Trailer Tie Down Methods

[brownz]

Lets see how you all are strapping your cars to a trailer. Are you using the frames, suspension or with wheel/tire straps. I have been using axle straps around the rear end and around the lower control arms to allow the suspension to move.

Looking to see is people use the wheel straps and if they have any issues. This looks like a much easier way to tie a car down but dont want alignment issues or damage to my wheels.

Pics welcome

Thanks
Brandon

[lzdick]

I have always crossed the straps to the subframe (1st Gen. Camaros) and straight from the axles (wide at the leaf springs/shocks) on the rear. The reason for straight on the rear is the transverse muffler/chambered crossover tubes interferes with the strap. Without a transverse exhaust set-up, crossing is fine.

On the 'Wicked Witch', I am straight in the front (DSE Hydraform subframe) and crossed in the rear on the QUADRAlink. The reason for straight is the brackets start to cut the straps. The tow hooks available through DSE for the QUADRAlink are the slickest, easiest pieces for tying-down...easy-peasy!!!

Note: Any time I run the straps straight, I used a motorcycle strap to draw the middle of the strap length together, effectively the same as crossing them.

[parsonsj]

Safest and easiest way:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=L8UH6CZqP8Q

[TheJDMan]

The only problem with wheel tie downs is that they require a pair of anchors in the trailer floor for each wheel. I use padded axle straps front and rear then cross both front and rear straps.

[parsonsj]

The only problem with wheel tie downs is that they require a pair of anchors in the trailer floor for each wheel. That's true. I use Mac's VersaTie Track.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vYEfm2T2ezo

[parsonsj]

The best thing about wheel nets is that all the work is done "up". No need to crawl underneath the car to connect. Bonus: no scratched frames, rear end housings, or control arms.

[nokones]

I use the car chassis for the attachment points. I had tabs welded on the K Frame for using "T" hooks. I use a very heavy duty chain link with the "T" Hook to the frame on the R/F. The L/F tab is connected with a "T" Hook and my wireless wench cable. The wireless wench is bolted to the floor and backed up with a big backing plate that is welded to the chassis crossmember. For the rear, I use axle straps and wrap them through the Batwing (C4 Corvette) and the ratchet straps are crossed and connected to floor "D" rings. I use recessed "D" rings that are in the floor of the trailer. Each "D" Ring is supported with a backing plate under the floor and each backing plate is welded to a crossmember/frame of the trailer chassis. I hope this helps.

[71RS/SS396]

The best thing about wheel nets is that all the work is done "up". No need to crawl underneath the car to connect. Bonus: no scratched frames, rear end housings, or control arms.
Wheel nets are great with an open trailer but are an absolute pita with an enclosed.

[lzdick]

Wheel nets are great with an open trailer but are an absolute pita with an enclosed.

Agreed, Tim, on the enclosed trailer comment.

John: yes to the 'bonuses'...but you now bring scratching sheet metal into the picture.

[parsonsj]

Tim, I can see why wheel nets are a PITA on an enclosed trailer.... (my trailer is an open Featherlite) but so are frame connectors where you have to crawl under the car.

Rich: sheet metal? I don't follow...

I think most race teams have to keep a little skinny guy on the team just for strapping cars down!