Chain size 5/16 or 3/8?

I’ve been doing flatbed most of my trucking life(37 years just in flatbed alone) and only have used 5/16’s. On more heavier loads, I just had to whip out a few more on to comply.

 

Yeah there was also some kind of red sauce on it. Kinda like a marinara sauce. I didn’t care for that

 

This is a good point in regards to the chain pop ups.

It was my understanding that stack pockets and the rub rail eyes don't have a rated WLL on most trailer makes.

 

With a grade 70 5/16 chain your still giving up 800 pounds of WLL every time.

Anchor points are not required to be rated so that’s a moot point.


If I were hauling general flatbed freight like steel beams, plate, ect and only pulled a flat, I would stick with 5/16” chain.

If I were pulling a trailer with appropriately rated anchor points, or a step deck/double drop where you get into a lot more machinery I would want 3/8 chain. Just my opinion.

 

3/8" chain is a lot heavier. I'm often driving it around the country unused. I'd rather have 5/8" chain for that reason.

 

Anchor points do have WLL on most if not all newer trailers, not necessarily enforced by DOT. (Just wait until something go's wrong of course) The stake pocket can be used but the chain must go around the pocket and back to itself to get the full WLL out of the stake pocket. Correct me if I am wrong.

 

Same story X2

 

For Reitnouer you get #6600 going around 1 spool or 2 spools and using a J-plate... Using the stake pocket in any way reduces it...

 

Kinda of a different question, I run 3/8 and have been in flatbed for a out 5 yrs now, I've had the same chains the whole time and am wondering when should you replace chains. I noticed that a cotter pin was missing from the pin that holds the hook on the end of the chain and got me wondering if to just replace the cotter pin or taking it as a sign that they are getting old. None of the links are stretched out or deformed just getting rusty. Thoughts.