Educate me on Chains!!

Gappy · 11-16-07, 03:57 AM

I tow my 62 on a car hauler (I know, I'm a wussy). I currently use ratchet straps on all 4 corners. This is kind of time consuming. I want to switch to 2 chains in the front and use the straps in the back. What should I look for as a minimum in strength for these chains?

brownbear · 11-17-07, 12:49 AM

Well it needs to be a decent grade chain first. I can't remember the numbers, but the yellow cad plated chains are normally the good stuff. For size it depends on a few things.

A 5/16 or bigger might do it. I think I carry 3/8 chain with me....

Look at the chain binders as this is how you are going to tighten the chain. It might only work with a certain size. So that might help you pick the right size.

RockDoc · 11-17-07, 05:20 AM

The chromate plated stuff is Grade 70. Regular is Grade 30. For grade 70, 5/16" has a 4700lb safe limit, 3/8" has a safe limit of 6600lb. For comparison, Grade 30 3/8" has a safe limit of only 2650lb.

KY854RUN · 11-17-07, 12:05 PM

You should go with the 3/8" grade 70 chains. This will insure, that if one chain comes loose, the other will be able to handle the load until you can secure the one that loosened up. Also, I have seen grade 70 chain that was not plated.

Degnol · 11-17-07, 05:27 PM

Well, another question, but on topic......What is "proof" chain?

Thanks,

Ed

A tip I picked up from Poser at the BHCC, if you are using the stake pockets as points for chain, take the chain and run it up from the bottom and then hang it on the stake pocket instead of hooking it from below. Use gravity to keep the hook in place, even if the chain loosens.

11-16-07, 03:57 AM	#1
Gappy IH8MUD Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kendallville IN TLCA# 15086 Posts: 771	Educate me on Chains!! I tow my 62 on a car hauler (I know, I'm a wussy). I currently use ratchet straps on all 4 corners. This is kind of time consuming. I want to switch to 2 chains in the front and use the straps in the back. What should I look for as a minimum in strength for these chains? __________________ Tom 1978 FJ40 400 SBC, SM465 SOA, SR, 4 Wheel Disc Saginaw Steering, Marlin HySteer 1990 FJ62 OME/HD Lift w/33" MT's SROR Sliders, ARB Bullbar Rear Aussie Locker, SROR Rear Bumper MAF U-Bolt Flip, Outback Offroad Armor Warn 9K# Winch

11-17-07, 12:49 AM	#2
brownbear Mod in Hibernation Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Where diesels purr and turbos whine TLCA# 15584 Posts: 6,179	Well it needs to be a decent grade chain first. I can't remember the numbers, but the yellow cad plated chains are normally the good stuff. For size it depends on a few things. A 5/16 or bigger might do it. I think I carry 3/8 chain with me.... Look at the chain binders as this is how you are going to tighten the chain. It might only work with a certain size. So that might help you pick the right size. __________________ -84 BJ60, Finally on the FN road! -91 FJ80, wife's ride Iron Butt award winner of the Cruise Moab 08 !

11-17-07, 05:20 AM	#3
RockDoc IH8MUD Death Row Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Edmonton, Alberta TLCA# 18148 Posts: 1,670	The chromate plated stuff is Grade 70. Regular is Grade 30. For grade 70, 5/16" has a 4700lb safe limit, 3/8" has a safe limit of 6600lb. For comparison, Grade 30 3/8" has a safe limit of only 2650lb. __________________ Built 62 for sale - turn-key expedition vehicle ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Not mine, but someone needs to buy this!! [ ][ ]=TOYOTA=[ ][ ] '89 FJ62 - daily driver '06 Macbook Pro - wheeling rig Member of the Peace Canyon Toyota Swamp Donkeys Creep Coalition

11-17-07, 12:05 PM	#4
KY854RUN IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northern Arizona TLCA# 3200 Posts: 345	You should go with the 3/8" grade 70 chains. This will insure, that if one chain comes loose, the other will be able to handle the load until you can secure the one that loosened up. Also, I have seen grade 70 chain that was not plated. __________________ Kevin `85 4Runner - work in progress M416 Trailer - ukn year, rebuilt July 2007, build thread `68 FJ40 - planning stages of a build Green Country Cruisers - member Wish List - to long to post

11-17-07, 05:27 PM	#5
Degnol Noaccount Webwheeler Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansastitty TLCA# 14529 Posts: 6,556	Well, another question, but on topic......What is "proof" chain? Thanks, Ed A tip I picked up from Poser at the BHCC, if you are using the stake pockets as points for chain, take the chain and run it up from the bottom and then hang it on the stake pocket instead of hooking it from below. Use gravity to keep the hook in place, even if the chain loosens. __________________ There is nothing so depraved as a man in the depths of an ether binge '66FJ40, Fresh 2F, H42/Orion(By Poser...LCR4WD), ARB Front/rear(By Poser...LCR4WD), MetalTech Cage installed by Poser, Screw-ups fixed(by Poser) 4WDB Corvette Master, Mini Truck PS, 3.5" Lift, Warn 8274, 33s on stockers

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