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Re: Tying down a trailered car

To: "Ronnie Babbitt" <rbtr3a@cox.net>, "Triumphs" <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: Tying down a trailered car
Date: Thu, 24 Jun 2004 09:41:00 -0400
References: <007f01c45992$46ccca20$1101a8c0@ronnieh529lfa2>
At 10:23 PM 6/23/2004, Ronnie Babbitt wrote:
>What do you think is the best method/way to tie down these cars?
>Remember I only have a few inches between cars. There are many tie down
>points/rings down the center of the trailer.

Hi Ronnie...

I travelled to Nashville, TN from Detroit last weekend to pick up a parts 
car.  Towed down an empty trailer which has forward wheel stops to 
accommodate my Triumph Stag.  I loaded up the Triumph 2000 (which did not 
have an engine or trans) and, once on the highway at about 50mph, had 
unmanageable sway from side to side.  I puttered along until the next exit 
so my dad and I could see what was wrong.  We determined that because the 
car had no engine, the weight load on the trailer was too far to the 
rear.  We unbolted the wheel stops from the bed of the trailer, moved the 
car forward only about 9 inches, and viola!!  Back on the freeway, 65mph, 
no sway whatsoever.  A long example to point out that you should probably 
load the cars ahead of time and do a test drive at speed.  It may take 
several attempts with the cars in different order on the trailer to achieve 
the correct weight balance on the trailer.

Now to your question about HOW to secure the cars.  I use axle straps and 
the ratcheted 2 inch straps, one set on each corner of the car.  Check them 
at every stop you make, especially if they are new, because they stretch a 
bit.  Also, be sure the cars are centered side to side on the trailer as 
well, it makes a huge difference.

Good luck, I'll see you in Richmond.  We're taking the scenic route, 
leaving Saturday, arriving in Richmond Wednesday.  I'll be driving either 
the Stag or the 2000.  My wife will be following in the air conditioned 
comfort of the Dodge Durango.  She says it's for 8-month old baby Blake's 
comfort.  Yeah, right.

Cheers,
Blake Discher, Detroit

----
I'll be driving for charity in the 2004 Michigan British Reliability Run!
Info & Secure credit card donations: http://www.mibrr.com





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