As the title says, getting a trailer soon and curious as to what you guys use for tie-down points in the rear. I recently bought both front factory tie-down brackets (thanks again Smokey the Talon) but all I have is the left rear tie-down bracket which is also holding a tow hoop. I've heard it's acceptable to use a strap around the rear axle half-shafts. Seems like it might be a little hard on knuckles/velocity-joints so I wanted to confirm. I'm temped to strap through the wheels but they're painted and that would mean a lot of padding each time. Not a big deal I guess, but any experienced input appreciated.

 

At the front, I use the tow hooks. At the rear, I use one of the holes in the subframe. My straps have hooks on the end.

 

I use axle straps and tie to the wheels going around the barrels.

use this setup: https://apexperformance.net/product/...-complete-set/

You'll have to look at where your tie-down locations are on your trailer, but I've done it via the wheels for a long time and not had any issues. I'm using an open trailer which gives some more room. If you're in an enclosed you can look at using track on the floor with straps to go over the wheels.

 

Thanks for that link.
I'm also looking at an open trailer but haven't seen any with the E-track. Those do come in the enclosed versions which would be nice, but I (only) have an F150. While the truck has the tow package and handles a 26 ft. camper "OK", the enclosed prices and weight climb pretty quick and really not a have-to-have for my use. Started out looking at aluminum too, but damn! Still mulling between a tilt-bed or traditional but with a winch and front gravel guard.

 

Ratchet strap down the tyres back to the trailer and it won't go anywhere.

 

there are two tie downs both front and back. Its even a page about it in the manual

 

^Yes, I know. And as mentioned earlier, I have both of the front brackets, but only have one at the rear. I may fab one for the right rear.
I like the tire 'net' straps but depending on the trailer, they're not always practical.

 

Another alternative is to use the wheels. With the correct straps with proper protection it should not damage the wheels at all. The kit above should work well for that.

 

The rear tie downs were removed from most of the fds imported into the states. I do have a set of a brand new set (both left and right) that i ll be copying in case you are interested but it wont be for another few weeks

 

 

 

The front frame rails have oval openings towards the front that the factory uses to strap down cars during transport. You need a low profile hook to get in there though. Helps on cars that have a low bumper. Can do the same in the back too.

 

I've used the tie down hooks in the front, same ones they used on the boat. In the back I've run a tire strap through the rear wheels and tied down with ratchet straps to the back of the trailer.

 

I concur that the wheels is a good approach as long as you have the right straps and trailer tie down points. I have a Trailex 7542 open aluminum trailer and I use 4 axle straps + 4 ratcheting tie downs with hooks. In the front, I loop the axle straps around the lower members of the engine subframe to connect the front of the car to the front trailer tiedowns. In the rear, I thread the two axle straps through the rear subframe to tie the rear of the car to the rear trailer tie downs. Whether this approach will work for others depends a bit on the trailer geometry and what, if any, interference you have with aftermarket exhaust, splitters, etc. Good luck and happy lapping!

 

Yep. What Joe said. I had a 14' car on a 16' trailer so I didn't have much room to work with. An 18' trailer would have worked better but live and learn. I could never get enough tension on the rear hooks to keep it from moving under braking, thus the straps through the wheels tied down to cleats on the back of the trailer.

 

I have the same Trailex... if you use the subframe holes in the rear as I noted, you get plenty of tension on the car, I don't even need to cross them.

P

 

No you cannot/should not use the axle half shafts/cv axles/whatever you want to call them as a tie down point.

On solid axle cars it is common to use the axle as a tie down point however.

I use soft straps on my fd that loop through each wheel.