Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Chuck - I converted my ratchet handles several years ago with a "Direct Hook Kit" from macscustomtiedowns.com. Their part# is 421020.(Sorry I don't know how to post a link yet). I use my ratchet straps frequently and have never had a problem. Hope this helps. Tom

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Tom, I'm going to do as youve done, Hooking the Rachet assy directly to the D-ring (Trailer Floor)

I'm still asking for more input as to why the car has to move on its front suspension rather that get secured at the frame and pulled down somewhat ??????

From what others have written it seems like the lower control arm area wants to cut the straps. I do have the straps with outer sleeve around them.

Thanks,

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Chuck -
I've always let the car float on its own suspension; just the way I've always done it. As Bill Rose says, the lower control arms do eventually cut the axle straps; I use 2 layers of old fire hose on my axle straps for extra protection and replace when the strap is damaged. I also do not use the X pattern and have never had a problem, even after sudden lane changes a time or two on the interstate. Tom

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Tom K, welcome aboard! Glad to see you here. I last saw you 2 weeks ago at the Liberty Market in Gilbert. Tom has one my all time favorite Oldsmobiles nestled in his garage. What a beauty and what a history. Tom, you may want to check out this link on our site. There are a lot of aviation and particularly vintage WWII fans around here too. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Darn Olds guys keep cluttering up the place!!! (That is a welcome aboard from another Olds guy!)

As for tying cars down, I look at how the haulers carrying the cars and trucks out of the assembly plant do it. 98% attach to the frame and pull straight down. Some of the new transport are using the wheel nets.

I myself use the t-hooks and the frame slots and cross the straps. If you want the t-hooks to keep from marring the frame, dip them in plasti-coat or use some old strap material to minimize the contact.

Growing up on the farm, you learn that you strap it tight so that nothing moves. I know that some let the suspension move, but I look at that as energy that is uncontrolled when you go over some bad bumps (and may have to do emergency braking on top of that). I have never had an issue with the car going anywhere when locked down tight!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/scholar.gif

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

If you attach straps to the frame and tighten, any bump you go over with your trailer is going to cause the suspension to still compress which will in turn loosen your straps as you are driving down the road. I always attach the straps to the lower control arms in front and the axle at the rear.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Not wanting to argue, just trying to learn.........

If you rachet strap the front frame, pull down moderately, those rachet straps are not going to loosen.

I can understand how many guys let the suspension work, let the car float having just secured the lower control arms or baskets straps over tires.

Just asking why this is better.....????

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

FWIW, I prefer our cars sinched down to eliminate suspension travel...otherwise, it's comparable to putting miles on the car without the wheels turning...and on our race stuff (Red Alert & Y-Camaro) where ride/suspension geometry is crucial and set where we need it, the less miles the better.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Running with the car cinched down is putting "miles on the suspension" but all in compression so eventually the car takes a set lower, sorta the same idea as not tightening down the rockers on a engine that is not going to be run for a long time.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Rob is right about cinching the car down tight to eliminate suspension travel. If you have an expensive set of shocks like a set of QA1's or maybe even a rare set of NOS factory ones, it can wear them out after many trailered miles. This can even be proven by feeling your shocks with your bare hand immediately after stopping at a gas station or something. They will be warm or even hot to the touch meaning they are going through many cycles of rebound & compression. I picked up on this while trailering my Drag Radial shootout car many miles a few years ago. While I would cinch down the frame in the front, I still used axle straps (crossed!) in the rear but with the knob-adjustable QA1's, I would turn them to their stiffest setting for trailering and then soften them back up for the track.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Hey, Sam - sorry I'm not the guy you're talking about(I'm in Tucson) but thanks for the welcome anyway. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Your most welcome https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/blush.gif !! So, you're saying there is more than one Tom Kelley in AZ?!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/hmmm.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

I have done some long hauling with my cars,4 major trips totaling 18,000 miles. I have always used the method of control arm for the front end and axel loops crossed over at the rear. Additionally I use two straps to hold the frame at the rear.
All of this works well and created minimal movement.

Paul

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Sometimes we use the hole in the frame, most times around the LCA mounts. Depends on the car and the angle to the D-rings in the floor.

Axle straps around the rear axle, then ratchet strap from there to the D-ring. Same in the front. Axle strap around the LCA, ratchet strap to the floor. Never had one cut through, or show any signs of doing so.

We wrap all axle straps with microfiber towels to avoid any paint marring. If we hook to the hole in the frame, the hook gets wrapped with one.

