First timer advice?
Posted by Subject-Violinist323@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 9 comments
Never towed a vehicle via a toy hauler before. Does this set up look OK? If not any pointers would be appreciated.
Ornery_Ads@reddit
Whenever possible, tie to the wheels, not the frame.
Put a strap through the rim and hook both ends to the tiedown point (unless you have designated tire straps).
Responsible_CDN_Duck@reddit
Absolutely not.
The straps at the front of the trailer are pulled towards the back, as are the straps at the back. Your gonna hit a few bumps and it will move backwards, create slack, then depart the trailer.
You have straps in an X. As soon as tension is lost in one the others loose holding power.
The straps should be pulling back and front.
The hook on the straps has poor attachment to the vehicle and will come off. Axle straps are recommended.
The straps should be attached to the wheels or suspension.
You have not used the security/safety chain.
Here's a video from u-haul on that trailer that may help https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ksiCJLoTCU
Here's a general video video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJOmFqWYB1g
bshr49@reddit
As a couple others have said, you need to strap it down somewhere that doesn't move or moves very little as the suspension articulates. Axle in the rear and lower control arms (the further towards the tire, the better) in the front or through the wheels with something like this.
As also stated, they should be pulling in opposite directions. If the straps at the front are pulling rearward, the straps on the rear should be pulling forward.
What's the working load rating on those straps and quick links? They look a lot smaller than I would feel comfortable hauling a vehicle with, but I can't tell how big they are from the pictures. IDK, I'm of the opinion that you can't "over-secure" something. Better safe than sorry.
Stop and check everything after 10-20 miles and every time you stop after that.
Subject-Violinist323@reddit (OP)
Sorry for late reply, been trying to finalize everything today. I bought 2 extra so I have a little more faith, they are rated at 5000 each according to packaging but will absolutely stop at home depot in the morning (7 miles away) to pick up what you suggested. Besides what you have linked and what I currently have would I need anything else for those tire loops?
bshr49@reddit
No worries. If you can strap the axle and the outer ends of the control arms, I don't think you necessarily need to get straps for the wheels.
I cannot emphasis enough to re-check early and every time you stop. Check your hitch connection, too. I don't know if there was some kind of road rage incident or if it was just some psychopath, but some friends of ours had their hitch pin pulled and safety chains disconnected when they stopped for fuel and went inside to use the bathrooms or whatever. They didn't check before pulling out and ended up losing their vehicle and trailer a few miles later. Luckily, it went off on the shoulder instead of oncoming traffic and no one was injured.
Subject-Violinist323@reddit (OP)
Absolutely I definitely appreciate the advice, and yikes. Im hugely paranoid in general so my plan was already to check it at a steady pace. Some things are difficult me to word in a Google search and I truthfully am thankful for internet strangers who will take the time.
RabbitFabs@reddit
Me personally I would hook to the lower control arms up front. Out back, I would go around the axle housing just outside the leaf spring. Make sure to get your strap under any metal lines, rubber hoses, or wires. Might need to wrap strap side first.
I've always used wheel straps. But if I had none, that is the next best way I could think of. The problem with going to the frame like that is when you hit a bump, the suspension is gonna give and you'll get slack, then the vehicle comes back up and snatches the strap. Doesn't take much to loosen them up, you'll end up having to tighten them every 100 miles.
Do it like how I mentioned and it shouldn't come loose until you take them off. Ive hauled plenty of cars on a toy hauler and a car trailer before I started driving professionally, this is the best way I have found so far if you dont have dedicated wheel straps.
Available_Quote_5567@reddit
Strap down the wheels so the car can move around on its suspension. Otherwise when you hit a bump the straps will go slack.
ptk77@reddit
Without being there, it's hard to see what you have it hooked to. Just make sure you've got straps pulling the vehicle in opposing forces, so that it can't shift forward or back. I mean it looks good but just make sure you're not running the straps over any sharp edges. Chains would be preferable over straps but it looks like the room you have to work with is pretty tight.