TRAILERING A RIG

F

fsj-earl

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Middletown, PA
I have been trailering my junk for a few years now and feel that I am pretty well versed in how to do it safely, but I am always amazed at what I see pulling into the local off road park, going down the highway, truck stops, etc. What are peoples thoughts on tieing the rig down, how many points, how many straps, straps versus chains, attaching to frame versus the axles, straight pull versus crossing the tie downs, tire baskets, etc.? What is required according to DOT (I know this varies from state to state).

I personally use four straps, criss crossed, to the axles to four seperate heavy duty D-rings bolted w/ Grade 8 bolts.

Please feel free to share. Thanks.
 
Four straps criss crossed to the axles. Just added weld on D-rings so will be attaching to those.

Also use a safety chain at one point in front and in rear.

I normally tow at LEAST 90 miles one way to go wheeling.
 
I use 4 straps.. 2 front, 2 rear.. 1 per axle.. then i suck the suspension down via D rings front and rear..
 
what? people do stupid things? don't believe it...

picture.php


seen this in northren michigan.

looks safe to me.
 
I use 2 ratcheting straps, one front and one rear, I've found one of the straps will sometimes loosen up... next time I pass by them I'll probably pick up two more.
 
When I did have a trailer I used G-80 certified recovery chain I bought when I worked for a tow truck manufacture. Crossed from the axles with chain binders and the handles cable tied down.

Dave
 
I use Macs Custom Tie Downs ratchet straps with axle loops and chain extensions to work with the stake pockets on my trailer. 4 straps, one per corner. Never have any issues with the straps coming loose.
 
xjrev10 said:
I use Macs Custom Tie Downs ratchet straps with axle loops and chain extensions to work with the stake pockets on my trailer. 4 straps, one per corner. Never have any issues with the straps coming loose.
Click to expand...

I used to do the same thing. Got tired with the chain extensions.

I plated the top of the four stake pockets at the corners with .250" plate, flapped it smooth where it meets the frame, and used weldable d-rings.

Haven't tested it out but should be much easier.
 
MoparManiac said:
I used to do the same thing. Got tired with the chain extensions.

I plated the top of the four stake pockets at the corners with .250" plate, flapped it smooth where it meets the frame, and used weldable d-rings.

Haven't tested it out but should be much easier.
Click to expand...

That's a cool idea. But when ya drop 2 bills just to strap your rig down....:)

It's fine when you haul the same rig all the time and know where to stop on the trailer. Go from hauling XJs to full size trucks, the chain extensions can be a PITA.
 
NW-ZJ-SCOTT said:
I use 4 straps.. 2 front, 2 rear.. 1 per axle.. then i suck the suspension down via D rings front and rear..
Click to expand...

I like the idea of taking some of the 'spring' out of the suspension. I've seen vehicles on roll-back wreckers bouncing as they were being transported, and it doesn't look safe. Yeah, secure the axles, but pull the suspension down, and let the springs tighten the straps holding the body down. Just take a look at a car transporter. The pros pull their cargo all the way down tight, so that it's not too 'live' a load.
 
If you're going to strap down by the body (with or without axle straps,) you'll need to compress the springs far enough to always keep tension on the straps. If the body can sink far enough to loosen the straps, a couple of things can happen. The first is that the straps can snap with the sudden jerk when the body rises again. The second is that you can lose your attachments if you're not using a safety hook of some sort.

I towed my XJ, strapped down by the axles only, over 5,000 miles over 2010 and 2011. I used to strap down by the body, from here on, I'll use the axles.
 
I use chain (G80) around rear axle then pull forward
Strap front and winch down front
And strap rear body down
Btw take body to bump stops
Usually tow around 2hrs and havent had any movement
 
I have trailered a ton of cars/trucks. Worked in a resto shop and always travelling about to get/drop off cars. Never cross the straps in my opinion. I had a car come partially off the trailer when a crossed strap broke and the pressure from the other pulled it to the side after a big bump. I use two in front/back and to the axles when possible. If you go to the frame as the suspension moves you can loosen a strap or break it with the shock. Straps lose some strength when they get wet. I also always have a safety cable in the front just in case.
 
Hey Waggy,
Glad to see you over here with us XJ types!!!
So, you know what and how most of our group tows.
I like 4 straps criss-cross attached to the axle.
Yes, my suspension does have some bounce to it.
With your F350 I doubt you would notice any movement behind you.
I will be using my suckdown winch in the rear and might use the 8274 in the front.
It will help with the sway.
Welcome to the dark side!!
Stukboy
 
I prefer chain but use straps if I have to. I go from the front axle to the front of the trailer with a flip type binder and from the rear axle to a welded D ring between the ramps with a ratchet binder. Never have had any problems. I have hauled lots of vehicles and farm equipment this way.
 
ChiXJeff said:
If you're going to strap down by the body (with or without axle straps,) you'll need to compress the springs far enough to always keep tension on the straps. If the body can sink far enough to loosen the straps, a couple of things can happen. The first is that the straps can snap with the sudden jerk when the body rises again. The second is that you can lose your attachments if you're not using a safety hook of some sort.

I towed my XJ, strapped down by the axles only, over 5,000 miles over 2010 and 2011. I used to strap down by the body, from here on, I'll use the axles.
Click to expand...
This is one of the biggest issues I have with strapping the body down.


In my mind I dont think I can reasonably compress the front suspension enough to not have it bounce around and possibly break straps/chains and just cause more issues.

My Jeep does bounce around a bit, but it doesnt seem to affect the handing. I have towed about 2k miles in the last couple years and not had an issue.


I tow with four total straps, two front and two rear mounted to the axles.

Front of Trailer
\ /

Jeep

X





Another question, do you guys leave the Jeep in park, or gear? Or is the tranny and/or tcase in neutral?
 
1st gear, emergency brake set.
 
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