Crank all the straps down as tight as you can. Then after you leave the shop/house, fill up, grab a drink or whatever, get a few miles for everthing to shift and settle, crank 'em down again. We usually pull over on the entry ramp, then each time we stop for something. They stay tight, but doesn't hurt to check.

The X tie-down is fine, we usually only do it when we're hauling one that's on a body cart since casters are more likely to move side to side.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

[ QUOTE ]
Rob is right about cinching the car down tight to eliminate suspension travel. If you have an expensive set of shocks like a set of QA1's or maybe even a rare set of NOS factory ones, it can wear them out after many trailered miles. This can even be proven by feeling your shocks with your bare hand immediately after stopping at a gas station or something. They will be warm or even hot to the touch meaning they are going through many cycles of rebound & compression. I picked up on this while trailering my Drag Radial shootout car many miles a few years ago. While I would cinch down the frame in the front, I still used axle straps (crossed!) in the rear but with the knob-adjustable QA1's, I would turn them to their stiffest setting for trailering and then soften them back up for the track.

[/ QUOTE ]

So, you are saying that your 3500ish pound car riding on/in your 3000-8000 pound empty weigh "suspended and damped" trailer would get the cars shocks hot and wear them out?

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Well Ray, since I have to explain myself to you, I'll type this slow so you can understand. When you set-up a Drag Radial car that has close to 900 HP, and trying to put that down to the ground on a 275-60 tire that has less than 9 inches of tread contact, the suspension is a VERY important part of it. A loose, free-working front suspension with 6-cylinder coil springs and 90/10 shocks is a different animal than your average car. Any bump in the road and you can just feel that car back there bouncing up & down changing the tongue weight. Hot shocks? I once attended a drag race suspension seminar where it was explained that the highway trip on that trailer was the equivalent of THOUSANDS of 1/4 mile passes. There's no need to cycle that suspension and expensive race shocks that much. A trick I learned from some NHRA Stock Eliminator buddies was to stick a 6-inch block of wood under the front crossmember under the motor and then cinch down the frame of the car againt the wooden block. This, in essence, makes the car & trailer act as a unit. As far as the rear, just turning the shock dial to the stiffest setting for the trailer ride worked fine. Still awake?

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Sam - yep, that's what I'm saying. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

I do the double & triple check too Dave. And for anyone who thinks a ride in an enclosed trailer is cushy, .............try it some time yourself! We moved some furniture a couple of years ago and I rode in the trailer to "watch" the fridge and china cabinet. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif

And a little spin on the topic; don't EVER load a front engine vehicle (Corvairs and VWs excluded) in/on a trailer backwards!

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Elsewhere on this site is new thread about a truck/trailer towing accident where the ball broke etc etc.

I'm interested in reading opinions on towing my open/flat bed car trailer when NOT using the load equalizing hitch.

(I think my 2 5/16" Load Equalizing set up is rated at 10,000lb)

I currently have a 3" dropped/offset ballmount with 5000lb rated ball mount and 2" 5000lb ball..........towing a loaded open trailer that weighs in excess of 5000lb.

What should I have for equip ?????

(NOTE: The above is NOT talking about my enclosed
trailer using 2 5/16" ball and gear)

Thanks

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Chuck and others.
I always use my equalizer bars whether the trailer is loaded or not. I just sinch them up a little lighter. My trailer weighs about 3300 pounds empty so the more contact point with the truck the better. Lat yaer I changed the GM installed hitch with a Putnam 16,000 pound hitch and thsi past summer I started using a Hensley Arrow on my 28 Ft Airstream.
I have not done a long haul in with my car trailer in the past 8 months but will be using the Hensley on that trailer in the future.

Paul

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Still looking for expert advice, experienced opinions on towing my open trailer with non equalizing ball mount/hitch.

Say my trailer weighs 1500lb and I have a 3500+ lb car on it. I'm now at or over the 5000# Weight limit placed upon many of the 2" receiver 2"(whatever) dropped ball mount and ball.

In looking at Etrailer.com (for example) I have noticed there are some 6000# Ball Mounts and 2" Balls with 1 1/4" Shanks rather than 1".

I've also seen forged ball mounts rated at 10,000GVW.....

These above questions are NOT for the 2 5/16" Balls and Load Equal Hitches, but your lighter duty typical boat trailer and flat bed trailer rigs

Please educate us wanting to learn, before we make a costly mistake.......

Thanks

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

[ QUOTE ]
Elsewhere on this site is new thread about a truck/trailer towing accident where the ball broke etc etc.

