Car Haulling Help.

[IdaH.O.Train]

I am going to pick up an old Chevy Biscayne tomorrow and haul it on a tandem axle flat bed trailer. I have never haulled a vehicle before, so I'm not sure about things to be mindful of, ie. safety issues and loading precausions. Any help from you experienced folks would be much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Desperado]

I have always loaded so that the front of the car is at the front of the trailer, or witch ever end is the heavest, tie it down tite with good heavy chainand binders, Make sure that all of the tires on the trailer have the same air presure or you will make a mess on the road aswell as in you pants (don't ask me how I know) make sure that you have some toung weight but not too much. Good luck.

 

[WadePatton]

Set the trailer up as level as possible unloaded and then make sure it close to that loaded. Some tounge weight, but not too much is the key.



And tie it down securely. Chains are best, but 4-inch straps work also.



After you're all loaded up to go, drive a little ways and then check and retighten as necessary. Then HAUL THAT SUCKER.

 

[Okie-Go]

Check the brakes. Get a feel for the way the trailer stops. It will affect your braking distance loaded so leave extra room, especially in traffic.

 

[nhincher]

what everybody else said +



I always tie down the vehicle by the axles or other "unsprung" suspension parts. Since the vehicle on the trialer suspension will still cycle, strapping it down by the frame can lead to the tiedowns coming loose as you drive down the road.



but I know people who go both ways and seem to be fine.



I use 4 10K ratchet straps (one on each corner) with 18" axle slings. works great and haven't had any issues.

 

[SOLER]

The tongue weight should be 10-15% of the total trailer weight loaded.



If possible, use ratchet straps and tie down at the frame at each corner. Some people will tie to the axle, but then the car will cylce with its own suspension, which could lead to a dangerous situation. If you have seen big rigs hauling cars, you will notice that they will "suck" down the car so it's suspension won't bounce. For best results, put the tie downs so they are "pulling" at the car in both directions.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by SOLER

For best results, put the tie downs so they are "pulling" at the car in both directions.

When I haul a car, I like to cross tie the straps as well. That way, your not only putting tension on both ends but limiting side movement as well.

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by nhincher
what everybody else said +

I always tie down the vehicle by the axles or other "unsprung" suspension parts. Since the vehicle on the trialer suspension will still cycle, strapping it down by the frame can lead to the tiedowns coming loose as you drive down the road. ...

A friend showed me a trick some years back. After cinching the frame to the trailer, stretch some bungee cords from the hook on the trailer to the hook on the frame. Then when the car bounces up and down on the trailer, the bungees will keep the straps from coming off.

Fest3er