Moparts

'splain to me why

Posted By: DragDart360

'splain to me why - 11/08/10 02:29 AM

Every time I tow my car the tie downs are loose when I arrive at my destination. I have axle straps at rear and loops welded to the K frame in front. I tighten all straps with car in neutral then put it in park for travel. I have Summit tie down straps.
Posted By: WILD BILL

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/08/10 02:33 AM

How are you looping the axle straps?

Maybe they're slipping on the tubes and cuasing things to slack off.
Posted By: Quicktree

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/08/10 02:35 AM

the car is probably moving around on the trailer
Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/08/10 02:43 AM

The straps will stretch once they have a load put agianst them, try driving it 4 to 15 miles and retighten them, really honk down on them both times What weight are your straps and tie downs rated at? I use four 5,000 lb rachet strap tie downs and the four 5,000 tie down straps, two straps wrap around the rear end housing, one on each ladder bar bracket and two in the front wrapped around the K member they will loosen up, the longer I drive it before checking, (sometimes I forget to check ) the looser it will be Once I retighten them they seem to say tight until I get to where I'm going
Posted By: wyoming

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/08/10 03:14 AM

I've found that if you pull the straps really tight before you ratchet you don't get enough strap rolled around the ratchet center bar they will back off easily, better to have a roll of strap on the roller, they hold better, mine used to loosen and I finally figured out I just wasn't getting enough strap rapped around the roller, think it was causing the strap to slip just a little.
Posted By: rickstershemi

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/09/10 02:08 PM

Might be the strap itself, not sure what brand your using, but I have never had that issue, I use heavy duty 2 1/2" straps I picked up at Northern

Also make sure you ratchet them with the car in neutral

Rickster
Posted By: moparacer

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/09/10 03:08 PM

I tow with an enclosed trailer and I have a block of wood cut to slide under the K frame up front. I ratchet it down on the block so it doesn't bounce while towing. My car has adjustable shocks on back and I set them full stiff when we ratchet the back down.

Never had the car come loose towing 80 mph at times. You have to keep it from bouncing thats how they get loose.
Posted By: The Shadow

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/10/10 12:01 AM

Quote:

I've found that if you pull the straps really tight before you ratchet you don't get enough strap rolled around the ratchet center bar they will back off easily, better to have a roll of strap on the roller, they hold better, mine used to loosen and I finally figured out I just wasn't getting enough strap rapped around the roller, think it was causing the strap to slip just a little.

Posted By: 65dragnet

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/10/10 12:19 AM

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I've found that if you pull the straps really tight before you ratchet you don't get enough strap rolled around the ratchet center bar they will back off easily, better to have a roll of strap on the roller, they hold better, mine used to loosen and I finally figured out I just wasn't getting enough strap rapped around the roller, think it was causing the strap to slip just a little.



Yes the straps have to have at least one wrap around the ratchet pin before tightening also tie suspension down not the body
Posted By: ProStDodge

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/10/10 01:14 AM

How are you connecting the straps? I always cross the two straps on the back of the car (an "X" pattern), ratchet then snug, then tighten the car in place with the front straps pulling straight forward. Also, Make sure the car is in neutral when tightening the straps. I don't like to two in "park" but some do. I feel if you tow in park, you could damage the transmission with the car rocking against the parking pawl. Never tighten the car in place while in "park".

Scott
Posted By: DaytonaTurbo

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/10/10 01:36 AM

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I've found that if you pull the straps really tight before you ratchet you don't get enough strap rolled around the ratchet center bar they will back off easily, better to have a roll of strap on the roller, they hold better, mine used to loosen and I finally figured out I just wasn't getting enough strap rapped around the roller, think it was causing the strap to slip just a little.



Yes the straps have to have at least one wrap around the ratchet pin before tightening also tie suspension down not the body



I even find that when I tow my quads on top of my snowmobile trailer if I don't get a little bit of wrap around the ratchet mechanisim before snugging it down, they will work themselves a little loose. Found the same thing on the car hauler I borrowed a couple times as well.
Posted By: Challenger 1

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/10/10 02:33 AM

Those blue Summit straps are cheap and stretch. I had mine rewebbed and the stretching stopped. I towed 17K miles this past summer and my Kinedyne straps didn't stretch.

IMO Never cross your straps, keep em on each corner.

That way if one strap breaks the other one isn't trying to pull your car off the trailer.

Here's my summit straps rewebbed with Kinedyne material. There is a difference, I'm here to tell you. I used these for 12K miles so far.