I'm interested in reading opinions on towing my open/flat bed car trailer when NOT using the load equalizing hitch.

(I think my 2 5/16" Load Equalizing set up is rated at 10,000lb)

I currently have a 3" dropped/offset ballmount with 5000lb rated ball mount and 2" 5000lb ball..........towing a loaded open trailer that weighs in excess of 5000lb.

What should I have for equip ?????

(NOTE: The above is NOT talking about my enclosed
trailer using 2 5/16" ball and gear)

Thanks

[/ QUOTE ]


Chuck,

Good rule of thumb is to buy USA made quality hitches, balls, and receivers. All solid construction and be sure to buy over rated for the load you are going to carry.

Make sure to tack weld the ball nut on the bottom, because
if that nut ever works loose you are in for big trouble.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

also ANY open trailer hauling a car on it should have a 2 5/16" ball and coupler.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

[ QUOTE ]
also ANY open trailer hauling a car on it should have a 2 5/16" ball and coupler.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not true.

The size of the coupler is determined by the manufacturer and done so according to the industry towing standards. Yes, you could special order or change yourself a 2 5/16 coupler on these smaller trailers. However 2 5/16 ball/couplers are typically reserved for the 10,000 lb. equalizer hitch set ups.

Tow responsibly with no more than what the towing vehicle is rated for, use electric brakes and controller where required and balance the load on the trailer for the correct tongue weight on the towing vehicle.

Most importantly SLOW DOWN. Regardless of your towing vehicle it will handle and brake differently then it does without towing a trailer.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
also ANY open trailer hauling a car on it should have a 2 5/16" ball and coupler.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not true.

The size of the coupler is determined by the manufacturer and done so according to the industry towing standards. Yes, you could special order or change yourself a 2 5/16 coupler on these smaller trailers. However 2 5/16 ball/couplers are typically reserved for the 10,000 lb. equalizer hitch set ups.

Tow responsibly with no more than what the towing vehicle is rated for, use electric brakes and controller where required and balance the load on the trailer for the correct tongue weight on the towing vehicle.

Most importantly SLOW DOWN. Regardless of your towing vehicle it will handle and brake differently then it does without towing a trailer.

[/ QUOTE ]

must be a west coast thing every open "car" trailer that ive ever used was 2 5/16"

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

My Featherlite open is a 2 inch.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

I will be installing 12 Volt Chinese mfg winch onto the floor of my Pace American enclosed trailer.

Asking to SEE pics and/or READ clear concise suggestions as to how to buy, mount and wire battery set-up.

My 20' trailer has minimal room in front of car. I'd like to keep this winch/battery mount as clean as possible, so as to leave max room available for other "stuff".

Another member said he had only placed steel plate on lower side of plywood floor (nothing welded to trailer frame) and bolted winch mounting brkt on top side ???????

My trailer does have 110 interior lighting & wall plug. Would one of those small float chargers be sufficient to maintain winch battery. No matter guess I could use any
battery charger to maintain winch battery.

Thanks for your help.........

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Chuck

I pull an 18ft open trailer with my 97 Z71 Xcab 4x4. Full diamond plate with beaver tail, 4 wheel electric brakes. Mfg'd by JB Enterprises in Elkhart Ind. Weighs about 1800 lbs empty. I always use the load equalizer 2 5/16 hitch setup with the bars empty or loaded. Much firmer ride with the bars hooked up. I tow Chevelles, Novas, Corvettes Camaros etc 3000-4000lbs all the time. Never an issue. Very safe and you don't even know the trailer is back there till you look in the mirrors. Can tow at 70 mph + been to 90mph at times empty. Not even a wiggle. Braking with the trailer on the back stops better than the truck by itself.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Anyone know of a good internet site for purchasing the Greenball Towmaster trailer tires? I need the 225/75R15s and neither Tirerack or Treaddepot carry that line of tires.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

For all the unsung heros of our hobby our tow vehicles and parts haulers,I Though I would move this tread up with an update on my GMC Yukon. I have owned it 10 years this month and it just turned 100,000 miles or 160,000 in KM.

I have no plans to replace it as it has the unique Quadrasteer that was only available from 2002-2005.The truck has been amazing as over 20% of its mileage has been towing a trailer, either the Airstream or a 24 foot Wells Cargo.

Longest trip with Car trailer, Vancouver to Detroit 2008 .5600 mile round trip
Longest Trip with Airstream. Vancouver to Napa 2011 2500 mile round trip.

