I use this method also. I am lucky to be able to borrow my friends trailer
desined primarily for a Sprite vintage racer. There are two chains
permanently attached to the rear trailer frame with a hook on each end of
the chain. An axle strap is used to loop over each side of the axle and the
chain hooks both loops on the axle strap. Racheting tie-downs hook to the
tow hooks on the front frame rails pull the car forward and down. The rear
chains are fairly short and cannot come loose once the car is racheted
down. A tightened winch strap is left hooked to the front loops as well.
This system has been used for several years and many races, and I have
hauled my Sprites this way at least a dozen times myself. The car doesn't
budge and inch, which is essential since there are only a couple inches
between the tool boxes and the car.
Gerard
At 12:58 AM -0400 8/13/00, Tom & Sharon Shirley wrote:
>> What do you think? Am I totally off-base here or will this work?
>
>I'll be blunt, Robb, you are way off base. I've been towing race cars for
>about 10 years. You've got to get yourself some ratcheting tie downs. Use 2
>on each end. Configure them like Bob Spruck suggested, crossed on each end
>so the car doesn't move side to side as well as forward or rearward. Also, a
>chain wrapped around the rear axle and mounted to the trailer frame is a
>must.
>
>Use the rear axle and front tie downs to connect to. Attach them to a
>substantial anchor in the trailer. These anchors should be automotive style
>tie down anchors (available from many supply houses - I have bookmarks).
>They should be welded in or bolted in with Grade 8 bolts to the steel frame
>of the trailer. DO NOT simply mount them to the floor if it is wood. It will
>not hold.
>
>If you use the 4x4 method, at best, you're going to have a damaged car, and
>at worst, the car may come through the trailer walls into your tow vehicle.
>
>If you think this is all overkill, well, it's your car, trailer, tow vehicle
>and most importantly, your family. Just some friendly advice from a fellow
>Spridget lover who's lost a car off a trailer. And it only weighed 900 lb.
>and I was only doing 30 MPH and not in a collision or emergency stop
>situation.
>
>Tom and Sharon Shirley - Chattanooga, TN
>http://www.geocities.com/baddogracing/
>
>
>
>
>
>__________________________________________________
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