Posted By: rowin4

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/10/10 02:42 AM

I just completed another 1200 mile trip hauling my 64 bonneville from the gulf coast back to Michigan, the straps were just as tight as when I left. I use 4 straps, all straight front to back. I have never had a strap come loose, knock on wood, but I have at least three raps around the center mechanisim. Thats what does the holding, the binding of the strap on top of the next one. Also make sure the handle is locked down, not half way up. I really don't crank them down either , just tight on the rear end and the front lower control arm, just let the body bounce.
Posted By: DragDart360

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/10/10 03:04 AM

OK I follow all the golden rules. I think it's the cheap straps stretching. I'll have new quality straps before next season.
Thanks for all the informative replys
Posted By: Smoparmike

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/10/10 02:43 PM

I use chains and binders no problems in 20 years.
Posted By: an8sec70cuda

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/10/10 02:47 PM

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I've found that if you pull the straps really tight before you ratchet you don't get enough strap rolled around the ratchet center bar they will back off easily, better to have a roll of strap on the roller, they hold better, mine used to loosen and I finally figured out I just wasn't getting enough strap rapped around the roller, think it was causing the strap to slip just a little.



Yes the straps have to have at least one wrap around the ratchet pin before tightening also tie suspension down not the body



I even find that when I tow my quads on top of my snowmobile trailer if I don't get a little bit of wrap around the ratchet mechanisim before snugging it down, they will work themselves a little loose. Found the same thing on the car hauler I borrowed a couple times as well.


Gotta have it wrapped around a couple times or they will loosen up.
Posted By: @#$%&*!

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/10/10 07:08 PM

Is your car getting any longer?
Posted By: ProStDodge

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/12/10 07:20 PM

Quote:


IMO Never cross your straps, keep em on each corner.

That way if one strap breaks the other one isn't trying to pull your car off the trailer.





If you don't cross at least one pair of straps, the car can move side-to-side while strapped down. Yes, I have seen it happen, enough to move the vinyl floor tiles out of position.

Scott
Posted By: Challenger 1

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/13/10 02:48 AM

Quote:

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IMO Never cross your straps, keep em on each corner.

That way if one strap breaks the other one isn't trying to pull your car off the trailer.





If you don't cross at least one pair of straps, the car can move side-to-side while strapped down. Yes, I have seen it happen, enough to move the vinyl floor tiles out of position.

Scott



First off, Don't you think the cheap floor tiles have anything to do with it??

What happens if one of those crossed straps comes loose? Seems like it would pull the car sideways.

I have trailer ed my car on a open steel deck trailer now for over 35K miles in the last 3 summers and it never moves on the trailer. Even without straps tight, Parking brake is always on and in PARK. 17K miles this year.

Iowa, got to get some sleep. This night we chased the sunset for over a hour, amazing

Bonneville salt...


Utah rest area, the nicest I've seen.

Key West Fla, nice!! 90 miles from Cuba!


BTW I have pulled a 49' trailer over 100K miles and this small open trailer has been way cooler and a lot more fun than the huge enclosed. I can get the open trailer in most campgrounds. No more people asking on the CB, what's in the trailer? Just cool thumbs up by most people we see.
Posted By: The Shadow

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/13/10 03:02 AM

Quote:

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IMO Never cross your straps, keep em on each corner.

That way if one strap breaks the other one isn't trying to pull your car off the trailer.





If you don't cross at least one pair of straps, the car can move side-to-side while strapped down. Yes, I have seen it happen, enough to move the vinyl floor tiles out of position.

Scott


It's the law here to have your straps crossed when towing
I would imagine some states would also have the same laws
Posted By: Jeepmon

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/13/10 03:11 AM

Quote:

I've found that if you pull the straps really tight before you ratchet you don't get enough strap rolled around the ratchet center bar they will back off easily, better to have a roll of strap on the roller, they hold better, mine used to loosen and I finally figured out I just wasn't getting enough strap rapped around the roller, think it was causing the strap to slip just a little.



Posted By: Challenger 1

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/13/10 04:27 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:


IMO Never cross your straps, keep em on each corner.

That way if one strap breaks the other one isn't trying to pull your car off the trailer.





If you don't cross at least one pair of straps, the car can move side-to-side while strapped down. Yes, I have seen it happen, enough to move the vinyl floor tiles out of position.

Scott


It's the law here to have your straps crossed when towing
I would imagine some states would also have the same laws



I'd like you to post where that law is written.

Being in the transport business since 1984 and owning 14 hazmat transport trucks and being very familiar with trucking, I've never heard of that. How come I've never been stopped in the 30 or so states that I've been in because my straps aren't crossed? Ain't like they don't notice me...
Posted By: rowin4

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/13/10 05:16 AM

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Quote:

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IMO Never cross your straps, keep em on each corner.

That way if one strap breaks the other one isn't trying to pull your car off the trailer.





If you don't cross at least one pair of straps, the car can move side-to-side while strapped down. Yes, I have seen it happen, enough to move the vinyl floor tiles out of position.

Scott


It's the law here to have your straps crossed when towing
I would imagine some states would also have the same laws



I'd like you to post where that law is written.

