by the chain.

If you keep your eyes open, you can 'find' all the chain you need on the side of the road. I have over 500 lbs of chain here at the house, all from the side of the road. It ranges from 5/8" section logging chain, to the fancy chains used by the flat bed wreckers that have a loop and hook made on them. I have pieces that are only 2 ft long, and I have some that are over 50 ft long. I've given away or sold as much as I have here in the past. I also have a few heavy duty load binders in good shape that I've found.

Same goes for nylon straps. I have a couple that are over 60 ft long that I picked up from the side of the road. I wouldn't use them as a snatch strap in a 'hard' stuck situation, but I have used them to pull people out where they weren't stuck all that bad, and I have used it to attach a regular snatch strap or chain to a vehicle by wrapping it around the frame many times to give it more breaking strength. It is also good for when you don't want to ruin your good strap, like pulling blwon over trees & such right around after a hurricane has come thru.

When you do this, not only do you find some good useable stuff for free, you are also helping to clean up the roadways a bit. I pick up anything I think I can use, from 2x4's to chains...even found a wallet or two in the past, and enough tools to fill a couple of tool boxes. The last good thing I got, was a 20 ft aluminum extension ladder. It wasn't even scratched up, and the funny thing was, if I hadn't been in my car, I'd not have gotten it, as just as I started to stop, a guy in a dually ctd also tried to top, but I stopped quicker.

[ScoutIITD]

Two 20' chains (5/16 Grade 70)
four bomers

To me the best part of chains vs straps is that chains last so much longer than straps.

[Dustball]

I use two chains with j-hooks in the rear, straps in front. Simply hook the j-hooks onto the rear axle tubes, drive forward till chains are tight, attach front ratchet straps to the front axle tubes with axle straps and tighten them down. Went on a 2500 mile round trip this way, 6500 lb rig, zero problems.

[Judd]

I know it makes sense that way, but I like to put mine on the drives side because it makes it easier to check them periodically in the mirror while driving. I'm just that paranoid.

Damon


This is the law in MI. All binders must be on the driverside so you can check them from the d-side mirror. I use straps right now but I'm thinking of switching over to chains. Straps just seem to not last very long and the ratchets suck in cold weather... Judd

[n9emz]

Going against the consensus, I use grade 80 chain with a screw ratchet binder on the front and ratchet straps on the back. Never had a problem except strap wear and I replace them every year. I'd rather have the rig come forward if a strap breaks....it ain't going far or gonna cause any serious handling problems if the straps pop. I'd prefer to be the only one at the scene of the accident if the worst happens. Sometimes I chain the front and rear, but I've become more confident with straps lately.

[yager]

Individual chains out back to seperate axle loop straps (with abrasion covers) NO binders, I hook chains as apropritae and pull rig up to tighten. I get a good angle on the rear just coming around the tire out to the d-ring.. FWIW: I plan to switch to J hooks as im getting lazier..

Then I use 2 racheot straps up front crossed.

[BlueAngel]

I have 2 D-rings in the back of my trailer and 2 in front. In the back, I use 2x 5/16" grade 70 chains straight from the rear axle and 2x 5/16" grade 70 chains crossed at the frame, both hooked to the D-rings. Then, I drive my jeep forward and I use 2x 10K straps crossed on the front axle. Finally, I hook up the winch to slightly compress the suspension. I feel very confident with this set-up.

[PoopHead]

IMO, its not safe or sane to just use straps. I tow equipment almost everyday, I've tried everything, straps loosen, they can come off with a big bump, they wear on every thing. A strap could wear enough in one trip to make it unsafe and in a hard stop or accident it could break without you even knowing its deteriorated condition.

I use two transport chains, one on each axle. I route it under the axle tube, over the diff/pinion area and back down under the other side axle tube, same front and rear. I can tie my truck down in under 10 minutes, and theres no stupid ratchets to fight with. I will sometimes put a strap on to control the body roll of the truck on the trailer, but thats all I would rely on them for. Rookies use straps.... :flipoff2:

[pmurf1]

I have personally seen a equipment trailer with a medium sized tractor come unhooked from a truck from my drivers seat. I'm talking a 25+ foot pintle hooked trailer hooked to a new Duramax. The trailer started to sway and before the driver could even react his trailer/tractor had rolled at least a half a dozen times and gone 500' farther than his truck which also rolled and hit the guardrails five times. Amazingly the guy got out and walked away with no injuries, but everything was a total loss. It sheared the pintle off the truck, not the hitch, but the actual pintle. Point was he had chain and binders and his tractor was still upside down attached to his trailer after rolling that many times. I personally use ratchets, 4 of them. If I ever get into a situation where I snap them, I've probably got bigger problems than losing the load. Either way it doesn't matter, if you lose a trailer or get into an accident loaded it's never going to be pretty.

