Chain Plate Strength

[Jetnoise400]

Hi All,

I'm wondering what the consensus is about the strength of the chain plate bolted behind the pintle hook. Specifically, I'm wondering whether or not it's a good idea to use that spot as a tie down for attaching the mutt to a car trailer for transport. This would be instead of tying down to the corner lifting rings. Thoughts?

Thanks!

[Spike]

Assuming the absence of rust or damage (and if you have a non-USMC version) I would say the pintle the strongest anchor point. I use the USMC corner holddowns, that's what they "dog 'em down" with on ship decks. I would avoid using the hubs due to possible damage to the hub and the vehicle will continue to bounce while going down the road. I don't think the bumperettes are strong, but for normal trailering will work just fine, if you over tighten the chain you will bend them. The bumperette lifting shackles are strong and will splay-out better than the pintle.

[moose53]

I think the safety chain plate would certainly be strong enough to use as a tie down point on a trailer. I have an A2 though so i just put a strap through the tie down loops on the corners........

Jim

[Jetnoise400]

Thanks for the replies guys. Reason I ask is that the way my new trailer is set up, my anchor straps will contact, and most likely break the taillight housings if I go from the corner loops to the opposite side tiedown, and the distance from the corner to the same corner tie down is too short. So I'm looking for alternatives. I don't have any rust issues that I can see, but this thing has been bumped and bruised in it's life, so there's a little rippling on the rear panel... not much, but it is there. But I don't want to attach to the bumperettes.. I don't think they can handle that. I was thinking of using the hub loops in addition to the straps at all 4 corners to put anchor straps on them and help keep the vehicle from rolling, but not for tying down.

I just don't want to make a bad choice on tiedown points and trash our new trailer... My Bride would be rather upset with me.

Thanks!

[rickf]

I use the wheel tie downs on my A1. Front wheel to rear trailer and rear wheel to front trailer on both sides. The tie down methods are a hot subject most of the time. I have been towing for most of my life and have used every method known to man. I find that on a vehicle on a trailer it is best to tie to the axle and let the suspension work. This is how a rollback is designed. The reason is beacause ifyou tie to the body or frame the vehicle is still going to move up and down andshock the chain or strap on every bump. The only way to avoid this would be to pull the suspension down to the stops, Darn near impossible to do. It is also easier on the trailer since thesuspension of the vehicle is soaking up some of the road shock and not transmitting it to the trailer. On mine I have four high quality straps and four clevis's that go on the axle tie downs. I thought I had a picture but I can't find it.
Rick

[rickf]

I was just thinking, . If you want to use the body tie downs you can do the same as I did. Rear bumper to front trailer etc.. The length of the straps will soak up excess movement of the vehicle. Do not use chains! they are for freight and heavy equipment.
Rick