Topic: T bolt car tie down

[preaction]

I have seen these mentioned here for there use in the original transport of Mustangs as they were very easy and quick to use is this set up used today and is there an advantage to straps over the suspension ?

[70cj428]

Personally, I like tying the rear housing and lower arms down at the spindle and letting the car float, as large bumps with the car tied down with T bolts on the rails can be pretty harsh on the car...

JMHO, John

[RoyceP]

I have seen these mentioned here for there use in the original transport of Mustangs as they were very easy and quick to use is this set up used today and is there an advantage to straps over the suspension ?

They are all over ebay. Summit Racing and Jegs too.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/T-Hook-Frame-Tiedown-Vehicle-Car-Auto-Hauler-Rolldeck-Tow-Truck-Trailer-Wrecker/391661466120?hash=item5b30d7b208:g:jAgAAOSw-0xYYFEs:sc:USPSPriority!75214!US!-1

[Bob Gaines]

Personally, I like tying the rear housing and lower arms down at the spindle and letting the car float, as large bumps with the car tied down with T bolts on the rails can be pretty harsh on the car...

JMHO, John

+1.
I found that when i tied down with the "J" hooks (what i call the "T" bolts) through the unibody that you have to crank down the suspension tremendously to secure it. That can't be good for the suspension.  After going over a bumpy road I would have to stop and tighten the straps again as the inherent wiggle that the suspension makes even when really cranked down will loosen the straps . The transports back in the day used chains. When securing with the tires or rear end housing  or suspension points the car is locked down .  It will bounce on the springs but not front or back movement. FYI I always cross the straps so as to limit side to side movement. Just my experience and opinion . Others may have different.

[bgp429]

This company supplies tow trucks. Have been told not to buy any lifting or tie down items from offshore. Apparently there have been failures.

https://zips.com/parts-search?searchQuery=T%20hooks

[J_Speegle]

FYI I always cross the straps so as to limit side to side movement. Just my experience and opinion . ..

+1 Friend damaged his 65 this last week trailering it to an even.  Car "walked" sideways and damaged the quarter panel.

Don't be "that guy"

[69GT350H]

I won't even consider the J hooks or attaching to the body/frame. I have E Tracks the length of the trailer and use 4 wheel bonnets. I trailered from Miami to Va to NC and back to Miami. The car moved maybe 1" to the side during one of the segments. I like tying down this way so when the trailer hits a bump, the car is not jerked and thrown around like it would be if tied to the body.

An older photo just for reference.



Now that I have had a chance to tow and fine tune the position of the car front to rear in the trailer I'll make some wheel stops that fit in the E Tracks for the front tires.

[preaction]

Thanks for all of the replies I believe Cross strapping is the way to go I'm dealing with a new to me trailer and needed 2 new straps so I thought Id ask.

[krelboyne]

Cross strapping is fine, unless one of the straps comes loose, then it will walk to the side.

[rrenz]

I drove a tow truck for a number of years with a previous body shop I worked for. The T and J hooks are nice for speed and security when utilizing a roll back however create allot of stress on the unibody and or frame. Personally I strap to the suspension with 20 inch short straps then run my long straps to those thus allowing the car to "freely" ride down the road and allow the suspension to do its job. If you have enough room to do so Cross strapping is a good idea as it keeps the car from traveling side to side. Depending on how I place my car on the trailer dictates wether or not I can cross my rear straps. This is how I usually trailer my 66.