Found a more efficient way to transport tires!

"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
07/15/2016 at 18:23 • Filed to: None

Today I did an autocross school. Very fun actually. Similar to a test and tune but there are also instructors available the whole time. Of course most events have instructors for beginners but these guys were actually helpful for people who already have a hang of the basics. Two of the runs I even had an instructor drive my car and show me where I can get faster. There were so many things I learned from that!

Anyways, got two tires on my luggage rack with two on the passenger seat. Much better for rear visibility. Only problem is securing it. I used two tie down straps and 3 bungees. It’s definitely secure enough but it could be better.

Plus the way I did it is a mess! I have another autox on Sunday so I’ll try and improve my methods.

DISCUSSION (11)

RyanFrew > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
07/15/2016 at 19:06

Nice! What school? Starting Line? EVO?

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > RyanFrew
07/15/2016 at 19:19

MSNE did a autox school at Metlife stadium. Expensive really but only worth it because I actually really learned something. Plus it was 90 degrees and humid but that was good for my Hoosiers for sure. I even had to water them down! Nice 50+ second course. I started out around 59 seconds and ended the day at 56.

DynamicWeight > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
07/15/2016 at 19:21

Could you perhaps get a tie down around the circumference of the tire? Or was it more that the wobbled side to side? I would think one around each circumference and then one from the sides and over the top would do it.

Plus the one you have through the bottom is also smart so that if everything fails they don’t fall off the car.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > DynamicWeight
07/15/2016 at 19:54

Yeah I’m extremely into massive overkill when it comes to tying shit down on my car. So that bottom strap was definitely necessary. They actually don’t really move forward/back at all while driving due to the lip of the luggage rack holding them in place. The main concern is the wheels wobbling over side to side. I think you are right though, securing around the circumference may be a good idea. It would be a good way to get them more stable in general.

These tie down straps are really difficult to get tight though. Ive got to figure out if they can get as tight as I would like. Then the bungees wouldn't be so necessary.

Urambo Tauro > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
07/15/2016 at 20:40

That sure is an awkward shape to tie down. I’m scratching my head trying to think of a better arrangement.

As long as it’s secure, that’s what matters. I like to shake the load around to see if I can make it fall. (Within reason, of course. I don’t mean pull with all your might. Just try to simulate what might happen on the road.) FWIW, I prefer the ratcheting tie-downs; they’re easier to get good tension on.

DynamicWeight > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
07/16/2016 at 00:18

Kinja'd!!!

Taking a second look I see your problem. You need ratcheting straps.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-12-ft-Ra…

I bought a set of these... and a pack of the ones you already have. That has been all I’ve needed to move all kinds of furniture and other crap for like the last 8 years. They will change your life. Please please please believe me.

Bungie cords are the devil’s tie down. Do no use them on cars/trucks.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > DynamicWeight
07/16/2016 at 07:01

I've had good luck with bungee cords so far. I just have to make sure they are tight as hell, have no tears, and always use a backup for any of the important ones. But yeah I definitely wanted the ratcheting ones but I guess I bought the wrong ones haha. That would probably solve everything.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Urambo Tauro
07/16/2016 at 07:04

If I pull hard enough the whole trunk lid actually flexes so they are definitely tight enough. Either that or the luggage rack itself slides a little bit. Only time the tires moved at all were over potholes big enough to slam my whole suspension against the bump stops around 45mph. The tires just rolled forward an inch and settled back. So with normal driving they don’t move at all.

Ratcheting straps are still the next step though. Would take out the need for the bungees .

Urambo Tauro > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
07/16/2016 at 11:22

I think you’re okay weight-wise, but the height of the tires might be lending some serious leverage over the rack, which is why the trunk lid is moving. It’s possible that you’re exceeding the intended limits of the rack.

Would they fit standing up sideways in the trunk, with the lid open?

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Urambo Tauro
07/16/2016 at 12:07

Yes, I do believe the load limit is probably nearby with this setup. But when I say flexing, it is not nearly as bad as it sounds. I am talking very minor movement with very hard pulling. While actually driving, there are nowhere near those kind of loads while just driving down the highway and taking the few turns that come along at grandma speed. I bet it’s secure enough to drive harder but I like to limit risks. Doing this once or twice a month for the summer time probably is a risk I think is worthwhile.

I hadn't thought of using the trunk with the lid open. That would probably work. Definitely not with it shut, can't get one wheel in there at all. But that presents major storage issues since I need to bring my floor jack, helmet, and tire sprayer along for sure. Not to mention tools I like to bring, air compressor, and a folding chair. With this setup it fits nicely in the trunk. But i could maybe tetris it into fitting.

Urambo Tauro > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
07/16/2016 at 12:42

Something to experiment with, I guess.

An open trunk would make one hell of a spoiler, though!