7 replies to this topic

[Jim Venable]

I've noticed a number of cars utilizing the wheels to strap a car to the trailer. My thought is this can or does affect the alignment. Maybe not. Hearing your experiences and insights would be appreciated?

[Armando Ramirez]

I've noticed a number of cars utilizing the wheels to strap a car to the trailer. My thought is this can or does affect the alignment. Maybe not. Hearing your experiences and insights would be appreciated?

I think you are going to get quite a bit of responses to this.
I guess that it could afect alignment, maybe, if you hook the straps to a steering link or something other non-substantial component.
Depending on the vehicle, when hook or wrap the straps over frame points or suspension arms.
We try to strap them with the straps as short as possible straight up and down rather than crossing them - althought sometimes this is not possible.

[James York]

I've noticed a number of cars utilizing the wheels to strap a car to the trailer. My thought is this can or does affect the alignment. Maybe not. Hearing your experiences and insights would be appreciated?

This won't affect the alignment anymore than jamming on your SM brakes for turn 1 at 120 mph. It is the same (or less actually) decel g forces. As long as you don't "crash" your tow rig, this tie down method is common.

I don't do it this way, as I use hard points on the chassis, but many other do.

[Dennis]

I have always used wheel straps and my alignment settings don't change unless there's an on track incident. I don't like to use the tow hooks for tie downs because when the trailer hits a bump the Miata goes down and up and really yanks on the strap. I cross the straps in the back but there's no room in front so just out to the front corner of the trailer.

Dennis

[fotostars]

I do like Dennis... Cross in the rear and straig in the front. Straps through the wheels.
A little tight but not crazy. Hand brake in Neutral.

[davew]

A trailer manufacturer taught me how to tie down a car.

Always use good 4 straps. No Home Depot variety, real ones designed for a car. As short as possible.

Tie down to the wheels or the chassis, which ever is easier.

Criss cross or "V" at least one end of the car.

Make your criss cross as long as possible. A short x that pulls more sideways is worse than 4 parallel straps..

Dave

[RacerX]

ETrack on the floor, aligned under the wheels, with four over the tire straps. This method is easy and quick to attach (http://www.autohaule...pplies-83-1.php)

Check out how Truck car-haulers strap down their loads and you'll mostly see them using over the wheels straps (short distance tow truck drivers tend to use a slightly different method). But you'll find some that contend this method will allow the car's suspension to float and wear out prematurely - I've been tempted to run my GoPro in the trailer to see how it looks going down the road (I haven't been able to talk my brother into riding back there to watch in person).

R1chy

[dstevens]

I use these.... http://www.macscusto...74/PackageDeals