Securing Loads

CRUSADER

Member
Have heard many different references on what's correct, legal, etc about securing a load on a trailer. I've just hauled a Farmall B and tied it down with three (all I had) chains/boomers and one tie-down strap. Two chains/boomers on front, and a chain/boomer and tie-down strap on the back of it. Years ago, I transported several tractors like the 8N or MF's etc with one chain/boomer on it across center of tractor with no issues. I still transport an 8N with a mower on it from time to time with a chain/boomer across center and tie-down strap on front and tie-down strap on mower.

Have seen, passed and been passed by more than one law enforcement vehicle. Other than a few freindly waves, no stops/ect (yet).

Is there something published as a guideline to ensure safety guidelines or is it just if the law enforcement person wants to stop and check? Hope I'm not jinxing myself with this question. I have to do some hauling later today. Plus have a lot of stuff I'm still trying to move.

Any and all advice will be welcomed.
 
When I haul something that will/can roll I take my best chains and tie to the rear of the trailer. Use straps or come along or something to cinch it up toward the front. I figure the strongest ties should be to keep it from rolling forward in the event of a hard stop. As far as what's required, who knows? I know a friend of mine who was using one of my trailers got stopped for not having the safety chains crossed. I did not know that was a rule, and I still don't know why. My chains are not cheap and they have good hooks, etc. As suggested, it may simply be a matter of how it all looks going down the road and how you are driving.
 
Rather than us explain all the rules.....
You read them than tell us what you do not understand.

§ 393.128What are the rules for securing automobiles, light trucks and vans?(a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to the transportation of automobiles, light trucks, and vans which individually weigh 4,536 kg. (10,000 lb) or less. Vehicles which individually are heavier than 4,536 kg (10,000 lb) must be secured in accordance with the provisions of §393.130 of this part. (b) Securement of automobiles, light trucks, and vans.

(1) Automobiles, light trucks, and vans must be restrained at both the front and rear to prevent lateral, forward, rearward, and vertical movement using a minimum of two tiedowns.

(2) Tiedowns that are designed to be affixed to the structure of the automobile, light truck, or van must use the mounting points on those vehicles that have been specifically designed for that purpose.

(3) Tiedowns that are designed to fit over or around the wheels of an automobile, light truck, or van must provide restraint in the lateral, longitudinal and vertical directions.(4) Edge protectors are not required for synthetic webbing at points where the webbing comes in contact with the tires.

§ 393.130What are the rules for securing heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery?

(a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to the transportation of heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery which operate on wheels or tracks, such as front end loaders, bulldozers, tractors, and power shovels and which individually weigh 4,536 kg (10,000 lb.) or more. Vehicles, equipment and machinery which is lighter than 4,536 kg (10,000 lb.) may also be secured in accordance with the provisions of this section, with §393.128, or in accordance with the provisions of §§393.100 through 393.114.

(b) Preparation of equipment being transported.
(1) Accessory equipment, such as hydraulic shovels, must be completely lowered and secured to the vehicle.

(2) Articulated vehicles shall be restrained in a manner that prevents articulation while in transit.

(c) Securement of heavy vehicles, equipment or machinery with crawler tracks or wheels.
(1) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, heavy equipment or machinery with crawler tracks or wheels must be restrained against movement in the lateral, forward, rearward, and vertical direction using a minimum of four tiedowns.

(2) Each of the tiedowns must be affixed as close as practicable to the front and rear of the vehicle, or mounting points on the vehicle that have been specifically designed for that purpose.


§393.130 What are the rules for securing heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery?

Question 1: If an item of construction equipment which weighs less than 4,536 kg (10,000 lb.) is transported on a flatbed or drop-deck trailer, must the accessory equipment be lowered to the deck of the trailer?

Guidance: No. However, the accessory equipment must be properly secured using locking pins or similar devices in order to prevent either the accessory equipment or the item of construction equipment itself from shifting during transport.

Question 2: How should I secure the accessories for an item of construction equipment which weighs 4,536 kg (10,000 lb.) or more, if the accessory devices would extend beyond the width of the trailer if they are lowered to the deck for transport?

Guidance: The accessory devices (plows, trencher bars, and the like) may be transported in a raised position, provided they are designed to be transported in that manner. However, the accessory equipment must be locked in place for transport to ensure that neither the accessories nor the equipment itself shifts during transport.

Question 3: A tractor loader-backhoe weighing over 10,000 pounds is being transported on a trailer. The loader and backhoe accessories are each equipped with locking devices or mechanisms that prevent them from moving up and down and from side-to-side while the construction equipment is being transported on the trailer. Must these accessories also be secured to the trailer with chains?

