Hauling vehicles

[2LMAKER]

Wondering the consensus on binding/strapping a vehicle to trailer "hook to frame and load suspension" or "hook to axles/suspension"
I've trailered couple Wranglers and have always used axle straps and hooked straps to axles. I will be trailering Jeep liberty which is independent front suspension.
Just curious, while traveling I've noticed vehicles strapped to frame. Back when I hauled dirt bikes and atv's I hooked straps to handlebars and frame without second thought but they only weighed couple hundred pounds
Thanks

Rob

 

[aczlan]

I prefer straps to the tires/axle, but have been known to strap the the frame when other methods weren't available.

Aaron Z

 

[Ductape]

On solid axles, using axle staps works well. On other vehicles, I generally use the factory tie down pionts on the chassis (T slots).

 

[saltbranch]

I like to tie to the frames and load the suspension. My reason is that eliminates any load movement. Especially on taller trailers/taller vehicles it can be a concern having the suspension moving. I use to haul allot of Mark III conversion vans and would park them only inches apart on a flatbed tie them down and go cross country, but I tied from the frame and loaded the suspension on each one.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I like to let the suspension work so I tie down 75% of the time to the wheels/axles. If that is not possible I bought 4 of the T's that go into the factory slots for some vehicles . Its easier to brake a tie down or chain using the later method.

In my tool box I carry 4 10' 5/16" G70 chains and binders. 4 20' 2" straps. 4 8' 2" straps. 8 strap edge protectors. 4 21"x2" wide axle straps. 4 combo T hooks/J hooks.

This has covered all I have ever needed for trucks, tractors, and cars.

Chris

 

[aczlan]

When I tie to the frame, I try to tension the suspension enough that it will not move when hitting bumps. If you dont get to that level, you could snap your tiedown (be it a chain or a strap) from shock loading when it loosens and re-tightens.

Aaron Z

 

[Diamondpilot]

When I tie to the frame, I try to tension the suspension enough that it will not move when hitting bumps. If you dont get to that level, you could snap your tiedown (be it a chain or a strap) from shock loading when it loosens and re-tightens.

Aaron Z

Or even just come loose. I seen a wrecker today, roll back type, dragging a chain after a dip in the road loosened it enough to come off the rear of the Chevy Colorado he was hauling suspension compressed causing slack.

Chris

 

[Rustyiron]

I thought that the guys running new car carriers use the frame exclusively? I would think that they were the folks that knew what's best. But I have the (above post) happen to me as well. ???? Crank it down till you flatten the tires AND suspension.:laughing:

 

[2LMAKER]

Thanks for the replies.
That has always been my concern if tying to frame is the shock effect on the straps if the suspension compresses on a bump. Though last time I towed a Wrangler I got to wondering about pulling on the axles so hard and having the body being able to bounce around against the suspension with it pulled hard against mounting points.

 

[schmism]

solid axles, i chain to axles.

for cars (usually sport type) i run straps through the wheels.

if its wrecked and perhaps doesnt have 4 wheels, then i chain to the frame/unibody and wheels.