Trailer Straps and Floor Strips - Spend the Money, your car's future may depend on it.

[jft69z]

Here's a little story about why I think my Monte is still in one piece. 

Last Sunday, Doug & I were coming back from the Ohio meet around 4 PM on the I-90 in Ohio. We had just stopped for gas about 15 minutes earlier, switched drivers & were back on the road (I was driving this time). Moving along we settled in a 'little over the speed limit' (trailer tires are rated at 81 mph, so we weren't over that, lol). Next we hear 2 loud bangs, the sound of a tire flopping, and the truck/trailer heading to the left side ditch at speed, fishtailing along the highway. We went from left shoulder to right shoulder a couple times with the trailer sliding around behind us as I managed to get it under control, and pull off the road on the right side. 

After walking around the truck/trailer, we found the truck's left rear tire had come apart. Luckily, nobody else on the road had been hit by the tire, or by us as we were moving all over the road to gain control. One gentleman who had been behind us pulled over to see if we were OK, and I had initially though the tire hit him, but he was good. He asked if we needed anything and I mentioned 'new underwear', lol (I didn't though).

We finally opened up the trailer to see how the Monte faired in the chaos, and to our surprise, it was just fine, hadn't moved, and the straps were still very tight. We proceeded to unhook the trailer, put the spare tire on the truck and then went back on our way home. Took us about 40 minutes to get back on the road. I usually overpack, which was good as I had a floor jack, electric impact wrenches, etc.

I firmly believe that the top quality tie down straps, coupled with the friction strips I put down on the trailer floor after I epoxied it last year were key to the Monte's safe trip. Whenever we go somewhere, we always look to see how other people tie their cars down, etc. Years ago at Carlisle, before we were going to trailer the car, CK & his son Dennis Collins told us the best tie downs were from 'Mac's'. After we got home, I did some research and ordered the complete kit (listed below). Thank you CK & Dennis, probably saved my car.

We also see a lot of guys having to pull their cars up on 2x10 lumber (or whatever they chose) so they can open their car door to either clear the trailer inner wheel well, or side entry door if so equipped. Sometimes it looks like they are not even screwed down to the trailer floor. 

After seeing the imprints on the friction strips in our trailer, I'm 100% certain that without those, or if the car was on unfastened 2x10 lumber, the car would have probably slid around like it was on a snow ski, possibly damaging the car, or maybe even rolling over. PLEASE, if you park your car on lumber to raise it up, screw it to the floor with enough fasteners to hold it in place. Also, Mac's specifically says NOT to cross the tie down straps, as we see a lot of people doing. My thoughts, they make the best straps out there, I'll follow their suggestions, no need to over think it...

The truck sustained around $7400 damage, but it's covered under the comprehensive insurance. Nobody else got hurt, the Monte was undamaged, and we didn't get plowed by an 18 wheeler from behind. In all, not a bad outcome. Oh, I really believe growing up in the snow-belt helped out with this one too, it was just like driving in the snow the way the truck/trailer was whipping around. Just another day out playing in the snow ...sort of, lol.

Oh, truck tires (Michelins) were in perfect shape, no dry rot, up to the correct pressures, and we didn't hit anything in the road. 

 

Below are some pics, and links to the Mac's tie downs & the friction strips I used.

Mac's Tie down straps:

https://www.amazon.com/Macs-Tie-Downs-511658-Ratchet-Through/dp/B008PPNCP2?th=1

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mtd-511658?srsltid=AfmBOor0YdQF8MN1AZeOMlkGRSWrftjkaSZDAbKG9eJOSG9e0ueyyXHx

Mac's site with same kit

12" Wide friction strips:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPYJVXDM?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

 

 

 

You can see the imprint of the tire tread on all 4 spots, as It was fighting to stay down. Last picture shows how it used to be straight, but moved a little. Without the strips, I think the car probably would have moved a lot more. If it was on unfastened 2x10, snow skis come to mind...

 

[GRAY 70 Monte Carlo]

Glad to hear that you guys are ok and the Monte too. Just goes to show that you can never be too cautious or prepared 

[Chris shipley]

28 minutes ago, jft69z said:

Here's a little story about why I think my Monte is still in one piece. 

