Enclosed Trailer Tie-Downs

[Pilot20]

I finally purchased an enclosed trailer for my 57 Chevy and now I have a question on the best way to tie it down. I see now they are selling tie-downs that go through the wheels. Has anyone used these? Is this a better way to tie it down then the common axle straps and straps for the front control arms? Thanks for the help.

[ProdigyCustoms]

I still tie the lower control arm and rear diff with the straps that hook to themselves is easiest.

[JamesJ]

Depends on how the hooks are on the floor of the trailer. If you have a E-Track, I think the best way is to use the pre made strap that go over the top of the tire with straps that go around the sidewall as well. This also depend on the tires you have.

That way I think is the best, but like said before it depends on your setup.

[J2SpeedandCustom]

We tie the the frame/body to the trailer, and not the suspension. Just hooking on the suspension puts to much strain on the suspension components in my opinion. Sometimes you have to get creative finding points to pull her down. On a 57 with a full frame you shouldn't have a problem.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Originally Posted by J2SpeedandCustom

We tie the the frame/body to the trailer, and not the suspension. Just hooking on the suspension puts to much strain on the suspension components in my opinion. Sometimes you have to get creative finding points to pull her down. On a 57 with a full frame you shouldn't have a problem.

Until you have one break the bodywork! I sent a pair of aluminum fender 1963 Z11s to Barrtett Jackson in 1990. They both had a lot of damage to the fenders from wrenching and a healthy coat of bondo on them of coarse. We shipped them on a enclosed carrier along with 14 other cars we sent. The driver tied down to the front and rear frame horns and when the Z11's got there the fenders were cracked! UGH! Needless to say we did not run those 2 cars through!

Over the years I have found the car is much more happy on the suspension, letting the suspension do what it is designed to do. Torquing down the body, the body is always trying to get away.

But there are arguments both ways. I know in 28 years of towing cars on the suspension I have not had any issues yet, so it is hard to change an old dogs habits.

[NOT A TA]

I tow using 36" straps through the wheels. It's quick to load/unload without lying on the floor to position or remove the straps. I've seen damage to frames also from people hooking ratchet straps into frame holes. The track systems look good but I haven't used one personally.