Proper way to haul a vehicle

[ChevMech]

Lately, I have found myself hauling quite a few vehicles on my 20x7 bumper pull pipe top. The way I typically secure the vehicle to the trailer is running a chain or a heavy ratchet strap on top of the frame rails in both front and back, and tightening them down in a fashion where they take the slack out of the suspension while pulling against each other to keep the vehicle stationary. For most vehicles this works okay....not great. When working with bigger cars such as my early 70's Caddy and Buick, the floatieness (if that is even a word lol) of the supension works all my tie-downs loose.

 

What is the ideal way to tie them down where you know what you're hauling is secure?

[sahls01gmc]

Tie down the wheels/tires. Then the suspension can do whatever it wants to.

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=wheel+tie+downs&rlz=1C1CHWA_enUS603US603&espv=2&biw=1828&bih=943&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=xqtDVaOfCdG6ogTJl4DADQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg

[NitroCherokee]

Tie down the wheels/tires. Then the suspension can do whatever it wants to.

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=wheel+tie+downs&rlz=1C1CHWA_enUS603US603&espv=2&biw=1828&bih=943&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=xqtDVaOfCdG6ogTJl4DADQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg

This, best way by far

[Blue2500CC]

I usually wrap an axle strap around the axle just to the side of the pig, and attach the ratchet to the opposite corner- axle strap L of pig: then tie down to right corner of trailer, axle strap R of pig: then tie down to left corner of trailer. The front can be tricky! Just look for a good spot to wrap an axle strap around that is SECURE! When we had our '72 Charger, went around the k member for the front, pulling to the opposite corner there as well.

 

Just be carefull to not damage any brake lines.

 

The tire straps are nice though. Have used a set on my Toro Z before. Though they were for mowers.

[POS VETT]

I use 3" ratchet straps with T-hook attachments to "anchor" the vehicle at designated hold-down points. Never use anything else.

[ChevMech]

Thanks for all the advice. It sounds like you guys know what you're doing.

 

I use 3" ratchet straps with T-hook attachments to "anchor" the vehicle at designated hold-down points. Never use anything else

 

Would you mind elaborating a little more on this t-hook attachment. From the little bit I looked on line, you just put the hooks in holes in the frame. Am I reading that right?

[pcf]

http://www.autohaulersupply.com/catalog/dual-ratchet-straps/double-ratchet-side-mount-tire-strap-5894.php

 

I use these and really like them. They pull the wheels straight down into the trailer deck. I've found that if I let out 10-15 pounds of pressure out of the tire, put the straps on and air the tires back up, I get a very tight fit.

 

http://www.autohaulersupply.com/catalog/basket-straps-and-wheel-bonnets/rollback-truck-soft-tie--with-ratchet-handle-options-5456.php

 

I've used these too and they are ok, it takes a little more effort to get them secure. What i don't like is that they put force on the wheels that is almost perpendicular to their normal up and down travel. Whether that's a legitimate concern or my OCD kicking in is a different matter.

 

I've used the lasso type, but if you get a flat tire the lasso will probably slip off.

[POS VETT]

 

Would you mind elaborating a little more on this t-hook attachment. From the little bit I looked on line, you just put the hooks in holes in the frame. Am I reading that right?

There are oblong slots located in the undercarriage/frame of most modern vehicles that I have towed; they are GM, Mazda, and BMW vehicles. The older vehicles may not have these slots. The T-hook is inserted into a slot and rotated about 1/4 turn to keep it in place. I custom-ordered my ratchet straps with a T- and J- hooks combination in case the frame slots are not available.