View Poll Results: Do you use tie down straps?
I use straps AND a safety chain



225
72.58%
I JUST use a safety chain and winch



41
13.23%
No straps, No safety chain, just a winch



25
8.06%
Allan4 is a putz



19
6.13%
Voters: 310. You may not vote on this poll
Who uses Tie down straps
#111
Alabama:
Boating Law Administrator: 334-242-3673
Maximum Speed Limit: 55
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:40'L x 8'W x 13'6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:60'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:3000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:N
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:Y
Breakaway Brakes:Y
Tiedowns:Y
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:N/A
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 334-834-1092
Return to Top
Florida:
Boating Law Administrator: 940-488-5600 ext. 55
Maximum Speed Limit: 70
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:48' L x 8'6"W x 13' 6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:60'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:3000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:N/A
Breakaway Brakes:Y
Tiedowns:Y
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:Y
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 850-488-4961 Agnt: 850-671-1084
Return to Top
Louisiana:
Boating Law Administrator: 504-765-2983
Maximum Speed Limit: 55
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:30'L x 8'W x 13' 6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:70'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:3000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:N/A
Breakaway Brakes:Y
Tiedowns:Y
Two Trailers:Y
Insurance:Y
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 225-343-2345
Return to Top
Mississippi:
Boating Law Administrator: 601-364-2185
Maximum Speed Limit: 65
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:50'L x 8'6"W x 13' 6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:N/A
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:2,000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:Y
Breakaway Brakes:Y
Tiedowns:N/A
Two Trailers:Y
Insurance:N/A
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 888-737-0061
Return to Top
Texas:
Boating Law Administrator: 512-389-4624
Maximum Speed Limit: 55
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:N/A'L x 8'6"W x 13'6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:65'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:4500
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y (If over 80" wide.)
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:Y
Breakaway Brakes: Y (Over 3000 lbs.)
Tiedowns:Y
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:Y
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 800-299-1700 Wire: 440-234-2081
Boating Law Administrator: 334-242-3673
Maximum Speed Limit: 55
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:40'L x 8'W x 13'6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:60'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:3000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:N
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:Y
Breakaway Brakes:Y
Tiedowns:Y
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:N/A
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 334-834-1092
Return to Top
Florida:
Boating Law Administrator: 940-488-5600 ext. 55
Maximum Speed Limit: 70
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:48' L x 8'6"W x 13' 6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:60'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:3000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:N/A
Breakaway Brakes:Y
Tiedowns:Y
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:Y
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 850-488-4961 Agnt: 850-671-1084
Return to Top
Louisiana:
Boating Law Administrator: 504-765-2983
Maximum Speed Limit: 55
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:30'L x 8'W x 13' 6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:70'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:3000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:N/A
Breakaway Brakes:Y
Tiedowns:Y
Two Trailers:Y
Insurance:Y
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 225-343-2345
Return to Top
Mississippi:
Boating Law Administrator: 601-364-2185
Maximum Speed Limit: 65
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:50'L x 8'6"W x 13' 6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:N/A
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:2,000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:Y
Breakaway Brakes:Y
Tiedowns:N/A
Two Trailers:Y
Insurance:N/A
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 888-737-0061
Return to Top
Texas:
Boating Law Administrator: 512-389-4624
Maximum Speed Limit: 55
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:N/A'L x 8'6"W x 13'6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:65'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:4500
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y (If over 80" wide.)
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:Y
Breakaway Brakes: Y (Over 3000 lbs.)
Tiedowns:Y
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:Y
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 800-299-1700 Wire: 440-234-2081
#112
Georgia:
Boating Law Administrator: 770-918-6408
Maximum Speed Limit: 55
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:N/A'L x 8'W x 13' 6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:55'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:2500
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:Y
Breakaway Brakes:Y
Tiedowns:N/A
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:N/A
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 800-570-5428
Return to Top
North Carolina:
Boating Law Administrator: 919-733-3391
Maximum Speed Limit: 55
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:48'L x 8'6"W x 13'6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:60'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:4,000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:N/A
Breakaway Brakes:N/A
Tiedowns:N/A
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:N
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 688-574-6583
Return to Top
South Carolina:
Boating Law Administrator: 803-762-5034 (Charleston) 803-734-4303 (Columbia)
Maximum Speed Limit: 55
