Stacker Trailer Question

[Rod Greene]

A question for you gentleman that tow with a stacker across our horrendous roads. How much clearance do you need between the roof of the car and roof of the trailer? Best tie down options? I have seen the posts of cars getting loose in the trailers.
Thanks for any input.

[mike britt]

I see that no one has answered your question yet. I have never owned a stacker but I can tell some stories from some friends. A friend had his girlfriends car on top because she didn't want to drive back home and when he got home the roof was caved in. He thought it had plenty of room. You have to think about what's going on in that trailer when it's bouncing down the road. The car is not the only thing that has to be tied down. The lift can bounce too if not tied down.

[Mike Graham]

I can tell you what doesn't work. 4 inches is not enough clearance in mine. I have found no commercially available tie downs that don't slide. My 30 year old ones work best.
They seem to be made out of a material that has a higher coefficient of friction, I don't use dollar store tie downs. Without mentioning brands. I have two of the best brands and they still slide. Cross straps or straight seem to make no difference. That top car is moving around a lot. The best advice I have gotten is have at least 3 turns of material on the strap and check it every time you stop. I use 4 straps on the top car. That helps a lot.
I am thinking of having custom non adjustable one made for the rear. I put a lot of miles on my stuff on some really bad roads. I haven't had one come loose, but My car has some scars from close calls.

[bkraft]

Give me a call tomorrow and I will share my seven years of experience with stacker. Have hauled SS\AH, stocker Camaro, COPO, and Cobra jets.
All have their own issues when on the lift.
You can try me at 716 five 5 three zero 9 89. Best after 3pm east coast
Bill Kraft

[Glenn Briglio]

Turnbuckles and chains don't stretch .

[Cotten]

My rule of thumb is about 8 inches.
If you tie the car down in the back by the frame rather than the rear end housing it helps a lot.

The biggest problem I've encountered is the car on top wants to move sideways.
I chock the front AND rear wheels to prevent this.

Hope this helps

[jmcarter]

Combined with Larry’s approach after his Dumbo experience I’ve never seen a better response to a request for info, apparently SSDiv6 doesn’t use a stacker or it could have even scored higher. If Ed Wright (RIP) could have responded it would have been perfect.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Cotten

My rule of thumb is about 8 inches.
If you tie the car down in the back by the frame rather than the rear end housing it helps a lot.

The biggest problem I've encountered is the car on top wants to move sideways.
I chock the front AND rear wheels to prevent this.

Hope this helps

Mikey, I get your concern and methodology.
I just never liked compressing expensive racing springs for days or weeks at a time.
You know the new car transporters chain the frame and crank them way down for clearance and stability. May be okay for your new car, on a one time basis ;-)
I think maybe crossed straps on the housing and then maybe snap on a couple of safety hooked chain to limit any upward movement..Just a thought..

[Cotten]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Mikey, I get your concern and methodology.
I just never liked compressing expensive racing springs for days or weeks at a time.
You know the new car transporters chain the frame and crank them way down for clearance and stability. May be okay for your new car, on a one time basis ;-)
I think maybe crossed straps on the housing and then maybe snap on a couple of safety hooked chain to limit any upward movement..Just a thought..

Mark first I've got to tell you I don't really care for "Mikey".

I always cross strap all cars. The cuda has traveled close to 400,000 miles tied down as I described and my dusters probably half again as much.... but I bow to your experience.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Cotten

Mark first I've got to tell you I don't really care for "Mikey".

I always cross strap all cars. The cuda has traveled close to 400,000 miles tied down as I described and my dusters probably half again as much.... but I bow to your experience.

Okay then.

Just my opinion :-)

Should have mentioned, I cross my straps too, in some applications. I had MJ make me some vinyl wrap- around velcro sleeves to keep the straps from wearing against each other.
Marky ;-)