Correct way to secure 40 on trailer?

[reddingcruiser]

Basic rules (from years of heavy haul experience) for securing a load:

• When tying down, pull away or pull together, to prevent load shift. Don't pull all 4 tie-downs the same direction. Sounds simple, but I've seen folks do it wrong.
• Thinking the weight of the rig, parking brakes, left in gear or being in 'park' will help secure the rig, is a fools game.
• As the video shows, be sure you have enough weight on the tongue to keep the trailer tracking straight. Fifth wheel trailers are a little more forgiving in this regard.
• Tying down from the axles is fine, but tall rigs with flexible suspensions, loaded for a weekend off road, can make for an interesting ride as the rig's suspension bounces and sways.
• If you are using chain, make sure it is rated for transport use, which should not to be confused with lifting chain or 'generic' chain. Make sure the chain is rated for the weight of you rig and the binders are appropriate for the link size you are using. Ratchet chain binders are the easiest to use and adjust, and can save you the discomfort of a cheater bar in the face. I prefer a binder on each corner.
• Nylon ratchet straps are good, but more easily damaged. Be willing to throw them away when they become damaged. They are also more easily subject to abrasion, and chemical and UV damage, so use and store appropriately.
• As noted, axle straps make hooking up easier.
• Those holes at the front and rear of the frame rails you always wondered about, those are there for commercial auto transports to tie the cars down and are perfectly acceptable to use.

 

[crimsonaudio]

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

Or worse - total both the Fj40 and the tow rig...

 

[tls3601]

@crimsonaudio I have seen both totalled.................... There is NO substitute for good tires!!!

 

[crimsonaudio]

@crimsonaudio I have seen both totalled.................... There is NO substitute for good tires!!!

Sadly, our own Roma experienced this a while back...

Tucker and Roma's 75 FJ40 Restore

"long story short one of the trailer tires blew out and made the trailer roll, we were running 60-65 on the freeway. There was no time to do anything but pucker up. I looked in the rear view and the trailer was perpendicular to the 100 and that's when I knew we were going over. Im not sure how many time the trailer rolled but when it did consequently it rolled my 100 over twice landing back on its wheels. Both trucks were totaled. We didn't have a single bump or scratch. The trailer tongue was torn off but the chains held."

 

[tls3601]

Such a great guy and fantastic thread-everyone could learn from this. Luckily no one was injured but that poor Mustard 40

 

[houstonfj40]

Weight distribution hitch and anti sway set up installed today. New ties on. It's axles and axle breaks also on each. May run straps over each tire with a safety chain also. If not, 5/16 chain with ratchet binders, on all four corners.

 

[thebigredrocker]

I look forward to seeing your new 40

 

[houstonfj40]

40 build 2/3 of way thru (Early '72)

My last minute rush is in the 40 forum.

 

[R.K.]

I use 2" ratchet straps with built in axle wraps from AW Direct, and I always cross the front straps and the rear straps in an X to ensure there is no lateral movement. One of my buddies didn't used to cross his straps. He was in an accident while towing, the rear of his rig shifted off the trailer and cut one of the rear tires. Crossing the straps would have orevent d that - he crosses them now.

 

[Mace]

The problem with crossing straps is that the vehicle can move laterally easily if one of the straps loosens..

Imho, there are no "Perfect" ways to tie down a rig

 

[houstonfj40]

Here is how it trailered. Two 12 hrs days each way. Had to brake hard when pulled in front of near Colorado Springs. She never moved. Safety chains also front and rear. Thanks for all the help.