chains

I use 5/16 , thats what my company provides, id rather have 3/8 though

 

at my company all the pipe guys (concrete pipe, with those specific trailers) all have 5/16th. All the flatbed guys have 3/8th.

after throwing 3/8th all day slinging 5/16th is like baby weights.

when i had my truck, i had grade 100 3/8th chain. (which is approximately the equivalent of 1/2" grade 70 at half the weight although you have to use 1/2 binders to keep the WLL up) but most companies are way too cheap.

 

I've used both. They have their places. I've hauled combines with all 5/16, you just need to use more of them.

 

I carry 5 3/8 and 6-7 5/16. 5 3/8 70g will hold 50k single piece (coil, slab, ect). If I just need more for long pieces or multi pieces 5/16 will work for that. Helps keep my light weight down to.

 

I prefer big chain.

Anything small is used to leash that doggie.

 

I carry 3/8”. 7 16’, 5 20’.

 

I carry 3/8", 10 at 20'. I dont think I've ever needed all 10.

 

5/16 will do the job. You might need to throw another chain, or two, to meet requirements or your comfort level.

3/8 would be nice at times, but having more tie downs spread across more anchor points does have some appeal. Especially with aluminum trailers. like Reitnouer trailers. (when not using J-plates/hooks)

I'd want to have some 3/8 chains, but I don't think I would throw less chains because they were 3/8 instead of 5/16. Is it worth 3/8? Probably on a steel trailer. Aluminum? maybe...

 

What's the WLL of your attachment points on the trailer? Really no point in exceeding them with a heavier chain. If your attachment points can handle 3/8" G70 chain, then by all means use it. If they barely exceed the rating of a 5/16" G70 chain, why would you want to throw the heavier chains when you aren't seeing any benefit? Besides...a broken chain is much cheaper/easier to replace than a broken rub rail.