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.

 

[WD40]

I know that some drivers do run straps through the wheels, I just never cared for it.
It just don't look professional to me.
Doug

 

[Viperdave]

when i tow my offroad jeeps, i do axle straps. the suspension just has too much wiggle/play to tie the body down.

when towing a car on my open trailer i do suspension or frame tie downs, get the job done anyway possible.

with my enclosed 2 car hauler, i have over the tire slings that i tie to e-track on the floor.

 

[joe t]

I think every vehicle is different so you have to use your common sense. Only rule I go by is not to chain to an axle because you can bend the axle tube. Use axle straps.


I've used a car hauler a few times and I'd use axle straps on the rear axle and ratchet down the front frame to tighten it and load the front suspension down. The rear axle straps weren't the ratcheting type so you'd put them on loose then ratchet the front tight and pull it forward thus tightening the rear axle straps.. This was on my mustang. This worked fine.

 

[Iowan]

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.

Regardless of frame or suspension, you should try to cross the tie downs from one side to the other to control side movement.