Forum Discussion

Explorer II

Feb 02, 2014

Having a problem towing a car on a trailer?

I have been hauling my mini-van on an open car trailer and the straps are always loose when I stop for a break.
I have (4)5000lb ratchet straps that I have cinched up as tight as they can go, or I have left them with a tiny bit of flex in the strap too. Either way, one or more straps are loose when I stop after a couple hundred miles.
I have the rear straps secured at the rear shock mounts, and the front straps secured to the bottom of the A-arms to allow for some suspension travel.
I just ordered an enclosed trailer and I don't want the vehicle moving around inside. What should I be doing differently so that the straps don't loosen up?

Class A

44 Replies

chuckftboy
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
As you figured out, ratchet straps loosen as the vehicle bounces. Personally I never had much success with straps, they always loosen. Now when I put a truck on a flat trailer, I use ratchet tighteners and chain. You can pick up everything you need pretty cheap at Harbor Freight,
BigRabbitMan
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
I would recommend one of two choices: either stap the wheels down with an over the tire strap system, or, go direct to the frame of the and suck it down a little. I would not strap to where you are connecting. To go to the frame (best) you may need to add conveniant tiedown loops (avilable at any auto parts store).
DougE
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
Maybe you're not getting enough wraps around the ratchet spindles?
trop-a-cal
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
The vans shocks must be shot so it bounces. Why worry about travel, as snug is tight on suspension so it won't travel. Did you inflate the tires so they aren't the problem. Check your straps for correct insertion as if wrong they won't grip as designed.