Posted by Mark S. on Saturday, January 17, 2004 at 7:10PM :
Had a short update of DOT regs. at a antique tractor club the other night.
They recommend 1/2 of the weight of the load for tie-down strenght.
So supposing your PW/tractor weighs 7,000 lbs. --- your tie down chains/straps etc. should be rated for 3,500 pounds of strenght.
At this time there's no regs concerning using ratchet vs over-the-center chain binders but for safety - secure, (safety wire) the latter handle down.
Any truck w/commercial plates rated 10,000 lbs. or more should stop at the weigh stations (when flashing). (You may just be waved thru as they "like" the tractor trailer jockeys --- bigger fines !!!)
Your trailer should have tires load rated to carry the weight. In other words, don't have the spare tire off of a '49 Merc. because if thats what blows and causes the accident ---- --- --- ---
They do look at those load ratings on the trailer !!!
Travel safe this year !!!