Correct way to secure 40 on trailer?

[houstonfj40]

i looked in the trailer forum and more about builds than this topic.

I have an early '72 40 and am pulling for about 18 hour trip coming up. 18ft trailer with d rings down the center spaced about 40 inches apart, side anchors also. I thought I would do axle straps but it looks like the hard brake lines that run both axles will be in the way. I may be able to slide a chain on fronts where the hard line gives me some space. I could also use ratchet straps on each tire I guess.

Any ideas on best way to do this. Don't want to go to body, or frame. Hear a long about the issue with suspension giving and straps/chains becoming loose.

Pictures won't hel also, thank you in advance.

Marc

 

[UltraFJ40]

Unless you have straps for the tires, then axle forward and rear axle to the back. I prefer heavy straps vs chains but that's just me.

I know I should have centered it over the axles more but it is what is was.

 

[Mace]

I use 2" nylon straps (2 front and 2 rear) with axle strap extensions. Nylon straps won't hurt brake lines.
I also generally run the rears crossed.
I'm not a huge fan of chains, but have run a chain in the front end over the leaf springs. It held just fine.


You are going to see about 56 billion very strong opinions on this along with what is a suitable tow rig.

 

[houstonfj40]

I may just run straps over the tires. When I look at the way the hard lines are run in my truck I am worried about crushing them with axle straps when pulled tight! Rear lines sit on top of the axle the whole way across. No real way to get around that.

I did think about running chain around u bolts below the axle.

 

[roma042987]

i would recommend two heavy chains on the front with d ring shackles. Run the chains over the axle between the "ball" and housing where the knuckle swivels, no brake lines there and wont scratch any paint. Two straps on the back axle crossed over. Tighten them to remove slack from front chains. Then lock it down in 4wd and low gear, parking brake, etc.

 

[cjgoode]

Most important is a solid chain on the rear axle to prevent the fj40 from going forward. You can control acceleration, but you cannot always control when you have to slam on the breaks.

 

[tls3601]

I would check then double check your trailer tires, a blowout will end up with a totalled 40.

 

[OverLand Cruisers]

Wheel straps, combined with front and rear safety straps, are my favorite way to go.

 

[NCFJ]

I would check then double check your trailer tires, a blowout will end up with a totalled 40.

Right there with you, I had the front tire on the passenger side blow on my trailer while hauling a 62. I was doing about 40 on a slight upgrade. Ripped the fender up pretty good and put a big crease in the driver seat of my tow rig.

 

[OverLand Cruisers]

I would check then double check your trailer tires, a blowout will end up with a totalled 40.

Excellent advice!

 

[cjgoode]

Most importantly is properly loading the trailer, all the weight over the wheels to level the trailer can be very dangerous, you need more weight in front of the tires then behind.

 

[UltraFJ40]

Good advice, advice that far too many are unaware of.

 

[Mace]

I hate it when the tail walks the dog...

 

[Mace]

Wags.. sheesh

 

[bikersmurf]

I've always parked it in front of the trailer, done up the hitch, and then safety chains to the frame for good measure. Never had any trouble, trailer follows along behind where they're designed to.

 

[thebigredrocker]

Always check that your spare tire is aired up. No fun to sit beside a road with a two flat tires.

 

[hoser]

They recommend trailer tires be replaced every 4-5 year no matter the tread depth. Most of the wear is internal.

 

[jm599]

Drive 10 miles then recheck tightness too

 

[Mace]

Ih8trailertires

 

[thebigredrocker]

Remember to grease your wheel bearings

I was about 10 when I learned what happens if trailer wheel bearings don't get greased. We were headed on a fishing trip, I was sleeping above the cab in our pickup camper. Woke up to a horrible sound and saw the bright glow of sparks out the rear door window. Not fun at 1 a.m.