[85GAJEEPCJ7]

I use four straps. 2 in front 2 in back. I also use a chain in the rear with a hook to loop around the axle as a safety measure in case of an accident to keep my Jeep from coming through the back window. Never have had any issues with the straps and a chain as an added measure.

[Jrod-13]

I grew up around a construction bussiness. I've NEVER seen a piece of equipment(be it a D9, or a little bobcat) tied down with straps, it's not safe, or smart.

I always loop a chain over the rearend, under the pinion, and back over to the trailer, theh put it in low, and go forward till I stall it, then chain the front axle. I've never had a binder loosen, or chain come off yet. I HAVE seen straps break, loosen, wear through, etc..

Ratchet straps are for holding down rubermade totes in the back of your truck.
Chains and binders are for holding stuff down to your trailer.

[Mustard Dog]

Good thread :)

[PoopHead]

Ratchet straps are for holding down rubermade totes in the back of your truck.
Chains and binders are for holding stuff down to your trailer.

LOL so true... :D

[1985CJ7Laredo]

I'm a big supporter of chains and binders. There's just too much that can go wrong with straps, their ratchets, etc. If you guys are still using the cam style binders, take a look at the ratchet/screw type. I haul heavy equipment (low boy, big equipment trailers, etc.) every week and you hardly ever see anyone using the cam style anymore. 2 reasons why: First, there's the chance of jacking yourself in the face with a bar. Second, it's pretty damn hard to get them totally tight. The screw binders will let you crank till you're sure it's right and are a lot safer to use!

As an aside from the binding, proper weight distribution is just as important as how well you bind your junk. Load it wrong and bind it right - you guessed it - you're still screwed! Be careful out there!

[TEX]

If you guys are still using the cam style binders, take a look at the ratchet/screw type. I haul heavy equipment (low boy, big equipment trailers, etc.) every week and you hardly ever see anyone using the cam style anymore. 2 reasons why: First, there's the chance of jacking yourself in the face with a bar. Second, it's pretty damn hard to get them totally tight. The screw binders will let you crank till you're sure it's right and are a lot safer to use!



I combine the two if I REALLY wanna get stuff tight. Takes too long with the ratcheting type by itself. So, I put one on, crank over the cam-style binder "relatively" tight & finish up with the ratchet. Obviously requires more equipment, but it's faster in my experience.

TEX

[SanDiegoCJ]

IMO, its not safe or sane to just use straps. I tow equipment almost everyday, I've tried everything, straps loosen, they can come off with a big bump, they wear on every thing.


Straps come off with a big bump ???? I have a two word response to that assertion.............................


BULL SHIT

[TEX]

Straps come off with a big bump ???? I have a two word response to that assertion.............................


BULL SHIT


Well, it's true if you pull your suspension down with a strap - which is kinda dumb anyway IMO.


TEX

[wheelsup]

Just watch your ass with chain binders. When I delivered lumber, one of the yard monkeys was doing me a favor by binding the load together and the cheater pipe slipped off the binder. Handle of the binder caught him right above his left eye, fractured orbital and it lifted him a few feet off the ground, he landed on his ass a few feet away out cold. If you do use chain binders, always zip tie the handle so that it cant just be lifted open. Always put the binder (or ratchet of the ratchetstrap for that matter) on the passenger side so your not standing in traffic to check your load. Always face the handle of the binder toward the rear of the trailer so it wont snag brush etc and be forced open. Winches should not be used to secure the vehicle, they have a real small brake to be trusting. Secure the axles, not the frame, unless you snug the suspension to the bumpstops then there will be movement of the suspension when you drive over bumps, this will slack and tighted your straps/chains every time you go over a bump. OK, thats all for now.

if your putting binders on right, they can't just be lifted open!
I alsways wrap the extra chain around the handle of the binder.
but on the rear I like to run no binder, just chain, rigged so when you tie down the fron it pulls tight.
best way to do it.
I tied crap down on 18wheeler flatbeds for years, never had a binder come loose. I have broke a few hooks on binders tightening them down, and had some strap start to fray.
use only HIGH QUALITY chains, binders, straps and ratchets. no HF junk!

