Chains/Binders for Towing
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2014
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Chains/Binders for Towing
I am going to be towing with my new F-350. I have towed cargo and landscape trailers but now that I have my new truck, will be doing some heavier towing. I will be towing my 11K pound excavator, a skid steer, and several antique tractors.
I am new to chains and binders--what do you guys recommend? I want the best ones available so even if they are pricey, let me know. How strong do the chains need to be? (the largest item is the 11K pound excavator)
Any recommendations on specific chains, sizes, and binders is greatly appreciated!
I am new to chains and binders--what do you guys recommend? I want the best ones available so even if they are pricey, let me know. How strong do the chains need to be? (the largest item is the 11K pound excavator)
Any recommendations on specific chains, sizes, and binders is greatly appreciated!
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Northeast NE
Your best bet to be legal is to look up FMCSA website. The DOT has their rules that need to be followed to keep you from getting a hefty fine. Be prepared to read and reread to comprehend. I think tie down chains need to be a different color? It doesn't matter if it is private or commercial, with an excavator the scale, and DOT will assume commercial, and treat you as such. I think the chain has to be gold colored.
Elder User
Joined: May 2011
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Your best bet to be legal is to look up FMCSA website. The DOT has their rules that need to be followed to keep you from getting a hefty fine. Be prepared to read and reread to comprehend. I think tie down chains need to be a different color? It doesn't matter if it is private or commercial, with an excavator the scale, and DOT will assume commercial, and treat you as such. I think the chain has to be gold colored.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2014
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Can you guys post some links to whatever you recommend? I would like to study this options and learn more about what is best.
So, sounds like I need gold chains. As far as strength goes, I'm all for overkilling the strength of the chains and binders...how strong do the chains get? What rating should I be looking for to be in the strongest class? Should each chain be rated to hold the full weight of the cargo? In other words, if I have an 11K excavator, do I need to find chains that hold at least 11K? I haven't seen any that strong so I was wondering.
Please give me some websites for reputable, quality tow chains and binders. Thanks!
So, sounds like I need gold chains. As far as strength goes, I'm all for overkilling the strength of the chains and binders...how strong do the chains get? What rating should I be looking for to be in the strongest class? Should each chain be rated to hold the full weight of the cargo? In other words, if I have an 11K excavator, do I need to find chains that hold at least 11K? I haven't seen any that strong so I was wondering.
Please give me some websites for reputable, quality tow chains and binders. Thanks!
Logistics Pro
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Itinerant
Correct on the chain color. Dot approved chain will be gold colored and priced higher than your standard log chain. On binders I have always liked the cam binder style combined with a 3ft pipe for leverage over the turnbuckle style. Just remember to hook them so you are pulling down to tighten them , not pushing up. You will loose some teeth eventually if you don't. Always put your binders on the drivers side so they are easier to check on your rear view while going down the rd.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Rusty, Maine
Don't use the cam style binders. They are dangerous no matter how you use them.
Use the turnbuckle style and you can get them tight. You won't have to worry about them popping open or injuring you.
My .02
Durabilt Titan Super-Duty Ratchet Chain Binders | Truck n Tow.com
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Junior User
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Is Tractor Supply going to have the highest quality products? I tend to stay about from the big box stores like Lowes, Home Depot, etc. because they often have more consumer grade product. If Tractor Supply has as good of quality as anyone, that does make it easier but I don't mind spending more money if there is a superior product out there. I'm definitely interested in spending the money to invest in top notch chains and binders--is Tractor Supply a place I will find that and if not, where?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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