chains

If you can use lighter chains, by all means, do!

I have had a few companies specify heavier, like 1/2 in.

I was contacted once by a recruiter from what I thought was a pretty decent east coast flatbed co. I had done a few loads for them, their guys watched me like a hawk secure my loads and roll out in what they referred to as record time. I was a bit insulted at first, as if they thought I was cutting corners..."No way, we watched you, you did everything the way we would. Your good."....well, one thing lead to another, and next time I was in town I met for breakfast with the terminal manager. Amongst other things, to come on board, they wanted me to get rid of all my 3/8 or lighter chains and binders....first, I said "Why???" When they couldn't give me a good enough answer, I said "No thanks!".

I liked the terminal manager, still talk to him on rare occasions, but, co who make blanket rules like that really just comes from some ignorant safety guy who heard a rumor or complaint 3rd hand, really doesn't understand FMCSA requirements and rules, nor has he/she ever thrown a single chain, ever.

You get out there in 100+ heat and humidty, you got the better part of a 600 mi journey in front of you...if you had the choice of running lighter chains, you wouldn't?

They are transport grade chains...they are legal....I keep an assortment of thickness, duty and length. Sometimes, you just need a short chain...so, I cut some rusty old 20' into half and another few into thirds, add a 2 hooks. Off to the races.

 

I use 1/2 inch 95% of the time. More peace of mind. They seem to stay tight better as well.

 

1/2 inch is useless with most flatbed as you'd be limited by your securement points.

 

I was gonna mention that as well, in my case my D-rings on my lowboy are rated at 15,000 a piece so it just works better for me.

 

Isn’t the wll of the binders the same for 5/16 and 3/8? If that’s the case, why carry more load limiting weight?

Company I’m leased too uses 3/8. on my own trailer, I have 5/16. Never had an issue, and throwing one more chain isn’t a deal breaker if I have to.

 

Digging up my past post, I have realized I was in error. Their is a difference in the WLL between 5/16 and 3/8. I have decided to go with a mixed bag. 5 of each. That ought to keep me outta trouble.

 

I keep both sizes on my truck. I haul a lot of wire reels that weigh anywhere from a few hundred to 4000 Plus pounds. So for those smaller reels the 5/16 chain works great , but I use the heavier chain for the bigger reels. I definitely like using the 5/16 chain whenever I can because it's so much easier to throw and move around.

 

Lol I just realized this is an old thread.

 

3/8 bought my own set.