Chains VS. Straps
By Uncle Jon
I grew up with a 20’ length of 3/8” chain in the bed of the truck. If anybody got stuck in the mud or snow, we threw the end of the chain to them and did our best to pull them out. Oftentimes sustaining damage to one or both vehicles involved. Well, times have changed, and we have more choices on what to use to save our friends.
Over the years, I’ve hauled hay, ATVs, SxS, Jeeps and dune buggies, skid loaders, mini excavators, stacks of lumber, pipe and concrete boxes behind my pickup. I’ve learned that a length of chain is not always the right choice and sometimes it’s the only choice.
If you are hauling anything that weighs over 10,000 lbs, use chains and check with the DOT guides for what kind of chains and how many to use. This discussion will focus on lighter loads that folks haul with their pickup trucks vs Medium and Heavy trucks.
Grade 70 transport chains are used for lighter loads. DOT rules specify that any item over 10,000 lbs must be secured with chains. For items under 10,000 lbs, you have the option of using chains or straps. I use chains to secure skid loaders, tractors, and mini excavators. They are metal and have lots of secure access points. I’m typically not worried about scratching paint or damaging the machine by hooking chains to the access points. In contrast, Motorcycles, ATVs, SxS often have painted surfaces or plastic parts that I care about and are usually much lighter. So chains on 7,000 lbs skid loader and straps on a 600 lbs ATV.
Whichever you choose, your Working load limit for all tie-downs securing your load should equal at least half of the item being tied downs total weight. ie a 7,000 lbs skid loader, would need tie downs that equal 3500 lbs or greater. If you are using a 5/16” Grade 70 chain, It’s Working Load Limit is 4700 lbs. A 600lbs ATV could use 1” ratchet straps that have a Working Load Limit of 400 lbs per strap.
- Uncle Jon
Disclaimer: Uncle Jon is a seasoned trail hound and grease-monkey, not a doctor, certified paramedic, or licensed engineer. The advice shared here comes from decades of getting stuck, breaking stuff, and making mistakes so you don't have to. Take everything you read with a grain of salt, a heavy dose of common sense, and a solid backup plan—because if you take medical or rigging advice strictly from an internet blog without doing your own homework, that’s on you!
