I just bought a trailer today and now need to find some tie down straps for the K5. What rate should I get and where do you guys buy yours? I saw some at Wal Mart that were rated @3300 pounds and had a 10K pound break point? I was thinking I need 4-2 for each axle. How do you guys set it up and pic's would be cool. Also the axles are more towards the rear of the trailer. Should I back the K5 on to it to keep the majority of the weight on the axles? Thanks, Jeff
www.awdirect.com pick straps that best suite your trailer tie downs and truck tie downs. they have amsome sleeved HD axle straps also if you choose to tie down there. 2 tie fronts, and 2 rear will be all you need.
yup. that's about the most common setup I think. I also run a chain around the front axle of the car and front rail on my trailer. I'm sure my straps are enough, but I like to have that extra little margin of safety in there "just in case". Un-necessary for the most part as I've yet to have a strap break or let go, but I feel more confident having it there. I don't worry so much about the back straps and usually just run one on light cars or short trips. If I tear my stuff up, I can fix it. If I tear someone else's stuff up they might wanna beat me to a bloody pulp and visit a voodoo doctor in my honor.
I was looking at these when I was about to buy a trailer. http://www.apexperformance.net/cartgenie/prodInfo.asp?pid=962&cid=20
here is the way mine was setting on the trailer. This was the first time I loaded it. It sat really level and pulled good for the short distance I towed it. I was told to change the straps to an "X" on the front and rear instead of straight up and down.
You have to be careful of "X" with straps due to potential chafing. I prefer an inverted “V” in the rear so that the straps are more closely aligned with any expected high forces (panic stops, accidents) and a wider spaced “X” or “V” in front to better handle side any loads. My truck is relatively fast, but acceleration loads are still not going to be that high, so this makes the most sense to me.