Trailer Questions

[mike_israel]

Hi All,

Today I picked up my 17' Featherlite open aluminum trailer. I am very impressed with it and see why these are the Cadillac of trailers. A few questions for those with trailer wisdom.

1) How far forward should I place AMphi on the trailer? Centered, all the way forward, etc?

2) I have D-rings ate front and rear. Given Amphi's small size, and that I want to use over the wheel straps, I am debating if I run e-track the length of the deck or install additional recessed d-rings. Thoughts?

FYI, my Not-So-Big enclosed trailer is still for sale. I will probably e-bay it this weekend. Two trailers at home does not make for a happy spouse! Make me a "reasonable" offer and it is yours!

Mike I.
Amphicar Lovers List/Digest Admin

 

[Amphicarbudd]

you need at least 250-300 pounds of tongue weight no matter wheather single
or double axel. some states require a 4 waypoint tie down. load the car put
the front llift wheel on a weight scale--be sure to block the trailer wheels
before setting weight on scale and on level ground. roll the car to get
approximate static location for the car on the trailer and mark so you can reload
with proper weight every time. ig the trailer is sust for this vehicle you
might consider more permanent type stops on the trailer; every trailer pulls
differently and you should make sure you dont wag at speed.



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[CapnJohn]

Mike -

On my 18' flatbed, my Amphi (facing forward) ends up with the rear axles centered in between the trailers axles. The weight seems to be just right. This has worked for trips from Portland to Tampa and a lot of miles in between.

The safeist methods are always 4 corner security, preferably using over the tire type web straps. Alternatvely, you can use a wide strap ((I use 10k lb) thru each wheel too. You should have straps that are capable of 4x the car's weight. In a crash, the car won't just weigh 2600lbs! Just put a clean rag between the strap and rim edge (prevents cutting) and the whitewall. Remember that you are protecting not just the car, but everyone around you in case of the unthinkable. I have tested this!! Remember the article I wrote after crashing twice in 12 hours in a blizzard?

 

[mike_israel]

Thanks,
Sounds like I may need to install at least 4 additional tie-downs as the ones at the corners of the bed seem a bit far away or the Amphi and I would need 8 tie down points to accomodate 4 over the wheel straps?
I am thinking about e-track in lieu of tie downs?* Seems like it gives most flexibility in positioning straps.* Thoughts?
Mike

 

[CapnJohn]

Thanks,
Sounds like I may need to install at least 4 additional tie-downs as the ones at the corners of the bed seem a bit far away or the Amphi and I would need 8 tie down points to accomodate 4 over the wheel straps?
I am thinking about e-track in lieu of tie downs?* Seems like it gives most flexibility in positioning straps.* Thoughts?
Mike

If you plan to use it only for an Amphi, then probably not a necessaary expense, but if you are going to use it for other cars or whatever you have, then e-track will give you the best options for safely securing your load.