New England Jeepz

General Category => Technical Discussion => Topic started by: Axle on July 08, 2015, 06:02:15 PM

Title: Tie downs
Post by: Axle on July 08, 2015, 06:02:15 PM
just ordered these, hope you like 'em. lol
http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/product/super-pack-tie-down-kit-8-foot-straps/super-packs
adding something like these to the trailer
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-1-2-D-Ring-Weld-On-Flatbed-Truck-Trailer-Ratchet-Strap-Cargo-Tie-Down-Ring-/200561881838
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: Axle on July 08, 2015, 06:08:51 PM
what are the pros and cons of crossing the straps?
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: Ian on July 08, 2015, 06:11:17 PM
ive seen those straps before, they are pretty nice.  i welded on rings onto the axle tubes. 4 of them.  they make loading up so much easier.  i've broken a strap while towing before, so replacing straps before they break is a great idea.
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: Ian on July 08, 2015, 06:11:47 PM
what are the pros and cons of crossing the straps?

triangulation
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: Axle on July 08, 2015, 06:19:17 PM
In the past, I replace my tie downs every season or two at most.
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: Ian on July 08, 2015, 06:25:37 PM
since i welded the rings onto the axles, my strap doesn't come into contact with the axle tube.  just a metal hook clipping into a metal ring.
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: SPYDER on July 08, 2015, 06:44:52 PM
When I bought the trailer I also bought 4 new straps and 4 axle straps.  The axle straps are cheap and can easily be replaced and take the abuse.  The straps I bought are short which was a plus and take 1/2 the time it used to hooking to the frame.   I bought everything from awdirect.com


More triangulation is better

Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: Posimoto on July 08, 2015, 07:10:29 PM
I know a lot of guys cross the straps, but I've always tied straight down.
If your straps are crossed and one side breaks the first thing your Jeep will do is walk sideways pulled by the opposite crossed strap
If your axles and tires are wide like most it won't take much movement to get a tire off the trailer
Call up Macs my guess would be they recommend you tie straight down as most companies that make straps do
It's just the way I do it doesn't mean it's right or wrong
Just personal preference

 
 Edit spelling
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: Bluerocket on July 08, 2015, 07:21:31 PM
I like those straps bob.  Looks like a nice set.
The weld on d rings are great, that's the same ones I use on my trailer I believe. 

I was under the impression it is the law to cross straps as it stops your load shifting in any direction.
I like the way it holds my jeep down, and I drive relatively aggressively.     I have seen people run 2 strait straps and 2 cross in the rear (6) total, which I think is overkill for our load.   
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: Twisty on July 08, 2015, 07:52:46 PM
I cross my straps.  Same reason why you triangulate suspension links.  The criss-cross pattern will keep the load stationary. 
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: Posimoto on July 08, 2015, 08:28:00 PM
I was under the impression it is the law to cross straps as it stops your load shifting in any direction.
Federal law requires 4 tie downs to keep the load from shifting. There is no law that I know of that states you need tie downs straight or crossed.
I agree, crossing the straps keeps the load stationary.......until one strap breaks   ;)
Again, it's personally preference.
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: JayZR2 on July 09, 2015, 06:00:04 AM
I run axle straps and criss cross my straps. I also tie down from the axle not the body. I've seen people use the D-rings on their bumper and every bump they go over when the towed vehicle suspension flexes the strap end up with slack in them. Once it was enough for the hook to come off the trailer. Luckily it was me behind him and I was able to get him to pull over and fix it.
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: Bluerocket on July 09, 2015, 01:37:11 PM
I was under the impression it is the law to cross straps as it stops your load shifting in any direction.
Federal law requires 4 tie downs to keep the load from shifting. There is no law that I know of that states you need tie downs straight or crossed.
I agree, crossing the straps keeps the load stationary.......until one strap breaks   ;)
Again, it's personally preference.

Interesting, I'd have to go look at the laws in more detail.  The cross is not required, it is used to fulfill the "lateral" restraint of the load section from what I've been told.    If you had a small object they could go from the corner of the load to the corners of the trailer.    I'm curious now, do you know what laws this would be in?  Google hasn't been my friend.

