HELP with Trailering to the Rally


W

w.a.nelson

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Feb 29, 2008
1,132
Asbury, NJ
Last weekend at GT Joey's was fantastic, but getting there and back, with the wife and a meager amount of luggage proved to be really uncomfortable for two hours, indicating that 8 or more hours to Virginia and/or North Carolina would not be any fun at all.

Since I have an F-350 dually crew cab - which would nicely take the issues of weather, luggage and creature comfort out of the equation - I decided to pursue finding a suitable rental trailer.

The good news is I found an almost-new 24" beavertail 8 foot wide trailer which should accomodate the GT.

The bad news is that the trailer does not have any track in the floor that would allow the use of wheel bonnets, or other over-the-wheel hold down devices. The trailer has 4 basic D rings in the floor, in position for "generic" car hauling.

I know that a lot of you have trailering experience, and a lot of you do not use wheel bonnets, etc., and I suspect you are securing the GT with straps through the wheels - even though Ford does not recommend this.

What advice can you give me about how to do this in a way to maximize vehicle safety, and eliminate/prevent any damage to wheels or other parts of the car.

I know I will have to drive into the trailer and subsequently get in and out through the window. I can handle that. ( Remind me I said this when I complain of aches and pains next week! )

- Do I need wheel chocks?

- Do I put emergency brake on?

- Do I leave car in gear or in neutral?

- What have you used successfully to prevent wheel scratches from the straps?

- What is the preferred tie-down strap orientation? I have seen on one thread where the rear straps are crossed; and I assume in that case the front straps are not crossed.

- Is anyone using any other tie down attachment points other than the wheels?

- Any tips to how to maximize clearance between straps and front and rear diffusers?

Any other tips; ideas; dos; don'ts; photos; etc would be greatly appreciated.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Rally.

Thanks

Bill Nelson
 
Bill, someone here turned me on to Mac's Tie Downs that you can get wrapped in fleece to protect the wheels.
I just run them through the wheels and hook to the floor D'rings.
Haven't had any problems.

http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/


Jeff
 
Last edited:
You can go to any Auto Parts store and purchase Fleece Pads for Seatbelts and use them with tiedowns through wheels. Cross the rear and straight on the front and use the D-rings. I do use the 4X8 chalks just to stable the car. Do not engage emergency brake or transmission and strap down tightly checking often while towing. Tomy Hamon
 
We are working on a very unique way of tackling the issue of moving items and clothing with the Ford GT. We are going to be done in a couple of months. Some people will absolutely hate us, others will be very interested. We already have some pre-orders. That is all for now...
 
Bill,

Please call me @ 917 837 0733....I have the answers to all your questions..............I tiried posting a lengthy post...but my italian got in the way and lost it...........

Gino
 
Gino, you lost it alright. You have to finish typing within about 10 minutes or the system kicks you out.

Cowboy Bill, no emergency brake and do not leave it in gear. There was a little placard that came with car about towing. Hoping to out-draw next week. Frank
 
I have trailered the GT with the straps through the wheels. I did not cross them, just straight. I also just used simple clean cotten towels. No e brake or in gear. Once the car is tight on the tie downs is it not going anywhere. I had ZERO marks on the wheels. and I looked CAREFULLY. I did this for rally I so was a 12+ hour drive each way.

Also here is a GREAT site for tie downs and accessories.... These guys are the actual manufacturer of items that many resell. I found them, when Mac's could not supply me what I needed in time...

http://www.truckntow.com/
 
The Grey Ghost said:
Bill, someone here turned me on to Mac's Tie Downs that you can get wrapped in fleece to protect the wheels.
I just run them through the wheels and hook to the floor D'rings.
Haven't had any problems.

http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/

Jeff
Click to expand...

I go the "cheap" route and buy extra large thick tube socks and cut the closed end out to make sleeves. They work great and are much cheaper and easier to fit between the wheel spokes. I've never scratched a wheel!
 
Tim - great idea with the tube socks. I just use old t-shirt material wrapped around my straps.
Thru the spokes, no criss-cross, to d-rings on the floor, in neutral, no park brake , steeing wheel left UNLOCKED , both windows down..
Have trailered from Detroit to Chips in Scottsdale Ariz, to LAsVegas, to Austin, TX and just loaded the car today to head toward Virginia !!
Not a marr or scratch on any wheel..
AJB andy
 
kmillen said:
We are working on a very unique way of tackling the issue of moving items and clothing with the Ford GT. We are going to be done in a couple of months. Some people will absolutely hate us, others will be very interested. We already have some pre-orders. That is all for now...
Click to expand...

Luggage rack Kyle? Or trailer hitch?

Ed
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Top Bottom