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:48'L x 8'6"W x 13'6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:N/A
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:3000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:N/A
Breakaway Brakes: Y
Tiedowns:N/A
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:N
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 803-285-6250
Return to Top
Virginia:
Boating Law Administrator: 804-367-0939
Maximum Speed Limit: 55
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:N/A'L x 8'6"W x 13'6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:60'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:3000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y (If over 7' high and 7' wide)
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:Y
Breakaway Brakes: Y
Tiedowns:Y
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:Y
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 804-786-2787 Wire: 804-766-7074
Return to Top
West Virginia:
Boating Law Administrator: 304-558-2783
Maximum Speed Limit: 65
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:40'L x 8'W x 13'6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:65'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:3000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:N/A
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y (If over 80" wide)
Flares:Y
Breakaway Brakes: Y
Tiedowns:Y
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:N
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 304-558-0384 M/HOME: 304-558-3736
Boating Law Administrator: 770-918-6408
Maximum Speed Limit: 55
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:N/A'L x 8'W x 13' 6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:55'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:2500
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:Y
Breakaway Brakes:Y
Tiedowns:N/A
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:N/A
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 800-570-5428
Return to Top
North Carolina:
Boating Law Administrator: 919-733-3391
Maximum Speed Limit: 55
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:48'L x 8'6"W x 13'6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:60'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:4,000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:N/A
Breakaway Brakes:N/A
Tiedowns:N/A
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:N
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 688-574-6583
Return to Top
South Carolina:
Boating Law Administrator: 803-762-5034 (Charleston) 803-734-4303 (Columbia)
Maximum Speed Limit: 55
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:48'L x 8'6"W x 13'6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:N/A
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:3000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:N/A
Breakaway Brakes: Y
Tiedowns:N/A
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:N
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 803-285-6250
Return to Top
Virginia:
Boating Law Administrator: 804-367-0939
Maximum Speed Limit: 55
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:N/A'L x 8'6"W x 13'6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:60'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:3000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y (If over 7' high and 7' wide)
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:Y
Breakaway Brakes: Y
Tiedowns:Y
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:Y
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 804-786-2787 Wire: 804-766-7074
Return to Top
West Virginia:
Boating Law Administrator: 304-558-2783
Maximum Speed Limit: 65
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:40'L x 8'W x 13'6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:65'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:3000
Trailer Equipment Requirements:
Safety Chains:N/A
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y (If over 80" wide)
Flares:Y
Breakaway Brakes: Y
Tiedowns:Y
Two Trailers:N
Insurance:N
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 304-558-0384 M/HOME: 304-558-3736
#113
#115
2 wratchet straps in the rear. winch strap plus stright up and down plus chain in front. I have had an inncodent 2 months ago with a 21 year old girl jumping out of a convertable BMW going 80 MPH in front of me (I was doing 55, scouts honor). I hit the brakes and went off the road. Both rear straps snapped and the front chain is the only thing that kept the boat out of the back of my truck.
The Girl said she was drunk and trying to kill herself, last I heard she is still in the Hospital and her insurance rufuses to pay for the gel damage on the brand new boat that was on its way to a dealership.
Just goes to show, you never know where or when. Now I use more straps on my boat than Rick James with a house guests!
The Girl said she was drunk and trying to kill herself, last I heard she is still in the Hospital and her insurance rufuses to pay for the gel damage on the brand new boat that was on its way to a dealership.
Just goes to show, you never know where or when. Now I use more straps on my boat than Rick James with a house guests!
#117
Anybody interested in a set of boat-buckle tie downs. I have a set on my 288 trailer and love them, they are very quick and easy to use. I bought two extra sets for my 2 place jet-ski trailer and only needed one... I paid over 75.00 for each set from overtons, will sell one complete set for 50.00 shipped....
P.S. They mount directly to the trailer with a single bolt, extend to 43" and have a rating of 5K per set..
P.S. They mount directly to the trailer with a single bolt, extend to 43" and have a rating of 5K per set..
#119
Platinum Member

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 211
From: St.Peters,Mo/5mm LOTO/LEOPA
My Only Suggestion If You Are Going To Bother Tying It Down Use Real Straps Not Ones For A Bass Boat. The Picture Of The 42 In The Ditch It Snapped The Straps Off When The Driver Made A Sharp Right Turn And The Boat Kept Going Straight. So You Need Straps Hooked On The Front Pulling Back So The Boat Doesn't End Up In Your Bed.
#120
I cant believe anyone would think about putting something that weighs thousands of pounds on a trailer and not use anything to hold it down. I only trailer 1 mile a year ..and I use two in the back and safety chain the bow.