[wheelsup]

This is the law in MI. All binders must be on the driverside so you can check them from the d-side mirror. I use straps right now but I'm thinking of switching over to chains. Straps just seem to not last very long and the ratchets suck in cold weather... Judd

don't know about the LAW in MI, but I hauled flatbed thru there plenty, been DOT'd, there also.
I alsways have my binders or ratchet ends on the PASSENGER SIDE.
No way am I gonna stand on the traffic side if one does come loose.
FUCK THEM, they can give me a ticket, but not one DOT offoicer ever said anything about em being on the pass side.

[ramv]

Has anyone lost a rig because a strap broke?

[MudTJ]

Has anyone lost a rig because a strap broke?

nope, but ive bent in the rear corners of a trailer a few inches where i had my rear chain hooked when i had to hit the median(big ditch) at 40 MPH. Makes me a believer in chains when i know that they are even stronger than the trailer, i'm not opposed to running a strap on the front since it is easier to tighten things down that way but a chain in the rear assures you that the rig is gonna stay on the trailer and not end up in the cab of your truck.

[PoopHead]

Straps come off with a big bump ???? I have a two word response to that assertion.............................


BULL SHIT

Hmmm, how often do you tow? Everyday? I do... :flipoff2:

[BigDan]

WOW my thread has come a long way in 3 years. Anyways how much are you guys paying for chains and binders, and rachet axle straps. It looks to be about $140 for 4 rachet axle straps. Thoes screw binders are bank about $60 a pop X4 plus chain and hooks = $$$

[n9emz]

I guess I'm stupid....I don't like my shit bouncing around so I chain the frame down and compress the suspension....no wisecracks about the shot spindle bearing. Done a lot of miles with my junk and never had anything come loose.

http://home.bluemarble.net/~n9emz/Trailrig%20For%20Sale/negcamb2.JPG

If you want to save money on chains/binders, etc....hit the bigger truckstops with your CB. A $50 bill will generally land you more shit than you can comfortably tote at one time.

As for the earlier comment about ratchet straps not being used/trusted in OTR hauling, they're every bit as predominant as chains and are the generally accepted alternative where it comes to flatbed loads; e.g. lumber, crated freight, pipe/tube or anything else chains/binders are more or less inappropriate for. Most of the guys who haul crushed cars use straps. When they're properly sleeved, straps distribute clamping force better than chains and are every bit as safe, and ratchets are common on the majority of flatbed trailers now. Granted, they're generally the 4" variety, but we're talking about securing 50K lb loads rather than a 5K lb trailrig.

Yeah....this thread has come a long way, but it's a good one. Lots of opinions and food for thought. Safety is something that should never be far from our minds in this sport.

[TEX]

I guess I'm stupid....I don't like my shit bouncing around so I chain the frame down and compress the suspension....

The problem with compressing the suspension is that if you hit a bump, your suspension will FURTHER compress & you get slack during that brief interval. But, that's all it takes to get a shift. I used to compress suspension, but the only way to do it safely is to pull it all the way down against the bump stops & I didn't care for that.

TEX

[SanDiegoCJ]

Hmmm, how often do you tow? Everyday? I do... :flipoff2:


Not relevant. These straps DON'T "pop off".

http://www.gforce.com/products/towing/combostraps.html

I stand by my statement.

[PoopHead]

Some how I dont think that most guys with 4x4s use fancy race car straps with closing hooks. Those are much better, but I can guarantee you the standard hook type ratchet straps can come off even if they are not compressing suspension, I've had it happen with several types of loads, not just vehicles and thats why I don't trust them. But you know everything, so I must be wrong... :shaking:

[SanDiegoCJ]

Some how I dont think that most guys with 4x4s use fancy race car straps with closing hooks. Those are much better, but I can guarantee you the standard hook type ratchet straps can come off even if they are not compressing suspension, I've had it happen with several types of loads, not just vehicles and thats why I don't trust them. But you know everything, so I must be wrong... :shaking:


Most guys with 4x4's ??? Nice ASSumption you just made. :shaking:
Those axle straps are all I use, and I've seen LOTS of other wheelers use them too.
As to the "standard hook type ratchet straps" , yes, they can pop off if you're
hooking to the body, but so will chains with the same type of hook if you hook
it to the body. If you use the proper equipment and connect it properly you
DO NOT have a problem.

