Hey everyone! Sorry, this is a long post so I hope it's not a TLDR and that it would be helpful for others. Admittedly, I'm a tie down newb. However, picking up another E46 and we are opting to pick it up ourselves. I have been hearing every which way to tie a car down, all with pros and cons. It kind of gets my head spinning and I really just want to simplest, but safest way. Here are some details:
1) Tie down via E-Track. Love this idea, and if I invest in a trailer down the road I would spec this stuff. However, this trailer we are using does not have it so this really isn't an option.
PROS: Straps only touch the tires; Easy installation.
CONS: Haven't really heard of any negatives other than possible alignment issues?
2) Remove jack stand covers and insert T-hooks and criss cross straps at the front and back of the car. Tied down from the frame seems like it would offer the most peace of mind.
PROS: Factory BMW's preferred tie-down option apparently and also mentioned in BMW bulletins? Have heard some say it was only meant for transport on the boat, which seems a bit odd.
CONS: Have heard of the hooks coming out occasionally.
3) Through wheel spokes. Manufacturer has memory foam strap with a fleece sleeve protector.
PROS: Simple installation; Takes suspension issues out of the mix.
CONS: Possibility of scratches or other damage to the wheel.
4) Wheel/Tire Nets. Similar to the block/strap tiedowns used in E-Track systems.
PROS: Easy installation, Takes suspensions out of the mix.
CONS: Typically custom made for each car and tire size limiting use on other cars; Straps could potentially cause damage to wheels if not careful (rubbing against wheel).
5) Tie down around control arms or trailing arms.
PROS: Other transporters I've used have gone this route and hear this method a lot.
CONS: Not sure if this could create any suspension issues?
I am going to be going with Mac's ratchet tie-down straps. I spoke with the sales associate yesterday and he offered some great information. He felt E-Track is the best option and is seeing it a lot, however, he knows that's not an option on this trip. He felt the factory jack stand locations with T-Hooks is not bad, but indicated the physics involved with the suspension and the trailer bouncing does not act favorably on the car. And if one point of connection fails you could run into issues quickly. His favorite option BY FAR was #3 through the wheels. He said the majority of his exotic car transporters AND race car transporters are going this route because there is no impact on the suspension or alignment. He said he has never had a complaint about scratched wheels with their system. He also mentioned that if there is any failure point with option #3 the car still isn't going anywhere.
Obviously there are so many different ways here but would like your thoughts on what you typically do. Again, my head is swimming with all this information so I'd love some more input from you all on other options I may have missed or if I have been misinformed.
Thanks everyone!
- Car will be in an enclosed 20' trailer with wood base deck.
- Trailer has 4 D-rings (2 in front, 2 in rear).
- Distance traveled will be approximately 550 miles over non-interstate roads.
1) Tie down via E-Track. Love this idea, and if I invest in a trailer down the road I would spec this stuff. However, this trailer we are using does not have it so this really isn't an option.
PROS: Straps only touch the tires; Easy installation.
CONS: Haven't really heard of any negatives other than possible alignment issues?
2) Remove jack stand covers and insert T-hooks and criss cross straps at the front and back of the car. Tied down from the frame seems like it would offer the most peace of mind.
PROS: Factory BMW's preferred tie-down option apparently and also mentioned in BMW bulletins? Have heard some say it was only meant for transport on the boat, which seems a bit odd.
CONS: Have heard of the hooks coming out occasionally.
3) Through wheel spokes. Manufacturer has memory foam strap with a fleece sleeve protector.
PROS: Simple installation; Takes suspension issues out of the mix.
CONS: Possibility of scratches or other damage to the wheel.
4) Wheel/Tire Nets. Similar to the block/strap tiedowns used in E-Track systems.
PROS: Easy installation, Takes suspensions out of the mix.
CONS: Typically custom made for each car and tire size limiting use on other cars; Straps could potentially cause damage to wheels if not careful (rubbing against wheel).
5) Tie down around control arms or trailing arms.
PROS: Other transporters I've used have gone this route and hear this method a lot.
CONS: Not sure if this could create any suspension issues?
I am going to be going with Mac's ratchet tie-down straps. I spoke with the sales associate yesterday and he offered some great information. He felt E-Track is the best option and is seeing it a lot, however, he knows that's not an option on this trip. He felt the factory jack stand locations with T-Hooks is not bad, but indicated the physics involved with the suspension and the trailer bouncing does not act favorably on the car. And if one point of connection fails you could run into issues quickly. His favorite option BY FAR was #3 through the wheels. He said the majority of his exotic car transporters AND race car transporters are going this route because there is no impact on the suspension or alignment. He said he has never had a complaint about scratched wheels with their system. He also mentioned that if there is any failure point with option #3 the car still isn't going anywhere.
Obviously there are so many different ways here but would like your thoughts on what you typically do. Again, my head is swimming with all this information so I'd love some more input from you all on other options I may have missed or if I have been misinformed.
Thanks everyone!
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