Posted by Marty [174.7.23.230] on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 14:53:05 :
In Reply to: Looking for tie downs for my trailer? posted by The Dodge Boys [64.12.116.76] on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 13:20:24 :
I'm not a fan of the ratcheting load binders. A regular load binder will exert enough force to damage your truck if one was so stupid but if the slack is all taken out of your chains & they're used properly & wired closed...you'll never possibly have one let go unless you've done something very wrong.
In order to tie down a truck properly, you need 2 long chains & 4 load binders.
Generally the brake lines aren't an issue because of where they run on the front & rear.
I still prefer straps as opposed to chains when hauling a restored truck...even after having both rear straps break while hauling the 54 PW I sold Chris W! :)
That was a very close call but it was definitely operator error & not the straps fault...I'll take blame :) :)
If using fabric straps, you need to be sure your straps are pulling straight & nothing sharp can possibly get near them. Never run them over a sharp steel edge...like the edge of your trailer. Use "D" rings on your trailer & I definitely prefer the hooks made of round bar as opposed to the flat hooks with the safety catch. These ones "WILL" cut the straps if they aren't pulling 100% straight...which is what caused my incident.
I hooked the flat hook in my stake pockets on my trailer & so if you can imagine...the flat hook exerts a huge force on the strap & just cuts it as soon as you hit the brakes in an emergency.
Luckily the 54 PW front winch bumper was considerably stronger than my pals rear Ford chrome sissy bumper :) :) :)
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