It has crossed the Rockies 10 times towing.

Repair wise I would rate it at average for the truck body and above average for the drive train. Most repairs have been minor for a vehicle getting severe tow usage.
So far it has no accidents and the only paint repair being the flairs.
Second set of Michelin 10 ply tires.
3 rd brake job (used Jobber parts on the second brake job and hatted the results)
On third windshied
Third Bug/rock deflector
Replaced water pump
Replaced AC comp.
Both of these were more preventative rather than unit failure due to other monor repairs.
One major tune up at 75,000 miles
One rear end bearing failed just ouside of warranty, being a quadrasteer this was an expensive repair.
Things that failed that were minor annoyances:
Passanger side power window.
Both manifolds broke off bolts due to thermal expansion.
Starting motor.
Dash cluster
Rear seat track broke.
Drivers seat upholstery

Engine and trans perform like new with no consumption in between 5000 mile Oil changes using Mobil 1 since new.

Not sure when I can expect things like rad replacement of trans trouble on the 480LE.

I expect I will be giving a 20 year report in 2023.

If there is one thing I could change, if GM offered this in a DuraMax.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...nseula/211.jpg

Paul

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Paul, those are great. I just went over 200k with my 8.1/Allison. I helped a good friend find what I consider the "Unicorn" of Chevy trucks. His is a 2004 2500 Crew Cab with Quadrasteer. Seems like chevy never paired anything bigger than a 6.0 motor, and I don't think the Allison was put behind a 6.0 motor till after 2007. Even so, that crew with qsteer is sweet! Only ever seen 2 others in ally travels. The Denali trucks seem to be the most popular application, but always an extended cab.

I've seen a few subs, nut never driven one. With the shorter wheel base than a crew truck, that think must be awesome to back trailers up. No wonder why they used your truck to do reverse figure 8's in that commercial.

Don't want to jinx you, but how have your brake lines held up?

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Options were limited once you selected Quadasteer, no sunroof, due to roof top lighting, no Barn door option and yes top engine was the 6.0. The Suburbans and Yukons were limited to four colors, Silver, White Green and a Beige /Brown none of them black yet the Danali could be had in black. The extra width of The rear axle gives the vehicle great stability at speed, hence the wider flairs and clearance lights.
A few off road shops around the US have done conversions putting the Duramax in Suburbans

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Now that I'm looking for another trailer, I now wish I never sold my race car setup from 10 years ago.. STUPID ME!

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps3e6e1709.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...ckDriveway.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...elsupetown.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...sc/trailer.jpg

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Just bough a new set of wheels and tires for my Wells Cargo from Trailer Tires.com. They came mounted but not balanced. Do you guys balance your trailer tires or is there no need.

Paul

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Balance them. Your car inside the trailer will thank you.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Good point. Dont know why vendor did not offer balancing.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Class pay Attention subject change.......... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/scholar.gif[/img]

Lets talk Duramax Trucks......

what tuners do you like,

what about the EGR delete kits?

what ex system have you guys been running, most guys claim 4&quot; kits on the net...... my old Cummins ran better with a &quot;3.5 and only one muffler I thought and had a nice mellow tone to it

thinking the same for the Chev? I want it to breath but don't need the obnoxious drone I hear on big ex trucks driving around me.

Whats the scoop fella's???????


I picked up an early '07 LBZ motor'd truck and need to turn it up a tad.


Peace, B.

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

She wasn't much of a tow rig, but it was my daily for a few summers. Still kicking myself for selling it. I painted it Ferrari monza tri-coat red (my first ever complete tri-coat), 10.5:1 4 banger neighbor waker, all ported polished and custom cam. 4.56 gears, spool, all the sway bar and suspension goodies. She was the best looking mini truck in the area.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...ps0f2794aa.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...psfe1063ba.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...ps884bcdac.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...ps75847306.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...ps8f9e51fe.jpg

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

And what stupid me did with the money from little red. Bought BIG RED. Cool truck ill admit, it was all west coast original, hopped up SBC and a 4 speed stick. Slider window, hooker headers and true 3'' straight pipes. Sounded like hell was raising up from the dead. Haha

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...psf5330e57.jpg



Then what the NEW owner did a few days after i sold it. Hydro locked that bad ass SBC and basically f*cked the old girl right up. A sad sight.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...psb7e64bec.jpg

Re: Trucks, Trailers, Towing and Misc Accessories
 

Jefferson, My boys 11 and 14 read for forum and spell very well. Please keep it PG.