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sportin-wood Samba Member
Joined: September 12, 2010 Posts: 2008 Location: Texas
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Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2023 8:13 pm Post subject: Anyone ever use these trailer wheel chocks for towing a bug? |
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https://www.amazon.com/Autofonder-Vehicle-1986lb-U...B09X17XTGF
So I have a tandem axle utility trailer that's not equipped with tie down rings and wondered if these trailer chocks might be ok for towing my '66 bug? I realize the ratchets require room under the fenders but I won't be lowering mine and thought the weight would be safe for a car as small as a bug? Your thoughts?
_________________ .
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"Relax, all right? My old man is a television repairman. He's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it." --- Jeff Spicoli |
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67rustavenger Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015 Posts: 9770 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2023 8:38 pm Post subject: Re: Anyone ever use these trailer wheel chocks for towing a bug? |
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Not these particular tie downs, but similar.
I used to help a race team in Iowa. The race car was inside a trailer that had this type of tie down setup.
They held the car inplace week after week inside the trailer.
Maybe consider longer tracks for the tie downs to clip into, for extra strength to hold your car on your utility trailer.
I'll be looking for the same setup soon.
EDIT: With the car wheel strapped down. Even without the chock. The car will stay in place. _________________ I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!
There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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sportin-wood Samba Member
Joined: September 12, 2010 Posts: 2008 Location: Texas
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Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2023 8:57 pm Post subject: Re: Anyone ever use these trailer wheel chocks for towing a bug? |
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Thanks for your input. Also, I had read that the car should not be in park and E-brake off? That sounds contrary to what I thought it should be.... _________________ .
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"Relax, all right? My old man is a television repairman. He's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it." --- Jeff Spicoli |
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esde Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2007 Posts: 5969 Location: central rust belt
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Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2023 9:09 pm Post subject: Re: Anyone ever use these trailer wheel chocks for towing a bug? |
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I tow a bunch of different things, cars, construction equip, etc. Those straps are great for trucks and stuff with open wheel wells. But on a beetle or bus, the ratchet handle will end up in the fender, where you don't have room to move it.
Best bet for me has always been using these straps
https://www.amazon.com/Big-Autopart-Straps-Strengt...mp;sr=8-27
Two on the front beam, and one around each axle tube, and then use standard dot rated ratchet straps.
I always set the hand brake. _________________ modok wrote:
Bent cranks are silent but gather no moss. I mean, ah, something like that.
Last edited by esde on Mon Mar 27, 2023 9:10 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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67rustavenger Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015 Posts: 9770 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2023 9:10 pm Post subject: Re: Anyone ever use these trailer wheel chocks for towing a bug? |
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sportin-wood wrote: |
Thanks for your input. Also, I had read that the car should not be in park and E-brake off? That sounds contrary to what I thought it should be.... |
Maybe load the car and leave it in neutral. But I'd set the parking brake.
As an after thought, You can use the same type tie down setup. But, instead wrap the straps around the rear axle tubes and the front lower torsion bars to hold the car in place. _________________ I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!
There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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67rustavenger Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015 Posts: 9770 Location: Oregon
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Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2023 9:12 pm Post subject: Re: Anyone ever use these trailer wheel chocks for towing a bug? |
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esde wrote: |
I tow a bunch of different things, cars, construction equip, etc. Those straps are great for trucks and stuff with open wheel wells. But on a beetle or bus, the ratchet handle will end up in the fender, where you don't have room to move it.
Best bet for me has always been using these straps
https://www.amazon.com/Big-Autopart-Straps-Strengt...mp;sr=8-27
Two on the front beam, and one around each axle tube, and then use standard dot rated ratchet straps.
I always set the hand brake. |
Your Amazon link is broker esde. _________________ I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!
There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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sportin-wood Samba Member
Joined: September 12, 2010 Posts: 2008 Location: Texas
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Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2023 1:10 pm Post subject: Re: Anyone ever use these trailer wheel chocks for towing a bug? |
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esde wrote: |
Two on the front beam, and one around each axle tube, and then use standard dot rated ratchet straps.
