How to tie down a patrol on a trailer

[Oversize]

Could someone with expertise in this area please provide some facts on correct/safe tie down procedures that should be applied to loading, securing, towing and unloading a patrol on a trailer (flatbed or car trailer) and probably some things one should NOT do...

I am about to pick up my stationary patrol wagon and have learned a few things from various googled sites but we need it all in one place, perhaps in the 4x4 safety forum? Thanks guys.

[pearcey]

G`day mate.
Most professionals strap over the wheel that's so the suspension movement does not come in to play
Remember you have roughly two and a halve tons car so balance is to be considered especially on a trailer.
Normally tie either the back or front down by using the axle as the tie down then at the other end preferably using a 3 ton ratchet strap over the axle again pull up as tight as possible then pull the hand brake on and if you want place in gear If you have a winch mounted on the trailer tie off opposite end then winch up firm and tie off the winch end.If possible don't use the tie down points on the body. Hope this is of some help.

[dads tractor]

If your using rope halve the rope and create a loop and drop over the tyre but above the disks .take 1 end and secure around a upright under the top rail and tie off with a clove hitch to the centre of the vehicle then tension the other end with a truckies hitch or sometimes called a purchase knot under the top rail. If using tie down strapes use the same method but keep slipping the half loop to take up the slack then tension to the front and rear.also its a good policy to use the vehicle tie down points or bullbar and tow bar to run retainers to the mid point under the vehicle these need to be hitched off the vehicle so if one end cuts through the other side will keep it steady;(allow for suspension to work) pearcy has a very valid point balance the vehicle so that the combo sits even so you'll probably not have the steers right against the front rail. If you need any more help reply and well get on the phone.

[Silver]

if putting ropes or straps over the diff housings, watch out you don't squash the brake lines.

[fixer982]

If your using rope halve the rope and create a loop and drop over the tyre but above the disks .take 1 end and secure around a upright under the top rail and tie off with a clove hitch to the centre of the vehicle then tension the other end with a truckies hitch or sometimes called a purchase knot under the top rail. If using tie down strapes use the same method but keep slipping the half loop to take up the slack then tension to the front and rear.also its a good policy to use the vehicle tie down points or bullbar and tow bar to run retainers to the mid point under the vehicle these need to be hitched off the vehicle so if one end cuts through the other side will keep it steady;(allow for suspension to work) pearcy has a very valid point balance the vehicle so that the combo sits even so you'll probably not have the steers right against the front rail. If you need any more help reply and well get on the phone.

Is anyone else as confused as me. I am sure you are right, Dads, but I wouldn't have a clue how to do what I think you just said. I would just use lots of ratchet tie downs, make sure they don't rub on sharp bits and check it often while travelling. The balance point is important though. I once loaded a Charger onto a car trailer backwards, but it took only a couple of Kms before we took it off and turned it around. Nose heavy is best for a trailer.

[dads tractor]

Is anyone else as confused as me. I am sure you are right, Dads, but I wouldn't have a clue how to do what I think you just said. I would just use lots of ratchet tie downs, make sure they don't rub on sharp bits and check it often while travelling. The balance point is important though. I once loaded a Charger onto a car trailer backwards, but it took only a couple of Kms before we took it off and turned it around. Nose heavy is best for a trailer.

Yeh its a bit hard to explain maybe I could put together a series of videos on tying off loads and knots to use etc

[taslucas]

One very important thing (that sounds simple) is to always put the vehicle on forwards (facing the same way as the tow vehicle). Unless its a rear engined vehicle. Never put the engine to the rear as the weight distribution is too far back and takes the weight off the tow vehicles rear wheels which makes bad things happen!! My mate wrote off the tow car on the highway doing this.

Edit: Sorry fixer just realised you had already said this

[Oversize]

mmm, soooo many people have told me this one, can't imagine how many people have actually done it and learned the hard way.

if putting ropes or straps over the diff housings, watch out you don't squash the brake lines.

[Oversize]

Is anyone else as confused as me. I am sure you are right, Dads, but I wouldn't have a clue how to do what I think you just said. I would just use lots of ratchet tie downs, make sure they don't rub on sharp bits and check it often while travelling. The balance point is important though. I once loaded a Charger onto a car trailer backwards, but it took only a couple of Kms before we took it off and turned it around. Nose heavy is best for a trailer.

I have a vague idea what he is saying, seems to have a method of stabilising some of the bounce and adding more tie down points at the same time. Thanks Dad

[Oversize]

Thanks guys, this is great. Much appreciated.