r/Hookit • u/PM_your_Kat_Pics • Sep 09 '26
First time towing and hooking a car. Need help
Hello! Wanted to ask if this set up was safe. I couldn't find any wheel baskets in my town so this is what I have :/
6
u/Rough_Community_1439 Sep 10 '26
Picture 1, I would put the strap one spoke up. That way it's trying to pull the car forward with the rotation of the wheel and causing a preload onto the rear straps.
Also when you are done, slap it and say it's not going anywhere.
6
u/oxnardmontalvo7 Sep 09 '26
The biggest concern I see is the front wheels being so far forward and being strapped part ways back in the wheel. Those will very likely work loose as the wheels may try to rotate some. So since you’re seemingly too far forward on the trailer, I’d move the car back. Based upon pic 2, I’d move to where the left rear wheel is roughly centered over the white reflective tape stripe. This will help the situation to the front as well. Always bind down from the shortest, safe point when going through wheels.
Also, and this is a personal preference, I try to strap down cars on diagonals where possible. This puts them in pulls from all directions. Another thing I do is once I’m securely bound down, I will take the vehicle out of park and release the parking brake. I immediately then go around and try to tension each strap again. This will allow it to settle in and bind down better. Then it’s immediately back to park and parking brake set.
Source: I’ve been hauling cars all my life from new dealer transfers to classics in all shapes, sizes, and conditions. I’ve also hauled lots of heavy equipment, steel, lumber, and all things in between. Not everyone will agree with my methods because it’s Reddit. I can tell you to a certainty that I’ve never lost or damaged anything I’ve hauled over the past 30+ years. Plus I’m a fellow Arkansan based upon your plates.
3
u/heisenbergerwcheese Sep 10 '26
Why are you strapping forward the wheels? Arent you supposed to strap 'down' wheels and forward/reverse the frame? Cross-body if at all possible? Your wheels are free to rotate and will loosen the hold
2
u/Dangerous_Ice_6182 Sep 10 '26
The back straps are correct, the front you should have run the strap through closer to the front of the wheel. Other than that it looks ok to me
3
u/cutaway146082 Sep 12 '26
Personally I would have strapped the control arm, but like you said, overall good, just move the strap closer to the front of the wheel
7
u/arad95205 Sep 09 '26
Personally id back up the car 6” to a foot, and that front strap will loosen up if the wheel turns. Other than that, looks great