Vehicle Tie down options
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: Panama City, Fl
Vehicle Tie down options
I am going to be towing my 66 Mustang on a flatbed car trailer and I am looking for sources for good tie down options. I prefer to use the type that u-haul uses, over the tire type straps and a ratchet. I can modify the trailer as needed. U-haul cannot seem to figure out how to sell the parts to me. A couple of local trailer shops have no options like I want and seem lost as to any help. Trying to get info from wrecker catalogs but it has been slow. Any ideas as to a source or possible other over the wheel type straps.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
I would use a ratcheting strap with hooks for all four corners. Wrap the back ones around the rear axle. Then, wrap the front ones around the K member, or around the control arm. That way you know for sure that the car is tied down to the trailer. I think they will work better than the straps that go over the tire since its attaching frame and suspension to the trailer rather than just the tires.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
Check around auto racing shops in your area. Depending on your flatbed floor, if its wood the tire way wouldn't be too safe. I have bought 8 D-rings installed them into the steel floor, and then use 2-3" ratchet straps around each wheel. Just watch for clearance.
Look for places that sell enclosed trailers, like Haulmark, Featherlite. Not camping trailer places.
Look for places that sell enclosed trailers, like Haulmark, Featherlite. Not camping trailer places.
Last edited by 220k-f-150; Jul 20, 2005 at 12:31 AM.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 38
Likes: 2
I'm not a big fan of the wheel bonnet tie-downs to which you refer - I much prefer to secure the race car to the trailer via straps connected to the chassis, not the suspension, which keeps the vehicle from bouncing while on the the trailer and makes the load much more stable.
That being said, a good source for tie-downs and tie-down information is M & R - check out their web site at http://www.mrproducts.com/atdm_main2.htm . Not affiliated, YMMV, de yada, de yada...
That being said, a good source for tie-downs and tie-down information is M & R - check out their web site at http://www.mrproducts.com/atdm_main2.htm . Not affiliated, YMMV, de yada, de yada...
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: East TN
Here is what I have used for several years hauling my '69 Cobra Jet to shows on flat trailers. They only touch the tires, no straps on axles or underneath. Also allow the car to ride on it's own suspension as you are tying down the tires not the car.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=4505237007
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=4505237007
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: The Villages, FL
Originally Posted by AzPete
I am going to be towing my 66 Mustang on a flatbed car trailer and I am looking for sources for good tie down options. I prefer to use the type that u-haul uses, over the tire type straps and a ratchet....Trying to get info from wrecker catalogs but it has been slow. Any ideas as to a source or possible other over the wheel type straps.
AW Direct
Truck N Tow
Both places have a large variety of strap systems. TruckNTow also sells on eBay around 1/2 price!
I have a number of different straps for my trailer depending on the vehicle I'm transporting. I have some straps I loop over the tires and some that have double ratchets with a bridle between the sides (TruckNTow has them) for larger tires. The single strap does not eliminate front to back movement (even with the parking brake set), so in some cases I chock wheels, add axle straps, or use an over the tire strap.
On the over-the-road transport trailers, most, if not all, enclosed trailers use the over the tire system - hooks into the holes in the deck, goes over the tire, through an idler which also hooks into the holes, and then to a ratchet.
Hope this helps...
Jim
