The Ford Barn

John Walters · 08-21-2011, 05:50 PM

If towing on a flatbed, what should chains attach to? Front or rear axle?

1931 flamingo · 08-21-2011, 07:16 PM

Most large company towers (AAA or high end towers, auctions,jobbers for mercedes, audi, etc) will have straps that either go over the tires or thru the wheels(spokes). The AAA contractor this am strapped me down thru the spokes(all 4 wheels) He was however without a clue on how to get it up the tilted bed until I told him how (NO factory holes in the frame for his cluster to lock in, you know).
Paul in CT

LukeDahlinger · 08-21-2011, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo

He was however without a clue on how to get it up the tilted bed until I told him how (NO factory holes in the frame for his cluster to lock in, you know).
Paul in CT

AAA Contractors go through drivers like water and most only know what is explained to them in the AAA towing guide. Attribute this to poor pay and long hours.

Modern Iron has "T-slots" for the T hooks to slide into.

I always use wheel straps on all 4 corners for securing the load, and use J-hooks on the bridle hooked onto the front axle for winching onto the plate.

1931 flamingo · 08-22-2011, 07:34 AM

LukeDahlinger: Well aware of AAA as I towed part time for a AAA provider, yes ,long hours and having to deal with AAA dispachers and customers. Money was fairly lucrative (our shop paid commission) but after 5-6 yrs not worth it. I'mlight/med wreckmaster and TRPC (Towing/Recovery Pro CT) certified. Still go to the monthly TRPC meetings even though I no longer tow.
Paul in CT

LukeDahlinger · 08-22-2011, 08:56 AM

Paul,

Did you have to work with the MDC dispatch system with the little computer in the truck? I thought they were a pain in the hind end....

I got out of AAA stuff and went back to driving heavy duty wreckers & hauling equipment. More of a challenge and no having to worry about having some drunk puke in your truck on new year's.

Great Lakes Greg · 08-22-2011, 08:58 AM

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I would like to share a Model T owners experience on rear axle tie downs. He got a little carried away with the ratchet tension and the trips bouncing and stress cracked the casting where the drive shaft tube connects to the back of the transmission. May have been previously damaged, but who knows? Just sayin'...

1931 flamingo · 08-22-2011, 09:28 AM

Luke: No, contacting them by phone was bad enough. H/duty: do you know Tom Luciano?? Works for Miller and does instructing, etc.

G L Greg: I would have to think it was cracked already. JMO
Paul in CT

joltesvig · 08-22-2011, 12:36 PM

When I picked up my 31 couple last spring, she did not run at the time and I had to work by myself. I used 4 short lengths of 3/16" chain, 2 for the front axle, 2 for the back axle. I hooked a standard ratchet on the chain ends with the loop/turbuckle links. I hooked the ratchet ends into the keyhole-shaped holes found at each corner of the flatbed. I mounted a hand winch on the front of my flatbed so I can crank my 31 coupe up there without starting her up. If you're working alone be sure the trailer is running uphill so she won't run you over. Alone too you have to nudge the steering wheel as needed as you pull her on there. Before pulling out, make a couple quick stops to make sure the chains are still tight around the axles. Happy hauling!

John Walters · 08-28-2011, 07:04 AM

Thanks,but question was what to attach to when pulling car onto the flatbed?

Clydes 31 P/U · 08-28-2011, 09:07 AM

When I built my trailer I wanted to test my winch and winch mounts so I winched my A onto the trailer. I took 4' axle straps around axle at the perch mounts and hooked them to the winch hook, forming a V, winched it right up. Hope this is what you wanted to know.

Tom Wesenberg · 08-28-2011, 09:20 AM

Looping a nylon strap around the two front bumper arms would also work OK.

spdway1 · 08-28-2011, 07:26 PM

Tom Luciano, thats as bad as John Borawski!

jcheshire31 · 08-28-2011, 07:49 PM

I have always evenly chained it in the front and have 3 inch thick tie downs I use in the back. I also criss-cross the tie downs in the back to keep the back off the car from jumping around. Make sure the car is not in gear until it is fully strapped down and secured or else you could chip a tooth in your transmission.

spdway1 · 09-02-2011, 09:46 PM

EASY guys on cross strapping, especially in an enclosed trailer where you can't see the car while going down the road. If one side were to come loose, break or become misplaced (slide,move) it will pull the vehicle into the side of the trailer, bouncing on the wall causing extensive damage to the vehicle and trailer or an open trailer it could come of the trailer on one side, never say never, I have seen it a happen to some of the nicest concourse cars in the world!