[PoopHead]

Ok, sure, but chains are still better than any strap I don't care how fancy the hook is, or what cool "race" lettering it has. I like not having to worry about my chains wearing through from wind and road vibrations. :flipoff2:

[n9emz]

Ok, sure, but chains are still better than any strap I don't care how fancy the hook is, or what cool "race" lettering it has. I like not having to worry about my chains wearing through from wind and road vibrations. :flipoff2:

I gotta agree and I think it's incontrovertible. Chains are better and more secure, but are they entirely necessary? As for bounce, my shit don't bounce, and I drive the roughest roads imaginable. But, I have popped a strap and that's why I now use a pair on the rear but always use chain and binder on the front. I pop another strap and there'll be some welding on my trailer and a chain and binder will be used on the rear, too. I currently don't have any point on the rear of my POS trailer that will stand up to chain and binder forces.

[SolidAxleDurango]

Most guys with 4x4's ??? Nice ASSumption you just made. :shaking:
Those axle straps are all I use, and I've seen LOTS of other wheelers use them too....

I use those like you. IIRC, mine cost like $100 for a set of 4???

For any reasonably informed consumer who choses to use straps over chains, these are the best choice.

[YJ4RoX]

I use rachet straps as well. 2 on the rear "X'ed" and one in the front "X'ed" I have never had a problem with them coming loose. WV had very rough roads. I am an axle strapper. I figure two on the rear is a good idea so if the one on the front comes loose or breaks the Heep is going off the back not the front.

I am getting ready to upgrade to straps similar to the one's SanDiegoCJ posted. Snap hooks with axles guards etc... My buddy runs them, two non-rachet's in the rear and one ratchet in the front. His never move. You can get a full set for Under $100 shipped.

I do however take my winch cable and hook it to the tongue of the trailer(mine has a big ass loop on the tongue) and snug down the front supsension. Not against the bump stops but just enough to keep it snug. I have noticed a big difference in towing on country roads with the winch hooked up. The load feels much more stable with a little preload on the front end. It really feels better after upgrading to the 4 door long bed CTD over the club cab short bed too. :D

[Travis Waldher]

Most guys with 4x4's ??? Nice ASSumption you just made. :shaking:
Those axle straps are all I use, and I've seen LOTS of other wheelers use them too.
As to the "standard hook type ratchet straps" , yes, they can pop off if you're
hooking to the body, but so will chains with the same type of hook if you hook
it to the body. If you use the proper equipment and connect it properly you
DO NOT have a problem.

I use standard (non-latching) straps to the frame. I cross the straps, cinch them TIGHT.

3 years, I haven't had a strap "pop off" let alone loosen.

Now, those that don't cross their standard straps when going to the frame. I have seen them "pop off" on big bumps.

[4Mogger]

I used to use just 4 straps to the axles--rear axle to the front deck rings, front axle to the rear deck rings and it worked fine. But now I also run a chain from the front bumper to the front deck rings with a binder and I do "feel" better about the whole rigging and I think it provides a bigger margin for safety.

[Mechanos]

I used to use just 4 straps to the axles--rear axle to the front deck rings, front axle to the rear deck rings and it worked fine. But now I also run a chain from the front bumper to the front deck rings with a binder and I do "feel" better about the whole rigging and I think it provides a bigger margin for safety.
I think you'd be better off using the additional chain to tie down the rear bumper to the rear of the trailer deck. With your front to rear and rear to front tie down scheme, the rig can still "ass-over" in a violent deceleration.

[Albin]

I think you'd be better off using the additional chain to tie down the rear bumper to the rear of the trailer deck. With your front to rear and rear to front tie down scheme, the rig can still "ass-over" in a violent deceleration.

+1. First thing I thought of when I read this.

Al

[4Mogger]

I think you'd be better off using the additional chain to tie down the rear bumper to the rear of the trailer deck. With your front to rear and rear to front tie down scheme, the rig can still "ass-over" in a violent deceleration.
Good point. I have an extra binder so instead of just chaining the rear, I will get another chain and do both ends.

