Trailering a Jeep

[WILLYS45]

Does anyone have pictures of how/where they attach the ratchet straps when trailering an MB/GPW? Many opinions on this topic, I have always been told to go around axles. Brake lines make that interesting. I am using axle straps and 6000 lb ratchet straps. Thanks.

[sjalbert]

I'm using Axle Straps https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047 ... UTF8&psc=1 and 10,000 lbs ratchet straps https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047 ... UTF8&psc=1.

The axle straps slide under the brake lines. Working load on the straps is 1/3 of the static load. Our jeeps are 2150 lbs dry. Closer to 2400 lbs with fluids so you need at least a 7500 lb strap to be safe. I also cross the straps. Right rear goes to left rear "D" ring, etc.

"D" rings are bolted through the wood deck into metal frame cross members. I had the Jeep on the trailer yesterday and thought about taking pictures. I guess I should have.

I can get pictures of the trailer on Friday, but won't have the jeep on it again until at least Memorial Day (and maybe not even then).

[Farrell Fox]

[Post Deleted By Author]

[sjalbert]

The professionals use wheel straps. You just need properly placed attachment points. I didn't feel like I could create those on my trailer.

[WILLYS45]

I like the wheel straps when using a U haul trailer, but do not think I can get proper attach points on my trailer either. Went and looked at my straps again, (4) 8,000 lb Erickson straps. I also have attached a Drive over chock behind front wheel location on trailer.

[Joe Gopan]

And best remove the canvas as the top can flap itself to death.

[sjalbert]

And best remove the canvas as the top can flap itself to death.

Been towing with the top up for years. I don't drive my tow vehicle any faster then I'd drive my jeep (45 - 50 mph). If I was doing 65+ on the interstate I'd take the top off and fold the windshield down.

[42swing]

As said before, straps need to go under brake lines and I cross mine as well. I have an enclosed trailer, so don't worry about anything flapping loose.

[Bart1015]

I have a lot of experience towing heavy equipment and vehicles. Setting up a trailer correctly is mandatory for a stress free, citation free trip. We have a lot of money tied up in our jeeps. For just a few hundred dollars and a weekend your trailer can be perfect.

I have an equipment trailer that I modified to carry my jeeps. I made sure I could still use the trailer for heavy equipment. I just can't put tracked equipment on it anymore. Well, I did, but thats a different story.

I use wheel basket straps. When I ordered them, I had "E" track ends placed on the secure side and the anchor side. The below link is the wheel straps.

http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Tie-Downs ... ket-Straps

I removed a few of the top planks from the deck. I bridged the metal cross beams with some square metal stock (welded them on). I placed the planks back on and screwed the "E" track the entire length of the deck, screwing into the metal I used to bridge the cross beams. A bit much but it will hold a lot of weight.

http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Van-Trail ... ay-Painted

I ran a total of 3 "E" tracks down the trailer deck. I put one track about 8 inches from the drivers side edge (This will hold any vehicles's driver side tires), another track for the passenger side of my Jeep, and one more for the passenger side for a full size vehicle.

Yes, with the jeep on the trailer the weight is offset to the drivers side. It has no effect on towing and I can strap my cooler to the deck on the passenger side (curb side).

Anyway, thats what I did and it has work out great.

Brett

[Chuck Lutz]

Many guys use four of those yellow ratchet straps to secure their jeep. I saw one guy who had ordered some 2' or shorter straps with a "D" ring at both ends so he could easily install them on the axle and avoid crushing the brake lines. Then he just use the hook end of the ratchet strap attached to both ends to secure it (repeat with other straps). Not only did this making avoiding crushing the brake lines easy, it avoided having to try to feed the hooked end of the strap through and secure it somehow. It also means you only get those short sections dirty/greasy/oily and it keeps you and the straps much cleaner...not that hard to clean the short straps either.

If I was into trailering my jeep or other vehicles and had the room, I would buy a used U-Haul auto transporter. It is set up so you can put a narrow track jeep or trailer on it or a wide track like a modern car on it with the basket straps/ratchet straps being able to slide in or out to the position of the tires. They tow with a jeep on them easy behind my 3/4 ton truck also. They have surge brakes which are legal in CA so you just need to plug into your taillight system and off you go.

GPW 85976 On Trailer.JPG (63.16 KiB) Viewed 1715 times

GPW 85976.JPG (50.29 KiB) Viewed 1715 times

[WILLYS45]

Until I got my current trailer, I used the U haul one a couple times and liked it a lot. Easy to set up and go. I thought it was really stable and went down the road nicely. I NEVER see them come up for sale though......

[Wolfman]

Main thing is secure the axles or wheels.
Leave the frame and body un-tethered so it can bounce freely.
If you connect the tie downs to the frame, when hitting the inevitable bumps and chuck holes, the suspension will yield, letting the tie downs go slack and then the frame will slam back against the tie downs. Something is going to give !!

[sjalbert]

I have a lot of experience towing heavy equipment and vehicles. Setting up a trailer correctly is mandatory for a stress free, citation free trip. We have a lot of money tied up in our jeeps. For just a few hundred dollars and a weekend your trailer can be perfect.

I have an equipment trailer that I modified to carry my jeeps. I made sure I could still use the trailer for heavy equipment. I just can't put tracked equipment on it anymore. Well, I did, but thats a different story.

I use wheel basket straps. When I ordered them, I had "E" track ends placed on the secure side and the anchor side. The below link is the wheel straps.

http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Tie-Downs ... ket-Straps

I removed a few of the top planks from the deck. I bridged the metal cross beams with some square metal stock (welded them on). I placed the planks back on and screwed the "E" track the entire length of the deck, screwing into the metal I used to bridge the cross beams. A bit much but it will hold a lot of weight.

http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Van-Trail ... ay-Painted

I ran a total of 3 "E" tracks down the trailer deck. I put one track about 8 inches from the drivers side edge (This will hold any vehicles's driver side tires), another track for the passenger side of my Jeep, and one more for the passenger side for a full size vehicle.

Yes, with the jeep on the trailer the weight is offset to the drivers side. It has no effect on towing and I can strap my cooler to the deck on the passenger side (curb side).

Anyway, thats what I did and it has work out great.

Brett

If you're trailering any significant distance. This or a used U-Haul (as Chuck suggested) is the way to go. If going the U-haul route make sure you get the older Orange trailer. The newer Silver trailer tracks don't fit our narrow wheelbases.

[Raflad]

On a similar note, this how they secured the rear end when in a C-47!

[WILLYS45]

VERY cool picture of the C-47 load out......

From what I have read online, U-Haul WILL NOT sell a trailer. They scrap them and reuse parts only.