Trailer Tie Down Reommendations
07-18-2004, 11:19 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Trailer Tie Down Reommendations
Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k pound
rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it up
on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the springs
and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the side of
the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on it's
springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps are
too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to them.
Any ideas are appreciated.
rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it up
on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the springs
and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the side of
the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on it's
springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps are
too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to them.
Any ideas are appreciated.
07-19-2004, 01:30 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Trailer Tie Down Reommendations
I would customize it and made wheel stirrups where I would know
that when I drove up into them, it would put the at least five hundred
pounds on the tongue. That may be the feeling you're getting. Then
ratchet that wheel tight into that stop. Maybe just chain rear axle with
hook, and winched forward from the front end or axle like a tow truck
bed.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Jerry McG wrote:
>
> Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k pound
> rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it up
> on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the springs
> and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the side of
> the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on it's
> springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
>
> The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps are
> too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to them.
> Any ideas are appreciated.
that when I drove up into them, it would put the at least five hundred
pounds on the tongue. That may be the feeling you're getting. Then
ratchet that wheel tight into that stop. Maybe just chain rear axle with
hook, and winched forward from the front end or axle like a tow truck
bed.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Jerry McG wrote:
>
> Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k pound
> rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it up
> on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the springs
> and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the side of
> the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on it's
> springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
>
> The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps are
> too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to them.
> Any ideas are appreciated.
07-19-2004, 01:30 AM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Trailer Tie Down Reommendations
I would customize it and made wheel stirrups where I would know
that when I drove up into them, it would put the at least five hundred
pounds on the tongue. That may be the feeling you're getting. Then
ratchet that wheel tight into that stop. Maybe just chain rear axle with
hook, and winched forward from the front end or axle like a tow truck
bed.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Jerry McG wrote:
>
> Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k pound
> rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it up
> on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the springs
> and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the side of
> the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on it's
> springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
>
> The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps are
> too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to them.
> Any ideas are appreciated.
that when I drove up into them, it would put the at least five hundred
pounds on the tongue. That may be the feeling you're getting. Then
ratchet that wheel tight into that stop. Maybe just chain rear axle with
hook, and winched forward from the front end or axle like a tow truck
bed.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Jerry McG wrote:
>
> Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k pound
> rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it up
> on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the springs
> and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the side of
> the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on it's
> springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
>
> The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps are
> too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to them.
> Any ideas are appreciated.
07-19-2004, 01:30 AM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Trailer Tie Down Reommendations
I would customize it and made wheel stirrups where I would know
that when I drove up into them, it would put the at least five hundred
pounds on the tongue. That may be the feeling you're getting. Then
ratchet that wheel tight into that stop. Maybe just chain rear axle with
hook, and winched forward from the front end or axle like a tow truck
bed.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Jerry McG wrote:
>
> Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k pound
> rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it up
> on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the springs
> and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the side of
> the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on it's
> springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
>
> The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps are
> too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to them.
> Any ideas are appreciated.
that when I drove up into them, it would put the at least five hundred
pounds on the tongue. That may be the feeling you're getting. Then
ratchet that wheel tight into that stop. Maybe just chain rear axle with
hook, and winched forward from the front end or axle like a tow truck
bed.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Jerry McG wrote:
>
> Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k pound
> rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it up
> on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the springs
> and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the side of
> the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on it's
> springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
>
> The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps are
> too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to them.
> Any ideas are appreciated.
07-19-2004, 01:30 AM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Trailer Tie Down Reommendations
I would customize it and made wheel stirrups where I would know
that when I drove up into them, it would put the at least five hundred
pounds on the tongue. That may be the feeling you're getting. Then
ratchet that wheel tight into that stop. Maybe just chain rear axle with
hook, and winched forward from the front end or axle like a tow truck
bed.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Jerry McG wrote:
>
> Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k pound
> rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it up
> on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the springs
> and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the side of
> the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on it's
> springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
>
> The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps are
> too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to them.
