Trailering

[CT GTS SCUBAPRO]

What is the best way to secure my Viper to an open trailer? I would assume it is best to lash it down by the frame and not the suspension or wheels. Thank you,

 

[Brian GTS]

There are oval slots on the front and rear frame rails designed for this purpose. I use T hooks that insert into these slots and then you can latch your tie down straps to to the ring on the T hook. I typically cross strap the rear as opposed to running them parallel.

 

[BigBadViper]

There are oval slots on the front and rear frame rails designed for this purpose. I use T hooks that insert into these slots and then you can latch your tie down straps to to the ring on the T hook. I typically cross strap the rear as opposed to running them parallel.

Brian, can you show a picture of the T hooks, I just put my straps directly into the slots, but this sounds better. I also cross the fronts.

 

[Mopar Steve]

This is the best way I have found. let the suspension float. Pulling it down with the frame compresses the springs.

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[Brian GTS]

Brian, can you show a picture of the T hooks, I just put my straps directly into the slots, but this sounds better. I also cross the fronts.

Here is a pic. From my experience, you are not really compressing the springs so much because you are pulling more forward / backward with the straps....not downward so much. Plus, you don't have to worry about protecting or take the chance marking up the finish on your wheels....but everyone has their method, and that's okay.

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[Richie7]

I use the same t hooks, you can get ratchet straps with snap hooks to attach to them to make it easy. The oval holes on the frame are at a 45 degree angle to accommodate them.

 

[Jay Lopez]

I use R hooks
http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/product/90/Towing

 

[TrackAire]

I use R hooks
http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/product/90/Towing

The R hook is a superior way to go when doing the fronts of the Gen 3 and 4. The rear is no problem, even the hook from the strap will work fine. With an R hook and two links, it drops the attachment point on the front low enough that the straps won't touch an ACR splitter, even if the car is lowered.

George

 

[Allan]

This stuff looks like it may be my future......................

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Here is a pic. From my experience, you are not really compressing the springs so much because you are pulling more forward / backward with the straps....not downward so much. Plus, you don't have to worry about protecting or take the chance marking up the finish on your wheels....but everyone has their method, and that's okay.

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I 've seen frame holes elongated,stretched,bent using the T hook style. Not so with the R hook.

 

[Brian GTS]

I 've seen frame holes elongated,stretched,bent using the T hook style. Not so with the R hook.

Interesting. I actually used to use "R" hooks but switched to "T" because I thought the "R" hooks were doing that. The "T" seemed to provide a little more leverage and seemed more secure as well....I guess everyone reading the thread will be all confused now.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Interesting. I actually used to use "R" hooks but switched to "T" because I thought the "R" hooks were doing that. The "T" seemed to provide a little more leverage and seemed more secure as well....I guess everyone reading the thread will be all confused now.

Both are better than nothing. I've seen some really mangled frame holes from only using the installed hook of a tiedown. You don't even want to consider that method.

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

What is the best way to secure my Viper to an open trailer? I would assume it is best to lash it down by the frame and not the suspension or wheels. Thank you,

I secured mine by taking the straps over the tires from front to back of tire and straight down to rings on all four. I personally would not secure thru the wheels as they can get marred very easily by the straps. I then had crossed straps under the car to prevent side motion using bolt on tie rings attached to the frame.

 

[redtanrt10]

My set up is similar to Viper GTSR 91. I stap over the tires using D rings as well as a rectangular roller that goes between the D rings. The front roller acts as a stop for the front tires.. I also keep the winch attached to the front tow hook. Very similar to using an e-track set up. Real quick on-off. I was going to use the frame set up but the guys who set up my trailer (OEM fabricators for protoypes, autoshow cars, with a fleet of enclosed trucks) told me that this is easy and safe. good luck, Mike

 

[ACR steve]

Mac makes an over the tire , tie down it works with there idler fitting . The tie down strap goes over wheel and ties down to the e-track. Its the best way to tie a Viper down period. No hooks in the frame ,no pulling on the wheel damaging the alignment and or wheel. Trust me I trailer my race cars and Viper this way it doesn't move at all. It does require you put down e track. The premier exotic haulers are also using this method.

 

[ACR steve]

As I was typing that you guys posted the same

 

[345s-bspinnin]

If towing using regular hooks or T-hooks, don't forget to cross tie. Bunny hoping can occur. Here is mine.

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[VIPER GTSR 91]

My set up is similar to Viper GTSR 91. I stap over the tires using D rings as well as a rectangular roller that goes between the D rings. The front roller acts as a stop for the front tires.. I also keep the winch attached to the front tow hook. Very similar to using an e-track set up. Real quick on-off. I was going to use the frame set up but the guys who set up my trailer (OEM fabricators for protoypes, autoshow cars, with a fleet of enclosed trucks) told me that this is easy and safe. good luck, Mike

WOW what a beautiful car and wheels. Nice top of the line trailer too. Looks great inc. what looks like a Maltese peeking out. We have one too.

 

[redtanrt10]

GTSR 91, thanks for the compliments. Bought the trailer used 3 years ago, it's something like an '88 or '89 featherlite, original owner had a sprint car and put the airdam and spares. Guy I bought it from put on a nice tool box up front and I've added wheels/tires, winch, battery w/solar charger, more D rings and a 3 jug fuel holder. Weights 1400-1500 lbs, viper with fuel is 3420 so lot's of vehicle choices to tow 5000#.

I think its a great set up for what I need, but a couple of times at the track I've had young guys say, "you have a 100K track car and tow it with a van and an open trailer." Guess they expect me to have a dually diesel ram and a 24' enclosed?

Yeah it's a Maltese named Gidget. We take her when we go surfing. Wife wanted a good surf name.

Here's my budget tow rig (which doubles as our surf van);

 

[Mamba #90]

The best way by far as described by "redtanrt10", "ACR Steve" and Viper GTSR 91. Over the wheel straps and let the suspension float, no risk of damage to frame or underbody by stretching of the straps. I've been hauling my for years like this and never had any issues.

 

[treesnake]

The best way by far as described by "redtanrt10", "ACR Steve" and Viper GTSR 91. Over the wheel straps and let the suspension float, no risk of damage to frame or underbody by stretching of the straps. I've been hauling my for years like this and never had any issues.

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[SoCal Rebell]

I also used "R" hooks for many years and crossed both the front and back, never had a problem. With a open trailer I could tow very easily with a Jeep 5.7