Seeking enclosed trailer tie-down advice | FerrariChat
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Seeking enclosed trailer tie-down advice

Discussion in '308/328' started by blcraig, Jul 22, 2012.

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  1. blcraig

    blcraig Karting

    Sep 3, 2011
    91
    The Colony TX
    Full Name:
    Brent
    #1 blcraig, Jul 22, 2012
    I will be transporting my 328 to Concorso Italiano next month (can't drive for a variety of reasons) utilizing a borrowed 8x16 enclosed Interstate Loadrunner trailer.

    As this will be my first time using an enclosed trailer, I am a bit apprehensive about the tie-down procedure and proper technique to secure the 328. The trailer has the conventional floor-mounted D-rings in the four corners.

    I know that it is usually best to cross-tie (left front vehicle corner to right front trailer tie-down ring, etc.). But as the 328 is relatively low and there are expensive and delicate bits and pieces at each end (fiberglass front spoiler, rear grille), I obviously don't want to do anything that will cause damage.

    Can anyone provide any advice (best tie-down technique, best vehicle location point to tie to, best tie-down straps/hooks, etc.) as well as any things to avoid?

    Thanks in advance for your help.
     
  2. Meister

    Meister F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 27, 2001
    5,516
    Duluth, MN
    Full Name:
    The Meister
    #2 Meister, Jul 23, 2012
    While I only have an open trailer, my procedure is pretty much the same no matter which car I put on it, 308, Lotus Esprit or one of hte old corvettes.

    Parking brake on, but car in neutral.

    Front I strap straigth on each side from the lower suspension a-arm.

    Rear I criss cross similarly from lower suspension a-arm.

    Never had any problems. I use (4) 36" tree straps with loops on each end to go around the a-arms and then grab those with the ratcheting strap claw. I've also gotten into the habit of duct tapping or safety tieing with a heavy duty zip tie the connection of the ratchet strap claw and the tree straps.

    I'm sure others will chime in, but thats how I do it.

    Good luck and don't forget to re-check the tenison after towing for 20-30 miles
     
  3. Glen_Lloyd

    Glen_Lloyd Formula Junior
    Owner

    Dec 13, 2003
    785
    Lloydminster AB
    Full Name:
    Glen
    #3 Glen_Lloyd, Jul 23, 2012
    I use heavy duty ratchet straps (same one used on 18 wheelers) through wheels to D-rings. Transmission in neutral. Retighten after about 20 miles. Hauled my 328 thousands of miles like this, no problem. This lets the suspension of the car work and the straps cant come loose. Only problem is getting brake dust from car on you when doing tie-down. i marked where the right front wheel has to go to balance the trailer and get hitch weight correct the first time i loaded so it was easy for subsequent hauling. i just watched my truck to get it level so it wasn't too light or heavy. There isnt much ground clearance so it is important to have a receiver hitch with the correct drop to keep everything level. i pull with an F350 4x4 so i don't need equalizer bars. My trailer weighs about 7000lbs with car loaded and is a big pull for the diesel.
     

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