Trailer strap configuration

[dunclentdr1]

I have bought a trailer and would appreciate advice on the best configuration of straps to safely tie the Elan down for transportation.

Thanks in advance.

David

[h20hamelan]

I would consider some form of loop over the tyres, while missing the brake lines. Cross the cinch straps under the car to opposite sides of the trailer. Over 45 degree angle is quality, under is not.

The other method would be to compress the springs, then the tyres act as dynamic force. I don't think there is too many spots on the chassis to safely hang a nylon axle strap over a A arm or...?
Still crossing cinch straps.
If you are anal, wet your straps first so they don't stretch if you hit rain. Or check them if they get wet, 5-10% stretch is normal.

The way I do it, which I will add a photo in a bit. Is using open hooks. The hooks stay at the end of the tyre, which controls the direction of the strap.

[h20hamelan]

you need to be about 1/2 way, or even in the middle of your direction over the tyre. If not equal, strap can slip.
Most use loops, I find you can't get the correct direction below the car this way.

[Andy8421]

As you clearly track the car, you have a towing eye welded to the front cross member?

If so, that is a good place for the front tie-down.

At the back, I used to thread the strap through one of the holes in the wheel. So three straps in total, one strap at the front, one through each wheel at the rear. Never had any problems with the car moving about in the trailer.

[oldelanman]

Some more discussion and ideas in this thread...

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=24410

[nmauduit]

I have bought a trailer

good move, ideal for peace of mind ...

tow straps around the wheels

Since you have plenty holes, I would strap on the wheels (some do only 2 corners, I prefer 4, and would leave the tow cable as an extra backup...) : the idea is that each strap pulls the wheel with a steep yet slanted angle (like a pyramid) so that each wheel cannot move forward or rear, and the pulling strength is obtained horizontally via a ring to allow rom for the ratchet.

Pulling on the suspensions (compressing shocks) allows the car to jump and slide around, and is also more prone to come loose - ok for a couple miles while being careful, but I would not do it for a long trip, even with a car as light as a Lotus.

[rgh0]

Personally I tiedown my Elan on the trailer with ropes / straps to the outside ends of the lower suspension arms at all 4 corners to the trailer frame. These points are designed to handle more than 1G loads so will be good for anything a trailer sees except in a full crash

I use soft ropes or straps to avoid damage to the arms, worked for me for 30 years and many thousands of KM towing to race meetings on a trailer.

Tying down the wheels with hoops as done by modern flatbed tow trucks is the equivalent but requires a more sophisticated system of anchor points

cheers
Rohan

[fatboyoz]

Hi David,
Agree with nmauduit and Rohan's last comment. I have towed my Elan for many thousands of kilometers, at high speed, using straps over the tyres. Seems to me to be the best system, as it allows the car to move on it's suspension.
Cheers,
Colin.

I have bought a trailer and would appreciate advice on the best configuration of straps to safely tie the Elan down for transportation.

Thanks in advance.

David

[h20hamelan]

I also like the windscreen covering, important!

[dunclentdr1]

Thanks for all the advice.

I think tie down using the front towing point and then form the outer of the lower suspension arms or through the wheels may be the way I go.

David

[dunclentdr1]

Thanks for all the advice.

I think tie down using the front towing point and then form the outer of the lower suspension arms or through the wheels may be the way I go.

David

[baileyman]

That Tilta is beautiful. I do not think there is anything comparable in the USA. I would modify a small motorboat tilting trailer to do the same thing, but those also seem no longer available, but common in the 60s. John

[TBG]

Baileyman - this might be of interest.

https://www.bigtextrailers.com/tilt-trailers

[baileyman]

That's mostly the right idea but way heavy duty. I did see a pic of a guy in the day towing his Lotus XV on a converted boat trailer behind an XK140. Sweet.

John

[h20hamelan]

There are many alloy atv type trailers here in N America.
Double axle tows much better.
Surge brakes are garbage, electric is well worth it. But you must practice.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MVBgD4Y2JQ8