Guidance: No. However, if the construction equipment does not have a means of preventing the loader bucket, backhoe, or similar accessories from moving while it is being transported on the trailer, then a chain would be required to secure those accessories to the trailer.
 
I saw a guy bring in a IH B or C in a 2 wheel trailer. He had it backed on with 2 foot sides on the trailer and a 2 X 2 behind the back tires(front sitting on tractor) and another behind the front tires(front of tractor) that was screwed into the sides. He had large block in the floor behind the rear and front tires. There was nothing across the rear of the trailer. NO CHAINS OR STRAPS WHAT SO EVER! I was working the gate or I would have said something to him. I know, I sure would have not been following him.
 
I had to go to a class on hauling equipment one time and the instructor said at the end of the class. Fasten the piece down so that if you tip the trailer over the piece that is on the trailer is still tied where you tied it down. I would rather have one too many chains then not enough.

Bob
 
when i leave home i take 20 chains and boomers and 6 2" straps and most of the time i have enough but i always come home with every piece still on the trailer most loads are like this one
a131263.jpg
 
Thanks for this info. I've copied it to a word doc and printed it up for reference (maybe a few people I've met will think differently when I show it to them).

I've attempted to read some information about transporting cars, equipment, etc a few times before and it always gave me a headache and then a discussion with those that informed I was wrong and too much overkill. Hope this ends those discussions.
 
In the early 80's I worked at a shop near Waco Texas. We had a Ford single axle tractor and a 40 ft trailer. That looks like some of the loads I used to haul. On more than one occasion I thought I was going to be short of chains/boomers. Always managed to get everything tied down and never lost any loads. That is; none that I tied down.
 
Safety chains are crossed so tongue drops down and is cradled by the crossed chains and keeps tongue off pavement.
 
I was delivering a large forklift after repairing it years ago. Drove it on the trailer,drug out a couple chains and threw them on the deck of the trailer when someone showed up and wanted me to look at something. Almost made it back to truck when phone call was for me. Already being late I came out jumped in truck and took off like my azz was on fire for customers place. Drove faster than usual, peeled into their yard right on time. Jumped out to unload the forklift and the chains were lying right where I left them on the deck of the trailer. Forklift never moved on the 20 mile trip. That said, I look at every load I pass or that passes me now. Lots of marginal or non existant tie down jobs.
 
When I haul locally I will just throw two chains w/ binders on, one front and one back. If I'm hauling a distance or cross state lines then four chains w/ binders go on, one for each corner. Rules vary between states. I live in South Dakota. Hauled through MN, WI, ND, IA, NE and IL. I've been through checks in all of those states and have never been bothered. 99% of the time it's my own stuff I'm hauling and the 1% when it's not mine it is while it's on my trailer 8)

Not saying I'm right, just saying what has worked for me and I don't plan to change it until I'm told otherwise.

Casey in SD
 
Let me tell you crossed chains will not keep a trailer from swaying. The only thing that will really help is a weight distribution system with sway control.
 
Thanks John--you are the only one that answered what is required!!--not what each individual does as this may not be legal
 
Let me tell you,get out your DOT motor carrier handbook. From whatever state you choose. There are all in line with each other. Very detailed expanation with pictures on how to attach safty chains from the trailer to the tow vehicle. Purpose being to keep the trailer coupled to the tow vehicle AND PREVENT IT FROM SWAYING in the event that the hitch fails.
 
I ran the road for 38 years and have seen my share of trailers come loose and they are all over the place when they loose a trailer even with chains crossed.
The only thing about them being crossed the tongue doesn't dig into pavement.
 
The only thing about them being crossed the tongue doesn't dig into pavement.

Since the "securing loads" question has been answered...

Not even that.

Most safety chains are too long or mounted in the wrong place on the tongue for the "catch the tongue" idea to work.

Try it yourself. Hook up the chains, pull them tight, and then lower the tongue to the ground. Nothing stopping it.
 
I was taught to "draw and quarter" the load. Simply put one chain and binder on each corner. You don't want the load to move in any direction.

I personally scrapped all my fold over binders when I discovered ratchet binders. Ratchets don't seem to ever come loose like the fold overs do. I don't feel comfortable with straps. I use chains on most everything. I will use straps on lumber or anything a chain might damage.
 
I looked up the law a couple years ago. Vehicles over 10,000# require four chains and binders, while lighter vehicles can use two so long as the load can noth shift or slide. My pulling tractors get one through the nose frame or axle, and one through the drawbar with a gr70 clevis. I do think they may require going through the physical body or frame of the tractor, but if my drawbar breaks when hauling, I have more serious issues to worry about. I don't usually tie to the clevis and drawbar for long distances. But that's my risk. I've never lost a load or had a load come loose in my 15 years of constantly hauling stuff around.
 

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