Chains VS Straps

[4570Man]

I use chains, unless straps are needed to avoid damaging the cargo. I don't care if the paint on my tractor gets scratched at the hook points. It gets damaged far less be chains VS flying off the trailer.

 

[two_bit_score]

Chains all the way. With me anything larger than a four wheeler gets chains. Yes I use chains on my UTV's.

A big pet peeve of mine is people refering to straps as 10,000lb. They are not rated for that the WLL is most likely 3,333lb but people all the time say " I have 10k straps it will be fine"

If chain guys did this those with 5/16 G70 chain could say I have 18,800 lb chain. The WLL is the number to look at not the breaking strength.

Like a lot of things, it depends on what they actually have and are using it for. It's possible they could be using 10K WLL straps in some applications. But, like you, I doubt it.

>>>>>>3"W x 62"L
11,000-lb. WLL per strap
Sliding rubber wear pads for protection against sharp edges
Increased resistance to grease, chemicals and UV rays
Reflective striping improves visibility in dark conditions
To use, simply wrap the Underlift Tie-Down Strap around the wrecker’s underreach and the casualty’s front axle, then pass the loose end of the strap through the ratchet and tighten. Sold in pairs. Replacement underlift straps available.<<<<

 

[LouieJunior]

I have a 5,000 lb tractor (actually 3,000 + Loader + Rear Attachment) when fully loaded. My trailer has dual axle 7,000 lb capacity. My question concerns the tie downs on the trailer. I have attached a photo showing what's available to attach the chains. Are these adequate and designed for securing such a heavy load?

 

[George2615]

I have a 5,000 lb tractor (actually 3,000 + Loader + Rear Attachment) when fully loaded. My trailer has dual axle 7,000 lb capacity. My question concerns the tie downs on the trailer. I have attached a photo showing what's available to attach the chains. Are these adequate and designed for securing such a heavy load?
View attachment 461739

Your side pockets look pretty thin and appear to be homemade. They look like 1/16" thick pockets that may hold 2x4 wood. The stake pockets on my trailer are 1/4" thick. and are designed to be used as a tie down point for my chains. Pics can be deceiving but if yours are only 1/16" thick they are not strong enough to secure a tractor. Tightening a ratchet binder would bend them easily.

 

[bdog]

I wouldn't trust those. Can you weld? I would buy some d rings and weld them on to attach to.

 

[newbury]

I'd use those with chains in a pinch. But I would run the chains across ALL THE WAY UNDER the trailer so the pockets were only a guide. And I would have to make sure it didn't interfere with anything under the trailer.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I agree, they look thin.

As for your trailer its probably got 3.5K axles for a 7K load. That includes the trailers weight so it's more like a 5.5K payload once you deduct the trailers weight.

Chris

 

[LouieJunior]

Thanks all for your objective responses. I will measure the thickness. I do not trailer my tractor very often -- a few times to the dealer for work and to another property once in a while. Both short distances. They haven't deformed when I ratchet everything down but I have always been skeptical of these securements. I also drive like an old lady when pulling my trailer!!:laughing:

 

[bdog]

I like newbury's idea in a pinch. Throw a long chain under the trailer and pull each end through those pockets and hook each end to the tractor. Not ideal but would be better than the pocket alone.

 

[yanmars]

I would only make a WAG but I would think they are 1/8 inch or a bit larger but in any event lighter than what I would feel comfortable in using unless it was a light load. I would rather have to heavy and not need it than too light and regret it.