Trailering the Duramax

[04llygmc]

What do you guys use to tie your truck down straps or chains? Do you hook your tie downs in an x pattern? When you have your torsion bars down where do you hook to in the front? I am concerned with the bars down that my straps will rub the bottom of my bumper. That should take care of all my questions for today . Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[McRat]

I use four trucker straps, and go to the front recover hooks, and to the rear axle.

About 20,000mi of towing, so far no problems. You do need to check with each refuel ESPECIALLY if it rains. The straps get loose when the get wet.

 

[fordt]

I use 4 straps, two around the rear axle pulling back toward the rear of the trailer, and the other two around the front support that came with the lift (not sure what it's called). I do not cross them, that's just me. No problems ever. Like Pat said, just check them every now and again when you stop. The more you can strap to something on the truck that is unsprung, like the axle the better off you are has been my experience.

 

[04llygmc]

Only problem I have with using front tow hooks is my wieght rack is in there. How terrible of an idea is it to strap to the a-arms?

 

[LBZ]

What about using the ones the tow trucks use-those slings that go over the tires??

 

[SIKDMAX]

I wouldnt use tire slings. You are wanting to not only secure the vehicle, but compress the suspension somehwat so you dont have horrible body roll/bounce.

I carry 8 axle straps along with the 2.5" Yellow 10k pound webbing ratcheting straps availible at Home Depot pretty cheap.

Axle straps:

are availible in a variety of load capactiies and lengths, and make it easy to strap to rear axles, loop through Lower control arms, etc.

I also have a variety of cluster hooks:

that have R hooks, J hooks, etc that are meant to be inserted into the frame of the vehicle in the specially cutout holes in frame for just this purpose.

Having the right tools for towing REALLY makes life so much simpler!

And whatever you do, dont try to tow a dmax with a denali on a 7k trailer lol

 

[McRat]

Only problem I have with using front tow hooks is my wieght rack is in there. How terrible of an idea is it to strap to the a-arms?

Just watch out for sharp edges.

 

[SmokeShow]

two chains in the front with axle strap around the a-arms... put in R and tighten down the front and put in P. Then two more axle straps on the rear axle pulling towards the back of the trailer. Never wiggles.


C-ya

 

[fordt]

Mitch, that is similar to how alot of people do it. I have a Class A CDL, so I am afraid that I would get a ticket, atleast in Florida you have to have a binding device on the strap/chain, can't just put tension on it with the vehicle. I agree though, it's the easiest way LOL

I have never had a problem with body roll/bouncing.

 

[2wd_Sled_Puller]

I use chains i run 1 chain threw my pintal hicth pulling back on the truck and 1 chain threw the little cross members on my bumber pulling forward.

 

[04llygmc]

Here is what I am looking at. http://http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/product/76/1
or these http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/product/79/PackageDeals

 

[dmaxtruck]

Only had to ever trailer it once (Thank God I had an old farm chevy to tow it with!), I just used chains and the ratchet tighteners we have at the shop. Hooked the front on the A arms, and the back around the axle. She never moved on our bumpy ass back roads, but if I was going to travel long distances I'd be checking at every refuel as stated up above.

 

[SmokeShow]

Mitch, that is similar to how alot of people do it. I have a Class A CDL, so I am afraid that I would get a ticket, atleast in Florida you have to have a binding device on the strap/chain, can't just put tension on it with the vehicle. I agree though, it's the easiest way LOL

I have never had a problem with body roll/bouncing.

HA. Yeah, we used to strap the front also but I guess we got lazy.

HOWEVER, hauling the new project truck I used the straps and ratchets all the way around.


C-ya

 

[fordt]

Here is what I am looking at. http://http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/product/76/1

That is basically exactly what I use. Got mine at Norther Tool.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_21895_21895

Axle Strap