Winching solution

[funat50]

I got a new trailer with side door and elvated floor. It's still narrow and I rashed the front right wheel (aaaagh):ack. I think it's also kind of hard on the clutch easing into to place on an incline. Planning to install a winch. Do the people winching leave the hook in most of the time or for loading do you attach somewhere else under the front?

 

[Empty Pockets]

I got a new trailer with side door and elvated floor. It's still narrow and I rashed the front right wheel (aaaagh):ack. I think it's also kind of hard on the clutch easing into to place on an incline. Planning to install a winch. Do the people winching leave the hook in most of the time or for loading do you attach somewhere else under the front?

According to the delivery tags you get on the GT's shifter, you're to tow ONLY from that hole in the top rt corner of the "grille"... and winching IS a form of towing, I would think.

So, I'd mount the winch off center in some fasion & "tug" from there!

If I remember correctly, 'towing instructions FORBID connecting to any suspension parts at all (well, duuuh), so other than the std towing location - where else is there TO attach anyway?

E.P.

 

[Yogi]

I will post some pics later. When we ship out a car the guys usually put a towel through the rim and run a strap around the towel. Strapping down the wheels with a towel as a barrier between the strap and the rim.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I will post some pics later. When we ship out a car the guys usually put a towel through the rim and run a strap around the towel. Strapping down the wheels with a towel as a barrier between the strap and the rim.

He can speak for himself, obviously:eek , but I think he's referring to "winching" attachment points.:shrug

 

[FlorIdaho Chris]

I got a new trailer with side door and elvated floor. It's still narrow and I rashed the front right wheel (aaaagh):ack. I think it's also kind of hard on the clutch easing into to place on an incline. Planning to install a winch. Do the people winching leave the hook in most of the time or for loading do you attach somewhere else under the front?

I winch the car from the factory tow hook. My winch pulls just fine mounted in the center of the trailer.

You might put a call in to our site sponsor "Almond Exotic Transports". He has moved a couple of cars for me. He winched my GT in and strapped it down. He is most helpful with his advice and I am sure would be happy to give you some pointers.

 

[06fordgt]

Guys I had my car flat bedded from the dealership home. The guy flatbeds ferraris, lambos etc. He knows what he is doing. The process went that he got the car close to the tilted bed. He used the supplied tow hook and attached it to the front right hand side (facing the car) and winched it up from there. Once on the bed and somewhat elevated he used straps through the wheels and tires to hold the car down with the chains attached to the straps NOT touching the wheels or the car in any way. worked out great.
http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1784&stc=1&d=1167943493
http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1784&stc=1&d=1167943493

 

[B O N Y]

Guys I had my car flat bedded from the dealership home. The guy flatbeds ferraris, lambos etc. He knows what he is doing. The process went that he got the car close to the tilted bed. He used the supplied tow hook and attached it to the front right hand side (facing the car) and winched it up from there. Once on the bed and somewhat elevated he used straps through the wheels and tires to hold the car down with the chains attached to the straps NOT touching the wheels or the car in any way. worked out great.
http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1784&stc=1&d=1167943493
http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1784&stc=1&d=1167943493

If I recall, that is how the factory recommends strapping to be done.

 

[funat50]

Rephrase questions

I may not have made my self clear. I understand the winch "eye" and lack of other towing points. As I use my trailer for temporary storage until the new garage is done I have to move the car in and out on a semi-regular basis. I would like input on clutch wear and if people leave the winch "eyelet" in place. As I go in and out of the trailer 1 or 2 times a week I'm looking for a convienient solution. Thanks.

 

[FlorIdaho Chris]

I may not have made my self clear. I understand the winch "eye" and lack of other towing points. As I use my trailer for temporary storage until the new garage is done I have to move the car in and out on a semi-regular basis. I would like input on clutch wear and if people leave the winch "eyelet" in place. As I go in and out of the trailer 1 or 2 times a week I'm looking for a convienient solution. Thanks.

I agree with you on clutch wear particularly if it is in and out regularly. Maybe winch in and drive out? Also, as your trailer is narrow, winching in may save your other wheel from getting dinged.

I think I'd just leave the winch eyelet in place. My two cents worth anyway.

 

[06fordgt]

Fun50 I would leave the tow hook on. It won't harm anything. Look a liitle odd, but who cares. I would leave the car in neutral and use the winch to load and unload.

 

[GaryA]

Just my 2 cents here. I typically use the tow hook to pull the car in the trailer and depending on which trailer I'm using, I winch it back out (if the side door is not lined up with the car door) or drive it out. This eliminates climbing in and out of windows and saves the clutch.

The only concern I would have with leaving the hook on the car all the time is the potential for it to loosen up from vibration eventually causing it to fall off (not very likely) or that somebody might decide it would be a nice souvenir (if you left your car parked unattended somewhere). Both of those are highly unlikely scenarios, but depending on your situation, they may be a concern.

One of the great members of this forum (thanks Kirk!) went to the trouble to buy me my very own tow hook so I don't have to use the customer's. Just another nice touch to keep these cars pristine.

 

[funat50]

Descison made.

Thanks for all the input. I have decided on a combined solution.

1. I'm going to install a winch to tow the car in and then just get in and let it roll back for exits.
2. I'm going to take out the current ramps that raise the car 6 inches so the door clears the side exit and install full ramps over the wheel wells to eliminate the possibility of future wheel rash.
3. I'm going to order a pair of 12 - 16 ft ramps to attach to the elevated floor to ease the elevation level when loading.