Loading cars on trailers safety discussion - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

We all know that Glenn won the CMC (Camaro Mustang Challenge) race in his Camaro. In the process, he got into the back of a Porsche 944 that was a much slower car. It was a racing incident and it happens, but that bent the tow hook on the front of the car.

Anyway, when we loaded it in the trailer, I managed to get the winch hooked up to the bent hook so we could pull it up the ramps (I didn't "like" that, but I didn't think it was going to be a big deal). Once it was up in the trailer, I hooked the rear straps to the axle and the floor of the trailer and Glenn told me to tell him when the straps were snug (as he pulled the car up with the winch). Just as they were pulled snug, I told him "tight" and hopped up. I no sooner got to my feet (standing right against the rear bumper) and he bumped the winch "extra snug" and the tow eyelet broke off of the car. The car quickly rolled out of the back of the trailer. Problem was, I was standing right there. I really hadn't had a chance to get my footing before I found myself trying to stop a car. I couldn't get out of the way, it was already "into me". So I tried jamming my foot into the trailer ramp and slamming my knee into the back of the bumper. That slowed it down, but I still couldn't get enough grip or balance to actually stop it. And, the ramp ends half way down and I'm wondering if I'm going to fall off of the end (and then what). That's when Jeff Burch (last years NASA CMC champion) and another guy jumped in to help (thanks guys!!!). Luckily they saw what was going on and dove in and helped me hold the car until we could get it blocked in place.

So, it's really a good thing that I stood up as quick as I did, or I'd have probably been under the car. And, it's an even better thing that those guys arrived... or I'd have probably been under the car.

I wound up with some sore muscles and such, but I'm otherwise fine (and feeling pretty good already).

In the past, I've been known to use a wheel chock when loading with a winch. I just slide it up the ramp behind the car "just in case". In this case, I questioned the tow hook, but didn't act on that. And this does put you right behind a rather heavy object that's on wheels. So, nobody got hurt, but it reminded me to bring up the subject of being safe while loading your car on the trailer. Use wheel chocks or stay out from behind it. Don't pull them down with the winch, you can snug it with a tow strap hooked to something more substantial than the eyelet and I'm sure there are other things to suggest as well.

I goofed by not trusting my instinct about that eyelet and could have managed to get myself hurt. I just wanted to post this to remind everyone to think before you wind up standing where I was standing at just the wrong time.

Be safe!!!

trackbird View Member Profile	Sep 17 2008, 01:00 AM Post #1
FRRAX Owner/Admin Group: Admin Posts: 15,432 Joined: 13-February 04 From: Ohio Member No.: 196	We all know that Glenn won the CMC (Camaro Mustang Challenge) race in his Camaro. In the process, he got into the back of a Porsche 944 that was a much slower car. It was a racing incident and it happens, but that bent the tow hook on the front of the car. Anyway, when we loaded it in the trailer, I managed to get the winch hooked up to the bent hook so we could pull it up the ramps (I didn't "like" that, but I didn't think it was going to be a big deal). Once it was up in the trailer, I hooked the rear straps to the axle and the floor of the trailer and Glenn told me to tell him when the straps were snug (as he pulled the car up with the winch). Just as they were pulled snug, I told him "tight" and hopped up. I no sooner got to my feet (standing right against the rear bumper) and he bumped the winch "extra snug" and the tow eyelet broke off of the car. The car quickly rolled out of the back of the trailer. Problem was, I was standing right there. I really hadn't had a chance to get my footing before I found myself trying to stop a car. I couldn't get out of the way, it was already "into me". So I tried jamming my foot into the trailer ramp and slamming my knee into the back of the bumper. That slowed it down, but I still couldn't get enough grip or balance to actually stop it. And, the ramp ends half way down and I'm wondering if I'm going to fall off of the end (and then what). That's when Jeff Burch (last years NASA CMC champion) and another guy jumped in to help (thanks guys!!!). Luckily they saw what was going on and dove in and helped me hold the car until we could get it blocked in place. So, it's really a good thing that I stood up as quick as I did, or I'd have probably been under the car. And, it's an even better thing that those guys arrived... or I'd have probably been under the car. I wound up with some sore muscles and such, but I'm otherwise fine (and feeling pretty good already). In the past, I've been known to use a wheel chock when loading with a winch. I just slide it up the ramp behind the car "just in case". In this case, I questioned the tow hook, but didn't act on that. And this does put you right behind a rather heavy object that's on wheels. So, nobody got hurt, but it reminded me to bring up the subject of being safe while loading your car on the trailer. Use wheel chocks or stay out from behind it. Don't pull them down with the winch, you can snug it with a tow strap hooked to something more substantial than the eyelet and I'm sure there are other things to suggest as well. I goofed by not trusting my instinct about that eyelet and could have managed to get myself hurt. I just wanted to post this to remind everyone to think before you wind up standing where I was standing at just the wrong time. Be safe!!!

00 Trans Ram View Member Profile	Sep 17 2008, 09:19 PM Post #2
Experienced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 1,766 Joined: 10-April 04 From: New Orleans, LA Member No.: 303	Also, some good info from GM in the latest Sportscar or GRM on hauling a car. I wonder why no one makes spring-loaded wheel chocks for trailers? You know, they sink into the floor when you're pulling onto the trailer, but spring up when the wheel passes it? You'd be able to manually lower them for getting the car off the trailer.

Blainefab View Member Profile	Sep 17 2008, 10:11 PM Post #3
I build race cars Group: Advanced Members Posts: 4,748 Joined: 31-August 05 From: Central coast, CA Member No.: 874	QUOTE (00 Trans Ram @ Sep 17 2008, 02:19 PM) I wonder why no one makes spring-loaded wheel chocks for trailers? You know, they sink into the floor when you're pulling onto the trailer, but spring up when the wheel passes it? You'd be able to manually lower them for getting the car off the trailer. What would you be willing to pay for a product like this?

slowTA View Member Profile	Sep 18 2008, 10:27 PM Post #4
Experienced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 2,289 Joined: 4-May 04 From: Kenvil, NJ Member No.: 331	QUOTE (Blainefab @ Sep 17 2008, 06:11 PM) QUOTE (00 Trans Ram @ Sep 17 2008, 02:19 PM) I wonder why no one makes spring-loaded wheel chocks for trailers? You know, they sink into the floor when you're pulling onto the trailer, but spring up when the wheel passes it? You'd be able to manually lower them for getting the car off the trailer. What would you be willing to pay for a product like this? I saw that follow up post coming a mile away. I think some kind of contraption that drags a wheel chock up the trailer behind the car would work just as well and wouldn't require cutting the floor. Think a bar the width of the car with a chock on each end. Hook it to the axle with 2 straps towards the ends. It would resemble those jousting/baton things they used on American Gladiator with rubber triangle chocks on either end. This would probably be overkill and cumbersome for a car and trailer that are easy to load. Or you could come up with something smaller that stays behind one wheel. This post has been edited by slowTA: Sep 18 2008, 10:28 PM