Tie downs

[Axle]

just ordered these, hope you like 'em. lol
http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/product/super-pack-tie-down-kit-8-foot-straps/super-packs
adding something like these to the trailer
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-1-2-D-Ring-Weld-On-Flatbed-Truck-Trailer-Ratchet-Strap-Cargo-Tie-Down-Ring-/200561881838

[Axle]

what are the pros and cons of crossing the straps?

[Ian]

ive seen those straps before, they are pretty nice.  i welded on rings onto the axle tubes. 4 of them.  they make loading up so much easier.  i've broken a strap while towing before, so replacing straps before they break is a great idea.

[Ian]

what are the pros and cons of crossing the straps?

triangulation

[Axle]

In the past, I replace my tie downs every season or two at most.

[Ian]

since i welded the rings onto the axles, my strap doesn't come into contact with the axle tube.  just a metal hook clipping into a metal ring.

[SPYDER]

When I bought the trailer I also bought 4 new straps and 4 axle straps.  The axle straps are cheap and can easily be replaced and take the abuse.  The straps I bought are short which was a plus and take 1/2 the time it used to hooking to the frame.   I bought everything from awdirect.com


More triangulation is better

[Posimoto]

I know a lot of guys cross the straps, but I've always tied straight down.
If your straps are crossed and one side breaks the first thing your Jeep will do is walk sideways pulled by the opposite crossed strap
If your axles and tires are wide like most it won't take much movement to get a tire off the trailer
Call up Macs my guess would be they recommend you tie straight down as most companies that make straps do
It's just the way I do it doesn't mean it's right or wrong
Just personal preference

 
 Edit spelling

[Bluerocket]

I like those straps bob.  Looks like a nice set.
The weld on d rings are great, that's the same ones I use on my trailer I believe. 

I was under the impression it is the law to cross straps as it stops your load shifting in any direction.
I like the way it holds my jeep down, and I drive relatively aggressively.     I have seen people run 2 strait straps and 2 cross in the rear (6) total, which I think is overkill for our load.   

[Twisty]

I cross my straps.  Same reason why you triangulate suspension links.  The criss-cross pattern will keep the load stationary. 

[Posimoto]

I was under the impression it is the law to cross straps as it stops your load shifting in any direction.

Federal law requires 4 tie downs to keep the load from shifting. There is no law that I know of that states you need tie downs straight or crossed.
I agree, crossing the straps keeps the load stationary.......until one strap breaks   
Again, it's personally preference.

[JayZR2]

I run axle straps and criss cross my straps. I also tie down from the axle not the body. I've seen people use the D-rings on their bumper and every bump they go over when the towed vehicle suspension flexes the strap end up with slack in them. Once it was enough for the hook to come off the trailer. Luckily it was me behind him and I was able to get him to pull over and fix it.

[Bluerocket]

I was under the impression it is the law to cross straps as it stops your load shifting in any direction.

Federal law requires 4 tie downs to keep the load from shifting. There is no law that I know of that states you need tie downs straight or crossed.
I agree, crossing the straps keeps the load stationary.......until one strap breaks   
Again, it's personally preference.

Interesting, I'd have to go look at the laws in more detail.  The cross is not required, it is used to fulfill the "lateral" restraint of the load section from what I've been told.    If you had a small object they could go from the corner of the load to the corners of the trailer.    I'm curious now, do you know what laws this would be in?  Google hasn't been my friend.

*edit here's what I did find: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/content/393128   

[Ian]

what about chains and binders? 

[Axle]

leave your sex life out of this Ian lol