CID
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Having watched the 2 Shock Therapy videos in post #27, I've changed my tie down system.
Before, tied high on the chassis because I didn't want to tie to the suspension, the bumper seemed more stout to me. Tying as high as possible on the trailer lessened suspension compression but it did pull it down some.
Now. I can't go any further toward the tire because of sharp edges. This location accomplishes two things - 1. The downward angle of the straps is cut in half, less downward pull. 2. The strap location is close enough to the wheel that there's very little vertical movement anyway. I run the loose ends thru the bumper, I don't leave them lying on the spare.
The rear straps didn't pull down the suspension very much but the angle of the straps got too straight across when I moved the buggy rearward to compensate for carrying fuel up front; they were pulling against each other, not pulling the buggy rearward.
My first attempt used D-shackles but they were a bit fiddly and I had to count loose chain links every time because I had to undo the shackle to get the axle strap on and off. But I did end up with a straighter pull rearward. I'm using 36" axle straps. Note that the axle straps won't work with stock Talon wheels, the ends won't fit through the spokes.
After thinking about it for a day or two, I made this simple change - it's always set the same, no counting links. To be sure this is nowhere near as quick or convenient as the rear ratchet straps but it's much more secure, not tied to the moving chassis and allows the buggy suspension to work; time will tell if I stick with it or not. I tow in neutral with the Hillbilly brake set.
When carrying fuel, I still have to tie to the bumper, the A-arms are inaccessible. I'll be tying to the tires with axle straps and ratchet straps for tightening. Look closely, my tires overhang the trailer bed, E-track won't work for me.
Edit: new front tie down system for use with the blue fuel drums -
Before, tied high on the chassis because I didn't want to tie to the suspension, the bumper seemed more stout to me. Tying as high as possible on the trailer lessened suspension compression but it did pull it down some.
Now. I can't go any further toward the tire because of sharp edges. This location accomplishes two things - 1. The downward angle of the straps is cut in half, less downward pull. 2. The strap location is close enough to the wheel that there's very little vertical movement anyway. I run the loose ends thru the bumper, I don't leave them lying on the spare.
The rear straps didn't pull down the suspension very much but the angle of the straps got too straight across when I moved the buggy rearward to compensate for carrying fuel up front; they were pulling against each other, not pulling the buggy rearward.
My first attempt used D-shackles but they were a bit fiddly and I had to count loose chain links every time because I had to undo the shackle to get the axle strap on and off. But I did end up with a straighter pull rearward. I'm using 36" axle straps. Note that the axle straps won't work with stock Talon wheels, the ends won't fit through the spokes.
After thinking about it for a day or two, I made this simple change - it's always set the same, no counting links. To be sure this is nowhere near as quick or convenient as the rear ratchet straps but it's much more secure, not tied to the moving chassis and allows the buggy suspension to work; time will tell if I stick with it or not. I tow in neutral with the Hillbilly brake set.
When carrying fuel, I still have to tie to the bumper, the A-arms are inaccessible. I'll be tying to the tires with axle straps and ratchet straps for tightening. Look closely, my tires overhang the trailer bed, E-track won't work for me.
Edit: new front tie down system for use with the blue fuel drums -
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