What Length Chains Do I Need To Haul Crushed Cars

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by revzilla, Nov 15, 2024.

  1. revzilla

    revzilla Bobtail Member

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    Anyone know what height crushed cars typically are? Hoping my 20 foot chains are long enough but wasn't sure if I needed longer. Broker didn't seem sure either
    Appreciate any insight
     
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  3. LTL Bull

    LTL Bull Road Train Member

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    20 foot won’t be enough at least from my limited experience . If they’re 8’ off the deck 25’ would be really close. I’ll defer to those that know more but I’d think you’d need to be close to the 28’ mark on chain length
     
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  4. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    We use regular 20ft chains but have some short 3fters that we attach also. And then we run a strap d-ring to a winch.
    The best way to do it imo. If using binders make sure to keep them tight.. the cars settle a ridiculous amount while in transit.

    Also the best way to get ur chains over is to let the forklift guy give you a chance to lay your chains over the top stack while it's on the ground, and then he lifts the stack with ur chains on it and sets it up there for u.. then u just have to rig it up from there.. not sure if u done crushed cars before just some throwing some tips out there because I've learned the hard way... lol
     
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  5. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    This is what I mean by strap d-ring. You don't need 30fters . The ones we use are only like 5ft or do, but they are really handy with loads like this. That way you can tighten the chain like a strap rather then using binders
    Screenshot_20241115_170601_Chrome.jpg
     
  6. LTL Bull

    LTL Bull Road Train Member

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    I only did crushed cars once and that was once too many for me. We had a guy that did them all the time, I had his trailer when o did them and he had 32’ ones I think. But he had a setup similar to what you’re talking about and Ohio busted him for having straps run to the 20’ chains he used to carry. Something about the straps can be cut by the cars ? I don’t know. Is there an actual reg on it? This was a few years back but around these parts the guys all run chains only
     
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  7. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    As long as the strap is not touching the cars it is completely legal as far as I understand... there is a special regulation written for crushed cars where straps aren't allowed at all, but it also says the d ring ones are fine to attach to a chain as long as they don't touch the cars themselves... something to that effect I don't have the book in front of me right now..
    my company has probably 10+ loads a week of crushed cars and that's how we do it...

    i am like you, I try to stay away from them as much as I can. Although it's not as bad after a couple times of doing it.
     
  8. revzilla

    revzilla Bobtail Member

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    Sounds good thanks for the tips everyone
     
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  9. CAXPT

    CAXPT Road Train Member

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    This is the regulation you are referring to:
    :banghead:
     
  10. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    Do you guys run them wrapped with a “hair net” mesh? Tejas makes them do it down here. Keeps all the little broken bits from falling off in transit.
     
  11. CAXPT

    CAXPT Road Train Member

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    Not a choice. The last section of that cite points that out.
    Federal Register :: Request Access
     
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