Stopped by DOT

[LHS Inc]

Well instead of dinking the poor guy around, here is the answer;

First of all I would ditch the straps. They are rated for 10,000 lbs, but I am willing to bet that is not indicated anywhere on the strap itself. That disqualifies it immeadiatley in the eyes of the truck police. Plus a length of chain is really usefull on a day to day basis.

I am assuming the tractor with all of it's gear bolted to it weighs less than 5000lbs.

Because it is under 10000 lbs, you can use the same regs as specified for transporting a car or light truck. However, it is much easier to go by the rules for heavy equipment, as follows.

#1: you must have a minimum of 4 tie down points to the deck of the trailer.

#2: Take the weight of the tractor and divide by 2.

#3: Take the Working load rating of each of your tie downs, and divide by 2. ( that is not the ultimate breaking point, which is what those nylon straps are usually rated at. )

#4 Sum all of the tie downs in item #3. This number must be equal to or greater than item #2. If not, add more tie downs until it is.

So I would use two lengths of 5/16" G70 chain, run through the frame of the tractor in such a manner that it cannot be pulled through, with two lever binders rated at the same strength as the chain.

All tie downs must have an angle on the load, so that the machine cannot move forwards or backwards, or from side to side. Imagine drawing an X through the tractor from above.

Any binder or chain not marked with a rating is automatically disqualified by the DOT officer.

So I assume the two chains with two ends = 4 tie down points or do I need a single chain for each tie down point? Tractor and Imps should be under 5000 lbs. Is a two lever binder a chain tightner? I'm just used to strapping down grasscutters.

 

[tcartwri]

So I assume the two chains with two ends = 4 tie down points or do I need a single chain for each tie down point? Tractor and Imps should be under 5000 lbs. Is a two lever binder a chain tightner? I'm just used to strapping down grasscutters.

The 5/16 G70 is rated for a 4700 lb Working Load limit. If you pass it through and around the frame so that it cannot be freely pull through, it will be considered 4 separate chains. For a binder, you can either use a lever action, or a ratchet action. With the ratchet binder, you can put a lot of force on the equipment, and potentially damage it.

http://www.scc-chain.com/PDF/Cat_pg_60.pdf

 

[firedog]

So I assume the two chains with two ends = 4 tie down points or do I need a single chain for each tie down point? Tractor and Imps should be under 5000 lbs. Is a two lever binder a chain tightner? I'm just used to strapping down grasscutters.

I prefer a single chain. For instance: 4 chains @ 5000# working load limit = 20,000# / 2 = 10,000# capacity. If you were to use only two chains crossed through the equipment, be certain the chains are secured across the trailer from each other and not on the same side. refer to FMCR 393.106 108 & 110
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=393.106

 

[Diamondpilot]

The 5/16 G70 is rated for a 4700 lb Working Load limit. If you pass it through and around the frame so that it cannot be freely pull through, it will be considered 4 separate chains. For a binder, you can either use a lever action, or a ratchet action. With the ratchet binder, you can put a lot of force on the equipment, and potentially damage it.

http://www.scc-chain.com/PDF/Cat_pg_60.pdf

In my area that does not fly. You can use 2 chains but what they want you to do is this.

Say you have 2 20' chains. Hook both ends of the chain to the trailer. Now you have one in front of the tractor and one in the back with a bunch of slack. Now take your binders, 2 for the front and 2 for the rear, and hook them to the tractor and bind it down.

The fear is if one came loose or broke the chain could pull though.

As for binders and chains not being marked they are legal here, they just use the lowest value the manual states for that size.

Chris

 

[tcartwri]

In my area that does not fly. You can use 2 chains but what they want you to do is this.

I think you are correct.

 

[Soundguy]

Actually you would have to combine chapters 2 and 10 to be compliant. Chapter 10 alone, would get you in a lot of trouble.

see what I mean. my answer looks less crazy all the time.

state reg books are like a maze...

soundguy

 

[Ford tractor]

Actually you would have to combine chapters 2 and 10 to be compliant. Chapter 10 alone, would get you in a lot of trouble.

