trailer safety

[grumpyvette]

I passed a car accident recently that was obviously the result of a car on a trailer that rolled off the trailer while in transport, this could very easily have been avoided by correctly securing the car on the trailer

getting the car up on the trailer can be a challenge at times , especially if its not running or the brakes don,t work ,so think it thru and do it safely, BTW its almost ALWAYS a mistake to try an load a car with FLAT TIRES, or ramps that are too short to provide the correct angle and clearance, on a trailer as this reduces the under car clearance to the point its almost guaranteed to cause under the car damage, during the load process, so even if the car does not run have a drive train, or a running engine ,you'll need to have at least 4 tires that are fully inflated as you load the car or your asking for problems, its STUPID to cause damage that will need to be repaired at your expense if a bit of care taken during the loading process will avoid it. its even dumber to fail to securely tie down the car, during transport, a sudden need to brake or turn can cause you thousands of dollars in damage or a law suit if the car comes off during transport, or rolls off the trailer into your car or someone elses in traffic

obviously having the correct accessories and trailed design helps[/size][/color]

 

if its your trailer have a dozen strong cargo loops (D RINGS) welded into the trailer frame and at least 4 more on the car frame of your race car.

have at least 4 tie down ratchets,and /or a few sections of 3/8" chain with hooks

http://www.harborfreight.com/9200-lb-ratcheting-load-binder-5511.html

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-x-14-ft-grade-43-truckers-chain-40462.html

http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Ratchet-Straps-Tie-Downs/D-Rings-D-Ring-Tie-downs/Lashing-Ring-Weld-On-1-2-x-12-000-Lbs-Forged-Mounting-Ring

 

http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=845&p=9656&hilit=trailer+lights#p9656

[Tony D]

Mine are secured with MAC's tie downs exclusively.

 

Mac's Best Tiedowns Ever!

 

I've actually (inadvertently) lifted an entire 240Z to an almost vertical orientation with Mac's Combo Bridle which is meant simply as a way to get a central point on the front of the vehicle to winch it onto a trailer (like dragging a car with flat tires...or no tires, onto a flatbed 2X4's are easier to carry and faster than changing rollers for a quick pickup!)

 

Macs has a lot of good information at their site regarding proper tow practices, take a while and look around the site. I changed the way I tied down cars after reading their information. Cargo Loading C5 Pallets is not the same, I found out...

 

After having some 'cheaper stuff' get buckle failures, or otherwise not work well as my normal stolen government property 'surplus' straps, I had to buy something better, and Mac's was it! I won't shop anywhere else for this stuff now. For the price, it's not worth it.

Edited January 3, 2011 by Tony D

[johnc]

I buy my tie downs, chains, etc. from these guys: http://www.awdirect.com/ Their Tow Pro straps/ratchets are still going strong after 8 years and their Grade 100 chain foiled some thieves who tried to steal my aluminum open trailer a few years ago. Found a broken bolt cutter tossed in the bushes next to my trailer and only a tiny little nick on one chain link.

[Tony D]

"Found a broken bolt cutter tossed in the bushes next to my trailer and only a tiny little nick on one chain link."

 

A nice Harbor Freight 'replacable jaws special' no doubt!