Tow strap install - where?

[Jstyle]

Originally Posted by Sapphireho

There are two tie hooks under the front of the car on each side just in front of the tires.

I’m about and inch a half lower with my coilovers. Add on top of that the splitter… I don’t have much room to play with. I think using tire straps might be the way to go.

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by Opie

I use the 2 front factory tow hooks plus the factory T-Hook slot locations just in front of each rear tire....need a T-Hook like this to use...then the car is strapped using the body, not the suspension.

but then if you hit a bump, there's a chance the car will bounce hard enough to loosen the straps, and it also puts a serious shock load on the straps if they go loose and then tight again. but the road crews around me don't now how to make bridge transitions anything but speed bumps...

[bmacfrs]

Thanks for all the good links. So I was originally asking about tow straps (not hooks) for the purpose of off track recovery. In the meantime I also cam across this NRG one. But the shaft they have pictured looks suspiciously like the crap aluminum ones that just break off.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1

[soundman98]

i wouldn't bother with that one. looks like all show and no go.

[Sapphireho]

Originally Posted by bmacfrs

Thanks for all the good links. So I was originally asking about tow straps (not hooks) for the purpose of off track recovery. In the meantime I also cam across this NRG one. But the shaft they have pictured looks suspiciously like the crap aluminum ones that just break off.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1

You're going to have to spend the money on a proper strap made for the car. Hint: not on Amazon.

[bmacfrs]

Originally Posted by soundman98

i wouldn't bother with that one. looks like all show and no go.

Agreed. I've had that kind snap off before.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Opie]

Originally Posted by soundman98

but then if you hit a bump, there's a chance the car will bounce hard enough to loosen the straps, and it also puts a serious shock load on the straps if they go loose and then tight again. but the road crews around me don't now how to make bridge transitions anything but speed bumps...

Towed the car over 25,000 miles in the last 2 years, never had an issue. As stiff as my suspension is, the car isn't bouncing anywhere. These spots are also where they are secured on the ship to the US and on delivery trucks between the port and the dealership.

[Autoxer62]

Originally Posted by soundman98

yep, the tire tie downs are nice. or you can alternately tie down to the lower a-arms on both ends, but that requires getting under the car, which some don't like.

all the rules of this video apply, you just don't have solid axles to attach to.

I disagree with a few things in this video, starting with not crossing the straps (I cross the engine end). The weight distribution is a nice demo of why you want the load on the trailer properly, but there are better ways of getting the tongue weight correct - and I mean correct, not "that looks sorta ok". The tip about using dry lube is pretty good, tho.

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by Autoxer62

I disagree with a few things in this video, starting with not crossing the straps (I cross the engine end). The weight distribution is a nice demo of why you want the load on the trailer properly, but there are better ways of getting the tongue weight correct - and I mean correct, not "that looks sorta ok". The tip about using dry lube is pretty good, tho.

you won't like motortrend's conversation about the topic either then.

https://www.motortrend.com/features/...wn-techniques/

[Pat]

Originally Posted by bmacfrs

Agreed. I've had that kind snap off before.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

FWIW, mine worked just fine the only time it was used.
Can you tell us what happened to break yours?

[Autoxer62]

Originally Posted by soundman98

you won't like motortrend's conversation about the topic either then.

https://www.motortrend.com/features/...wn-techniques/

Given they don't even discuss the weight balance, nope. I'd argue that's far more important to a safe tow than the details of which way the straps run (for anyone who doesn't already know, the rule of thumb is 10% of the total trailer weight on the hitch). They also make no mention of checking the straps for damage before installation or for tightness after a short distance. Personally I stop after a couple miles after getting underway, then every time we get out of the car (food/gas stop) I invite anyone else to also give the rig a quick once over on the way to or from (or both, for the truly paranoid).

There's also some difference between strapping down a Jeep with solid axles and a sports car with fully independent suspension. Note the factory shipped the cars over with the body strapped down, not the suspension. I'd expect that they (or their shipping company) knows a bit about how to keep this particular load where you put it.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Pat

FWIW, mine worked just fine the only time it was used.
Can you tell us what happened to break yours?

I’ve seen one like that break as well. Got used twice and sat on the car for about 2 years before that exposed to the elements iirc, first time loading the car onto a flatbed, the second time unloading it from the flatbed. I can’t recall if it was the bolt that goes through the hinge or it it was the aluminum that necks down to the threads that snapped but half the tow hook went flying about 40 ft away.

I’m in the camp of using the factory piece that comes with the car.

[Pat]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

I’ve seen one like that break as well. Got used twice and sat on the car for about 2 years before that exposed to the elements iirc, first time loading the car onto a flatbed, the second time unloading it from the flatbed. I can’t recall if it was the bolt that goes through the hinge or it it was the aluminum that necks down to the threads that snapped but half the tow hook went flying about 40 ft away.

I’m in the camp of using the factory piece that comes with the car.

Good to know, thanks. Maybe I just got lucky. I use the OEM piece in the back, but the strap in the front. I guess I should find another OEM one to use in the front. Thanks, gents!

[Autoxer62]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

I’m in the camp of using the factory piece that comes with the car.

For the frugal, maybe worth snagging another one at a junk yard and just installing both?