Securing a vehicle

[DCIV]

Okay. I have 16ft in the trailer. Model a is 13.5.

How do I make secure it to not move? 4 d rings and ratchet strap? Do I need to get one of those track things? Which straps?

Also want to put on a winch on the inside. Do I need to connect a sheet of metal to the frame? Just the floor?

Coop

[ChargerX3]

We need pics to see what we are up against. Legally you need chains and binders, but you can probably get away with straps on the front and back to pull it taught in both directions. You want those welded to the frame though.

[DCIV]

Ummmmm. Welded to the frame? It’s got a sub structor but it’s plywood floor.


Coop

[Chris GTO TT]

Chains and binders are legally required? That's news to me. I know for farm/construction equipment you have to have the implements secured in addition to the vehicle itself.

[vr4]

[quote=""Chris GTO TT""]Chains and binders are legally required? That's news to me. I know for farm/construction equipment you have to have the implements secured in addition to the vehicle itself.[/quote]

Same. Never heard that one.

[Duck Vader]

Duct tape. Lots and lots of duct tape.

[DCIV]

[quote=""Duck Vader""]Duct tape. Lots and lots of duct tape.[/quote]

Normally I would find this funny…but I really I need to know what to do.


Coop

[Duck Vader]

Every time I've had a vehicle towed on a flat bed they only used chains and/or ratchets and secured it to the bed using axles or frame bits. Then secured the ends to welded hooks/holes on the bed.

[Chris GTO TT]

Our trailer has D-Rings welded to the frame in several different points. On the Miata we used chains and binders to the factory tie down points front and rear. Now we use straps with wheel slings to tie down the Subarus.

Now the easy tracks seems like they’d be great for easily tying down to the tires but not wholly necessary.

[Chris GTO TT]

Here’s some pictures


PXL_20220108_004337213 by christobal65, on Flickr


PXL_20220108_003744668 by christobal65, on Flickr

Went through the spokes on the Baja too.

20210418_141132 by christobal65, on Flickr

I’ve since learned crossing isn’t a good idea but you get the general idea.
2018-07-19_10-23-16 by christobal65, on Flickr

[mjannusch]

Yeah, same strategy as Chris with nice thick straps. Might have to get creative with where/how you attach to the car.

I hadn't seen that crossing the straps was bad (and I've been doing that), but I guess if one lets go then you have more slack in the strap that might let it slide off sideways? Not too worried with straps rated for 10,000 pounds each and solid anchor points.

[Chris GTO TT]

[quote=""mjannusch""]I hadn't seen that crossing the straps was bad (and I've been doing that), but I guess if one lets go then you have more slack in the strap that might let it slide off sideways? Not too worried with straps rated for 10,000 pounds each and solid anchor points.[/quote]
Yeah that’s the idea. I saw a video where if the trailer flips crossed straps are much less secure. Where as going from each corner straight down seems to reduce that.

[DCIV]

Okay so I need D rings and hood straps. Who makes good ones?


Coop

[Chris GTO TT]

My straps are harbor freight

https://youtu.be/ifyJjQXOttE

[vr4]

[quote=""Chris GTO TT""]My straps are harbor freight

https://youtu.be/ifyJjQXOttE[/quote]

Same. Haven't had any problems with them yet. They're surprisingly nice.

[Chris GTO TT]

[quote=""vr4""]Same. Haven't had any problems with them yet. They're surprisingly nice.[/quote]

Yeah and then when I saw that video I linked it help calm any concerns I had about harbor freight.

I think the biggest issue I have with them is the hooks could be a little better and more secure

[DCIV]

Harbor freight winch
Harbor freight straps
Might as well get the D hooks there as well.

I would really like a back up camera. One that I can use on the avalanche to hook up the boat but then also the back of the trailer when towing.

Any suggestions on that?


Coop

[Chris GTO TT]

Harbor freight :d err:

[tabasco122]

i bought a bunch of d rings anchors for my trailer, check out home depot before you go to harbor freight, the husky ones are better quality imo. might be a bit small for a car, but they are rated for a few thousand lbs.

e track would probably be the better long term solution.

[DCIV]

[quote=""tabasco122""]i bought a bunch of d rings anchors for my trailer, check out home depot before you go to harbor freight, the husky ones are better quality imo. might be a bit small for a car, but they are rated for a few thousand lbs.

e track would probably be the better long term solution.[/quote]

I was comparing lowes, Amazon, and HF last night. I will add in home dept.


Coop