Being in the transport business since 1984 and owning 14 hazmat transport trucks and being very familiar with trucking, I've never heard of that. How come I've never been stopped in the 30 or so states that I've been in because my straps aren't crossed? Ain't like they don't notice me...



Must not be in Louisiana, I've seen guy's towing their car held down with close line But also have seen a number of guy's in Michigan using a single 1" strap front and back and one guy had his 55 gal. fuel drum just setting on the front of the trailer going down the road.
Posted By: Challenger 1

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/13/10 05:28 AM

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and one guy had his 55 gal. fuel drum just setting on the front of the trailer going down the road.



lol got do what you gotta do and hope no one says anything, I guess.

Found a picture of my straps after 5000 miles and about 8 unloadings, looks like I'm getting a good wrap on em. Customed made for my car, no extra straps to tie up.

Posted By: Jeremiah

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/13/10 05:57 AM

When I tow the Tucker Snocat into California their laws require the rear straps to be crossed. The reason for this is to keep the equipment from falling off if it gets bounced around on the trailer deck. To make sure it would not get pulled off in case of one strap failing I welded hand crank winches back on at better angles. I think the best way to get the car to not move around is to put something between the equipment and the trailer decking. If the load is strapped and cannot move it sill stay static. Or no?
Posted By: Bad340fish

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/13/10 01:23 PM

Right now Tulsa is a mess of construction and HORRIBLE roads in some parts of town. When I was dragging my car around town a few weeks ago I found it would move off to the passenger side until the tire set against the trailer rail. To resolve this I had to cross the rear straps.

When I went to the track last weekend I chained it down and it stayed put, but I didn't go through the bad construction areas.

since we are posting pictures......
Posted By: The Shadow

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/13/10 01:58 PM

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Quote:

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IMO Never cross your straps, keep em on each corner.

That way if one strap breaks the other one isn't trying to pull your car off the trailer.





If you don't cross at least one pair of straps, the car can move side-to-side while strapped down. Yes, I have seen it happen, enough to move the vinyl floor tiles out of position.

Scott


It's the law here to have your straps crossed when towing
I would imagine some states would also have the same laws



I'd like you to post where that law is written.

Being in the transport business since 1984 and owning 14 hazmat transport trucks and being very familiar with trucking, I've never heard of that. How come I've never been stopped in the 30 or so states that I've been in because my straps aren't crossed? Ain't like they don't notice me...


Here is some good reading
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/truck/vehicle/cs-policy.htm
& sect;393.128 What are the rules for securing automobiles, light trucks and vans?
Securement of automobiles, light trucks, and vans.

1. Automobiles, light trucks, and vans must be restrained at both the front and rear to prevent lateral, forward, rearward, and vertical movement using a minimum of two tiedowns.
"Lateral" cant be controlled by straight forward strapping.
Just because you haven't been ticketed doesn't mean they won't
If they want to get sticky they will give you a ticket. (at least around here)
Also make sure your tongue chains are crossed
Posted By: emarine01

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/13/10 03:21 PM

We tow a 3200lb mud racer on a tall goose neck flat bed... having rather large tires 38 in+, I found that a combo of chains up front and crossed straps in the rear work well... always remember to inflate tires to a stiff side wall pressure to cut down on axle movement... I use the straps to pull weight on the chains in neutral then put it in park.... Had problems once in 7 years when we broke a rear tire bead wile racing and the tire went flat on the trip home slacking the straps
Posted By: Challenger 1

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/13/10 03:27 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

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IMO Never cross your straps, keep em on each corner.

That way if one strap breaks the other one isn't trying to pull your car off the trailer.





If you don't cross at least one pair of straps, the car can move side-to-side while strapped down. Yes, I have seen it happen, enough to move the vinyl floor tiles out of position.

Scott


It's the law here to have your straps crossed when towing
I would imagine some states would also have the same laws



I'd like you to post where that law is written.

Being in the transport business since 1984 and owning 14 hazmat transport trucks and being very familiar with trucking, I've never heard of that. How come I've never been stopped in the 30 or so states that I've been in because my straps aren't crossed? Ain't like they don't notice me...


Here is some good reading
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/truck/vehicle/cs-policy.htm
& sect;393.128 What are the rules for securing automobiles, light trucks and vans?
Securement of automobiles, light trucks, and vans.

1. Automobiles, light trucks, and vans must be restrained at both the front and rear to prevent lateral, forward, rearward, and vertical movement using a minimum of two tiedowns.
"Lateral" cant be controlled by straight forward strapping.
Just because you haven't been ticketed doesn't mean they won't
If they want to get sticky they will give you a ticket. (at least around here)
Also make sure your tongue chains are crossed



Hey good reading and good info, learn something everyday. Thanks
Posted By: The Shadow

Re: 'splain to me why - 11/13/10 10:40 PM

Glad to help out
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