Well, I've towed the travel trailer (4000 lbs), and now we've done a bit more. 2nd Gen CTD on flatbed. Tow was kinda lame as we didn't wanna go too far or too fast as this was a 7000 GVWR trailer...

http://www.solidaxle.net/trailer_straps/AUT_0495.JPG

But also wanted to try out these new "grizzly" straps we got off Ebay. Trick in the fact that they have a "wrap" for the axle that's built in and buckles back to itself - i.e. no need for second loop.

http://www.solidaxle.net/trailer_straps/AUT_0493.JPG

http://www.solidaxle.net/trailer_straps/AUT_0491.JPG

The end you secure to the trailer has a clasp as well - cool if you're got some sort of d-ring tie down point. We didn't, so we used a short keeper strap.

http://www.solidaxle.net/trailer_straps/AUT_0492.JPG

All the "keeper" ends are sleeved with this heavy material... Supposedly to keep abrasion damage.. We'll see long term...

Originally posted by SolidAxleDurango


But also wanted to try out these new "grizzly" straps we got off Ebay. Trick in the fact that they have a "wrap" for the axle that's built in and buckles back to itself - i.e. no need for second loop.

http://www.solidaxle.net/trailer_straps/AUT_0493.JPG




I've got some straps like that. They aren't the "grizzly" brand though.
They sure do make strapping the vehicle convienent.

Originally posted by SanDiegoCJ



I've got some straps like that. They aren't the "grizzly" brand though.
They sure do make strapping the vehicle convienent.

How long ya been using them? Any unexpected long-term wear?

Originally posted by SolidAxleDurango


How long ya been using them? Any unexpected long-term wear?


I've got about 10 trips on them and as long as you don't get the strap against
any sharp edges there's no problem.

What are they rated at and do you have a link to them?

You can get them here (http://www.talcospecialties.com/web18.htm) for a great price. I have been hooking the trailer end clasp just to a stake pocket personally..the short loops would be nice

Originally posted by Joe_W
You can get them here (http://www.talcospecialties.com/web18.htm) for a great price. I have been hooking the trailer end clasp just to a stake pocket personally..the short loops would be nice

I have a short loop of chain in place of where the axle strap is in the pic, and it works well with the clasp style shown. I have conventional ratchet straps, and use axle the style of straps shown (around the axle though).

Pete

I've towed 6-7000# plenty, but like you I'm really wanting to hook it up to a real load and head for the hills.

Mind if I ask what those straps cost? I'm tired of an extra 20+ feet of strap to mess with all the time.

Originally posted by Joe_W
You can get them here (http://www.talcospecialties.com/web18.htm) for a great price. I have been hooking the trailer end clasp just to a stake pocket personally..the short loops would be nice

I have seen you post a link to that place before - or at least I think it was you...

Anyway.. I was interested, and called the guy... Those are made in China??? I don't know how much anyone cares.. But the one's I got off Ebay are made in USA - (TX!!)

For same weird reason, I ended up using "axle strap" as search criteria. If you use tie down, you get 500,000,000 results. You can even use "grizzly" with the criteria.

Thoughts on USA made stuff vs China made stuff when it comes to tie downs? I know I have a few things I WONT use Chinese stuff for, but there are some things that the margin for error is much larger - or wont matter much.... Anyone have strong feelings?

Originally posted by robobx
I've towed 6-7000# plenty, but like you I'm really wanting to hook it up to a real load and head for the hills.

Mind if I ask what those straps cost? I'm tired of an extra 20+ feet of strap to mess with all the time.

After searching.. I went ahead and did the "buy it now" price for like $100. It was still about $30-$40 cheaper than I could get 4 straps locally - even after shipping. I figured WTF... :D

I got mine through a place called rjays (http://www.rjays.com/Rjays_tiedowns/tie-downs-01.htm)
I went with the ratchet in the front and the tie back in the rear. They were about $80 shipped. I've used them plenty of times and no tearing yet.
How was it towing that heavy of a truck?

That's where I got mine too - the RJay's Combo-Pack Ratchet Deal for $99. They come with axle straps but also have the loop back on the long end.
Originally posted by SLO_Crawlers
I got mine through a place called rjays (http://www.rjays.com/Rjays_tiedowns/tie-downs-01.htm)
I went with the ratchet in the front and the tie back in the rear. They were about $80 shipped. I've used them plenty of times and no tearing yet.
How was it towing that heavy of a truck?

Originally posted by SLO_Crawlers
...How was it towing that heavy of a truck?

Purty good. It was like what.... 8700 lbs?

But remember, we didn't do much. 7000 GVWR Trailer was overloaded so we didn't go far or fast.

Will be doing a more lengthy test with a better trailer soon. Have to load up the Durango (5820 lbs) and figure out right placement for tongue weight in preparation for April/Moab. That load will be about 7500 lbs. (Durango + estimated 1700 for trailer).