Chains are great, no question.
But I am a fan of straps. Lighter, quieter, easier to handle, MUCH easier to get tight and keep tight, plenty available in appropriate load ratings.
I don't really buy the "how often do you see heavy equipment..." argument, for a couple of reasons:
1) You see plenty of loads secured by straps - maybe not vehicles, but lots of heavy steel or lumber or whatever loads.
2) I've seen plenty of heavy equipment, like a 20k dozer, being hauled secued with 3/8" chain - I'm not going to blindly follow whoever was responsible for that decision
3) I agree with the "tie down the axles" argument, but most of the time the "pro" haulers use chains to the frames - they use those little twist fittings in the frame holes. Not logical to me to follow one thing they do, just because they do it, and not the other.
Straps are also frequently used in the marine and aviation industries and good ones carry appropriate specs and ratings.
Personally, I see it a bit like the old "synthetic rope" vs "wire rope" argument - legions of people claimed the synthetic was weak and unreliable at first - experience has proven otherwise. Both chain/strap and synthetic/steel rope have their applications, advantages, and disadvantages - you have to use it right and take care of your equipment.
I do agree that chains are probably more abuse-proof, but that doesn't mean straps can't be used safely - although most don't - rubbing somewhere is the most common slip-up - I did it wrong for years, but don't anymore. A strap shouldnt touch anything.
PA also does carry quality straps as well as the Chinese stuff.
Either method can be used safely and effectively - either can also be fawked up
