question about trailering

[Grippy]

another point to consider that can be just as important is where on the car you are attaching to. My setup is similar to Will's except i use axle straps thru the rear wheels as well as the fronts. I used to strap thru the control arms but wasn't happy to see the motion of the car bouncing was cutting thru the straps. If you notice when driving behind someone who has attached to the chassis, the straps loosen and tighten with every bump. You can't preload the suspension enough with the ratchets to prevent this. If your straps are straight back there is little to keep a bouncing car from moving around. My car never moves and the suspension is free to do it's job. I also have the e brake on so there is no shock to the drivetrain because the wheels can;t move reletive to the chassis or drivetrain.

There are lots of good points here and everyone must decide what it right for them. One thing for sure, a tight strap is a happy strap.

Gordon

[cfossum]

Without crossing the straps, my car once slid off the side of the trailer while going around a rotary. Actually, it was the "S" action of turning right while entering the rotary, then the quick left once I was into the rotary. The car shifted right and slid against the right side trailer wheel, falling off both side runners that make up the trailer platform. The wheels were dangling through the crossmembers and the car was supported by its belly. Clearly I was going too fast, but still, I wish I had crossed the straps that day. It took me an hour to get it back on using my jack and blocks of wood to manipulate it, all while cars were zooming around the rotary right next to me. That sucked.
From now on I'll be using crossed and straight straps.
-Carl

[Stynger]

Carl, good real world experience. Thanks.

More importantly, did you hit the apex?

I always thought race car drivers towing cars was a bad idea.

[cfossum]

More importantly, did you hit the apex?

With the trailer wheel of course!