Technical Best tiedown for car hauler

Looking for experience from others before I buy a tie down setup for a 18" all steel car hauler trailer.
Axle straps look good, but I am not too keen on having to get under the car to loop them over the axle. Also have seen the straps or webs that go over the tires, and ratchet straps, chains, boomers, straps through wheels, etc.

What I am leaning toward now is using two axle straps passed through one of the slots in the two rear slot mags on the car, and then ratchet them to a couple of tiedown eyes on the trailer deck behind the car.
For the front, thinking about an axle strap over the beam axle, snugged up by a 9,500 lb winch, with an additional single tie down through one of the front slot mags. Alternative would be straps on both front mags, no winch.
Would appreciate hearing what has worked well/not worked for you gents. Thanks!

 

That's one short trailer

FWIW, UHaul uses the tire web things.
I've always been a chain and binder guy...so no help from me.

 

Ratchet strap are okay depending on how you use them. Don't let them rub anything or cross them over.
Same with axle straps. They need something over the webbing like vinyl or they will wear through and fray .
Use your snap buckles instead somehow . If you can find a place to hook them on the rear end, then just pull on the trailer until the back wheels are up on it. Get out and hook your fixed length straps up , then pull all the way, and then just ratchet the front straps.
I don't like the wheel thing at all . Anything like that will rub and wear or leave marks. Cars move , no matter how tight you think they are.
Chains are okay too, and cheap enough. I used chains and binders for many years ,before ratchet straps.
I could give you some ideas on that too, if you want.

 

Don't use the winch, except for an extra safety hook up. The cable will close up on the reel and loosen , and /or fray , eventually .Not made to that.

 

I Haul a 53' semi van that had a upper deck to haul cars. I use tire straps and that is the best way to strap down a vehicle for hauling.

 

sounds like you are hauling a gasser.

I haul cars very frequently, gassers included

I would use an axle strap around the beam axle, then ratchet strap to the d-ring in the floor of the trailer.
For the rear, I have a hunch you have a nice spot to hook the ratchet strap. Perhaps a ladder bar or spring perch.

I like to hook to the axle or suspension, allowing the body of the car to float on the suspension.

 

Good guess on the gasser. It's actually a gasser style street driven car. My brother and I used to race D gas waaaaay back when I still had hair. Really trying to make this one look authentic, as opposed to so many of the street freak "gasser" cars out there today. But, to each his own, as they say.

 

Ahhhh, yes, makes sense, good suggestion. Will follow that advice.

 

Use the winch only as a loading device. Just ask a cop or MTO inspector.
They can etch it into your memory for a fee.

 

Overall length is several feet more. Deck is 18'. I have some good chains and binders, so they aren't totally out of the question.

 

Chains and boomers are traditional....if you're hauling a gasser, and you don't want to look like a poser, that's what you use.

I use four 2" ratcheting straps, looped around the axles, it has been fine for several cross country trips. If it's a proper gasser, you won't have any trouble getting under there to put the straps on, right?

 

The most difficult thing about using ratchet straps is throwing them away when they start showing wear!!!

 

If you are referring to having plenty of clearance to get under the car, you are correct.
It's just that these old joints aren't quite as flexible as they once were!

 

If I recall correctly. The standard is 4 straps on a car. 4 different attaching points. Each strap or chain should be rated for the weight of the vehicle. Chains and hooks should be marked g70 for 4700 lbs. work load limit. 2 inch strap usually have a 3000lbs. limit 3 inch strap have a 5000lbs limit. This is a place that sends me a catalog on occasion. http://www.awdirect.com/

 

Yup, that's a problem. I guess we need to go to some extra effort to get the next (still flexible) generation to go on our adventures with us. And do the "fun" work.

 

Don't measure capacity by inches. All straps are not created equal by size alone. The market is flooded with cheap, import, tie-down straps of various capacities & quality. Spend a few extra bucks & get good ones.

 

I've been eyeballing this E-track stuff....
https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Cargo_Control-sf-Tie_Down_Strap.aspx

 

At about 3:00, he goes into wear pads.
My rear straps have vinyl pads that go on with velcro. That way , I can cross them over on certain cars that work better that way.
You can use a minimum 1/2 " forged eye bolts on your rear suspension, as long as they look traditional on your car. LOL. Makes it easy to snap your strap hooks on. Still should be used as a straight pull..Not at 90 degrees to the thread.
My experience. Tie to suspension in rear . Frame in front. That keeps the car from dipping and diving, yet provides some give without damaging rear springs by pulling them down too much.
You'll notice the transporters pull down all four corners , but that's a one time deal.
You can buy a pair of T-hooks like they use. Add a clevis to them where you can hook your straps to them on the front frame. Work out well on some cars where you have nothing else.

 

I use e-track in two rows nearly the full length of my 20' car trailer. This allows me to fasten down most anything from motorcycles to cars/trucks/ to furniture (damn kids)

The front of the trailer has eyes welded into the frame. My tire basket fastens there and loops the tire and down to e-track spring loaded tiedowns. The rear is generally ratchet axle straps to the rear trailer eyes.

Others have pointed out that winches are for loading and they are right. I leave the hook on the axle strap that I use to winch a vehicle up. Just another layer of safety in my head, I guess.

Keep in mind that vehicles bounce around early. Stop and check the straps after a coupe of miles to take up the slack.

 

Was just a joke on the trailer, as you typed 18", not 18'.

 

I used to haul stock cars on an open trailer with 2 come-alongs holding it down. A cable one in the front and a chain one holding the car down by the axle. We'd tow at 80 and the car was always as steady as a rock. I'd do it differently if I was doing it again.

 

Google "Mac's Custom Tie Downs" the very best tie downs made!
American made too.
I think you will find they have everything you would ever need or want and also show you how to properly tie a car down.
Be sure to watch the the video testimonials.
Beezer

 

I am a chain and binder guy....no why??? Because I own them and they work great. Why create a new wheel when the one you own works.

 

i've been using a chain on the rear axle and usually two yellow straps on the front... been ok so far.

 

All four corners attached.
A pair of Axle straps with protective sleeves and nylon ratchets at the rear axle. -no more chain wrapped around the rear axle after pinching a brake line with chains one time.
Heavy duty cable come-alongs in the front hooked into slotted-holes in the car frame up front.
I like the front end pulled down. It annoys me to see the nose of the car going up and down in the rear view mirror.
I'm young enough to crawl underneath still, but starting to think there must be an easier way.

 

Might want to start by researching your state requirements?
Illinois, where I live has very specific and detailed requirements for securing your load / vehicle. As someone already suggested, violations can result in a lighter wallet or worse.
Safety first.

 

Ahhhhhh! Yes! Now I see it! That certainly is a short trailer! Funny stuff!

 

I'm not much of a car show participant, but I don't care much for stuff rubbing and leaving marks as I go down the road. I try not to beat my stuff up , if I can help it.
(G-70 marking on T-hook. Never knew that. Thanks)
(Yes, the hammer link is welded on the other side)

 

Summit Racing ...

Mac's Axle Straps - 36" long

@ https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mtd-121736

Summit Tie Down Straps

@ https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g7950

I always stock up when I drive thru Atlanta & Reno ....


Jim

 

Our dirt ct car uses the straps thru the rims and "D" rings works good without crawling under the car. If your worried about the rims and the strap put a tee shirt or microfiber cloth against the rim.