[lodikrawlingkiller]

not sure if this was mention or notbut anyone who is in california or drives here alot better listen. Last year a new law went into affect that all loads 3001 lbs or more must be secured to the trailer deck by no less than four (4) independent closed loop anchors. Like you can use two chains but you need 4 binders and they have to loop at each corner to make it and "independent" tie down point. We had a Bobcat come off a trailer about 3 months ago, rolled off the trailer on a freeway offroamp and took out a mini van. The driver just looped the cain trough the tie down point and drove backward to tension the rear and then used 1 ratchet to tension a single chain across the back. it was a bloody mess and like a 5k$ fine. Anyhow thought I would share that with you.

[sceep]

nothing but chains on our tow rig.

straps fray. straps stretch when they get wet, and wear badly when covered in dust/dirt/mud. Much the same as your synthetic winch line, your straps need to be cleaned and mainenenced and checked thoroughly.

I'm neglectful, and would rather deal with the chain which takes MUCH less maintenence and more abuse.

[Delta]

http://www.nw-wheelers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9735&highlight=trailer+jeep

[RustoleumWhite]

http://www.nw-wheelers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9735&highlight=trailer+jeep
Only works if your a member of Northwest Web Wheelers...


Please note however, the driver of the truck specifically said 'the straps would have held if they were in better shape'. He admitted that they had been left out in the weather too much and should have been replaced.


I still like my straps. But if someone want to use chain... that's their choice. I have and do use chain, depending on the load. Shitty parts rigs destined for the scrapper typically get chain to avoid damage to my straps.

[Travis Waldher]

Please note however, the driver of the truck specifically said 'the straps would have held if they were in better shape'. He admitted that they had been left out in the weather too much and should have been replaced.


Unless he recently changed how he loads his rig,

He also doesn't cross them.

He attaches to the rigs frame from right corner of trailer to right corner of rig. When I mentioned seeing a strap pop off before, his setup was one of them.

The thread didn't mention if the straps tore apart, just came loose, or was a combination there of.
EDIT: got word - 3 out of 4 straps tore apart.

Pics of the rig:
http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/1241/one1ac.png
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/346/four7sh.png

Drivers story
jeep had 4 /20,000 lb straps on it. one on each corner of the jeep. the only one that held was the driver front. it cleard the passanger side rail of the truck, hit a treee on the drives side about 15 feet up and bounced back into the bed of the truck. still dont know how it pivoted 180 degrees of the trailer and into the truck bed. i was too busy pinching my butt cheeks & eyes closed

[Delta]

Please note however, the driver of the truck specifically said 'the straps would have held if they were in better shape'. He admitted that they had been left out in the weather too much and should have been replaced.

Fair enough.

So straps need to be kept dry, clean, out of light, carefully routed, and need to be replaced often. How many of us live where it never rains, the sun never shines, and offroad rigs don't get dirty? How exactly are straps more convenient again?

I suppose to each his own. I'd personally rather buy quality chains and binders once and be done with it. No worries about dry rot, UV degradation, contamination, fraying, or being more than a couple of years old.

And I personally am unable to recall having ever seen professionally hauled or engineered load of equipment secured with straps. To me that says something right there.

[Travis Waldher]

And I personally am unable to recall having ever seen professionally hauled or engineered load of equipment secured with straps. To me that says something right there.

I see straps used all the time. I also see chains used.

If it's a backhoe or something like that, I've only seen chains used.

If it's, say, an AC Unit or a overseas cargo container (e.g. boxy) on a flatbed I see straps being used.

If it's steel, I see straps used most often.

[DRM]

I see several people confusing the issues on this... they talk about the hooks on straps coming loose, then say chains are better - but saying "I use chains" has NOTHING to do with the mechanism on the end of the chain used to attach it.

[DRM]

I suppose to each his own. I'd personally rather buy quality chains and binders once and be done with it.

You think chains don't stretch, rust, wear, or fail - and you only have to "buy them once and forget it"? Awesome!

[Travis Waldher]

I see several people confusing the issues on this... they talk about the hooks on straps coming loose, then say chains are better - but saying "I use chains" has NOTHING to do with the mechanism on the end of the chain used to attach it.

