Question about chain

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by RStewart, Aug 14, 2019.

  1. RStewart

    RStewart Road Train Member

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    Yeah, I know, another one. Lol. I did a search and didn't really find the answer to my questions. If you don't mind answering that would be great...

    When it comes to equipment and general flat/step freight:

    How often do you have a need for chains longer than 15ft on loads?

    How often could you get away with using 10ft chains on your loads?

    Reason being my questions is I was thinking about getting 8 25ft chains and cutting them into 15 & 10ft pieces. But I figured before I make those kinds of plans if come ask the experts.
     
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  3. starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    Needing a 25 foot chain will be rare. I always have some 16 foot chains, and I always keep some short ones on there too. I have some 24 foot chains, and actually they are more of a pita, I just keep one on a truck usually.
    One thing, it really doesn't matter how often, what counts is will you have what you need when you have to have it. I tended to carry more gear than I USUALLY needed, but I had it when I did, USUALLY. lol
     
  4. HoneyBadger67

    HoneyBadger67 Road Train Member

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    Hauling steel roofing trusses, long chains are almost a must. Unless you feel like a monkey and are of a mind to clamber 10' up placing strap protectors.
     
  5. beastr123

    beastr123 Road Train Member

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    I carried 2 25'and 30' chains to use as belly rap/ choker chains for pyramid loaded pipe. They were 5/16 gr7. The rest of my chains (12 of them)were 15' 3/8 g7.
    The 5/16 were also good for top chokes on split coils and for 1 chain 2 binders on light equipment such as small tractors
     
  6. starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    I haul a lot of pipe, but use straps instead, I do have long straps to belly and butterfly wrap it.
     
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  7. LoneCowboy

    LoneCowboy Road Train Member

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    we have 20' chains and I've been short a couple times. (and learned to carry a few shorties). The 20' seems to be a good overall choice for "stuff". For equipment I"d want shorter.
     
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  8. skellr

    skellr Road Train Member

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    I used 20' chains. I think 15' would be a bit short too often. I can't imagine 10' unless it was for hauling equipment on a step-deck. but then again a 20' is good for two direct tie downs if you throw one end across the deck and use the ends as direct tie downs.

    20's were nice for coils, if you have a rubrail/anchor that can hold a binder hook. just throw both hook ends through the eye and you just threw two chains through the eye.

    Hard to say. I suppose you could just hook a short chain on if you ran out of length. but a 20' isn't bad to pack around.
     
  9. RStewart

    RStewart Road Train Member

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    I think I'll stick with 20ft chains. I never thought about throwing the two hooks through a coil and it equaling two chains. Makes sense though. Good point.
     
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  10. Razororange

    Razororange Road Train Member

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    I carry nothing but 10ft chains. Used to carry all 20s but I almost never need a 20ft chain. Got tired of humping around so much extra chain and cut them all in half. If I do get into a situation where I need a 20+ ft chain I can either hook them together or use midlinks to connect as many 10ft sections as I need for a load.
     
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  11. JonJon78

    JonJon78 Road Train Member

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    Are you going to be pulling a step or flat?
     
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