Topic: How to tie it down

[KDXSR5]

How do you tie your rig down? Axles or frame? Chains or straps? I have always tied to axles using chains, what about you?

[DTB]

straps! big ones!

u can get them at a farm supply, truck stop, or industrial tool

like this

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

Your drawings confuse me. I just take a tie down chain tie it down, , go over the axle, then tie it down on the other side. I then use a chain tightener to tighten it. My dad taught me to do it this way. He drives a semi delivering pipe, but he uses the straps for that. He never did explain why he uses chains for towing vehicles though.

EDIT: now I get the top one, my computer didn't load the pic all the way. I don't get the bottom one. I tie the same way, but with chains instead of straps.

[DTB]

Your drawings confuse me. I just take a tie down chain tie it down, , go over the axle, then tie it down on the other side. I then use a chain tightener to tighten it. My dad taught me to do it this way. He drives a semi delivering pipe, but he uses the straps for that. He never did explain why he uses chains for towing vehicles though.

the reason u cant understand that diagram is because uncljpl4x4 drew it 

just take some time to look at it and you'll figure it out..this is probably the safest way to do it...

the drawings on the bottom show that you want the strap coming as straight down from the axle tube as possible to your tie down point....to keep slack out of the strap

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

Your drawings confuse me. I just take a tie down chain tie it down, , go over the axle, then tie it down on the other side. I then use a chain tightener to tighten it. My dad taught me to do it this way. He drives a semi delivering pipe, but he uses the straps for that. He never did explain why he uses chains for towing vehicles though.

EDIT: now I get the top one, my computer didn't load the pic all the way. I don't get the bottom one. I tie the same way, but with chains instead of straps.

I guess you didn't notice my edit. I now understand what you are saying. Yeah, I do the same thing but with chains not straps. What are the pros and cons to chains and straps?

[79coyotefrg]

straps  have tension,  chains  are  just  tight

personally  i use both chains  and a strap,  chain on one  end  strap on the front,   and  run a  chain and or binder to the frame to preload the suspension of the truck being towed so it doesnt bob and weave down the road

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

  So you use straps on axle, then use a chain to tighten down the suspension? Kind of like hauling a dirtbike?

[freds40]

I use straps front and rear. Have for years and haven't had an issue. For me they are easier to work with and set up quicker/easier.  Use what ever you are comfortable with. I prefer to strap to the axle. 2 straps on each end either straight or criss cross.  CA law is 2 tie downs per axle.

[jta]

I use straps all around. The fronts are LIKE THIS and the backs are just regular straps with a small strap to make the loop around the tire.

[unclejpl4x4]

the reason u cant understand that diagram is because uncljpl4x4 drew it 

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

I use straps all around. The fronts are LIKE THIS and the backs are just regular straps with a small strap to make the loop around the tire.

Those look pretty nifty. Looks like they work pretty well.

[snowshoebrue]

i use straps front and rear.  the straps i use have locks on the hooks so that if they come loose they can't come off.  i have axle slings that i hook my straps to.  i run them straight in the front and crossed in the rear.

[eazy]

i perfer sign posts

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

 

[DTB]

jta, what keeps that strap from slipping over the front tire? im sure there is something i'm not seeing there

[Rocksurfer]

Get chain for the rear, put your rig exactly where you want it then put your chains exactly how you want them. Straps for the front and tighten it down. Also if you have a winch use it to secure the front so it doesn't bounce. Always and I mean always have a safety chain on the front, it doesn't need to be tight but if your rig breaks loose of the straps you won't loose the thing off the back, plus it is required by law to have a safety chain. Now when you unload your rig undo the front and backup until you can free the rear chain and leave the chain hooked to the trailer that way when you reload your rig you just re-hook the chain and then drive forward till the chain tightens then just strap down the front. Also don't just get any old hardware type chain make sure to get towtruck/flatbed truck rated chain and that goes for the straps too.


Here's a good source for this type of equipment, don't go cheap or you may regret it later:

http://www.awdirect.com/

[brainlessfool]

I just throw a chain right over the hole thing, pass. side to driver's side. that way the doors will not come open while going down the road. 

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

I just throw a chain right over the hole thing, pass. side to driver's side. that way the doors will not come open while going down the road. 

  I sure hope not.

[jta]

Those look pretty nifty. Looks like they work pretty well.

I have not had any problems and It saves you from having to get under a muddy truck after a day of wheeling.

jta, what keeps that strap from slipping over the front tire? im sure there is something i'm not seeing there

For one they are boggers so the lugs will keep it from going any where. Second you can tighten them down pretty good so it won't fit any lower on the tire, can't go down, and the straps are pulling down so it can't go up.

[DeadlyPeace]

CA law is 2 tie downs per axle.

plus it is required by law to have a safety chain.

Are these really true? I've never heard of them before.

I've always used a strap over the framefrom side to side, at both front and back. I have been thinking of making tow hook brackets at all 4 corners of the frame and just using a chain and chain tightener at each one.

BTW does anyone know a good place to get a good quality chain tightener?

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

higher end truck stops

[brainlessfool]

Are these really true? I've never heard of them before.

yup

[dizzydevil]

i chain the front and rear axle then i take a strap to the front and rear of the frame and put tension on them to keep the body from bouncing while in tow.

[yotaboy79]

i run chain to the axles ive had problems with straps fraying from rubbing on bracketry on the axle

[Tool Pimp]

I run a chain in front and 2 straps in the rear, never had any problems

[Loosekannon]

I chain down the front by going threw the bumper to pull down the suspension then 2 straps around the rear axle pulling back. Never had a problem with that.

[Redbeard1]

Chains on both ends, cross chain from left of load to right of trailer and right of load to left of trailer.  So that the chains make an X at the front and rear of your load (Class VII) rolling stock should always be transported with the suspension compressed.  Ratchet style chain binders are your friend always use chain rated for at least 2 times the weight of your load. Chain angles should be kept close to 45* in the X as well as from load to front and load to rear.


Chain binder
 
load chain

weld on D-ring for trailer

Bolt on clevice mount for rig (some OHV parks do not allow welded on recovery points) 

Grade 8 fastners with torque to yeild nuts (aka crimp nuts)

[madhunt]

if you use chain it must be grade 70 transport chian, its the gold anidized stuff, get the racheting binders they are alot eaiser to use.  any of these items can be had at napa

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

Hey! Thats the same stuff my dad and I use to tie our trucks down with! Thanks for posting the info!