VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION Hauling or Trailering Hauling

Just checking. Anyone going through Denver to Vancouver (Portland, OR) in the next 5-6 weeks, with an empty trailer? Open trailer is OK.

What is the right way to anchor down a vehicle on a car trailer?

a. To the frame or bumper arms and squash down on the tires and springs?

b. To the axles and let the vehicle bob about on its springs?

c. None of the above and just drive the vehicle up on the trailer and set the park brake and leave it in reverse and haul ..s?

d. Some other method? Let me know yours and what is best?

e. What is better: Chains and metal over-center binders or cloth straps?

Also, I understand that wrapping a plastic tarp like for a tent etc, is a no-no in that the wind will rub it down for a new paint job. But how about a car cover or something made out of cloth?

Owing to the cost of an closed trailer, I have to go with an open one. If I go get the car I am thing about it will cost me an arm and a leg. I ani't trusting no shipping company.

6K miles at an average of 12-13 MPG for both ways is a heap. Motel rooms and food also about a grand. Stopping off in Las Vegas for a couple nights of lap dancin' and stickin' money in G-things and gambling (buying tin to a game or two of
Texas hold'em) will add considerably, too. I ain't no gambler but I think I can keep a straight face and body language enough that the pros will be frustrated in trying to note any "tells" about me. It will be my pleasure to clean the out. I may share the loot with my friends here on chatter. Yep.

Okay, I can sense some doubt in your faith in me. You who do will not enjoy any of the loot.

Best,

Charlie

Charlie, you're a hoot. While you are having a good time in Vegas, someone might steal the car off your trailer.

When I take Lurch or Justin on my open trailer, I do the following:

1. Attach the trailer to the tow vehicle with a load-leveling type hitch with an anti-sway device attached.

2. I have chains that go around the front axle of the towed vehicle and hooks on the ends of the chain. I connect these chains around the front corners of the trailer.

3. Then, I use two ratchet straps (each with a 5000 lb. rating) around the rear axle of the towed vehicle and pull it towards the rear corners of the trailer until the chains on the front are taught.

The towed vehicle bounces around on its springs, but is very secure to the trailer. One guy who saw my setup, said that if the trailer were upside down, the old truck would stay attached.

Another thing worth noting is that I drive Justin onto the trailer facing forward, but I back Lurch onto the trailer. This is for weight distribution. Lurch's cattle cage is made from oak and is very heavy. I drove him onto a truck scale once, one axle at a time. I found that the weight on the front axle was 1100 lbs., while the weight on the rear axle was 2000 pounds.

BTW, I have not owned a tow vehicle for a number of years. Since I only need one a few times per year, I borrow one or rent one. This is WAY cheaper than owning and maintaining a truck.

Cheers, Dean

Charlie... NEVER over the frame or the bumper braces. The car will bounce around and cut the straps if there are rough edges. Strap only the unsprung parts of the car, either wheels with proper wheel nets, or axles. Let the rest of the car bob around like it's built to do.

Also, get the straps with the hooks that have the spring loaded closers, not open hooks. That way, if a strap does come loose, the hook won't drop. One of those straps flapping in the wind with a hook on the end of it is not good for the car, trailer, or pedestrians!

Thanks a heap. Good advice. I'll take it.

Why I so ignorant on the issue is that I have never moved a vehicle with a trailer. In the past I have used tow bars or dollies, chain a length of pump pipe with towed v´hicle driver.

I need all the education I can get if I do tow one on a trailer.

What about covering it whilst it is towed along?

Best,

Charlie

Not a good idea to cover a car while towing as the covering will flap in the breeze and can harm the car finish and will also be like having a parachute attached to your tow vehicle.

Steve D,

Thats what I thought. Thanks for confirming it.

I'll cover it at night whilst I'm out exploring the local night clubs on the way back.

I may hire some local toughs to watch it. It being a 41 cabriolet, unlike say a 37/38, could instill desirability to steal beyond one's mental capacity to resist. I may have to get some log chain and a super strong lock.

Thanks again for your input,

Charlie