Remember he is discussing a wheeled vehicle under 10,000 pounds. 2 chains are all the feds require.

5-7 years back the WI DOT started enforcing USDOT numbers and all big rig specs on 1 ton trucks with gooseneck trailers. They are already down to 1/2 ton trucks with small trailers holding only personal stuff. In WI, 10,001 pounds total truck, trailer, gas and gear is the cut off for "commercial" enforcement if there is any hint of compensation. Mowing your lake house is seen as increasing the value of the property and counts. Yeah, revenue enforcement

 

[Harold_J]

Remember he is discussing a wheeled vehicle under 10,000 pounds. 2 chains are all the feds require.

5-7 years back the WI DOT started enforcing USDOT numbers and all big rig specs on 1 ton trucks with gooseneck trailers. They are already down to 1/2 ton trucks with small trailers holding only personal stuff. In WI, 10,001 pounds total truck, trailer, gas and gear is the cut off for "commercial" enforcement if there is any hint of compensation. Mowing your lake house is seen as increasing the value of the property and counts. Yeah, revenue enforcement

Is WI looking for you to have the DOT numbers on the half-ton trucks with trailers, or are they just cracking down on safety inspctions?

 

[Duffster]

Is WI looking for you to have the DOT numbers on the half-ton trucks with trailers, or are they just cracking down on safety inspctions?

Yes if used in commerce.

 

[Lt CHEG]

while I'm 100% for road safety.. I get the feeling this was 'revenue' enforcement.. not safety enforcement. and I'm not a fan of that. there are proactive ways to encourage safety involving open citizen training fliers, websites.. IMHO.. the goal should be to let people know what they need to be compliant for whatever they are doing.. vs a myriad of selectively enforced codes that is difficult for the layperson to understand, and periodic military style stops and revenue enforcement...

soundguy

Soundguy, as current LEO and a former local uniformed LEO, I can tell you that you are absolutely 100% correct. The only reason behind increased commercial vehicle enforcement is the revenue that it can generate. Commercial vehicle enforcement is all about justifying the grant money you received for new vehicles and overtime. It's also about the money that the tickets bring in.

 

[tlbuser]

So I assume the two chains with two ends = 4 tie down points or do I need a single chain for each tie down point? Tractor and Imps should be under 5000 lbs. Is a two lever binder a chain tightner? I'm just used to strapping down grasscutters.

FCMSR and http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/MMCP/Index.html plus http://www.sha.maryland.gov/OOTS/motorcarrierhandbook.pdf will get you started.
While 2 chains are legal, 4 separate chains and binders will take some of the guess work out of the equation.

 

[Soundguy]

Soundguy, as current LEO and a former local uniformed LEO, I can tell you that you are absolutely 100% correct. The only reason behind increased commercial vehicle enforcement is the revenue that it can generate. Commercial vehicle enforcement is all about justifying the grant money you received for new vehicles and overtime. It's also about the money that the tickets bring in.

comercial fines must tick in pretty good compaired to noncomercial fines.. et least from what I have seen the few times our dump truck was ticketed for a lamp or something...

good money in writing that lil piece of paper..

soundguy

 

[QRTRHRS]

Commercial or not, cleaner, neater (including yourself) will generally get you through with less hassle. Be respectful and do not offer more than asked for. If the officer is a complete jerk and you think you have an argument, save it for the court if you can.

Equipment wise, license, med card, logs aside, for you folks moving mowers and such, it is not that hard. Probably number one/two are the breakaway switch (as mentioned) and the tiedowns. Beyond that, the usual, tires, brakes, lights, proper registratin, three DOT reflectors and the correct, charged fire extinguisher. (Even if not commercial)

You think your being hassled? Try going through with air brakes where one little chaffed air line (not rubbed through) is going to cost you.

Four tiedowns vs two. Yeah yeah yeah, I know all about the 10k, etc. Thing is, especially if you are in a target zone, it is not that much more effort to go with four. Read paragraph one.

