Trailering Question..tie downs and Chocks?


AJB

GT
Mark II Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Jun 28, 2006
2,989
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
I just took delivery of my trailer and have been 'practicing' for the trip to Scottsdale/Newport Beach. Tomorrow I plan to 'winch-in' the GT, tie it down and go for a trial run.
On the FGT's I know that we are NOT to set the parking brake or leave the vehicle in gear. I have the protective web/straps and the ratchet tie-downs to 'd'-rings mounted to the trailer frame/floor that I will use on all 4 tire/wheel assemblies.
My question to those experienced..."in addition to the tie downs through the wheels/tires, do you use any type of wheel chocks in front of the front tires and in the rear of the rear tires (even a piece of 4x4 lumber bolted to the floor could work) for added security?" I am having nightmares of the vehicle coming loose in the trailer as I drive thru St Louis!
Looking for advice.
andy benedict (''AJB'' Blue White 2006 #0541)
 
AJB, don't know about the straps, etc, but I live in St; Louis. Avoid downtown. If you want I-44 towards Tulsa heading west, take I-255 South towards Memphis across the Jefferson-Barracks bridge. On the other side of the Mississippi, pick up I-270 North to I-44 west in Fenton, MO.

If going west on I-70, take I-270 towards Kansas City in Troy, IL. Stay on I-270 for a long way until I-70 west breaks off to Kansas City.
 
...
My question to those experienced..."in addition to the tie downs through the wheels/tires, do you use any type of wheel chocks in front of the front tires and in the rear of the rear tires (even a piece of 4x4 lumber bolted to the floor could work) for added security?" ... (''AJB'' Blue White 2006 #0541)

Andy, my trailer has a front wheel chock. I strap the front wheels first against that chock and then strap down the rear wheels. I have not had any issues with the car shifting around. I would recommend that after you drive your trailer for 100 miles or so you stop and re-tighten the tie down straps. I have found that they stretch about one click in the first few miles.

See you in LA.
 
Andy, my trailer has a front wheel chock. I strap the front wheels first against that chock and then strap down the rear wheels. I have not had any issues with the car shifting around. I would recommend that after you drive your trailer for 100 miles or so you stop and re-tighten the tie down straps. I have found that they stretch about one click in the first few miles.

See you in LA.

For best and safest results, cross your straps. Right wheel strap to left D ring etc. It protects the car from moving sideways. Practice driving with an empty trailer if you haven't trailered before. Turns are interesting. Have a safe trip and we'll see you at the rally.
Tom
 
I just took delivery of my trailer and have been 'practicing' for the trip to Scottsdale/Newport Beach. Tomorrow I plan to 'winch-in' the GT, tie it down and go for a trial run.
On the FGT's I know that we are NOT to set the parking brake or leave the vehicle in gear. I have the protective web/straps and the ratchet tie-downs to 'd'-rings mounted to the trailer frame/floor that I will use on all 4 tire/wheel assemblies.
My question to those experienced..."in addition to the tie downs through the wheels/tires, do you use any type of wheel chocks in front of the front tires and in the rear of the rear tires (even a piece of 4x4 lumber bolted to the floor could work) for added security?" I am having nightmares of the vehicle coming loose in the trailer as I drive thru St Louis!
Looking for advice.
andy benedict (''AJB'' Blue White 2006 #0541)

Andy,

I have hauled my GT's Lambo, and Ferrari thousands of miles, and have never had a problem, even on the cratered Detroit highways. Simply cross the tie-downs and use chocks and you will be fine!
 
thanks to all of you for the advice.

very useful information..thanks.
andy
AJB Blue White 2006 #0541