Strapping a westy on a trailer?

[TrophyJem]

I've hired a trailer to take my westy to be mapped tomorrow.

 

Now I've never strapped any type of car to a trailer before, so I was wondering if there are any tips as to the best way to strap my westy down?

 

Cheers

[Pistol Pete]

I use the wheel straps, one on the front wheel and one of the opposing rear wheel, handbrake on and winch under slight tension attached to the front.

[John Williams (Panda) - Joint Manchester AO]

never on the steering arms.... Personal experience.

[clansman]

I bought a set of these

 

 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PROFESSIONAL-RATCHET-RECOVERY-STRAPS-TRAILER-TIE-DOWN-ALLOY-WHEEL-STRAPS-SET-/250969251537?pt=UK_Trailers_Transporters_Parts&hash=item3a6eeeded1

 

Used a few times now and work a treat , strapped all 4 wheels car never moved an inch.

[cjdad76]

I trailered my Westy to a track dayt a few weeks ago - also my first time strapping any car down.

 

The trailer came with the wheel straps like the one's in the advert posted by clansman above and the guy I hired the trailer gave me a couple of pointers.  I managed just fine, although a couple of points to note:

1) It takes a bit of jiggling to get the wheel straps into position (my arches are tight to the wheels) - make sure when pulling them tight that they don't pull on the arches / cycle wings.

2) Be careful not to let the wheel straps slip down the wheel as you tighten, as they can foul on brake lines or steel work - they should sit around the tyre, hugging it and only it, just higher than centre (say 10 & 2 o'clock).

3) When you tighten the straps, don't tighten too much on one side without any tension on the other side - I did this the first time and it actually pulled my car across the trailer so it was no longer in the centre.  Had to loosen and re-centre the car on the trailer.

 

You shouldn't have anything to worry about.........

[pickmaster Andy Lowe]

I just used to fit 2 straps opposite corners till I towed through Leeds last year May got home to find car had slide around about 20 degs on trailer !!!!!!

All them bumpy roads and pot holes

I now take time and strap all four wheels

[TrophyJem]

Thanks for the replies.

 

Not sure if the trailer I've got (hired off a local guy) has straps with it, so I might need to be inventive.

[Dodgey]

You will NEED ratchet straps at the very least. You can pick them up from any shop like halfords etc for small money. Trailer renters often sell them.

 

The trick with car transporting is to strap down non-suspended items - which means the wheels. Strap a suspended item, like the chassis, and as the suspension bounces (which it will) on the trailer, your strapping goes loose-tight-loose-tight. It will let go very quickly. 

 

Winch it up. Apply the handbrake. Put it in gear. Take up any slack on the winch. wrap straps round a back wheel (round the tyre) and then attach to the chassis behind the car - and tighten moderately - so you are pulling the car backward. Now do the opposite front wheel and affix so you are pulling it forwards. Now you can tighten the ratchets properly (not so wheels get bent!). Ideally you do all but many get away with two. Then take any more winch slack out if there is any. Don't do too much or you loosen the straps!

 

It's easy really. Just don't try and strap the chassis!  - oh - and make sure your straps won't rub bodywork, and that loose ends are tied up.

[Dodgey]

The easy way: (the method, not the strap)

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ONE-Car-Trailer-Tie-Down-Strap-Set-Ratchet-Wheel-tire-Trailer-truck-Lasso-/370675934426

 

Adequate:

 

http://www.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Larry_Chen_Speedhunters_GTA_finals-6.jpg

 

You get the idea.

[Mark (smokey mow)]

I still favour the "belt and braces" method

[Cleggy the Spyder Man]

I still favour the "belt and braces" method

 

second Marks method - takes about 5 to maybe 10 minutes once practiced and is very secure - also never had any straps come loose - when done correctly the buckles on the straps are clear of the wheels so avoid rubbing

 

my straps look the same as Mark's - got mine from Machine Mart

[Mark (smokey mow)]

Yes, mine are also machine mart. The only difference now though is that I use the soft wheel straps rather than those with the metal loops so I don't scratch the wheels.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/soft-wheel-strap

[alexander72]

I use a few straps and bit of rope if needed for security :-)

[s2rrr]

I'm with Mark and Cleggy, one strap per wheel and all nicely battened down. No chance or less chance of sliding fore and aft or sideways. It is after all your pride and joy so needs a bit of proper treatment.

 

I have 4 straps and have now modified the fronts to go straight over the wheel with some U bolts through the deck and without needing the cross pieces the rears I still have to use the cross straps as the trailer hook holes aren't in the right place.

 

Bob

[Boombang]

I go over the tyre too, use a stqndard ratchet strap with extra hooks to make the force vertically down.

Around the wheel is ok so long as you bear in mind any brake lines behind the wheel and aim to get the strapping forces running front to back and not across.

You wouldn't believe how much force you can exert with a ratchet strap and I have read (not seen) about geometry being altered through strapping down.