Tie down strap questions
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 143
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From: Westchester IL
Tie down strap questions
Hey all, I have a question. I just brought home the new car trailer and need some knowledge. I have decided I would like to go with tow straps instead of chains when I haul the car around. If I were using chains, this qustion would be unnecessary. Buy chains with hooks, buy binders, go towing! But, since I want straps, here goes"
When they rate straps they state a "working load limit" and "breaking strength".
Is the difference as obvious as it looks? ie.:
I can strap my car down with (2) 5,000# straps in front and (2) at the rear. That means they will each "hold" 5,000 lbs right? So while the idea of two at each end is for even holding power and stability, does the 5k indicate one can handle the load in the event one loosens or the car shifts? Of course if the car shifts I most likely have other issues!
-----AND-----
The 10,000 "break" is if I am in an accident, they will hold up to 10,000 lbs of sudden force?
Or am I wrong all over?????
Thanks ahead of time.
When they rate straps they state a "working load limit" and "breaking strength".
Is the difference as obvious as it looks? ie.:
I can strap my car down with (2) 5,000# straps in front and (2) at the rear. That means they will each "hold" 5,000 lbs right? So while the idea of two at each end is for even holding power and stability, does the 5k indicate one can handle the load in the event one loosens or the car shifts? Of course if the car shifts I most likely have other issues!
-----AND-----
The 10,000 "break" is if I am in an accident, they will hold up to 10,000 lbs of sudden force?
Or am I wrong all over?????
Thanks ahead of time.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
Sounds pretty solid to me, that's always how I have figured them.
IMHO, 4ea. 5K# straps on an average car would be plenty of hold down power.
Be very careful of straps over sharp edges, they last about 10 minutes!!!!
IMHO, 4ea. 5K# straps on an average car would be plenty of hold down power.
Be very careful of straps over sharp edges, they last about 10 minutes!!!!
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 521
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I use 4 straps I run the front straight and cross the back. I have stake pockets so I use axle straps around the pockets, the axle straps have a protective sleeve. I just ordered some replacement stuff from Macs custom ties downs and they are better quality then the ones I was using. I try to have a couple of extra wraps and tie downs.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
In the fwiw department, it is not a bad idea to have a 3/8 chain for a backup wrapped around an axle and around the frame of the trailer to make sure the vehicle carried stays with the trailer in a disaster.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
Originally Posted by sawboy
When they rate straps they state a "working load limit" and "breaking strength".
Said another way:
Working Load Limit x Safety Factor = Breaking Strength
The Safety Factor is usually 3. So if a strap has an ultimate break strength of 5000 lbs, the working load limit is 1666 lbs.
I would not worry about a 5000 lbs strap breaking. As a previous poster says, all of the straps that I have lost have been from them being cut.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
Originally Posted by grafekie
I've broken 5000lb straps before... several of them. I'd be a little concerned about using straps myself, chains are pretty reasonably priced, why not just splurge?
Not to offend, but that is just about impossible if the car was tied down correctly.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
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From: Simpsonville, KY
Not, not tying cars, but I have broken them doing things that shouldn't have overloaded them. I'm just saying I don't trust straps anymore, and for the price chains aren't THAT much more expensive.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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Some states require a separate tie downs at each corner of the vehicle too, so even if you had a BIG chain you would need two at each end. Also if you go with the straps make sure you get the ones with the safety clips on the hooks , that way if the straps get some slack they can't come unhooked.
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