Electric winch suggestions..?
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 319
Likes: 1
From: NKY
Ditto, I would never rely on the winch to "Tie down" the front of my car. Always use straps. I do leave the winch attached(loosely) just so I don't have to reach down to attach/unlatch.
I met up with some racers a couple weeks ago and they were using the winch to hold the front of a very nice, freshly painted race car. They were all about "not scratching" the car as it was the first time out. I heard them mention about the winch holding the front. I was like....
.
To each their own, but after 22 yrs of hauling cars I would not rely on a winch brake to hold anything. I cringe when I see people using those 1" straps from Harbor freight
.
I met up with some racers a couple weeks ago and they were using the winch to hold the front of a very nice, freshly painted race car. They were all about "not scratching" the car as it was the first time out. I heard them mention about the winch holding the front. I was like....
. To each their own, but after 22 yrs of hauling cars I would not rely on a winch brake to hold anything. I cringe when I see people using those 1" straps from Harbor freight
.
. They now tow strap the race car. I have always used tow straps, 5K rating, got to much invested not to. 
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
I would think that most look at the rating and figure, 4 x 1K lb= 4000# and that is plenty for a car. Okay, as long as its not my car and trailer or anywhere NEAR me on the highway.
I actually remember a guy hauling his T/A around on an open trailer and not even tying it down!!! Yup, put in park and away he went. I just shake my head.
I know a guy that lost his antique truck out the back of an enclosed trailer. Only used two straps(one front/one back) and it worked one loose and the truck rocked and broke the other and actually broke the door down and rolled out of the trailer!!!! Luckily no one was hurt when the trucked rolled to a stop in the middle of the road.
You can't make these stories up. Tragic.
I actually remember a guy hauling his T/A around on an open trailer and not even tying it down!!! Yup, put in park and away he went. I just shake my head.
I know a guy that lost his antique truck out the back of an enclosed trailer. Only used two straps(one front/one back) and it worked one loose and the truck rocked and broke the other and actually broke the door down and rolled out of the trailer!!!! Luckily no one was hurt when the trucked rolled to a stop in the middle of the road.
You can't make these stories up. Tragic.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,087
Likes: 24
From: Central Florida
Great I out here , thanks guys.
Strangely my straps always work loose loose no matter what. I strap hem down tight when I load the car, and upon arrival the front strap has slack. I can't figure it out.
Strangely my straps always work loose loose no matter what. I strap hem down tight when I load the car, and upon arrival the front strap has slack. I can't figure it out.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
I've never had issues, I tie two into the crossmember under radiator and two on the rear axle tube. I don't cross the rear like some do because of the wheelie bars. It has never moved or come loose.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,087
Likes: 24
From: Central Florida
One strap on the front pulling forward on the RF frame horn and another strap on the rear; crossing left to right and pulling straight down on the frame/bumper. (Mostly straight down- but backwards also)
Sorry for all the typos - I have more typos on this web site than anywhere else I type.
I like the tire bonnet idea. But I have very very little room between the trailer walls and the side of the race car. Does this make it hard to use tire bonnets?
Sorry for all the typos - I have more typos on this web site than anywhere else I type.
I like the tire bonnet idea. But I have very very little room between the trailer walls and the side of the race car. Does this make it hard to use tire bonnets?
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,694
Likes: 12,819
From: Wyoming
Maybe. I have tire bonnets front and rear, both sides. There are tie downs in front of the vehicle and in back of the vehicle. Between the front/rear, not so much. So I connected the front and rear tire bonnets. That seems to work pretty well and I only need access to the front and rear of the vehicle. I have only had the trailer on pavement so it hasn't seen any rough stuff. So far the vehicle hasn't moved. I only have about 2" of space between the roll cage and cabinets on both sides. So I'll know - the hard way - if it shifts.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
There's your problem. It's moving the car around since you aren't pulling it at four corners evenly. Get two more straps(they aren't that expensive) and you'll be fine. I buy the straps for the rear that have the axle strap built in. No fussing with separate pieces(to loose). Just flip it over the axle and clip it and tighten it down. The fronts I don't mess with(unloosen). I winch the car in, hook the front straps on the crossmember(which puts it in the same spot every time), loosen the winch and pull the back tight. Really simple procedure.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,906
Likes: 4,122
From: Angier, NC
There's your problem. It's moving the car around since you aren't pulling it at four corners evenly. Get two more straps(they aren't that expensive) and you'll be fine. I buy the straps for the rear that have the axle strap built in. No fussing with separate pieces(to loose). Just flip it over the axle and clip it and tighten it down. The fronts I don't mess with(unloosen). I winch the car in, hook the front straps on the crossmember(which puts it in the same spot every time), loosen the winch and pull the back tight. Really simple procedure.
2 straps with axle straps built in for the rear but I cross them going around the leaf springs just in front of the axle tubes.
I only use 1 strap up front around the front cross member and get it some what tight then tighten down in the rear.
After a short pull down the road like before getting fuel or on the high way I check all the straps and take up any play.
As for a winch I use a 2 speed hand boat winch with enough cable to reach 20 feet pass the ramps, never know when you can't get close to a non-running car. I use hi speed on flat ground but when I hit the ramps I put it in low and up it comes.
If I ever get an enclosed trailer I will spring for an electric winch mounted to the floor with a backer plate on the under side and a big batt. on the front A frame in a box.
Dave ----
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,087
Likes: 24
From: Central Florida
The whole reason I wanted a winch has been eliminated.
If you're curious:
I had my race car transmission (4spd manual) modified to remove all the parts for 1st and 2nd gear. The idea is the reduction of rotating weight/parasitic loss.
Well, I got it done. And my race car drives ALMOST perfectly normally in 3rd gear (green flag laps I run 4th of course). It does smell like clutch disc after parking it in the trailer, but certainly not enough for me to spend $200-300 on a winch.
If you're curious:
I had my race car transmission (4spd manual) modified to remove all the parts for 1st and 2nd gear. The idea is the reduction of rotating weight/parasitic loss.
Well, I got it done. And my race car drives ALMOST perfectly normally in 3rd gear (green flag laps I run 4th of course). It does smell like clutch disc after parking it in the trailer, but certainly not enough for me to spend $200-300 on a winch.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 319
Likes: 1
From: NKY
What's a new clutch cost? Think a winch might be cheaper.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Wow, no 1-2 gear. Ya, that would be a bummer to load on a trailer(or even get started from a stop). I know roundy round guys run those special light weight transmissions with only 2-3 gears. Road course usually have 4 spds in them.
I would definitely spend the money on a winch. My nash box has 3.25 first and 4.56 rear and I still winch mine, every time. I have a McLeod soft lok style clutch(custom built).
I would definitely spend the money on a winch. My nash box has 3.25 first and 4.56 rear and I still winch mine, every time. I have a McLeod soft lok style clutch(custom built).