Trailering for the first time

[Corvus Corvax]

I think I have it figured out, all except for the tie-downs. Does someone have a quick lesson for me? One of the things I have learned is that some tie down hardware is too big to fit through Fuchs wheels.

But I sure could use some advice form those who have BTDT.

[Bill Douglas]

Another one to add; don't leave it in gear. The reason why is all the rocking backwards and forwards on the same spot wears the oil off the gears then it's metal to metal.

[Corvus Corvax]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Another one to add; don't leave it in gear. The reason why is all the rocking backwards and forwards on the same spot wears the oil off the gears then it's metal to metal.

That's one I hadn't heard before, but I like it.

[jrsully]

1 tip, be careful approaching off ramps from the highway. IT WILL take longer to slow down and some ramps have abrupt turns. Was "alerted" to this way back in my early trailering carrier

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by Corvus Corvax

I think I have it figured out, all except for the tie-downs. Does someone have a quick lesson for me? One of the things I have learned is that some tie down hardware is too big to fit through Fuchs wheels.

But I sure could use some advice form those who have BTDT.

If tying through the wheels it's best to use single ended straps

Here you can see the usual direct hook ratchet w/ a snap hook on the other end(bottom) and 2 versions of thru the wheel straps.


Many use the above method, a strap is fed through the wheel and then the snap hook fastens to both ends of the strap. The ratchet will then attach to the trailer.


A much simpler arrangement is to forego the snap hook, just have a ring(as seen on the thru the wheel strap ends) attached to one end of the strap. Now the dead end is fed thru the wheel through the ring then to the ratchet.

Be sure to have at least 3 or 4 wraps of the dead end at the ratchet end.

leave the car in neutral and apply the parking brake.

position the car on the trailer so that tongue weight is w/i the trucks load range. Once the proper position of the car on the trailer is determined permanent wheel stops will ensure future placement.

Wheel stop

[brcorp]

+5 "...position the car on the trailer so that tongue weight is w/i the trucks load range...." This also includes any additional cargo (gas, tools, etc)

Last thing you want is trailer sway at 70 mph!!

[flat6pilot]

Originally Posted by Bill Verburg

+1 on MAC straps. Get the best you can.

[mepstein]

At our shop, I may tow 3-4 different cars a week. The wheel straps make it easy.

Anytime you tow, drive for 5-10 minutes, stop and recheck the straps.
If its raining, give yourself plenty of braking distance.