Ree,
We're lucky that our cars are easy to tie down.
AFAIK, all models have shipping eyes built into the
rear frame, so that's a gimme. This fully constrains
the car under the maximum normal force you will see,
which is panic braking.
Use 2 chains and good connections (threaded link, etc)
here, and it will take a massive amount of force
(frontal collision into a fixed object) to seperate
the car from the trailer.
With the rear very secure, you can make it easy on
yourself at the front. I usually attach to the sway
bar mounts, the lower A arm, or the chassis. But
straps on the wheels would work as well. You want the
car to stay planted so that the tongue weight will
remain the same, important for a single axle trailer.
You know about tongue weight, right? Trust me, it's
*real* important. If in doubt, ask.
I've towed a Spitfire thousands of miles this way,
using a variety of cars, from a Chevy Vega(!?) to a
big U-Haul truck.
Good luck!
Carter Shore
--- Ree Gurley <reegurley@mindspring.com> wrote:
>
> I'm awaiting completion of my "Spit-Trailer" -
> basically a 6&1/2' x 14'
> 3500# landscape/utility single-axle unit - slightly
> modified with electric
> brakes, H-D tiedowns, beefed-up ramp/gate &
> angle-iron "chocks" - to be
> towed with a 4wd 4.3L Sonoma.
> Any comments from you experienced Spit-towers on
> the various tie-down
> methods to secure the Spit onto the trailer? ISTR
> that Joe Curry mentioned
> using the strap/ratchet deals that go over the
> wheels. Some of the
> race-guys up here use straps from the suspension
> criss-crossed to the
> tie-downs (on the opposite side). Bill Miller -
> planning to tow the Suchak
> Spit from FL to IN - must have a good set-up in
> mind.
> FWIW, I'm talking about long-range towing on the
> interstates. All
> comments & observations on tie-down methods, from
> you folks with more
> experience & knowledge than I, will be greatly
> appreciated.
>
> Cheers, Ree Gurley in Mexico, NY - (sans) 78 Spit
> FM73070U O
>
>
>
>
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