tires and wheels The proper way to transport an '02

[FutureMan]

in the other thread about transport companies i see a lot of people talking about the "proper" way to transport an 02, since i'm going to be trailering my car from NY to florida sometime in the next month or so I was wondering if someone could detail exactly what the proper way to tow the car would be. i plan on flat-bedding it, so wheels on the ground isnt an issue, but are there any other things i need to specifically look out for? is the flat bed trailer with a good car cover enough?

[2002maniac]

Dont get straps from Harbor Freight! My 318is fell off the trailer when a HF strap failed

[Sam_in_VA]

I'd skip the car cover except for overnight parking. Even if you did manage to secure it so it wouldn't blow off at 70 mph, the flapping and movement would probably cause damage... especially if the car is or gets dirty.

[FutureMan]

good call on the cover, didnt think of that.

will my hood/trunk be safe at highway speeds? or do i need to secure them down somehow?

[msperber]

hi, after 10 years of pulling my racecar around, never ever put a cover on it while moving, acts like sandpaper. The tiedowns are the most important. If the car is 2500lb's your tiedowns should be rated 3x's the weight of the vehicle. The load should be distributed carefully on the trailer, check the tongue weight. The straps can be crossed both front and rear if you have the space or straight ahead if not. At every stop check the straps, never forget this. Are you going to use axle straps or body pick up points. Remember, axles don't like to be pulled by straps. The trunk and hood remain down when your driving at 75 mph, just make sure they are latched. put the key to the car in a safe place, not in the ignition, for the world to see, you'll forget. The car must be out of gear if its a manual.

[Byron]

Get your brother/brother in-law/dad/friend/wife/girlfriend/plumber/dog to drive the moving truck. Check your oil before you leave.

Byron

[Guest Anonymous]

OK transporting an 02 has its trick points. First off is how you will tie down the car. Some people like chains and others like straps. I am a strap person and I replace my straps every year (2 new ones for the rear) or when a soft/hard spot happens. It is best to strap the body/chassis down to the trailer rather then wheel straps. the motion of the car on the trailer will wear out the shocks and other suspension components. I always use 4 straps on the car, 2 in front and 2 on the rear. I always use 10,000lb rated straps, you can use 5,000lb ones but I like extra protection. you use 2 so that IF one fails you have a backup. You always want an X on atleast one pair of straps. This is VERY important on the rear. The X keeps the cars back end (part furthest out and has the most lateral forces on it when you hit bumps) in line and keeps the car pulling streight when you hit the brakes. each side pulls evenly so there is less stress on the car as well. I attach at the rear factory hooks (behind rear tire) if they are bad I CAREFULLY go to the subframe and use an axle strap wrap on the frame and mounts. On the front I use 2 as well, again extra protection to the factory tow hooks or front sub. You have to look at the car carefully and see where you can hook, 02s rust. Some hooks on the straps or chains need an adapter to fit an 02. MAKE sure you have at least 3 wraps of webbing around the ratchet. Failure to do this will cause slipping. I have been known to run 3 straps on the rear on VERY rusty cars, its better to spend an extra 5min straping then to have it end up in the back of the F350. Make sure the car is straped down tight, check the load often ESPECALY after the first 20 miles. By straping the car DOWN to the trailer it cant move and build force or unhook its self. I often use the locking type clips on my straps but I trust them like open ones. Make sure the car isnt in gear, this keeps the engine from wearing in one spot knocking out the block. I always pull the e-brake on the car (I cary a hammer and piece of metal to assist there undoing later just incase. Automatics can be left in park. Remember the heavy the load the more straps it needs as an object in motion will remain in motion and thats a lot of mass.

Other methonds you can use. They make tire hold downs (like on the front of U-hauls). I dont like them. you can also go though the spokes of the rim. If you do this make sure you have protection on the strap so its not cut. If you use chain dogs, make sure you have a clip or tape to hold down the lock to keep it from vibrating open. I have seen every type of method fail, be careful and run a safty. One strap or chain has the ability to stop a car but IF there is a problem your SOL.

Other notes for holding down cars safely. always check the front hood, doors and glass to make sure they are secure. When posible I like to lock the doors so they dont open going around a tight turn (had that happen on a parts car). Tape can be used to help secure sketchie glass but at best it should be removed. 02s should always be towed with the engine on the front of the trailer. this is for ballance. IF you have to tow backwards (usualy fugly cars) I strap the deck lid, hood and doors shut. Wind is VERY powerful and I down want to take out somone elce cause it can kill them. Ballancing the trailer is key, if the weight is too far back it will fish tail. I highly recomend a sway device, even on my suburban it made a big diference. Always have trailer brakes on the trailer, it makes a difference even on my F350 dually. IF the ballance is wrong and you start to fish tail hit the brakes and the gas togeather to actavate the trailer and pull the truck ahead. then slow down and change your weight bias. remember the usual extra distance cause you weight more, always expect the trailer brakes to fail. your not in a race car so give yoru self some space.

If your going to FL fill up in VA then SC or GA. I presonaly use a lot of Flying J's and there websight shows the fuel costs.

good luck

Sam

[MN2002]

(nt)

[GeneinNC]

Sam is prob right about the "best" way to trans a car. However, a decent tow dolly will do the job well with little fuss and a much less tow car. Have used dolly for many years, often with an '02 tagging along. Uhaul trailer seems to weigh nearly as much as an '02.

Often a wrecked car can be loaded on a dolly by jacking the bad end and setting it down on the dolly. Try that with trailer.

Dolly easir to store. Big bene for most of us.