Why not the wheels?
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: sc
Why not the wheels?
I've been reading all kinds of ways to secure a car in a enclosed trailer.Strap the axle,strap the suspension,strap the frame,etc.etc.Why can't you just strap through the wheels with axle straps?Has any one done this.It would be so much easier,than tring to crawl underneath.Let me know what you think,Good and bad.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
Wheels roll 
Now, if you had TWO pairs of straps, each one going a different direction (one starting in the back, goes through both wheels, then anchors back, and a second that starts forward, goes through both of the SAME wheels, then anchors forward, and the same on the other axle) it MIGHT be okay. But there is so much play in the wheels that they'll roll far more than you'd like. Its much safer to go from the body, although you have to worry about suspension when you attach to the body. Axle still might be one of the best choices. Easy to get to, easy to attach to, and easy to go straight forward and straight back to tie down.
Now, if you had TWO pairs of straps, each one going a different direction (one starting in the back, goes through both wheels, then anchors back, and a second that starts forward, goes through both of the SAME wheels, then anchors forward, and the same on the other axle) it MIGHT be okay. But there is so much play in the wheels that they'll roll far more than you'd like. Its much safer to go from the body, although you have to worry about suspension when you attach to the body. Axle still might be one of the best choices. Easy to get to, easy to attach to, and easy to go straight forward and straight back to tie down.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
The problem is the dynamic forces on the vehicle- Trying to haul down a road that has constantly changing camber, lots of tight corners, large bumps, railroad crossings,etc, a car with it's full suspension movement available will bounce all over the place and start yanking your truck around. Tying down the frame and compressing the suspension will limit movement and make the ride much smoother and more controllable.
I'd rather take the time to climb around and route chains or straps properly and not get bounced around by my trailer than to just go the easy route and get beat up all day long.
I'd rather take the time to climb around and route chains or straps properly and not get bounced around by my trailer than to just go the easy route and get beat up all day long.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
when we haul our mud trucks to the off road club we strap them down at the axle(because of the 53'' tires) sometimes when we turn a corner though the truck sure tilts with the suspension. it gets pretty scary sometimes though
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Ford_Six
The problem is the dynamic forces on the vehicle- Trying to haul down a road that has constantly changing camber, lots of tight corners, large bumps, railroad crossings,etc, a car with it's full suspension movement available will bounce all over the place and start yanking your truck around. Tying down the frame and compressing the suspension will limit movement and make the ride much smoother and more controllable.
I'd rather take the time to climb around and route chains or straps properly and not get bounced around by my trailer than to just go the easy route and get beat up all day long.
I'd rather take the time to climb around and route chains or straps properly and not get bounced around by my trailer than to just go the easy route and get beat up all day long.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Wildomar, CA
I have a toy hauler and have tried several ways to strap down a vehicle and have learned that when I strap down from the frame it would bounce and twice I had the hooks come off. so now I strap from the axle I have two vehicle I tow one is a truck and the other a sand rail on the rail I was able to put in eye bolts in the rear arms that work great and on the truck I welded loops on the axle and have not had a problem yet.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Yeah, a Uhaul with that stupid safety chain- My old Subaru bounced against that chain the whole way across MT on I94, and it actually chewed about 3/4 of the way through the tie down loop on the car.