> Any ideas are appreciated.
that when I drove up into them, it would put the at least five hundred
pounds on the tongue. That may be the feeling you're getting. Then
ratchet that wheel tight into that stop. Maybe just chain rear axle with
hook, and winched forward from the front end or axle like a tow truck
bed.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Jerry McG wrote:
>
> Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k pound
> rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it up
> on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the springs
> and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the side of
> the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on it's
> springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
>
> The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps are
> too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to them.
> Any ideas are appreciated.
07-19-2004, 08:00 AM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Trailer Tie Down Reommendations
To add to Bill's advice, maybe go to a towing company and take a looksee how
they do it. I once had my Cherokee "towed" ... after it was pulled up onto
the bed, the wheels were blocked and chains were used but I do not recall
the configuration. No matter ... however they do it, it works.
"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@***.net> wrote in message
news:40FB5C59.A6CBA919@***.net...
> I would customize it and made wheel stirrups where I would know
> that when I drove up into them, it would put the at least five hundred
> pounds on the tongue. That may be the feeling you're getting. Then
> ratchet that wheel tight into that stop. Maybe just chain rear axle with
> hook, and winched forward from the front end or axle like a tow truck
> bed.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Jerry McG wrote:
> >
> > Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k
pound
> > rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it
up
> > on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the
springs
> > and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the
side of
> > the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on
it's
> > springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> > springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
> >
> > The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps
are
> > too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> > would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to
them.
> > Any ideas are appreciated.
they do it. I once had my Cherokee "towed" ... after it was pulled up onto
the bed, the wheels were blocked and chains were used but I do not recall
the configuration. No matter ... however they do it, it works.
"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@***.net> wrote in message
news:40FB5C59.A6CBA919@***.net...
> I would customize it and made wheel stirrups where I would know
> that when I drove up into them, it would put the at least five hundred
> pounds on the tongue. That may be the feeling you're getting. Then
> ratchet that wheel tight into that stop. Maybe just chain rear axle with
> hook, and winched forward from the front end or axle like a tow truck
> bed.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Jerry McG wrote:
> >
> > Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k
pound
> > rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it
up
> > on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the
springs
> > and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the
side of
> > the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on
it's
> > springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> > springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
> >
> > The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps
are
> > too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> > would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to
them.
> > Any ideas are appreciated.
07-19-2004, 08:00 AM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Trailer Tie Down Reommendations
To add to Bill's advice, maybe go to a towing company and take a looksee how
they do it. I once had my Cherokee "towed" ... after it was pulled up onto
the bed, the wheels were blocked and chains were used but I do not recall
the configuration. No matter ... however they do it, it works.
"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@***.net> wrote in message
news:40FB5C59.A6CBA919@***.net...
> I would customize it and made wheel stirrups where I would know
> that when I drove up into them, it would put the at least five hundred
> pounds on the tongue. That may be the feeling you're getting. Then
> ratchet that wheel tight into that stop. Maybe just chain rear axle with
> hook, and winched forward from the front end or axle like a tow truck
> bed.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Jerry McG wrote:
> >
> > Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k
pound
> > rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it
up
> > on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the
springs
> > and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the
side of
> > the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on
it's
> > springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> > springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
> >
> > The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps
are
> > too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> > would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to
them.
> > Any ideas are appreciated.
they do it. I once had my Cherokee "towed" ... after it was pulled up onto
the bed, the wheels were blocked and chains were used but I do not recall
the configuration. No matter ... however they do it, it works.
"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@***.net> wrote in message
news:40FB5C59.A6CBA919@***.net...
> I would customize it and made wheel stirrups where I would know
> that when I drove up into them, it would put the at least five hundred
> pounds on the tongue. That may be the feeling you're getting. Then
> ratchet that wheel tight into that stop. Maybe just chain rear axle with
> hook, and winched forward from the front end or axle like a tow truck
> bed.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Jerry McG wrote:
> >
> > Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k
pound
> > rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it
up
> > on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the
springs
> > and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the
side of
> > the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on
it's
> > springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> > springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
> >
> > The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps
are
> > too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> > would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to
them.
> > Any ideas are appreciated.
