trailer straps

[vice108]

I just picked up a nice used 10' X 101" covered trailer. Instead of using the traditional tie down bar over the skis the previous owner used straps. He has a D ring behind each sled and then a big D ring in front of each sled. He would just Run one strap from the front bumper to a D ring and then one strap from the rear bumper to a D ring. Anybody else do it this way? He said it worked great and he prefers it to the tie down bar. I'm just trying to decide if I want to use the front D rings or if I should install tie down bars.

 

[crewchief47]

We do that in our enclosed and have never had an issue, as long as the strap is angled enough. We use 1" wide ratchet straps. The Red Vmax has a strap across the front of both spindles pulling it backwards into the vee of the trailer.

 

[vice108]

Thanks Crewchief - I think I'll give it a try and see how it works for me before spending money on bars.

vice108

 

[..SNAKEBIT..]

I don't really like like to tie things down thru the suspension ( clamping down the springs) I think ski bars or tieing to something solid is better IMO

 

[yamaholic22]

i agree if you got in an accident and the trailer made a big jolt it could be enough to compress the suspension and unhook the tiedowns letting the sleds fly free. Obviously better than nothing, but a tiedown bar over the skis is better yet, and then a strap in the rear.

 

[vice108]

i agree if you got in an accident and the trailer made a big jolt it could be enough to compress the suspension and unhook the tiedowns

I Never thought of that scenario. Perhaps I will get some bars after all.

Thanks

 

[crewchief47]

That all depends on the kind of accident. In 97, we were on our way through the UP to a cottage in Canada when we got into some black-ice. The open trailer ended up flipping after catching the snowbank. All three sleds left the trailer. Both sleds with ski bars bent the bars and came free. We have had the senario you describe when rear tie-downs have come unhooked after a big pot-hole, on a single axle open trailer, but those were regular friction tie-downs.

We preload the suspensions on our sleds a good 2" with rachet style straps. The bigger the angle of the straps, the less likely they will come un-hooked during any compression. We tow 3000 lbs race cars with four straps to the frame, cars are shipped on rail with straps to the frame.....

 

[..SNAKEBIT..]

I don't know? but I never hauled race cars by loading the springs, when the car is is the shop we even jack it up so the springs are unloaded. IMO the best is to ski bar the front
and then put a strap on the back, but I don't compress it heavly or leave it on any longer than needed

 

[NB-NYTRO]

It sounds to me that you should invest in those plastic clamp down style bars. You can get get one for the front of the sled and one for the rear suspension. They are quick and easy to use. The only down side is the price.