I always set the hand brake. |
With this method, are you supposed to crisscross the straps to either side of the trailer? Or not? _________________ .
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"Relax, all right? My old man is a television repairman. He's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it." --- Jeff Spicoli |
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FritzCP Samba Member
Joined: October 23, 2005 Posts: 463 Location: Wisconsin
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Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2023 1:29 pm Post subject: Re: Anyone ever use these trailer wheel chocks for towing a bug? |
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Quote: |
With this method, are you supposed to crisscross the straps to either side of the trailer? Or not? |
I do Esde Method and have learned to Cris Cross both front and rear strap sets. Ive found this stops the car from shifting to the side of the trailer whilst going down the road. Wet wood planks or bouncy conditions make the suspension bounce and tires hop and the will car shift a lot if not criss crossed. the rear especially since its farthest from the hitch/ pivot point. Junkers that tires lose air on the trip also cause sliding over headaches.
So, Criss Cross Apple Sauce every time. _________________ Fritz Custom Products
Fritz 10 - Tin Screw Torquer
Fritz 124 - Crank Pulley Puller
Fritz 70 - 6306 Bearing Puller
Fritz 44 - Dizzy Puller |
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esde Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2007 Posts: 5969 Location: central rust belt
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Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2023 7:27 pm Post subject: Re: Anyone ever use these trailer wheel chocks for towing a bug? |
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I do criss cross the straps, and usually run a safety chain. Hauling heavy equipment you cannot be too careful, and I let that thinking carry over.
Most importantly, always tighten your straps after a few miles. They ALWAYS will stretch and loosen, especially new ones. And tie your loose ends, so they don't get caught in the wheels.
I saw a guy come into a show last summer, with one strap front and one strap rear, on a beautiful oval. No safety margin, crazy. _________________ modok wrote:
Bent cranks are silent but gather no moss. I mean, ah, something like that. |
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VW_Jimbo Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016 Posts: 9966 Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2023 7:45 pm Post subject: Re: Anyone ever use these trailer wheel chocks for towing a bug? |
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I have a 16 foot utility trailer that I have used a few times, when the tow bar does not work out. But when I do utilize the BIG trailer, I run a chain with 2 hooks. 1st hook anchors to the front corner of the trailer. I then run the chain in through the front of the beam. Over the tunnel, under the gas tank and back out the axle beam, between the tubes. Run it over to a come a long at the other front corner and attach it. Now go to the back.
Another chain with hooks! From the back corner the chain gets attached. Then I run it over to the between the transmission and the frame horns, under the trans to the other side and back over the other frame horn. Then to the opposite corner with another come a long. Tighten that up so there is slight tension at both. Done!
Agree with the above advice. Pull over a few miles down the road and tension those chains or stripes one more time. They always settle into place and lose their initial set! _________________ Jimbo
There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!
TDCTDI wrote: |
Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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zerotofifty Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2003 Posts: 1562
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Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2023 9:38 pm Post subject: Re: Anyone ever use these trailer wheel chocks for towing a bug? |
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Looks chincy. little screws pictured. made for ATVs and lawn mowers I certainly would not depend on them alone. strap the Bug down from front beam and rear torsion tubes to a solid part of the trailer I suggest.
Small galvanized bolts, no mention of the strength, are the bolts even graded? ( made in china!) if you push your bug onto the trailer it will not be fun to push all four tires over the chocks which are bolted in place. maybe ok if you drive the bug onto the trailer, but pushing it may be a problem.
I say not, but if you do use them, use quality graded bolts and nuts and be prepared to drive the Bug on and off the trailer, AND strap the front and rear torsion tubes down too. |
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sportin-wood Samba Member
Joined: September 12, 2010 Posts: 2008 Location: Texas
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Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2023 2:35 am Post subject: Re: Anyone ever use these trailer wheel chocks for towing a bug? |
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All good points and suggestions. Thanks guys! _________________ .
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"Relax, all right? My old man is a television repairman. He's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it." --- Jeff Spicoli |
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