07-19-2004, 08:00 AM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Trailer Tie Down Reommendations
To add to Bill's advice, maybe go to a towing company and take a looksee how
they do it. I once had my Cherokee "towed" ... after it was pulled up onto
the bed, the wheels were blocked and chains were used but I do not recall
the configuration. No matter ... however they do it, it works.
"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@***.net> wrote in message
news:40FB5C59.A6CBA919@***.net...
> I would customize it and made wheel stirrups where I would know
> that when I drove up into them, it would put the at least five hundred
> pounds on the tongue. That may be the feeling you're getting. Then
> ratchet that wheel tight into that stop. Maybe just chain rear axle with
> hook, and winched forward from the front end or axle like a tow truck
> bed.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Jerry McG wrote:
> >
> > Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k
pound
> > rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it
up
> > on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the
springs
> > and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the
side of
> > the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on
it's
> > springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> > springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
> >
> > The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps
are
> > too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> > would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to
them.
> > Any ideas are appreciated.
they do it. I once had my Cherokee "towed" ... after it was pulled up onto
the bed, the wheels were blocked and chains were used but I do not recall
the configuration. No matter ... however they do it, it works.
"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@***.net> wrote in message
news:40FB5C59.A6CBA919@***.net...
> I would customize it and made wheel stirrups where I would know
> that when I drove up into them, it would put the at least five hundred
> pounds on the tongue. That may be the feeling you're getting. Then
> ratchet that wheel tight into that stop. Maybe just chain rear axle with
> hook, and winched forward from the front end or axle like a tow truck
> bed.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Jerry McG wrote:
> >
> > Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k
pound
> > rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it
up
> > on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the
springs
> > and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the
side of
> > the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on
it's
> > springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> > springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
> >
> > The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps
are
> > too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> > would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to
them.
> > Any ideas are appreciated.
07-19-2004, 08:00 AM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Trailer Tie Down Reommendations
To add to Bill's advice, maybe go to a towing company and take a looksee how
they do it. I once had my Cherokee "towed" ... after it was pulled up onto
the bed, the wheels were blocked and chains were used but I do not recall
the configuration. No matter ... however they do it, it works.
"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@***.net> wrote in message
news:40FB5C59.A6CBA919@***.net...
> I would customize it and made wheel stirrups where I would know
> that when I drove up into them, it would put the at least five hundred
> pounds on the tongue. That may be the feeling you're getting. Then
> ratchet that wheel tight into that stop. Maybe just chain rear axle with
> hook, and winched forward from the front end or axle like a tow truck
> bed.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Jerry McG wrote:
> >
> > Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k
pound
> > rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it
up
> > on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the
springs
> > and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the
side of
> > the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on
it's
> > springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> > springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
> >
> > The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps
are
> > too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> > would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to
them.
> > Any ideas are appreciated.
they do it. I once had my Cherokee "towed" ... after it was pulled up onto
the bed, the wheels were blocked and chains were used but I do not recall
the configuration. No matter ... however they do it, it works.
"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@***.net> wrote in message
news:40FB5C59.A6CBA919@***.net...
> I would customize it and made wheel stirrups where I would know
> that when I drove up into them, it would put the at least five hundred
> pounds on the tongue. That may be the feeling you're getting. Then
> ratchet that wheel tight into that stop. Maybe just chain rear axle with
> hook, and winched forward from the front end or axle like a tow truck
> bed.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Jerry McG wrote:
> >
> > Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k
pound
> > rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it
up
> > on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the
springs
> > and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the
side of
> > the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on
it's
> > springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> > springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
> >
> > The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps
are
> > too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> > would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to
them.
> > Any ideas are appreciated.
07-19-2004, 06:20 PM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Trailer Tie Down Reommendations
I strapped my CJ5 to the trailer by strapping the rear axle over the pumpkin
so the strap was on rounded edges that didn't cut it, then used the tow
hooks on the front bumper to hold the springs down and control the swaying
that you noticed.
No matter what you do, you want to be sure there are no sharp edges that can
cut the straps, and you want to be sure the vehicle can not bounce enough to
allow the straps to fall off. As Bill mentioned, you need to be sure the
vehicle is forward on the trailer enough to prevent the trailer itself from
swaying out of control.
