Tie downs

[Posimoto]

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. 

[SPYDER]

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??

[Blacky]

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

[Ian]

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.

[SPYDER]

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. 

[SPYDER]

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. 

[Bluerocket]

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!

[SPYDER]

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.