*edit here's what I did find: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/content/393128   
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: Ian on July 09, 2015, 02:12:31 PM
what about chains and binders?  :poke:
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: Axle on July 09, 2015, 04:56:11 PM
leave your sex life out of this Ian lol
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: Posimoto on July 09, 2015, 07:55:43 PM

Interesting, I'd have to go look at the laws in more detail.  The cross is not required, it is used to fulfill the "lateral" restraint of the load section from what I've been told.    If you had a small object they could go from the corner of the load to the corners of the trailer.    I'm curious now, do you know what laws this would be in?  Google hasn't been my friend.

*edit here's what I did find: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/content/393128   

(f) Use of tiedowns.
(1) Tiedowns and securing devices must not contain knots.
(2) If a tiedown is repaired, it must be repaired in accordance with the applicable standards in paragraph (e) of this section, or the manufacturer's instructions.
(3) Each tiedown must be attached and secured in a manner that prevents it from becoming loose, unfastening, opening or releasing while the vehicle is in transit.
(4) Edge protection must be used whenever a tiedown would be subject to abrasion or cutting at the point where it touches an article of cargo. The edge protection must resist abrasion, cutting and crushing.


https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/393.104

The link below is for commercial loads, all have straight tiedowns for "lateral" restraint as well.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/cargo-securement/drivers-handbook-cargo-securement-chapter-2-general-cargo-securement

 The government's weight ratings for tiedowns is figured by deceleration in the forward direction (among other things). A straight strap would have a higher rating in the forward direction. 

Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: SPYDER on August 13, 2015, 03:52:48 PM
ive noticed over the past few trips that my hooks on my ratchets for my straps are starting to bend.  I know my trailer hook locations are not ideal but they are what they are.  so I was thinking about buying new ratchets with a chain end on them instead of a normal hook.  but most of the ones I have found are just a chain and no hooking device.  so if were to go this route what would the safest way to attach a hook to the end of the chain???

either that or I need to find a hook that will fit inside my stake pockets, cause I don't like having them on the outside of the pocket where they could come off much easier.  suggestions??
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: Blacky on August 13, 2015, 05:12:17 PM
A Google search came up with a bunch of chain end straps the have solid hooks on them. Are you tying the body down? I can't really imagine bending the hooks so easily if they are going to the axles
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: Ian on August 13, 2015, 06:19:03 PM
if the hook is bending then you are putting side pressure on the hook.  this can't be good. 

welding in some new hook on your trailer in the ideal spot.
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: SPYDER on August 13, 2015, 06:22:21 PM
Wrapped around the axle.  It's the way the hook rests on the trailer edge is bending them.  Which is putting a side load.

Apparently I never really looked at the ratchet side of the tie downs before.  I can just unbolt the strap and hook and put a chain on it.  Just got home from lowes and I bought 4 6" lengths of chain rated at 3k lbs and 4 chain hooks rated at 3k lbs as well.  Just need to swap out the straps for the chains and I'll be good to go.  Need to make some bushings or something as well to keep the chain centered on the ratchet. 
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: SPYDER on August 13, 2015, 07:25:27 PM
Ok. I'll rephrase that. All the ones I'm finding online have a 10 - 13 inch chain or strap.  My present ratchet end has a 6 inch strap and the load ends are perfect lengths so I have almost no extra flapping in the wind. 

But like I said I solved my problem so it's a mute point. 
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: Bluerocket on August 13, 2015, 07:46:58 PM
Good catch matt,  Maki had a similar issue with his connection points years ago and the straps indeed broke and his jeep went flying sideways across the trailer leaving swanzey one day.   Smart to not let that be you! :)
Title: Re: Tie downs
Post by: SPYDER on August 13, 2015, 08:19:34 PM
Ever since you and axle pointed it out to me I have checked them when I unload the jeep.  And Sunday when I checked them they had a small bend to them. Nothing major but not something I wanna risk.