Towing with chains

Having driven low-loaders transporting heavy plant I can tell you steel on steel is tricky at the best of times, even loading/unloading can be fun, seen many operators put machines over the side and into situations like the first picture.
In the above case obviously the tie-down chains were too light, yep, it's easy to be wise after the event.

Rob.

I would never tow just using chains. Any chains.

Why. When any slack is taken up the shock will go right through your car. Who knows what damage that will do. The greatly increased "shock" multiplies the load on the chain and could snap a chain very easily. As shown above it appears that one or more broke when the load shifted and took up any slack.

If you do not any choice then chains together something which will absorb the shock may do in a pinch. Such as using a bridle or a short non elasticised rope.
The safest tow of course is with a rigid a frame or rigid bar. Next safest would be with a winch extension strap. Followed by a good quality non elastic rope or strap such as a winch extension strap. Maybe a snatch strap.

Watch the droop. Too much elasticity could allow the strap to easily droop enough to go under a front wheel. thus it may pull the wheel suddenly to one side with a sudden severe swerve. Whoops Upside down etc etc.

In all cases the towed driver must be cognisant of the extra need to "think ahead" and be aware at all times what's ahead down the road, careful braking procedure and the need to keep some tension (not too much) on the connection. Slow and stead and only to the minimum as required. Good distinct communication and hazard lights are a must and limit towing to the absolute minimum. Try not to do it at night.

Only one person should be in the towed vehicle so that they can concentrate solely on the job. Definitely no music DVD or distractions from appassengers asking "Are we there yet". Thoat is of course idea but I think you understand my aim.

How did I do Rob? I

ts been 39 years since I did the course and have only towed once in all those years. having the tilt trailer and trays helped.

Phil

Looks like a backyard operation to me. Definitely not what you would expect to see at a mine site. Surely any turkey watching would have picked up on the fact that those chains were not adequate. We quite often deal with 20t anchors off the oil rigs and even they are strapped down and with bigger chains then that, and never ever metal on metal.

Kroozer,
They must have one hell of a back yard. LOL

A bit OT but if you are interested and ever get the chance to have a look at the towing winch facility on a ship - Do it. I had an excellent tour of one of our destroyers and the towing setup on it. I don't have the correct names for the bits so you navy types please let me be.

It humungeous. Ropes (hawsers I think) as big as your arm. The winch driums are taller than me. The chains they use - I couldnt lift more than one link. Huge springs and shock absorbers hold it all down and absorb the hugs shocks they must endure. The mind boggles. Not one hand winch or Warn winch to be seen.

Just imagine what its like on sea going tugs. Wow.

I tried to find a photo but couldn't.

Phil

That's not a Chain

This is a chain..

Image Could Not Be Found

Someone mentioned a breaking chain being like a Cable, yes we all know how a cable can whip back, but from my experiences chains don't whip back like a cable when they break,

To the bloke who mentioned steel on Steel, yes the bloody sheeps foot roller is a bugger of a machine to run up the ramps.

.

This has been an excellent thread to read and be part of.

But me with only two years experience "playing" with this area of "big" toys I bow in deference to you lot.

Merry Christmas

Phil