Trailer tie down question

gchappel · 10-31-2002, 11:45 AM

Is there a correct way to run 4 trailer tie-down straps? I have heard that the straps should be criss-crossed, so that the car cannot shift from side to side on the trailer- makes sense. Another group tells me that they should run straight- and not be crossed. Their argument is that, lets say we have 2 tiedowns to the front of the car, and one fails. If they are run straight, the other tiedown is still tight, and the car doesn't move. If the tiedowns are criss-crossed and one fails, the other one is now loose, and in the above example the car could move several feet backwards on the trailer. That argument makes sense as well. Is there a right way- and I hope this is not a circular argument like whether the toilet paper should go over or under the roll.
I presently run the 4 straps straight, but could easily switch if crossing the straps is safer. Any ideas? The car is getting strapped down for a trip to Moroso this weekend.
Thanks again for your help
Gary Chappel

TimT · 10-31-2002, 01:14 PM

when I trailer my car, I cross the tie downs. The tie downs I use are rated at 2500#, and my car weighs less than 2000#, so there is a significant amount of safety factor.

I cant see the logic that if one of the crossed tie downs breaks the other will be loose and the car will roll.

89911 · 10-31-2002, 01:23 PM

You are thinking too much into this. I cross mine on my trailer and don't worry about it. I would venture to bet you could trailer your car with its emergency brake on and in gear and not even need tie downs.

gchappel · 10-31-2002, 01:49 PM

Well, I guess that is another question- half the guys trailer with Ebrake on and car in gear, the other half have the car in neutral??
I guess I do have tooooo much thought in this

ted · ted's Garage

I run the straps straight too. The car has never moved, side to side or front to back.

I've heard that tire straps that don't compress the suspension may be superior.

I've seen the wheel stud style lug nut tie down eyelets but haven’t know anyone that uses them, interesting concept.

The double crossed method seems questionable if one were to strap become loose? Would the tension on the single remaining strap pull the car in that direction?
Could this create slack at the opposite end with the remaining double straps?

I tow with the E brake on but never in gear.

ted · ted's Garage

Guy with a VW bus had to ground tow it for 6 hours. Upon reaching his destination he unhooked the bus and tried to start it. The engine turned over but would not start. When he went to check the engine we saw the entire top half of the motor had exploded. His mistake was leaving it in first gear during his 6 hour freeway tow.
VW bus in 1st gear at 55mph is how many rpm, for 6 hours!