How many chains in Ohio?

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member
Hauling a pulling tractor in Ohio,16FT. trailer with a 6500lb. tractor. How many chains to make DOT happy???? (personal trailer and pickup)
 
Legally, for under 10,000 lbs., you need two chains, plus an additional one for every ten feet of your load. So, if the tractor is less than 10' long, you need two chains, less than 20' three chains. What I would do, is four chains, one on each corner with 3/8" chain, plus an additional for any extra equipment, like a loader or brush hog. You can find all the rules on the Federal Motor Carrier website.
FMCSA
 
You need to hold down 80% of the load. You also need to hold it front and backwards. I like the one comment about give it everything you got. I bet they would make you stop just to get another look.
 
The ten-foot rule in 393.110 is a general requirement, that (as stated early in the section) is over-ruled by the regs for rolling equipment in 393.128 and .130. The 10-ft. rule is more to make sure there is a tiedown every ten feet or better on load like pipe, lumber, pallets . . . So a third restrain because of the length of the tractor is not a requirement, as long as the two or four restraints (depending on whether over/under 10K) is all that is required as a minimum.

That said and still . . . I went to the belt and suspenders school of you can't ever have too much for restraints. A little overkill can keep you safe in an extreme situation, and can reduce the aggravation if a diesel bear driving by thinks your securement might warrant pulling you over to see if he can't generate some revenue.

Nothing in the world wrong with tying down a 3000 lb. tractor at all four corners as if it weighed 13,000. Adequate straps, chains, hooks, binders . . . all marked for their ratings. All kept tight.
 
The chains don't have to be evenly spaced on the 10 foot rule, though. Per JJKeller's securement handbook. Which would be a good thing to carry, it might get you out of a ticket if you pull it out and say, well, isn't this what the handbook says? It shows you made an effort and didn't just wing it.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top