Hauling a Model T

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Oldav8tor
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Hauling a Model T

Post by Oldav8tor » Thu Mar 07, 2019 9:43 pm

I'm sure this has been discussed before, so please excuse the repetition. When it comes to hauling a Model T on a trailer, what are the preferred attachment points for hold-down straps? When I haul my Willys M38A1 Army Jeep I use heavy duty ratchet straps attached to straps wrapped around the front and rear axles as well as backups attached to the rear pintle hitch and a loop on the frame on the side opposite where I attach the pintle strap.

My understanding is the axles should not be used to secure Model T's to a trailer so I'd like to hear from those of you with some experience.

While we're at it - what do you consider to be the minimum dimensions for a enclosed trailer to haul a 1917 Touring with the top up?
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor

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FreighTer Jim
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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by FreighTer Jim » Thu Mar 07, 2019 10:47 pm

Hello Tim,

If you are going to be hauling a Model T Touring car in an enclosed trailer with the top up - allow for a minimum 7 ft. 3 inch rear door clearance.

My latest enclosed car hauled design has surface mount etrac installed width wise about every (4) feet with recycled rubber 4 ft. X 6 ft. horse stall mats
installed between the etrac.

8CF64BCB-7824-4AFA-921F-DB6BB3B5DFC1.jpeg

FJ
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FreighTer Jim
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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by FreighTer Jim » Thu Mar 07, 2019 11:04 pm

Regarding tie downs ....

I buy Mac’s axle straps in a variety of lengths
from Summit Racing along with Mac’s fleece
velcro sleeves that attach over the straps and
can be removed for washing.

Here is an application on a 1915 Stanley Steamer
12 Passenger Mountain Wagon with a cross pattern
to minimize vehicle shift inside the trailer.

2FF22C40-162B-4A91-B74E-7711FC1B1129.jpeg

Some folks go to the wheels - some go to the frame - some go to the axle - there is more than one way to secure your vehicle.

I have been transporting earlier cars for fellow HCCA members the last few years so I always ask them what works best for them.

I am now doing a minimum (4) to (6) point tie down
on all early cars and pulling towards the center to minimize stress on the frame and body.

521628F8-59F9-462F-BDEC-FB10FC5B061C.jpeg

FJ
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mtntee20
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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by mtntee20 » Fri Mar 08, 2019 7:39 am

Tim,

I prefer using wheel "baskets" or "nets" whichever term is preferred. They are a strap assembly that goes over each wheel/tire, and is secured to the floor at or near each tire. Thus, all 4 tires are secured and the body is allowed to ride on the springs as it would normally do when being driven. No worries about tying to an axle and little worry about straps coming loose. To use this type of tie down, usually a tie down strip is mounted into or onto the floor of the trailer. This tie down system requires good positioning of the vehicle on the tie down strips. I have seen where 8 strips were used, two per wheel, one on each side of each wheel. Thus, the positioning wasn't as critical.

Good Luck,
Terry

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Oldav8tor
Posts: 1915
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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by Oldav8tor » Fri Mar 08, 2019 1:17 pm

I've seen the results of a guy using flimsy straps and not accounting for the tendency of wheels to slide on a wood floor....not pretty. This one is going to require some thought.....
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor

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RajoRacer
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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by RajoRacer » Fri Mar 08, 2019 1:27 pm

I've also hauled dozens of assorted vehicles - wheel nets & E-Trak is the way to go !


HaroldRJr
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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by HaroldRJr » Fri Mar 08, 2019 2:52 pm

"Ditto" what Terry Miller & Steve Tomaso just said! I use the nylon adjustable wheel baskets with continuous E-track installed continuously whole length of enclosed trailer at Model T tread width. All four wheels are held tightly to the floor and cannot turn or slide. Not only do I feel that letting the Model T utilize its own suspension system to cushion the car, but I feel that the entire North American railroad system can't be wrong, and adjustable wheel baskets are universally utilized by all railroads in shipment of new automobiles,....FWIW,.....harold


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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by Scott_Conger » Fri Mar 08, 2019 3:13 pm

I cannot for the life of me get adjustable baskets to stay put or to size. I designed my trailer to use these, and have given up. If there is a source for "custom" size wheel baskets for our cars, I'm all ears. Thus far, I've found nothing and am looking forward to being made smart. :)
Scott Conger

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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by FreighTer Jim » Fri Mar 08, 2019 3:22 pm

Scott,

The first Stanley Steam Mountain I hauled had custom wheel baskets
made out of fire hose and steel webbing attached to etrac fittings.

But that only works if the etrac is laid out exactly for the wheel baskets.

If you transport just one specific vehicle or one specific type of vehicle
then wheel baskets are the way to go.

Perhaps one of the members using them can post a detailed summary
of how they made theirs with images.


FJ
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ewdysar
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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by ewdysar » Fri Mar 08, 2019 3:33 pm

My trailer does not have e-trak :( so apparently, given the responses in this thread, it is not suitable to haul my T. I guess that I need to be satisfied with just driving my car around the block until I can budget another $6k+ to replace my beat up trailer.

But seriously, any advice for us disadvantaged folks for securing a car from just 4 attachment points?

Keep crankin'
Eric


MichaelPawelek
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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by MichaelPawelek » Fri Mar 08, 2019 3:51 pm

Off topic a bit but......if you use a open trailer on a open T be sure the front floor boards and both front and rear seat bottoms/cushions are secured. Wind at road speed can move anything not lashed down.


