Car Hauling Tips

[macrisel]

So the previous thread of car trailers has gotten me a little curious of how everyone straps down there vehicles when they haul them.  What are some of the options that are out there?

When I haul mine, I use one 2" strap looped over the front axle and attatched to D-rings in the floor.  In the back, I put a big clevis in the tow bar and run a 2" strap through it to D-rings in the floor out back.  I also tie my windshield down.

However, after thinking about things, it would probably be safer if I use two individual straps in the front and two in the back.  This might save the jeep from coming off the trailer if one strap broke......

Does anyone use wheel nets or some other means to tie one down?

Photos please! (I'll attach photos of my method when I'm not at work )

[garage gnome]

I always tie vehicles down by the axles. That way, the suspension wont cause the strap to loosen up.

[RedWilly]

I use these and have no issues. Takes less than 10 minutes to secure and puts no stress on suspension.
http://www.awdirect.com/8-point-trailer-flatbed-tie-down-kit-for-use-with-d-rings-38-200shs/car-carrier-straps/?hcs=tp421

[RICKG]

Glen, I'll have to take a look at that set-up when we meet again at the FCT.

[RedWilly]

Sounds good Rick. We are staying at the Chalk Creek Campground about a mile from TDR, so one day after a ride swing by. See you Sunday

[Tumbleweed]

Do most folks put the windshield down during towing with a flat bed trailer?

I will be towing with the jeep facing forward not backwards.

[garage gnome]

I do if the top isn't on.

[macrisel]

I do also.  I strap the windshield down to the grill using the factory strap then I also run a strap from one side of the windshield, under the bumper to the other side of the windshield for insurance...

[Ryan_M]

I tow with the Jeep facing backwards and windshield down. No chance of it popping up or even needing to strap it down with anything more than the stock on-board windshield strap.

[Carls_jeep]

I have been towing my Jeep on a trailer for 5 years now. When I started trailering it I bought a set of tie down straps from Summit Racing. I place the Jeep and put it in low range low gear 4 whl and lock the parking brake. From the start after about 100 miles the straps will loosen and I tightened them every stop and they still worked loose. The Jeep never moved an inch. After the first year of travel to Utah and back I never re-tightened the straps again and the Jeep has never moved. From 5 years of towing experience I have come to think the only reason for the straps is in case of sudden stops or evasive moves that may cause the Jeep to slide around. A tailgate at the rear would keep it from sliding off and the straps would keep it on the trailer if the trailer rolled over, maybe.

I don't think it's important to have the straps tight, just a good set of straps secured to the Jeep and trailer.

I haul my Jeep with a vinyl top and doors on it because I want a top when I get there and I store stuff in the Jeep. This year I will be hauling Elk meat back in a cooler in the Jeep.   

[RedWilly]

Hey Carl, quick question. Have you ever had any problems towing with the top and doors on? I was advised by Beachwood Canvas not to tow mine with the top installed. I always kind of figured it was a CYA on there part. Thanks Glen

[johnrb3b]

Perhaps the danger there is that you can tow much faster than you can drive the Willys.
I've towed my 3B at over 70 mph with a diesel Silverado - on a trailer, not flat tow.
That was with the top and windshield down and strapped firmly.
When I drive my 3B with the top up, it (the top) starts complaining at anything over 50 mph.

[Carls_jeep]

After 5 years of trailering it each way about 1800 miles at interstate speeds with the top and doors on I never had a problem.
However driving it on some of the tight turn and narrow trails with the trees close and rubbing hard has done a lot of damage to the top and doors.
It has come time to put my spare top on it. I really need to have a bikini top made for it.

[Lee]

I know Redwillys top is canvas, Carl whats yours ?....... I would not tow with a canvas top as they really whip above 50 MPH.... A vinyl Bestop type may take the wind better.

Lee

[64CJ5]

I use chain front and rear.  Jeep in four low chain around rear axel ease ahead till it dies.  Chain through a front clevis and boomed down tight.  Wind shield tied down and facing  front.  We have trailered like this for 18 years with out problems.