Last Sunday, Doug & I were coming back from the Ohio meet around 4 PM on the I-90 in Ohio. We had just stopped for gas about 15 minutes earlier, switched drivers & were back on the road (I was driving this time). Moving along we settled in a 'little over the speed limit' (trailer tires are rated at 81 mph, so we weren't over that, lol). Next we hear 2 loud bangs, the sound of a tire flopping, and the truck/trailer heading to the left side ditch at speed, fishtailing along the highway. We went from left shoulder to right shoulder a couple times with the trailer sliding around behind us as I managed to get it under control, and pull off the road on the right side. 

After walking around the truck/trailer, we found the truck's left rear tire had come apart. Luckily, nobody else on the road had been hit by the tire, or by us as we were moving all over the road to gain control. One gentleman who had been behind us pulled over to see if we were OK, and I had initially though the tire hit him, but he was good. He asked if we needed anything and I mentioned 'new underwear', lol (I didn't though).

We finally opened up the trailer to see how the Monte faired in the chaos, and to our surprise, it was just fine, hadn't moved, and the straps were still very tight. We proceeded to unhook the trailer, put the spare tire on the truck and then went back on our way home. Took us about 40 minutes to get back on the road. I usually overpack, which was good as I had a floor jack, electric impact wrenches, etc.

I firmly believe that the top quality tie down straps, coupled with the friction strips I put down on the trailer floor after I epoxied it last year were key to the Monte's safe trip. Whenever we go somewhere, we always look to see how other people tie their cars down, etc. Years ago at Carlisle, before we were going to trailer the car, CK & his son Dennis Collins told us the best tie downs were from 'Mac's'. After we got home, I did some research and ordered the complete kit (listed below). Thank you CK & Dennis, probably saved my car.

We also see a lot of guys having to pull their cars up on 2x10 lumber (or whatever they chose) so they can open their car door to either clear the trailer inner wheel well, or side entry door if so equipped. Sometimes it looks like they are not even screwed down to the trailer floor. 

After seeing the imprints on the friction strips in our trailer, I'm 100% certain that without those, or if the car was on unfastened 2x10 lumber, the car would have probably slid around like it was on a snow ski, possibly damaging the car, or maybe even rolling over. PLEASE, if you park your car on lumber to raise it up, screw it to the floor with enough fasteners to hold it in place. Also, Mac's specifically says NOT to cross the tie down straps, as we see a lot of people doing. My thoughts, they make the best straps out there, I'll follow their suggestions, no need to over think it...

The truck sustained around $7400 damage, but it's covered under the comprehensive insurance. Nobody else got hurt, the Monte was undamaged, and we didn't get plowed by an 18 wheeler from behind. In all, not a bad outcome. Oh, I really believe growing up in the snow-belt helped out with this one too, it was just like driving in the snow the way the truck/trailer was whipping around. Just another day out playing in the snow ...sort of, lol.

Oh, truck tires (Michelins) were in perfect shape, no dry rot, up to the correct pressures, and we didn't hit anything in the road. 

 

Below are some pics, and links to the Mac's tie downs & the friction strips I used.

Mac's Tie down straps:

https://www.amazon.com/Macs-Tie-Downs-511658-Ratchet-Through/dp/B008PPNCP2?th=1

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mtd-511658?srsltid=AfmBOor0YdQF8MN1AZeOMlkGRSWrftjkaSZDAbKG9eJOSG9e0ueyyXHx

Mac's site with same kit

12" Wide friction strips:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPYJVXDM?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

 

 

 

You can see the imprint of the tire tread on all 4 spots, as It was fighting to stay down. Last picture shows how it used to be straight, but moved a little. Without the strips, I think the car probably would have moved a lot more. If it was on unfastened 2x10, snow skis come to mind...

 

Glad nobody's hurt and the Monte was fine. Sucks there was damage.  But at least it wasn't major. Could have been alot worse. 

[jft69z]

Thanks guys.

The main purpose of this post is to hopefully have people look at their equipment and re-evaluate their setup. I can't tell you how many times we see cheap, poor quality straps, frayed straps, cheap wire rope ratchet tiedowns (usually rusted too), etc. I don't think too many of them would have endured the stresses that were put on my straps last week.

I'll examine my stuff more closely before going to Syracuse next week, but the fact the car was still strapped down very tight indicates to me they're still probably in good shape.

