Your last sentence is right on the mark, and I think you and Gene and I would agree on it.
DOT regs for machinery under 10,000 pounds require restraints rated for at least half the weight of the machine on EACH end. Over 10k requires restraints at each corner, rated to handle half the weight in each direction, plus additional for any buckets or hoes and the like.
In other discussions, it seems there is some variance between states as to whether straps are allowed vs. chains. You see cars strapped down all the time -- whether that's done under the 10k weight break I wouldn't dare to venture.
The usual 2 or 2-1/2" straps are usually rated for 3300#, and should be more than adequate for going down the road with a small tractor like an A. But I dont really trust them to handle the shock of an accident. I'll stick with my chains, thanks.
One thing for sure, you don't want to get into a discussion with a diesel bear on the side of the road as to whether you're commerical or a hobbyist. To an extent, I can agree that all the rules (books full of them!) start with a preface that they aply to vehicles engaged in "commerce", and thus wouldn't apply to a hobby hauler. But you can trust that if you oen that can of worms, DOT will ticket you or red-tag your rig and leave it to you to go to court to prove that you're not commercial. The tickets they write are for civil offenses, and innocent-until-proven-guilty doesn't apply.
Still, geting back to your last statement, my approach is that the DOT regs for restraints and other things are there for a reason, and there's no good reason not to meet or exceed their requirements.
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