Not that this is relevent, but I went to Home Depot to get some railroad
ties for a landscape project. The ties are 9 ft long, my GI issue trailer is
6 ft long. With the tailgate down, there is plenty of room to physically
hold the railroad ties, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize
the center of the weight is a good foot and a half behind the center line of
the axles. Instead of having a positive weight on the tongue, I had a
negative weight of two or three hundred pounds. The implication of this
became apparent to me the instant my speed got to about 25 mph. The trailer
yanked me sideways so hard that I thought my life was coming to an end. The
idiot behind me thought he could get by by driving on the center median as I
went from the gutter to the yellow line just to stay in front of the
trailer.
I frequently load my trailer with camping gear in such a manner as to have
only about 50 or 100 pounds on the tongue, but in terms of camping gear that
is both light and low in the trailer, the dreaded swaying is completely
unnoticable. But, the landscape logs were another matter entirely. Your Jeep
on a trailer is more akin to my landscape logs than my camping gear. You
need the weight of your Jeep forward on the trailer so there is sufficient
weight on the tongue. A lack of sufficient weight on the tongue will lead to
the trailer istelf swaying, no matter how well you have the Jeep lashed
down.
"Jerry McG" <gmcgeorge.remove@frontier.net> wrote in message
news:cdfgmj02dvg@enews3.newsguy.com...
> Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k pound
> rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it up
> on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the springs
> and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the side
of
> the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on
it's
> springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
>
> The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps are
> too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to
them.
> Any ideas are appreciated.
>
>
so the strap was on rounded edges that didn't cut it, then used the tow
hooks on the front bumper to hold the springs down and control the swaying
that you noticed.
No matter what you do, you want to be sure there are no sharp edges that can
cut the straps, and you want to be sure the vehicle can not bounce enough to
allow the straps to fall off. As Bill mentioned, you need to be sure the
vehicle is forward on the trailer enough to prevent the trailer itself from
swaying out of control.
Not that this is relevent, but I went to Home Depot to get some railroad
ties for a landscape project. The ties are 9 ft long, my GI issue trailer is
6 ft long. With the tailgate down, there is plenty of room to physically
hold the railroad ties, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize
the center of the weight is a good foot and a half behind the center line of
the axles. Instead of having a positive weight on the tongue, I had a
negative weight of two or three hundred pounds. The implication of this
became apparent to me the instant my speed got to about 25 mph. The trailer
yanked me sideways so hard that I thought my life was coming to an end. The
idiot behind me thought he could get by by driving on the center median as I
went from the gutter to the yellow line just to stay in front of the
trailer.
I frequently load my trailer with camping gear in such a manner as to have
only about 50 or 100 pounds on the tongue, but in terms of camping gear that
is both light and low in the trailer, the dreaded swaying is completely
unnoticable. But, the landscape logs were another matter entirely. Your Jeep
on a trailer is more akin to my landscape logs than my camping gear. You
need the weight of your Jeep forward on the trailer so there is sufficient
weight on the tongue. A lack of sufficient weight on the tongue will lead to
the trailer istelf swaying, no matter how well you have the Jeep lashed
down.
"Jerry McG" <gmcgeorge.remove@frontier.net> wrote in message
news:cdfgmj02dvg@enews3.newsguy.com...
> Ok, so I got the trailer for the Jeep, a Top Hat 16' double axle 10k pound
> rated. Now, what's the best way to lash the Jeep down to it? I drove it up
> on the trailer today and used 4 2" ratchet straps looped over the springs
> and behind the u-bolts and hooked to the tie down rail points on the side
of
> the trailer bed. This worked okk, but I could feel the Jeep rocking on
it's
> springs as I towed it, and the straps got chewed up by the edges of the
> springs. Looks like I need to tie it down using the frame instead.
>
> The frame has some tie-down holes but the hooks on the ratchet straps are
> too big for them. I thought someone might make some dedicated hooks that
> would fit in these and then I could I could tie the ratchet straps to
them.
> Any ideas are appreciated.
>
>