Frame or Axle Tie-Down Points

[helievacpilot]

Getting set for Uwharrie, and need to get some tie-down straps for the trailer. What's the consensus on strapping the Disco down using the factory hoops on the frame vs. the axles. I'm leaning towards the axles as there would be less intermittent slack now that the suspension is out of the equation. Thoughts?
- Bill

 

[listerdiesel]

Most recovery folks over here strap the wheels on all four corners to the trailer/vehicle.

The axles are OK, but you are better off getting the straps as far outboard as possible, and there's a fair bit of stuff in the way to do that on a Discovery.

When we brought my son's 99 D2 back after he bought it, we strapped it down fron and back, but it still shimmied about on the trailer a bit.

We used the towbar at the back and I think we used the trailer winch cable and 2 straps at the front, can't remember what we hooked onto though.

Peter

 

[K-rover]

http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Towing-Auto-Hauling/Wheel-Nets-Auto-Car-Tie-Downs

You may have to call them and tell them you setup.. Im sure they have exactly what you need.

 

[jymmiejamz]

I have towed a lot of Land Rovers on my trailer, and I always used axle straps around the axles. I ran the strap diagonally. I wouldn't tie it down by the body/frame because when you hit a bump the suspension will compress and then spring back which could cause a strap to come loose.

From being under Land Rovers all day for the past five years, I've seen a lot of those frame hoops ripped off of the frame. Jate rings would probably be okay, but tying the axle down is preferable.

 

[mick968]

I have towed a lot of Land Rovers on my trailer, and I always used axle straps around the axles. I ran the strap diagonally. I wouldn't tie it down by the body/frame because when you hit a bump the suspension will compress and then spring back which could cause a strap to come loose.

From being under Land Rovers all day for the past five years, I've seen a lot of those frame hoops ripped off of the frame. Jate rings would probably be okay, but tying the axle down is preferable.

That's good to hear(axle straps). Kind of the logic we used when I got a trailer to haul the beast (most of time to Colorado or Utah) to National Rally. Kind of hassel looping around pumpkins,ect trying to keep off air locker hoses,brake lines ,ect but for sure seems the most secure.

 

[crown14]

I tow land rovers quite frequently

 

[helievacpilot]

Pretty much decided on the axle straps. Crossed diagonally, front and back.
Thanks

 

[crown14]

Sorry my last post wasn't very helpful, I needed to get to a real comuter with a keyboard.

If I can help it, I only ever cross the staps on one axle, not both. Usually the front gets crossed since that arrangement works best with the location of the tie down points my trailer and the LHD axle/panhard/drag link arrangement. I loop the strap all the way around and slide it up snug against the pumpkin so it cant move when I am drag racing in rush hour traffic.

Try to keep one of the tires on the vehicle being towed in your mirror and look at the tread when you are starting/stopping. If the truck is rolling it will be very easy to tell this way.

For longer trips or lifted vehicles, I may use axle straps AND the factory tie down loops to suck the suspension down a little. I have noticed that on lifted D1/RRC/Defenders that still have old factory radius arm/rear link chassis bushings fitted that using the axle straps alone can quickly make those bushings useless, which will lead to a nice "death wobble" or "wandering" feeling.


Also, new straps take some time to stretch a little so prepare yourself for more frequently checking on them until they "break in".

 

[discostew]

Pretty much decided on the axle straps. Crossed diagonally, front and back.
Thanks

Good call

 

[antichrist]

I've always hauled Land Rovers, and our tractor, using grade 70 chain and load binders. Never had any issues, even on 500 mile trips.

 

[carlosz]

I have used 3 inch cargo straps thru the rims when equipped with alloy wheels, and chain and hook around the axle in a criss cross pattern with screw binders when equipped with steel wheels.
this is somthing I learned while hauling heavy equipment on tractor trailers, it it was secure enough to hold down 70 plus tons of equipment it should be secure enough to transport a 3 ton rover.

 

[helievacpilot]

Ok, best of both worlds now. Criss-crossed axle straps AND criss-crossed frame straps just to take out some suspension bounce. That should do it.

 

[Jake1996D1]

I used axle straps not crossed and frame straps crossed on my trip from PA to Iowa. Didn't move at all. Some may say its obsessive, but when it's your baby is it ever?

 

[ptschram]

I like to tie both the axles and the body down.

Axles straps and tie downs compressing the suspension. If you only tie down the axles, the suspension can still bounce around a lot lessening your straps.

Let us ask Gary what he thinks about this topic?

 

[bajapower]

I use grade 70 transport chains crossed front and rear. Squat the suspension and it wont go anywhere.

 

[hafaday]

I've always (90%) used chain and ratchet binders X'ed out to the frame. I've also used 2-3in. wide ratchet straps to the frame. I still prefer chain over strap. Not to throw any fear in to ya. but I've seen a pissed mofo pull a serrated knife and cut like hell to screw a persons vehicle tie down points to a trailer.

 

[antichrist]

If you're not hauling commercially lever type load binders are fine, as long as you're careful to not smack yourself in the face with them. They take a bit more effort, but are cheaper than the ratchet type.