Consider this, one of my gigs was hauling pole barn materials throughout PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA, NY, CT. I could have anywhere from just the posts or tin to the complete package loaded on the truck. It may have taken some time now and then but I would have the load tied up like a stuffed turkey. Remember, the guidlines are a minimum. I got hassled over weight but not once did someone hassle me over the tiedowns.

 

[aczlan]

It may have taken some time now and then but I would have the load tied up like a stuffed turkey. Remember, the guidlines are a minimum. I got hassled over weight but not once did someone hassle me over the tiedowns.

I agree with you, when I tie something down, I try to make it so that you could flip the trailer over, shake it, then right it and have everything be securely in place.

Aaron Z

 

[Ductape]

The DOT has not been about safe trucks in about................... oh, twenty years.

 

[unbidden]

Soundguy, as current LEO and a former local uniformed LEO, I can tell you that you are absolutely 100% correct. The only reason behind increased commercial vehicle enforcement is the revenue that it can generate. Commercial vehicle enforcement is all about justifying the grant money you received for new vehicles and overtime. It's also about the money that the tickets bring in.

Some states and city/towns actually figure projected revenue from citations into the proposed budgets... but during campaign time they'll tell you "I am not raising taxes".

Okay, so now I've made it political....... well, what else do we all have to do but b!+<h about taxes and politics :confused2:

 

[wvpolekat]

Some states and city/towns actually figure projected revenue from citations into the proposed budgets... but during campaign time they'll tell you "I am not raising taxes".

Okay, so now I've made it political....... well, what else do we all have to do but b!+<h about taxes and politics :confused2:

I don't see this as a problem, unless they issue citations to match the budget. Obviously, they know they are going to write some number of them them and collect the fines.

 

[dave1949]

The state of Illinois , ( I'm sure you have heard of us we're one of the states that are broke ) has been cracking down on truck and trailers . Things they are watching for ; too light of license plate , D.O.T. numbers anyone hauling for hire (this includes farmers hauling their own grain to market ) , burning off road fuel , log book violations , etc... The responsibility of a unsafe vehicle is now not just the owners problem , but the driver too , a violation stays with his record also . I operate up to date safe equipment and would like to think the truck I just met is safe too . My biggest complaint is , it's a law to have liability insurance , but I still have to carry uninsured motorist coverage:confused2:Insuring all my stuff is enough , but to have to cover myself against the uninsured / underinsured

LOL on the broke state. You have plenty of company. Even Texas is scrounging now.

I agree about the driver. Part of the exam to get a CDL-A is to show the DOT examiner how to do a vehicle safety check here in Maine at least.

Ditto on the 'uninsured' thing. I bet it would be different if your insurance company could sue the state that didn't enforce the mandatory insurance laws. Of course, we would all pay for that with higher taxes but we are paying for it now anyways.
Dave.

 

[Harold_J]

I don't see this as a problem, unless they issue citations to match the budget. Obviously, they know they are going to write some number of them them and collect the fines.

The rage in our area currently is installing "red light" cameras. These will get you for the obvious running a light but also for making a right-on-red without coming to a full stop. The politicians will tell you they're for safety but on the other hand they want to project big increases in fines to help balance the budget of our going broke counties. So technically they're not directly issuing citations to match the budget but they are installing the cameras to balance the budget; it is $$millions per year. My personal feeling is that things like cameras are more for the revenue generation than providing safer roads.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

The rage in our area currently is installing "red light" cameras. These will get you for the obvious running a light but also for making a right-on-red without coming to a full stop. The politicians will tell you they're for safety but on the other hand they want to project big increases in fines to help balance the budget of our going broke counties. So technically they're not directly issuing citations to match the budget but they are installing the cameras to balance the budget; it is $$millions per year. My personal feeling is that things like cameras are more for the revenue generation than providing safer roads.

I am on the other side of the coin on Red Light cameras. Don't run the light or make a stop and there is no ticket involved. I spent some time as a fireman and cleaned up some pretty bad accidents from people running Red and Yellow lights. The impact that someone running a light to save some time is not worth it in my opinion. But that is my opinion. If they get some of my money for running a light or not stopping then it is my bad and I will own up to it.