<VV> trailer tie downs (Corvair)

[Dale Dewald]

At 10:26 PM 3/22/05 -0500, Ed wrote:

>I just purchased an aluminum car trailer. This is new territory for me and
>I'd like to know from those with experience where the tie down straps go 
>on an
>EM? It came with tie downs but I plan on perhaps buying new ones. With that
>said what do I look for, weight specs, brand, best place to but, etc. Thanks.
>    Ed in Fla

Hello Ed,

I prefer to be on the safe side and tie my cars (and other wheeled or 
tracked machinery) down with chains.  I have made up a set of 5/16" high 
tensile strength chains (rated for transport use) that are about 5 feet 
long with a chain hook on one end and a slip (choker) hook on the other.  I 
purchased the cut lengths of chain and hooks from Fleet-Farm (also check 
Tractor Supply).  The slip hook end of each chain can be wrapped around a 
frame member or crossmember or hooked into a hard point (as found F & R on 
FC's).  The other end can then be adjusted to the most convenient mounting 
point available on the trailer.  I then use a pair of load binders (5400# 
type typically on the front chains) to tighten the vehicle down.  Another 
option is to use two choke chains and one long (standard 16 ft) transport 
chain that wraps around some secure part(s) of the vehicle.

I have shied away from nylon straps for vehicles.  The nylon stretches and 
allows the vehicle to move around somewhat (especially on our rough MI 
roads) which can cause the strap to chafe, fray or possibly be cut 
through.  Straps work fine for lumber, boxes, items in crates, etc.

For LM Corvairs:
1) Two chains wrapped around the front suspension crossmember.
2) One chain each on lower strut rods.
3) Load binders on front chains.

For EM Corvairs
1) Two chains on front suspension crossmember.
2) One chain each on each rear axle/driveshaft.
3) Load binders on front chains.

FC's
1) One chain through each tow loop at bumper brackets.
2) Load binders on front chains.
Option: attach per EM.

ALWAYS make sure to STOP and check what ever tie downs you use after a 
short distance of transport (maybe a mile) and again after about 10 miles 
and at 100 miles, then whenever a stop is made for fuel, restroom, etc...

Dale Dewald
Hancock, (UP) MI