Russ T Fender
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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by Russ T Fender » Fri Mar 08, 2019 4:56 pm

I too am underpriviledged with only 4 points to secure my car with. In front I use a short strap on each side covered with a canvas protector that I put around the front axle just outside of the spring perch and run it to the floor tie down on the opposite side so the two front tie down straps crisscross. In the rear I use two longer straps that I again protect with a canvas cover that I pass over and under the rear spring on either side of the rear spring center bolt and run the strap from the opposite floor tie down the way I do in the front so the rear straps crisscross also. I dont ratchet the straps down overly tight but tight enough to keep the car from bouncing. I also chock the front wheels with hard rubber chocks that I secure to the wheels with bungie cords. Been doing it that way for 40 plus years without issue. I can take pictures if you want when I get over to my trailer Sunday afternoon.

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RajoRacer
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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by RajoRacer » Fri Mar 08, 2019 5:17 pm

Val has explained the proper way to tie a T down without using wheel nets !


RalphS in NE Oregon
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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by RalphS in NE Oregon » Fri Mar 08, 2019 5:44 pm

I hauled my 14 touring 600 miles on an open trailer this past summer using a different method. My trailer has a front bar so I just tied the front tires to the bar with several wraps of flat straps. Then I ran a heavy duty ratchet strap from the front of the trailer over the front axle shackle, then to the back of the car over the rear axle shackle, then secured the strap to the rear of the trailer with the ratchet. One strap on each side of the car. Worked great and the car didn't move a bit. I had the top folded down and wrapped with a blanket, expecting a lot of turbulence, but was surprised at how little there was.
Ralph


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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by Jahn_Wright » Fri Mar 08, 2019 5:51 pm

Mac's Custom Tie Downs will make custom-sized wheel nets. I have no connection to them, but have some of their tie downs and they are top quality, made in Sandpoint Idaho USA. http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/category/WheelNets
Jahn
1925 Coupe--owned by my Grandfather


Mindless Automaton
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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by Mindless Automaton » Sat Mar 09, 2019 3:25 am

Rear axle tied to the front of the trailer diagonally. Front axle tied to the rear of the trailer diagonally.


Allan
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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by Allan » Sat Mar 09, 2019 7:39 am

All my trailering has been done on an open trailer with a 12' deck. I have an offset bar at the front, up to which the car is driven/winched. Two short straps around the front axle outboard of the perches tie the car up to the bar and DOWN to the deck at at least 45 degrees. There is no strain on the front radius rod. Similar short straps around the backing plate castings and hooked outside the line of the back wheels, keep the car from hopping about. Because the car is up against the bar at the front, there is no need for excessive tension on the back straps.

It is important to tie the car DOWN. Short straps and wheel baskets do this too. Long straps from front to rear and rear to front will be at such a low angle to the deck that they will not tie the car DOWN to the same degree. They will prevent front and back movement, and the dreaded stretching of the front radius rod out of its housing on he pan, but they will not stop the car hopping about on undulating/rough roads.

Whatever way you go, checking all at regular stops is recommended.

Allan from down under.


Tmodelt
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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by Tmodelt » Sat Mar 09, 2019 8:53 am

I use 5/8" diameter round stock formed into a large " V" with the ends bent to form a hook that will fit over the tires. I then run these thru "I" bolts installed in the floor. This keeps the car riding on it's own suspension with the tires tied down and no need to worry about paint wear.

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Topic author
Oldav8tor
Posts: 1915
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:39 am
First Name: Tim
Last Name: Juhl
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1917 Touring
Location: Thumb of Michigan
MTFCA Number: 50297
MTFCI Number: 24810
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by Oldav8tor » Tue Mar 12, 2019 6:37 pm

Since I'm looking for an enclosed trailer to buy, I need to know whether a 1917 Touring with the top up should fit into a trailer with a 7 foot door height. I would prefer not to have to lower the top each time I want to load the T.

Thanks!
Tim
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor


Scott_Conger
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Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by Scott_Conger » Tue Mar 12, 2019 7:43 pm

Remember the car will bounce on rough road...a close clearance will hit.

True story: a friend of mine wanted to save money and fuel and went with a low trailer. Then he broke his front top bow and tore the top. Then he replaced the top. Then he got in a hurry in a rain storm and broke his front top bow and tore the top. Then he replaced the top. Then he bought a tall-enough trailer.

Something to think about.
Scott Conger

Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny

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Topic author
Oldav8tor
Posts: 1915
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:39 am
First Name: Tim
Last Name: Juhl
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1917 Touring
Location: Thumb of Michigan
MTFCA Number: 50297
MTFCI Number: 24810
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: Hauling a Model T

Post by Oldav8tor » Tue Mar 12, 2019 8:21 pm

Scott - my friend Brian Dowell (president MTFCI) has several similar stories of guys ripping tops off, sometimes more than once. He has impressed upon me the need to get one tall enough to accommodate my T with the top up. My observation of trailers shows that there is more ceiling clearance than the door opening height so I'm concentrating on the door clearance first. I still need to know if 7 feet is enough for the door :?: My top is not installed yet so I can't put a tape measure on it.
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor

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FreighTer Jim
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7 foot 3 inches minimum

Post by FreighTer Jim » Tue Mar 12, 2019 9:56 pm

Oldav8tor wrote:
Tue Mar 12, 2019 6:37 pm
Since I'm looking for an enclosed trailer to buy, I need to know whether a 1917 Touring with the top up should fit into a trailer with a 7 foot door height. I would prefer not to have to lower the top each time I want to load the T.

Thanks!
Tim
Tim,

For a Model T Touring - minimum of 7 feet 3 inch door clearance.

My rear door clearance has always been 8 feet cause some times I transport .... :!:


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