I'll be towing a small load on a U-Haul auto trailer on Monday. For those that know what it is, it's a Fairmont M19 railroad speeder. The approximate total weight is 1200-1300lbs. What are some good chains/binders that I could get to allow me to tow it back on the trailer without issue. Preferable something I can buy at a local store not ordering online. People that own them highly recommend chains over straps but I've never used chains before for this. I assume the Harbor Freight ones are crap?

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Fairmont M19 railroad speeder.

From the looks of it you'd put a chain through the wheels to secure it. That's light enough that two chains and two binders would suffice. One chain on each end through both wheels and to tie down points and a binder to pull it tight.

I'm pretty sure my local Lowes and Home Depot store sells chain and binders. You don't need anything that heavy duty. I prefer ratcheting binders to the leverage style.

The last car trailer i rented from uhaul had built in wheel straps. I added a couple of 2 inch ratchet straps and everything held. You might want to check if the trailer you're renting already has straps.

I have the ratcheting double screw (turnbuckle) chain binders for tying down tractors that I purchased from Northern Tool. I use Harbor Freight tie-down chains.

I think that for modest loads like that, the heavy strap binders are much easier to use, and I don't see why chains would be preferred. The binders are harder and slower to work than they look at first glance, and an extra set of hands is most useful, as are leather gloves.

For that weight, I wouldn’t go to the expense of chains and binders unless there really isn’t a good way to secure it with ratchet straps. I think most 2” ratchet straps are rated way over what you are hauling. I prefer chains and ratchet binders but but unless you are going to be moving this item a lot or have use for them down the road, ratchet straps will come in handier for other things.

Tie down chains are G70 rated. 5/16 will be the easiest to find. They have a WLL around 5500lbs. You may be able to find 1/4, but that’s not as common because truckers. Don’t use anything that small. Check at your local AG supply, like Tractor Supply.

Anything you need can be found here --> https://www.truckntow.com/

Only thing I can think of that chain does well vs straps is wear against metal edges on a load.

Tractor Supply should be the easy button here. After binding it down drive a couple miles, and check it again for loosened chains or binders. Wire or duct tape the binders closed for some piece of mind. A 30” length of 1 1/2” pipe for extra leverage is always nice. As you lock or unlock the binders be careful the handle doesn’t beat your ass for you.

Thank you everyone I really appreciate the help.

I like chains a binders. Have several. My tractor and especially mini exc. require them to transport. A 1300lb is nothing super heavy obviously. Quality straps and ropes should be able to handle that kind of load. Fwiw, Ymmv though. Good luck.

Latest news here in PA. is that the lever binders for chains are no longer legal to use. You have to use the turnbuckle/ratchet type. Apparently a fine if you are found using the lever binders.

The load sounds pretty light. If it is a once and done deal and not a long distance, the 2” ratchet straps might be enough.

That’s lighter than the typical SxS that is trailered with 2” straps all the time. I’d skip the chain.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chris42:
Latest news here in PA. is that the lever binders for chains are no longer legal

That is ridiculous.

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Originally posted by old rugged cross:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chris42:
Latest news here in PA. is that the lever binders for chains are no longer legal

That is ridiculous.

I agree.
I still use mine, but try to be discreet in where I place them. Flat on the deck is pretty good.