Trailer tiedowns for rig

[IndyXJ]

For the trailer peeps out there-what is the best way to tie down your rig? Not talking about all the weight issues and where the Jeep sits on said trailer, but what do you use and where on the Jeep itself, specifically an XJ.

PS-I posted this a few days ago...but my post never materialized, loL! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[IndyXJ]

btt

[Don]

Hey Bill.... you ask 20 people this question, you will get 20 answers. In my gallery, under Slade, 03/05/2005, I have some photos of my tie down system. Basically, I use (4) "T hooks" (wrecker drivers, & car transport uses these hooks) and four 10,000 lbs ratchet straps, plus one 5,000 lbs hand winch to tie my TJ down. The "T Hooks" are made to fit into the slots that are on the frame of your Jeep... The T-hooks only go in one way and then turn to lock into place. On the front of my trailer, I had two large "D rings" welded so I have a convenient and secure location to attach my straps. I attach the hand winch to one of my tow hooks (10,000 lbs hook), then the other end to a short chain that is looped around the tounge of the trailer (this is nothing more than a safety strap). In the rear, I used two "T Hooks" and simply strap to the rear ledge on the trailer. This system gives me a four point tie down, plus a safety strap. All this for a 3,300 lbs Jeep. Since my Jeep is lifted, I prefer to use the frame tie down method... it feels like I have less body roll on the TJ is curves while on trailer. However, you can used axle straps and do a four point tie down. I have done this and it works. However, I would recommend that you go to Northern Tool & Equipment or a company that sells speciality equipment and get the actual "axle straps". I have even seen where one 10,000 lbs strap was hooked to the trailer, run under and over the diff from one side, then under axle on other side and bck to the front of the trailer. This gives you a tie down system that uses only two 10,000 lbs straps. In my opinion, not a good system. The ratchet straps are nicer to work with in my opinion than chains. However, when using these straps, you want to make sure that your Jeep does not rub them as a minor rub spot can quickly lead to complete failure. If you use the axle straps, or if you use the "T Hooks", this should not be an issue. Some people will say to leave vehicle in nuteral to avaid driveline binds, others make a point of using driveline to pull their connection points, some will use 4lo to do this. Personally, I just pull my Jeep on trailer and leave it in 1st, or Re-wind... then strap it down where it sits. Hope this help. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dance.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dance.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dance.gif

[Don]

Here is some information on the "T Hooks"... Northern Tool & Equipment sells all kinda of Professional quality towing equipment, including axle straps, if that is what you desire.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/s...572&R=43572 (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=43572&R=4357 2)

[IndyXJ]

Cool, thanks! PS-I don't have a "frame". Unibody on all XJ's.

[Don]

You still have steel frame rails running from cab to front bumper..... look at these rails, just in front of your front tire and see if you don't have slots cut in these rails. It shouldn't be an issue on a Jeep, but some cars have aluminium rails.... don't use T Hooks in aluminium rails. If you don't have these slots (I think you do), go to the axle straps, and build a tie down system from there. BTW, did you get a trailer?

[IndyXJ]

Not yet. The CH60 http://www.bigtextrailers.com/pdf/60ch.pdf
doesn't have rails like yours, others, but I need to look at the front again for tie down options.

[Don]

Bill those rails that you are talking about are NOT used to tie vehicle onto trailer. My trailer is actually a "Utility" trailer, versus a car hauler. The rails and pockets for the 4 foot ramps is the difference in the trailers. I have 2x12 lumber that bolts inside these rails and basically allows me to use trailer as a pick up truck for hauling stuff like gravel. The information that you sent on the trailer looks good. However, you will want to make sure the deck is pressure treated lumber... untreated pine will not last long. My trailer is 16 foot, and I haul a TJ. With an XJ, you may want to go to 18 foot? How wide is deck of trailer from inside wheel well to inside wheel well? Mine is 84 inches??? Wide trailer to pull, and park, but I need every inch to fit my TJ with 12:50's on it. Are the tires and wheels on trailer new, or used? Most are used, unless you pay extra. When I ordered my trailer, I went with used tires as I didn't think my trailer would get much use..... how wrong could I be. I up graded to 5 new wheels and tires... $250 upgrade, and worth every penny. If you desire a second quote, contact jeff delaney at jeffandholly@tds.net and he will sell, or build you whatever trailer you want. If you would like to hook up sometime and put your XJ on a 16 foot trailer to see how it works out, just yell.

[Don]

Bill..... this is the best photo I have of the large "D-ring" that I had welded to the front steel frame rail of my trailer.
http://www.itsajeep.org/PhotoPost/data/15334/438Dsc03406-F.jpg

The connection at the Jeep end is made via a "T-Hook"