Trailering newbie- suggestions for my first trip
#16
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If you use the open-ended hooks (as above) just be very careful about tension on the strap ... if the car bumps up and down even an inch, the hook can get out of the hole in the jack point.
A simple trick is to put a bungee cord (elastic strap) on each tow strap to keep tension on the tow strap hooks. In general, use a design with a safety "trap" that keeps the hook closed around the attachment point.
Also be careful about load ratings on straps -- some display breaking strain, some show working or static load.
A simple trick is to put a bungee cord (elastic strap) on each tow strap to keep tension on the tow strap hooks. In general, use a design with a safety "trap" that keeps the hook closed around the attachment point.
Also be careful about load ratings on straps -- some display breaking strain, some show working or static load.
#17
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If your luck is anything like mine wrt blowing trailer tires, I'd bring a few extras. After blowing many tires over the years, I just replace then every two years without exception. Keep them covered when not in use to cut down on UV when sitting outside. Good luck.
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#19
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If you use the open-ended hooks (as above) just be very careful about tension on the strap ... if the car bumps up and down even an inch, the hook can get out of the hole in the jack point.
A simple trick is to put a bungee cord (elastic strap) on each tow strap to keep tension on the tow strap hooks. In general, use a design with a safety "trap" that keeps the hook closed around the attachment point.
Also be careful about load ratings on straps -- some display breaking strain, some show working or static load.
A simple trick is to put a bungee cord (elastic strap) on each tow strap to keep tension on the tow strap hooks. In general, use a design with a safety "trap" that keeps the hook closed around the attachment point.
Also be careful about load ratings on straps -- some display breaking strain, some show working or static load.
More than 20,000 towed happy miles with that setup. Used it with 996 GT3, 997 GT3 RS, Cayman, Fiat across country. Straps have to be really loose for them to fall.
MAC custom straps sells quality straps rated at 10,000 lbs each.
#20
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If your luck is anything like mine wrt blowing trailer tires, I'd bring a few extras. After blowing many tires over the years, I just replace then every two years without exception. Keep them covered when not in use to cut down on UV when sitting outside. Good luck.
I had 3 blow-outs in one trip, and zero since I switched to Marathon.
#21
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#22
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I don't cross my straps. If one fails the rear end of the car won't be loose.
Goodyear Marathon are good tires. A lot of the import stuff is crap. Maxxis are pretty good too though.
Race Ramp will make you a custom transition set as well should you need them.
Replace or reweb your straps if they are cut or frayed. Don't let them dry in the sun if they get wet. They don't like UV light.
NHTSA Trailer Towing Guide: http://www.primotrailersales.com/Towing_Tips.pdf
Tire Safety: http://www.primotrailersales.com/Tire_Safety.pdf
Dexter Axle Trip Checklist: http://www.primotrailersales.com/ima...0Checklist.pdf
Dexter Axle Maintenance Schedule: http://www.primotrailersales.com/Mai...edule_2-08.pdf
Goodyear Marathon are good tires. A lot of the import stuff is crap. Maxxis are pretty good too though.
Race Ramp will make you a custom transition set as well should you need them.
Replace or reweb your straps if they are cut or frayed. Don't let them dry in the sun if they get wet. They don't like UV light.
NHTSA Trailer Towing Guide: http://www.primotrailersales.com/Towing_Tips.pdf
Tire Safety: http://www.primotrailersales.com/Tire_Safety.pdf
Dexter Axle Trip Checklist: http://www.primotrailersales.com/ima...0Checklist.pdf
Dexter Axle Maintenance Schedule: http://www.primotrailersales.com/Mai...edule_2-08.pdf
#23
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OK, you guys have sufficiently scared me - new tires going on today or tomorrow morning. They look old and cracked, and may well be original tires on that trailer (?)
#24
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I've read the thread, but no one says why they would suggest NOT going through the wheels to strap get down. Is there a reason? So far I'm happy with this method.
#26
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I go thru the wheels in the rear and it's important where you place the straps. You want to angle them towards the floor D-ring not at the bottom of the wheel. This will keep the wheels from rotating which they will tend to do if they're not facing the attachment point....
#27
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I use Raceramp TR5 and store them under the car
![](https://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads18/LRP_sept_10_+0011310774259.jpg)
I cross the straps in front but not in back partially because there is more clearance from the spoiler.
I would prefer to tie to the wheels but in front the spoiler is in the way and there is a concern about damage to the wheel finish(even w/ the wheel pads) so I use the oem chassis tiedown holes, and added Rennline tiedowns to the rear.
![](https://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads18/LRP_sept_10_+0011310774259.jpg)
I cross the straps in front but not in back partially because there is more clearance from the spoiler.
I would prefer to tie to the wheels but in front the spoiler is in the way and there is a concern about damage to the wheel finish(even w/ the wheel pads) so I use the oem chassis tiedown holes, and added Rennline tiedowns to the rear.
#28
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I use the wheel tie down method and have also used the tire bonnet strap. The car chassis rides freely on its suspension that way. The tire bonnet strap requires properly located anchor points on the trailer two per tire strap.
#29
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When cinching down the straps, you want 2-3 full wraps of strap material around the mandrel of the ratchet. My Mac straps wrap 1/3 of a rotation with each full ratchet movement so I aim for 6-9 full ratchet cranks to be sure there is enough material wrapped around the mandrel.
If you don't do this then the straps could come loose. I had that happen once before I learned about this.
Cheers,
If you don't do this then the straps could come loose. I had that happen once before I learned about this.
Cheers,
#30
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On the cayenne u mite get the dreaded "check trailer lite" even though lites work. Also when u hook up the trailer plug to pepper. If the lites don't work it could be a blown fuse. Happened to me. Pepper has 3 fuseboxes!!! The tow fuses are on the passenger side(if u open door the side of dash use a screwdriver and pry panel off. No 1 fuse blew on me(15 A)(check manual for fuse designation on passenger side- I remember there are 3 fuses for tow). Cayenne tows great. Never had a problem with open trailers. No problem with surge brakes going in reverse. I went cheap I just used 4 ft plank of wood and placed it underneath ramp. Mike