Securing a TOAD to it’s trailer, few questions:

Ridgeway

Ridgeway

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I see that most, probably all people secure their TOADS to the trailer floor/sides. Just wondering if there’s any particular protocol around this ?

  • what is legally required, maybe it’s not even legally required ?
  • Sensible ways to do it
  • Any tips & tricks to make it easy

I can see the trailer we may get will be tight vs the car and hence just wondering how easy it would be to do this.

I have seen on some French trailers i sort of roll in lock in system like used for motorbikes but in this case for the 2 front wheels of a car.

Looking at the whole process it looks like loading and securing could be done in 15mins +/-
 
I always used four wheel ties and ratchet straps for my Smart Car. However, I think you are saying your traler has sides? If so you are going to struggle with accessing the wheels.

Geoff
 
When I worked with a 7.5 tonne beaver tail truck anything substantial with wheels was secured using ratchet straps with a choke strap unless they had actual tie down points, make sure when you run the main strap behind the wheel you don't pinch brake pipes though. See pictures in the link for how they fit.

TENSYS - Set of 4 - Professional Wheel Straps for Car Transporter, Recovery Vehicle, Trailer https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07G4DJG8Q?tag=mhf04-21
 
This site contains affiliate links for which MHF may be compensated.
donkey said:
However, I think you are saying your traler has sides?
Click to expand...

Still searching for the right one, good point though about sides and another reason to go with a classic flatbed. Currently looking at one that raises and lowers for easier loading.
 
ChrisL said:
When I worked with a 7.5 tonne beaver tail truck anything substantial with wheels was secured using ratchet straps with a choke strap unless they had actual tie down points, make sure when you run the main strap behind the wheel you don't pinch brake pipes though. See pictures in the link for how they fit.

TENSYS - Set of 4 - Professional Wheel Straps for Car Transporter, Recovery Vehicle, Trailer https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07G4DJG8Q?tag=mhf04-21
Click to expand...

Gotcha !

I’ve seen also some with straps just going over the wheels, guess that avoids any risks that you mention.

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This site contains affiliate links for which MHF may be compensated.
Ridgeway said:
Gotcha !

I’ve seen also some with straps just going over the wheels, guess that avoids any risks that you mention.
Click to expand...
If they go straight over your wheels your tie down points will need to be in line with your wheels or else the straps will slide off, the straps with chokes allow the tie down points to be off to the side, it only takes a little care to avoid pinching a brake pipe, I managed to never do it in 4 years of driving the beaver tail.
 
ChrisL said:
If they go straight over your wheels your tie down points will need to be in line with your wheels or else the straps will slide off, the straps with chokes allow the tie down points to be off to the side, it only takes a little care to avoid pinching a brake pipe, I managed to never do it in 4 years of driving the beaver tail.
Click to expand...

Think this will be the way to do it as I’m sure the tie down shackles will be located off to the side, in the edge of the trailer.
 
Ridgeway said:
I’ve seen also some with straps just going over the wheels, guess that avoids any risks that you mention.
Click to expand...

I’ve fitted a set of the Erickson tie downs in the trailer to secure my 1000cc Can Am quad.
IMG_1680.jpeg

IMG_1681.jpeg


That’s specifically for quads etc but no reason why they wouldn’t fit the wheels of a small car. If not then Erickson also have other E-Track components listed - scroll down on the link.

ericksonmfg.com

Wheel Chock | and Strap Kit

ericksonmfg.com ericksonmfg.com
 
Make sure you put the car's handbrake on... First time we ever put a car on a trailer unbeknownst to me hubby didn't think it needed it on and the car jumped onto the spare wheel attached to the a-frame. 😳
 
Orion said:
I’ve fitted a set of the Erickson tie downs in the trailer to secure my 1000cc Can Am quad.
View attachment 932266
View attachment 932267

That’s specifically for quads etc but no reason why they wouldn’t fit the wheels of a small car. If not then Erickson also have other E-Track components listed - scroll down on the link.

ericksonmfg.com

Wheel Chock | and Strap Kit

ericksonmfg.com ericksonmfg.com
Click to expand...
I think for a car the chocks would need to be bolted through a chassis member, just my opinion.

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when securing vehicle with suspension to trailer etc , you should not just rely on tie down points attached to body as this will shock load fixings due to pitching , especially not tow points. That's why wheels are best used with choke straps or nets. When using ratchet straps on motorcycles it should be possible to preload suspension for best results.
 
tacr2man said:
when securing vehicle with suspension to trailer etc , you should not just rely on tie down points attached to body as this will shock load fixings due to pitching , especially not tow points. That's why wheels are best used with choke straps or nets. When using ratchet straps on motorcycles it should be possible to preload suspension for best results.
Click to expand...

Great info and explains it well, thanks
 
Ridgeway said:
Nice, what does your quad weigh Orion ?
Click to expand...

About 420kg wet and with the accessories fitted.

IMG_6276.jpeg


I also use an extra ratchet strap to the front lashing point and two to the rear.

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Last edited:
Orion said:
About 420kg wet and with the accessories fitted.

View attachment 932386

I also use an extra ratchet strap to the front lashing point and two to the rear.
Click to expand...

Wow, that is a something, even has lobster claws on the front 😂

Not much lighter than the car i plan to carry, that’ll only be 50kgs more.
 
Ridgeway said:
Nice, looks very secure and a nice sturdy trailer (y)

How long does it take you to load and secure if you don-t mind me asking ? Speve
Click to expand...
I can do it in about half an hour although it usually takes a bit longer on site as folk usually want to talk etc.

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I was taught how to load a car on a truck or trailer in my teens when I started helping out on recovery. Proper choke straps on the wheels, or if missing wheels, chain the axle. All 4 corners to allow for the unexpected. Seen people do opposite corners only, but if one of the 2 straps fails or is impacted, you can lose the load. Never ever strap the bodywork unless it is to secure loose or torn panels/doors. The suspension on the car will bounce about the same as the suspension on the trailer. This will wear through a strap quickly and the shear force as it springs back up will cause damage to the vehicle

I don't currently use a trailer, but when I do it takes 10 minutes to safely load and secure the car. No matter how quick you are or how experienced, always, always, check all the straps again before setting off
 

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