[FrankOC]

Glad to hear you guys are ok and the damage is much less when compared to what it could have been.   Excellent advice,  I’ll definitely be double checking  my setup.   

[MC-71]

So glad you guys are okay. You are so correct about driving in snow. Thank god you know how to strap a car down.                                
Same thing happen to a member from Connecticut, John Rodi coming out of Texas helping a friend moving back to CT. No car in the trailer but all household stuff. He had a blow out on the trailer and thought he was going to die. Not easy holding a straight line. He also was okay. I say thank god for learning how to drive in snow. I’ll contact him and tell him to read your post.

 

 

[Dtret]

I myself for years dealt with straps that were strong enough, when new, but were degraded over time and excessive use. A couple years ago I purchased the Macs strap kit, with some excessive pressure ( Joe comes to mind, but not sure ( lol)). Awesome product. If you are using older straps that have been exposed to inclement weather and a lot of sun they are degraded. Time for a change. Safety and piece of mind are priority. These cars are too valuable to risk it. There are other kits out there that are less expensive and will do the job. Do your research and purchase wisely. 

[willie]

Joe and Doug, I am so Happy you guys are ok!!!!   The damage is minimal of what it could of been!!!  Yes Thank God you have all that practice in the snow, experience is always a key factor in times like this!!! 

Thanks for letting the club know about the Macs straps, as i also have been told by CK and Dennis about the Macs straps. I bought a set a few years ago and glad i did, as they are a quality set of straps. 

I also agree that i should (and WILL) attach my 2x10s to the trailer floor.

 

Glad you guys are ok!!!!  

[502ci]

Glad your Monte was not hurt.

I use the criss cross method when strapping my car down, front and back for that exact reason as to what could happen. Can't slide left or right.

Even on my smaller open trailer for my side by side or ATV, I don't criss cross the straps but they go diagonally on all 4 corners while also pulling down.

 

[jft69z]

1 hour ago, 502ci said:

Glad your Monte was not hurt.

I use the criss cross method when strapping my car down, front and back for that exact reason as to what could happen. Can't slide left or right.

Even on my smaller open trailer for my side by side or ATV, I don't criss cross the straps but they go diagonally on all 4 corners while also pulling down.

 

Thanks Bill!

Here's a couple things from Mac's to look at, it's what I went by at the time, plus when I called them up for some other info.

The comments from the YouTube vid has most people not crossing straps either (this is also the link from the bottom of the screenshot) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zw7pICnfzU

 

 

 

Here's another vid that shows how they want you to hook it to the D-Rings (hook opening points DOWN):

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKCCiHVuKl0

 

[DragCat]

Glad everything went ok, well at least best possible outcome. And thanks for a very detailed (as usual) post.

I don't think ive been to a meet that I haven't been involved in a conversation about securing your Monte to the trailer. Knowledge is a very good thing! 

Glad you didnt have to change pants before continuing on 🤣

 

[DragCat]

1 hour ago, 502ci said:

Glad your Monte was not hurt.

I use the criss cross method when strapping my car down, front and back for that exact reason as to what could happen. Can't slide left or right.

Even on my smaller open trailer for my side by side or ATV, I don't criss cross the straps but they go diagonally on all 4 corners while also pulling down.

 

I still criss cross the rear, but every time now I'm rethinking it. The fronts are straight, but I have a 3rd strap just in case 

[502ci]

23 minutes ago, DragCat said:

I still criss cross the rear, but every time now I'm rethinking it. The fronts are straight, but I have a 3rd strap just in case 

I also use wheel chalks.

My straps don't rub on anything on the under body and only may touch each other when crossed but if so I then flip than under the other and it always clears it.

I have been hauling my car that way since way back when I used to race it, never moved an inch on the trailer. I have marks on the floor so I know where to put it for the perfect tongue weight. 

I have had several flat tires over the years (on the trailer) and have had hit bad roads and still never had it move. 

Well now I don't race it anymore and only trailer it to Carlisle (which I did not make this year sad to say) so I will continue with my method.

Here we go with another person (me) having a conversation about securing his Monte 😄

[Dtret]

10 minutes ago, 502ci said:

I also use wheel chalks.

My straps don't rub on anything on the under body and only may touch each other when crossed but if so I then flip than under the other and it always clears it.