Agree, it all depends on how you use them. Chains by default aren't any better than straps. Not if your attachment method is inadequate.

[Travis Waldher]

You think chains don't stretch, rust, wear, or fail - and you only have to "buy them once and forget it"? Awesome!

I should have also posted with my trucker reply...

I see an equal number of wadded up chains on the freeway as I do 3" straps.

Chain does fail. No doubt you can abuse it more, but it certainly isn't impossible to have them break.

[Delta]

I see straps used all the time. I also see chains used.

If it's a backhoe or something like that, I've only seen chains used.

If it's, say, an AC Unit or a overseas cargo container (e.g. boxy) on a flatbed I see straps being used.

If it's steel, I see straps used most often.

When I refered to equipment, I meant such as the backhoe or other forms of heavy equipment and machinery. I've never seen such cargo secured with straps. I think these type of loads would come the closest to resembling what offroaders are doing when towing and securing their vehicles.

I see straps often used to prevent lateral shifting of bulk loads such as lumber products, steel pipe, etc. Without a bulkhead to prevent movement, these loads would still shift forward in the event of violent deceleration.

Intermodal containers are usually secured with IBCs which is a whole different ball of wax. Although come to think of it, I have seen a few strapped down to flatbed trailers in the same manner as the bulk commodities mentioned above.

In short, in professionally hauled and engineered loads, I never see straps depended upon to control forward or rearward movement. I have also watched strapped down loads of lumber and pipe shift more times than I can remember.

[Delta]

You think chains don't stretch, rust, wear, or fail - and you only have to "buy them once and forget it"? Awesome!

Yes, I think that in this application chains will so far outlast straps that it's not even worth comparing the two in that regard.

Be honest, how many failed chains compared to failed straps have you seen? And where chain did fail, would a strap have made much if any difference? How about where straps have failed, would a chain have failed under the same circumstance?

[DRM]

I should have also posted with my trucker reply...

I see an equal number of wadded up chains on the freeway as I do 3" straps.

Chain does fail. No doubt you can abuse it more, but it certainly isn't impossible to have them break.

And that may be part of the problem - the assumption by the average user that they *are* indestructible leads them to be treated as such...

[DRM]

Be honest, how many failed chains compared to failed straps have you seen? And where chain did fail, would a strap have made much if any difference? How about where straps have failed, would a chain have failed under the same circumstance?

I have personally seen more chains fail than straps. Then again - I grew up on a farm where chains were used all the time, so my exposure to chains is higher.


personally, I keep chains, binders, AND a variety of straps in my trailer box and use them all depending on the load.

[Delta]

And that may be part of the problem - the assumption by the average user that they *are* indestructible leads them to be treated as such...

True, but that average user is also going to view his 30-40,000 pound strap similarly. Chain still remains far more durable and provides larger margin of safety for the average user.

[greasyjeep]

personally, I keep chains, binders, AND a variety of straps in my trailer box and use them all depending on the load.

ditto
if it is worth trailering, it is worth trailering right and making sure you and others on the road are safe and not negatively impacted becasue you wanted to save $100-$200 on straps or chains

I use 2 J hooks on axles with binders front and rear crossed in rear and a strap front and rear to take some of the hop out attached to D-Rings - all told 4 chains and 2 straps - 10-15 minutes and back on the road.:flipoff2:

[Albin]

I think it's pretty clear that chain is safer than straps.

All the advantages of straps have to do with convenience and economy.

All the advantages for chain has to do with safety, reliability and durability.

Personally, I use two 3/8" Grade 70 chain with binders in the back, two chains in front, all on the axles. In addition, I use two straps to the body near the center to control body movement and to add additional restraint in the forward direction.

I also welded 1/2" u-bolts to my Toy axles so I can attach directly to them, instead of having to use those stupid axle straps. When I get done with the binders, my chains are like iron bars, there is simply no flex to them at all. Of course, a couple tens of miles or so down the road, things loosen up, hence the binder/chain/strap check at every stop and retighten as necessary.

My .02.

Al

[pilothillcrawler]

when tieing down a vehicle, is it the same as equipment in the eyes of CHP, where you need a chain and binder at each corner?
And yes, chains are better than straps

[UKMyers]

Sweet thread I just bought my trailer yesterday and don't have much experience tying down a rig on one. I bought 4 ratchet straps but looks like I may be looking into a chain as well.