Securing Heavy Equipment on a
Rented Trailer for DFW Hauls
Heavy equipment on a rented trailer should be secured at four points minimum, using the machine's designated tie-down rings and the trailer's built-in rail system. Chains and load binders are the correct method for machinery in the skid steer and excavator weight range. Ratchet straps are not adequate for machines of significant weight where a strap failure would result in an unsecured load on a busy DFW highway. Chain tension should be sufficient to hold the machine through lane changes, braking, and the surface condition variations common across Grand Prairie's road network.
For tilt deck rentals, confirming that the deck lock is fully engaged before departure is a step that should not be skipped. A tilt mechanism that is not fully locked in transport position creates movement that no chain securement completely compensates for at highway speed. Checking the setup after the first few miles and retightening if any slack has developed is good practice on any equipment haul.