Axle strap question (trailering)

Anybody using the $15 heavy duty straps from Lowes for tying the axles down to the trailer?

Comparing them to the $35 ones from Mac's Tie-downs, they seem like a pretty good deal...

wsm04rubi wrote:Anybody using the $15 heavy duty straps from Lowes for tying the axles down to the trailer?

Comparing them to the $35 ones from Mac's Tie-downs, they seem like a pretty good deal...

I've been utilizing them for several years now, the front one's are getting a little worn and probably should be replaced here soon. But no problems, I use two on the front, & two on the back, I attach them to the axles with the short (18") axle strap w/ the rings on either end

I used chains, binders & hooks before straps

Do you also put straps to the body to keep it from swaying, or just let the suspension flex?

Thanks!

Also where did you buy the axle straps?

wsm04rubi wrote:Also where did you buy the axle straps?

I picked up a set at the Good'Guys car event a few years ago, I've also seen them at Torque lift & most trailer places should carry them

I use the yellow ratchet straps from Joe's. They are probably the same as Low's. I use two in the front xing each other right around the axle with no body ties. In the rear I use tow truck style big steel hooks with chain, but I used to use the fabric static straps. The hooks are so much easier to put on and I don't cross the chains. When I towed Justin's jeep to the comp, we had to add body straps because his suspension moves so much more than mine that it was scary. It would be a good idea to use those little short axle staps in the front that have a protective sleeve over the strap. Use the ratchet strap to go from the axle strap to the trailer.Then you could cut off your extra off of the ratchet strap and just run a straight line to the trailer only utilizing one d-ring each. I've been meaning to do it but haven't got around to it yet. There is alot of different opinions on this issue. I feel that utilizing the jeeps suspension a little really helps on the bumps but hurts on the sway. Most times that I tow someones car I go to the frame in the front and the axle in the rear. That works really good too. You could even do that with a jeep, maybe. Does that help?

Oh yeah, the important thing to remember about going to the frame is that if you are not tight and the susp. drops too much a hook could come out!

Thanks, yeah that helps. I picked up 4 of the Lowes straps today. They are really beefy, and should do the job. I may also add a couple of the cheapy ratchet straps to the bumper d-rings just to control sway, not for securing the vehicle.

I've always gone to the axles, but I don't have one of those scientific suspensions neither

On my other rig with the scientific suspension, I went to the frame due to no where to tie off on the axles. To much stuff with the shock & link brackets. I had to compress the suspension enough to prevent the tie-downs from falling off, as was suggested earlier. I didn't know if compressing the suspension would harm, or affect the the shocks though but it did bounce around quite a bit, without affect on towing