- Set coil racks as described in coil rack section.
- Secure the load with two 4-inch straps before moving.
- Add two chains in an X configuration inside the eye.
- Add additional chains until aggregate working load limit requirements are met. (FMCSA required plus one)
- Use edge protectors under all chain so that the chain cannot touch the corners or front and rear face of the coil.
Points to remember:
- 4-inch straps over the top do count full working load limit toward but do not do anything to prevent forward motion. It is recommended to use 6 chains + 2 straps on any shotgun coil larger than 30,000 lbs.
- Chains that are put on in a “C” configuration (also called a “U” chain or a “Horseshoe”) Only count ½ the working load limit of the chain.
- Chain angle on the front side of the coil is very important. Chain should exit the coil and come straight over to the edge of the trailer. If the chains go too far forward from the front face of the coil they will not prevent forward motion. (See Figures 1 and 2)
How many chains and straps do I need? (WLL for chain: 4700 lbs. Straps = 5400 lb WLL)
| Weight (lbs) | 0-9,400 | 9,401-18,800 | 18,801-28,200 | 28,201-37,600 | 37,601-47,000 | 47,001-50,000 |
| # of Chains | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| # of Straps | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Figure 1: Chains close to coil face preventing the coil forward motion.
Figure 2: Chains are too far out and will allow to slide forward.
“Stack Back” method for chain- 3 sets of X chains.
- First set of X chains (Blue chains below) are attached to the trailer at the front and rear faces of the coil.
- Second set of X chains (green chains) are attached one spool behind the attachment points for the blue chains.
- The third set of X chains (red chains) are attached one spool to the rear of the attachment points for the green chains.
- This configuration makes all six chains wrap around the front of the coil, meaning all six chains must break before the coil can move forward.
- Edge protection must used under all chains at the eye and on the front outside edge of the coil. Chain cannot contact the front or rear face of the coil.
Figure 3: Front view of “Stack Back” method showing all 6 chains crossed inside the eye of the coil.
Figure 4: Side view of the Stack Back method. The front face of the coil is on the left. This shows the wrap around of all six chains on the front of the coil.
