Best way to tie down Bronco on flatbed

[Wrightracing]

Wrightracing question. Those tie downs in the pic you posted are 42,000# EACH??? Maybe it's the pic but they look like they are 1" wide strap and the hooks are made from .125" steel bent into a hook shape at best. Just seems like a misprint. The racheting binder looks more than HUGE tho!

Like Yeller and Garberz said. Strap each corner with a axle strap (don't see how they can be too short-it's what so many of us use), go straight back to a secure spot on the trailer.

Do NOT use wheel chocks unless they are attached securely to the trailer somehow!!! If they fall off the rig and bounce along the road until they find a windshield- not good

The tie downs in the picture are only rated at 20,000lbs each and yes the ratcheting load binder in the picture is a bit Overkill. I have a small version of that one that is rated at 20,000lbs each and only 24 inches end to end.

My goal was to have a setup where the hooks can't come off if there is slack in the chain or strap. The t slot hooks for the Bronco frame, I saw a tow truck use them on my Bronco and I liked how easy and still secure. Better than a standard chain hook that can fall off when a vehicle bounces and slack is in the chain.

Sorry if I am not explaining it very well. In the past I have had tie downs come off and I searched for a easy way to keep them on without using duct tape or zip ties. I drive with the Bronco on my trailer and have to off road a bit to get to our camp site, so it will bounce pretty bad.

David Wright

 

[Slowleak]

No need for duct tape or zip ties to keep straps on. Just get straps with snap hooks on the end. Flip an axle strap over the axle, clip the ends into the snap hook, tighten up the ratchet, and nothing is coming loose.

 

[73azbronco]

macs tie downs assume you have a trailer built for those. Most don't, and a one off tow doesn't need it, just wrap the strap around an axle and protect with towel and go. One for each corner, this isn't an atv Using the frame alone is a bad idea as mentioned, while they may use those holes to move cars short distance, they will work lose over the highway.

 

[Slowleak]

These are the snap hooks I was referring too... they clip onto a standard d-ring.

 

[GloNDark]

Google Macs Tie Downs. Their method is simple, strong and proven effective. Seen them survive severe accidents that destroyed the tow unit and trailer but the rig on the trailer is fine. No need to tie down the suspension or have wheel chocks. I’ve towed 100’s of thousands of trouble free miles towing with 4 straps tied to the axle, no need to cross them, strap it down and go.

Macs Tie Downs are the best I've used in the past 20 plus years of hauling vehicles around.

I just pulled my Bronco 300 miles round trip to Wild Horses for their roundup with 4 axle straps attached to 4 ratchet straps and D rings. I usually tighten everything down, drive for a few miles and then recheck.

They aren't cheap but i've had mine now for almost 5 years with zero issues.

 

[bigjhoov]

I like this style, I guess they are similar to the Mac's.

https://www.ratchetstraps.com/axle-strap-tie-down-combination-strap

 

[Jeff10]

Hi Ron,

Mac’s also shows this way to secure the vehicle; it probably requires 40” axle straps, but avoids possibly damaging brake lines by wrapping axles:

I just ordered these on Monday.

I have used Mac's with axle straps since 2010. They have worked great.

We recently bought a new Jeep. There is so much going on with the axles / suspension / brake lines that the axle straps really aren't optimal. They worked for one trip; but, I'm not going to try it again.

If you call Mac's (Phil is the person I spoke with) they will custom size the through-the-wheel lasso straps. Running 37" tires and 17" wheels we decided on 50" lasso straps. We won't receive them for probably 2 weeks, so I can't confirm that they will work yet. (You can also order fleece sleeves to prevent the straps from marring the wheel finish.)

The old ratchet straps have worked great. I figured, though, after 11 years it was worth buying a new set.

Like others have said, they are great to work with, and they have an awesome product.

Jeff

 

[RonJones]

Great replies, guys! 4-Corner axle straps for me! No chocks! I have many hooked 20K # straps, but none clipped. I’ve used bailing wire in the past to keep the hooks from falling off the rings, but I should prob spring for the clipped versions.