Need recommendation for T Hook and Strap (for trailing)
#1
Need recommendation for T Hook and Strap (for trailing)
Hi guys,
I own a 99 corvette that I race. Mostly Scca solo. Some of the nationals events are 9-11 hours away (each way) and the national finale is in Lincoln, NE which is about 20 hours away. Though corvette is pretty comfy on highway, I want to buy a trailer and trail my c5 vette. After doing my research on the forum, it seems T hooks and straps are the most common/safe/reliable option. I was never a fan of wheel tie down anyway as I personally felt it would change alignment or put stress on suspension component on long haul? I could be wrong. I'm looking at some trailers - aluminum vs. steel (open middle). I'll hopefully finalize in a week.
Here's what I need your help: I need links or website or contact info for where you bought your T hooks and straps (model no, weight limit of hook/strap etc). Please tell me the exact item that you bought (which has been working great for trailing your vette) and I will buy it. Even if I don't end up buying the trailer on time (race is on 5/6/16), I'll prob rent one. So either way I need these hooks and straps right away.
Thanks for you help.
I own a 99 corvette that I race. Mostly Scca solo. Some of the nationals events are 9-11 hours away (each way) and the national finale is in Lincoln, NE which is about 20 hours away. Though corvette is pretty comfy on highway, I want to buy a trailer and trail my c5 vette. After doing my research on the forum, it seems T hooks and straps are the most common/safe/reliable option. I was never a fan of wheel tie down anyway as I personally felt it would change alignment or put stress on suspension component on long haul? I could be wrong. I'm looking at some trailers - aluminum vs. steel (open middle). I'll hopefully finalize in a week.
Here's what I need your help: I need links or website or contact info for where you bought your T hooks and straps (model no, weight limit of hook/strap etc). Please tell me the exact item that you bought (which has been working great for trailing your vette) and I will buy it. Even if I don't end up buying the trailer on time (race is on 5/6/16), I'll prob rent one. So either way I need these hooks and straps right away.
Thanks for you help.
#2
Melting Slicks
Bump for you as I have the same question for my Z. I was looking at the Sparco strap to put behind the license plate in the front to be able to use a winch to pull the car up on a trailer. Post this in the autocross section (if you haven't already). You'll get more help there.
#3
Le Mans Master
another bump - sorry I do not have my part numbers.
I like the axle straps and the "T" hook system seems to bounce or float a bit more on the trailer but never had a problem I prefer the "T" hooks but think the axle strap keeps it pinned to the trailer tighter. I have both types.
I may be interested in selling my trailer, the fenders are lowered so the doors can open while on the trailer and it has additional D rings welded for tiedown ...
GL
I like the axle straps and the "T" hook system seems to bounce or float a bit more on the trailer but never had a problem I prefer the "T" hooks but think the axle strap keeps it pinned to the trailer tighter. I have both types.
I may be interested in selling my trailer, the fenders are lowered so the doors can open while on the trailer and it has additional D rings welded for tiedown ...
GL
Last edited by Rob Petyo; 04-23-2016 at 08:40 AM.
#5
Drifting
These are what I bought for towing situations: Pierce Arrow Towing T-Hook
If you're using your own straps, it should work fine. I was really disappointed because the only time I ordered a flatbed tow, the driver said his hooks were too large to fit, so he strapped over the wheels.
http://www.amazon.com/Pierce-Sales-Arrow-Towing-T-Hook/dp/B0000AXA6N?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00
If you're using your own straps, it should work fine. I was really disappointed because the only time I ordered a flatbed tow, the driver said his hooks were too large to fit, so he strapped over the wheels.
#6
Team Owner
Here's a link to a good quality ratchet strap with a T-hook. Note that the weight rating is 10,000 lbs. That is a "gross" rating. The important thing to look for is the "WLL" or Working Load Limit. That rating is actually 1/3 of the gross rating whis would be about 3300 lbs per strap.
Most of the companies that sell ratchet straps will have a variety of strap lengths. (you can look thru that web page by clicking on "Race Car" then "Kits"). You should look for the location of the D-rings on the trailer you are considering and then figure out an approximate distance from the ratchet to where the strap attaches to the car. Make sure that either the front or rear straps are crossed so that measurement may be slightly longer than the other pair. Crossed straps will also insure that the straps don't rub on the tires.
When looking at trailers, make sure that the combined weight of the car, trailer, and any tools, tires, etc., don't exceed 80-85% of the towing capacity of the tow vehicle.
Most of the companies that sell ratchet straps will have a variety of strap lengths. (you can look thru that web page by clicking on "Race Car" then "Kits"). You should look for the location of the D-rings on the trailer you are considering and then figure out an approximate distance from the ratchet to where the strap attaches to the car. Make sure that either the front or rear straps are crossed so that measurement may be slightly longer than the other pair. Crossed straps will also insure that the straps don't rub on the tires.
When looking at trailers, make sure that the combined weight of the car, trailer, and any tools, tires, etc., don't exceed 80-85% of the towing capacity of the tow vehicle.
#7
Thank you everyone for you replies. Very helpful!
What kind of trailer? Aluminum?
I love that! it's like everything I need all in one! So one end (T hook) will go to Vette under where puck goes and other end can go on D ring? I think I'm going to order it unless I see a better option. Though I have a question, what are these options? Why would I put sheepskin on my tow straps?
Good information. Good to know. I have never trailed or towed ANYTHING! This is going to be very first time!
As for trailers, I saw those steel solid floor and steel (open in the middle) bc the price is so desirable! You can get a brand new trailer for $2300-$2600! Then I started adding the weight of these trailers and they are most certainly heavy. So I started looking into Aluminum Trailer. It seems like they are much lighter and has a better resale value if I wanna try to sale it. So I'm in touch with R and R now. We shall see.
Here's a link to a good quality ratchet strap with a T-hook. Note that the weight rating is 10,000 lbs. That is a "gross" rating. The important thing to look for is the "WLL" or Working Load Limit. That rating is actually 1/3 of the gross rating whis would be about 3300 lbs per strap.
Most of the companies that sell ratchet straps will have a variety of strap lengths. (you can look thru that web page by clicking on "Race Car" then "Kits"). You should look for the location of the D-rings on the trailer you are considering and then figure out an approximate distance from the ratchet to where the strap attaches to the car. Make sure that either the front or rear straps are crossed so that measurement may be slightly longer than the other pair. Crossed straps will also insure that the straps don't rub on the tires.
When looking at trailers, make sure that the combined weight of the car, trailer, and any tools, tires, etc., don't exceed 80-85% of the towing capacity of the tow vehicle.
When looking at trailers, make sure that the combined weight of the car, trailer, and any tools, tires, etc., don't exceed 80-85% of the towing capacity of the tow vehicle.
As for trailers, I saw those steel solid floor and steel (open in the middle) bc the price is so desirable! You can get a brand new trailer for $2300-$2600! Then I started adding the weight of these trailers and they are most certainly heavy. So I started looking into Aluminum Trailer. It seems like they are much lighter and has a better resale value if I wanna try to sale it. So I'm in touch with R and R now. We shall see.
Last edited by Metalgearsolid_x; 04-23-2016 at 11:36 PM.