08-21-2011, 05:50 PM	#1
John Walters Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 47	Flatbed Towing procedure? If towing on a flatbed, what should chains attach to? Front or rear axle? __________________ jw

08-21-2011, 07:16 PM	#2
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Flatbed Towing procedure? Most large company towers (AAA or high end towers, auctions,jobbers for mercedes, audi, etc) will have straps that either go over the tires or thru the wheels(spokes). The AAA contractor this am strapped me down thru the spokes(all 4 wheels) He was however without a clue on how to get it up the tilted bed until I told him how (NO factory holes in the frame for his cluster to lock in, you know). Paul in CT

08-22-2011, 07:34 AM	#4
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Flatbed Towing procedure? LukeDahlinger: Well aware of AAA as I towed part time for a AAA provider, yes ,long hours and having to deal with AAA dispachers and customers. Money was fairly lucrative (our shop paid commission) but after 5-6 yrs not worth it. I'mlight/med wreckmaster and TRPC (Towing/Recovery Pro CT) certified. Still go to the monthly TRPC meetings even though I no longer tow. Paul in CT

08-22-2011, 08:56 AM	#5
LukeDahlinger BANNED Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 956	Re: Flatbed Towing procedure? Paul, Did you have to work with the MDC dispatch system with the little computer in the truck? I thought they were a pain in the hind end.... I got out of AAA stuff and went back to driving heavy duty wreckers & hauling equipment. More of a challenge and no having to worry about having some drunk puke in your truck on new year's. __________________ Wanted- Feb. 1931 Parts Price List www.vintagefordfacts.blogspot.com

08-22-2011, 08:58 AM	#6
Great Lakes Greg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,369	Re: Flatbed Towing procedure? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I would like to share a Model T owners experience on rear axle tie downs. He got a little carried away with the ratchet tension and the trips bouncing and stress cracked the casting where the drive shaft tube connects to the back of the transmission. May have been previously damaged, but who knows? Just sayin'...

08-22-2011, 09:28 AM	#7
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Flatbed Towing procedure? Luke: No, contacting them by phone was bad enough. H/duty: do you know Tom Luciano?? Works for Miller and does instructing, etc. G L Greg: I would have to think it was cracked already. JMO Paul in CT

08-22-2011, 12:36 PM	#8
joltesvig Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Carthage, NC Posts: 147	Re: Flatbed Towing procedure? When I picked up my 31 couple last spring, she did not run at the time and I had to work by myself. I used 4 short lengths of 3/16" chain, 2 for the front axle, 2 for the back axle. I hooked a standard ratchet on the chain ends with the loop/turbuckle links. I hooked the ratchet ends into the keyhole-shaped holes found at each corner of the flatbed. I mounted a hand winch on the front of my flatbed so I can crank my 31 coupe up there without starting her up. If you're working alone be sure the trailer is running uphill so she won't run you over. Alone too you have to nudge the steering wheel as needed as you pull her on there. Before pulling out, make a couple quick stops to make sure the chains are still tight around the axles. Happy hauling! __________________ John the Model A Rookie from North Carolina

08-28-2011, 07:04 AM	#9
John Walters Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 47	Re: Flatbed Towing procedure? Thanks,but question was what to attach to when pulling car onto the flatbed? __________________ jw

08-28-2011, 09:07 AM	#10
Clydes 31 P/U Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: northern Il Posts: 302	Re: Flatbed Towing procedure? When I built my trailer I wanted to test my winch and winch mounts so I winched my A onto the trailer. I took 4' axle straps around axle at the perch mounts and hooked them to the winch hook, forming a V, winched it right up. Hope this is what you wanted to know.

08-28-2011, 09:20 AM	#11
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Flatbed Towing procedure? Looping a nylon strap around the two front bumper arms would also work OK.

08-28-2011, 07:26 PM	#12
spdway1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Chicopee, MA Posts: 1,402	Re: Flatbed Towing procedure? Tom Luciano, thats as bad as John Borawski!

08-28-2011, 07:49 PM	#13
jcheshire31 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 109	Re: Flatbed Towing procedure? I have always evenly chained it in the front and have 3 inch thick tie downs I use in the back. I also criss-cross the tie downs in the back to keep the back off the car from jumping around. Make sure the car is not in gear until it is fully strapped down and secured or else you could chip a tooth in your transmission.

09-02-2011, 09:46 PM	#14
spdway1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Chicopee, MA Posts: 1,402	Re: Flatbed Towing procedure? EASY guys on cross strapping, especially in an enclosed trailer where you can't see the car while going down the road. If one side were to come loose, break or become misplaced (slide,move) it will pull the vehicle into the side of the trailer, bouncing on the wall causing extensive damage to the vehicle and trailer or an open trailer it could come of the trailer on one side, never say never, I have seen it a happen to some of the nicest concourse cars in the world!