Tie-downs

[sapper]

I use a combo method, on the rear I use 2 straps from the axle straight back to tie downs. I also use 2 straps from my rear bumper down to the trailer. On the front I use 2 from the framerails in a X and then 2 from the bumper to the trailer. 8 in total, overkill but I like it. I dont go from the front axle because I dont have the room on the diff side. I squat the truck down pretty good and have never had a problem with it. My suspension is very flexy so getting down is important. I use 10,000 lb axle combo strps that I found on Summit. Here is the link

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=ERK%2D78424&N=700+4294922915+4294838964+4294816121+4294858214+115&autoview=sku

 

[ramjet gmc]

I like the idea of both on a 4x4... You need to control both the the truck and the body roll of the vehicle that is on the trailer... I've used both chains and straps just remember to inspect them a few days before your planning on using your trailer so their is time to repair or replace befor you use it...

i do both also on the body ti would bounce and move the trailer bad and some straps on the body fixed that and now it is like it is rails

 

[79chevyk10]

Always to the axles with 10k straps sold by PolyPerformance that are trianglulated on the trailer. Never, never, never tie to frame with a long travel suspension. If you were to take a big bounce or something serious the suspension would compress and the straps would become loose and the vehicle would shift on the trailer causing even more problems.

I was unfortunate enough to plow into a ditch when towing and the rig never moved an inch. Pulled the rig off the trailer and recovered my own trailer and tow rig with my rig.

 

[cabledawg]

When hauling backhoes to and fromthe jobsite, we always went to the axles (front) and the bottom of the boom pivot (rear). Chain up the front, back up to tighten the chains, then chain and binder the rear. I know its a little different that a truck, but it was secure. An old boss of mine had a heavily modded Jeep that he took to Utah every couple months and always went axles only. Keeps it from shifting if the suspension compresses was what he said.

 

[cybrfire]

to the frame and block out the suspension.

 

[Leadfoot]

to the frame and block out the suspension.

Good Idea.

On a backhoe, tractor, etc. with little or no suspension, axle tieing seems to work well.

On a vehicle with soft or long travel suspension it is best to secure the axles and then secure the body/frame (some do this by strapping the frame to the axles to keep the body from shifting and upsetting the balance on the trailer).

Around here DOT requires a safety chain when nylon straps are used, so I chain the front axle tight diagonally with one wrap around the axle tube, and then use nylon straps front and rear on the frame. The straps keep the suspension compressed and help imobilize the truck and the chain makes sure it does not move.

I will admit on short trips I just do two nylon straps (one on front axle and one on rear), but I can definitely see the truck "move" when tight cornering or stopping quick

 

[76zimmer]

to the frame and block out the suspension.

I agree with this method the most..then you get no movement out of the suspension, thus eliminating the center of gravity moving around, and I use these on the frame holes, that were made for them.

 

[LOGANSTANFORTH]

I have a 93 D350 dodge dually with a cummins and a 30 foot tri-axle low deck goosneck. I use the blue axle straps from TSC on the front, then hook the chain to them and the other end of the chain to the trailer then use a boomer to tighten down the chain........in the rear i run the chain under the axle, over the pinion and back under the opposite axle tube then hook it to the other side of the trailer then pull the truck forward and take up the slack.......

these are the axle straps.....
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp...10551_10001_43803_-1______?rFlag=true&cFlag=1

 

[k5fd89]

mac straps. wife got me a set for christmas and they are great. Short trips i just x and and wrap the axles. long trips i use the fram hooks and x it down nice and tight.
http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/

 

[offroadblazer764x4]

I do alot of towing and I pick up junk cars with my trailer. I bought 4 T hooks and find the 4 oval holes in the corners of any car found in the frame or subframe rails. I never used any kind of x pattern but I always always always put safety chains that are hard-mounted to the trailer around the control arms or front axles of the vehicle I am towing witch do not need to be tight but are in place just incase the winch cable or straps break. For short trips I sometimes use lasso straps through the wheels. And I always leave the vehicle in natural until the straps are tight.