I have been hauling my car that way since way back when I used to race it, never moved an inch on the trailer. I have marks on the floor so I know where to put it for the perfect tongue weight. 

I have had several flat tires over the years (on the trailer) and have had hit bad roads and still never had it move. 

Well now I don't race it anymore and only trailer it to Carlisle (which I did not make this year sad to say) so I will continue with my method.

Here we go with another person (me) having a conversation about securing his Monte 😄

Well even the Macs guy said it will be a never ending debate. 

[Rob Peters]

Glad you, Doug and the Monte came through this unharmed.   You mentioned proper inflation and no dry-rot.  How many miles are on those tires and how old were the tires?

 

[Glen]

 A few comments to add to this conversation…

1). I never trailered a thing in my life until Carlisle last year. At Joes and Dennis’s urging, I bought the Macs. A few hundred bucks is a small price to pay for piece of mind. And wouldn’t you know it?  Some of the straps included with the UHaul last year and the trailer via private vendor this year were frayed and obviously aged. 

2). Totally agree that driving in the snow for decades and learning counter steering/jabs of opposite lock and feathering/modulating the gas pedal is invaluable.  And although she’ll likely never drive a RWD car with any regularity, I taught my daughter the basics of threshold braking without ABS and correcting the rear end in the snow by disabling traction control on the Crown Vic. 

3). I don’t believe for one second that Joe didn’t soil his Spider-Man Underoos.  

[72 Monte Carlo]

Joe and Doug,

I'm really happy to hear that both of you and the Monte survived that ordeal. 

If I ever decide to trailer my Monte anywhere, I'll check into those straps.

[DragCat]

Not that this item would have given Joe/Doug any advance warning........but since we are speaking safety.......

I have the 4 sensor item, just for the trailer tires. My buddy has the 6 sensor item, rear tires on his towing van plus 4 trailer. 

 

 

 

[jft69z]

17 hours ago, Rob Peters said:

Glad you, Doug and the Monte came through this unharmed.   You mentioned proper inflation and no dry-rot.  How many miles are on those tires and how old were the tires?

 

About 13,000 miles (truck has about 15K), around 13 years old. Always stored in climate controlled shop, not in direct sunlight, etc. 

I just bought 4 new tires and sensors. Getting them installed this week, before the Syracuse trip.

[714024SPEED]

Glad you guy's are ok ,that's the most important thing. I've been towing for years always used good quality straps but overlooked so much other stuff until our u bolts on the trailer axles broke now it seems like I look over the trailer when I use it more than the car. I guess it took soiling my shorts for me to wake up to important stuff. But unfortunately things still happen. glad you guy's are ok

[Sids Monte]

Wow!  If I didn't hang the "Hard Luck" award from Carlisle already, I'd bring it to Syracuse.  That's just bonkers!

All joking aside, I'm just happy everyone is Ok and glad the Montes wasn't affected.  I could have been so much worse.  Thanks for sharing the details regarding your trailer setup.  Carlisle 2024 was my first ever experience hauling a car in an enclosed car trailer, so anything I can learn from others, I'm all ears.

I was fortunate to have a Tom Baird as my co-pilot when I had my incident and was able to pick his brain for advise.  

Although I don't have the MAC tied downs, I purchased my trailer with the E-track at the spacing I provided.  My wheel chocks happen to fit perfectly in the e-track groove for so I strap my front wheels tight, up to the chock, before strapping down the back wheels. Unfortunately, that e-track limits space for grip tape, but I just ordered some to add where I can before Syracuse. That is a excellent tip!

[Montemedic]

We can hold an informal “Towing and Trailer” show and tell inservice at the hotel while we’re there. Safety first !!!

[Jared Richey]

Wow. So this what you were talking about. Yikes!

[Vaughn]

Joe/Doug, I am glad you and the Monte are OK. Thank you for posting this warning for all of us that trailer, sometimes we take it for granted that a trailer is the safe way to go.  

When I first got my trailer I was nervous about the E track system that was installed. It took a while and different strap setups for me to trust it. Last year I added these roller straps pictured at the recommendation of a vehicle hauler and I really like this set up. The straps that go over the tires have rubber cleated pad that hold the strap to the tire very effectively. As I live in Canada we need to travel long distances to get anywhere and I have found this system the best I have tried so far. We just did 1800 mile round trip for the Western meet and the Monte never budged.