Opinions on SmartStraps, * UPDATE* Now goodyear question Options

[400crasher]

Im now looking at the goodyears, but need to know how short they will go? The Smartstraps I would have kept, but the design wont allow them to go short enough. Ideally, I need about 12" but 18" will do. Looks like the goodyears are a good strap for the money.
Will the hooks fit around the frame tubes okay? Thanks for all the input guys! (Besides, what else you guys have to comment on?) AG, Im still going to work on a chain system for at least one of the quads.

[Hoser]

Ever considered something other than what everyone else is doing?

Might not too much of a price difference between top quality heavy-duty ratchet straps and DOT transport grade 70 chain and automotive axle straps.

There's a 12-ton lever-load binder on the front (barely visible). They can be found on sale at Princess Auto for $12 - $15, but you might not need one. 10-ton axle straps were $5 each (also on sale @ PA). The 5/16" grade 70 chain was on sale for $2.50/ft.

When straps get crapped out, you have to spend more money to replace. Chain & Load-binder are for a lifetime... A one time spend. Axle straps may not last as long though, but are still cheaper than conventional ratchet straps.

It's my quad on that trailer, I'm almost 100% sure it isn't coming off even in an accident! That's not overkill, it's cheap peace of mind.

Takes a minute or so to put on or off, same time as conventional straps.

I gave up on the conventional straps... Only thing I use them for anymore is strapping junk onto the trailer for a trip to the local dump.

Two thumbs up to this set-up. Strap to the un-sprung, let the bike do what it wants, just keep the tires on the trailer. I overkill on my straps, I think there 3" wide and I strap from the front of the bike to the rear of the trailer and vice-versa, this lets the bikes susension work and not jerk on the straps.

I had mine on the back of a trailer, strapped straight down, with the big straps and the suspension sucked down and still had one come un hooked. Luckily we were just pulling into a gas station wihen it decided to roll off the trailer.

[yupneck]

I have seen those pics before and I really like the setup. I may do something like that
in the future. I just started using a flatbed this season and needed some quick extra tiedowns for this weekend. I am defenitely paranoid enough to have a solid setup, as I havent used a flatbed before, and dont like it. I also dont have any rails on the sides and back, which makes it worse. Thanks for the input gang!

if the flat bed is yours, how about attaching sections of chain the the side at various locations. this will give you several spots to hook the straps to for all types of loads. just remember how i did mine, frank.

[400crasher]

Thats what Im thinking, bolting some chain to the trailer to connect directly to the atvs, and using straps to sinch them tight. The chain will be a backup to keep them on the trailer in case I snap a strap.

[Plowboy]

Im now looking at the goodyears, but need to know how short they will go? The Smartstraps I would have kept, but the design wont allow them to go short enough. Ideally, I need about 12" but 18" will do. Looks like the goodyears are a good strap for the money.
Will the hooks fit around the frame tubes okay? Thanks for all the input guys! (Besides, what else you guys have to comment on?) AG, Im still going to work on a chain system for at least one of the quads.

Those straps are very good. I had a pair for 3 years and had no problem, they fit over the rack tubing and the frame no problem. Now I need to get another set.

[swampcat07]

What happened to the ATV reciever carrier? Did you have issues with it?

You mean the Hitch Haul type carrier as in the pic below?

If that's what you mean... Nope, no issues.

I only use it around my property to lug stuff around, I never take it on the rides because I really don't need to carry more than my box can carry (behind seat).

Not to go off topic but I was thinking of something else. It was from a diffrent post long ago. Can't find it now.

[A G]

What happened to the ATV reciever carrier? Did you have issues with it?

You mean the Hitch Haul type carrier as in the pic below?

If that's what you mean... Nope, no issues.

I only use it around my property to lug stuff around, I never take it on the rides because I really don't need to carry more than my box can carry (behind seat).

Not to go off topic but I was thinking of something else. It was from a diffrent post long ago. Can't find it now.

Oh, you mean the VersaHaul. Short trips I use the trailer. Long trips I'll use the VersHaul, better gas mileage, no chance of trailer wheel or bearing failure. More reliable than a trailer because it eliminates the trailer!

[nwngunner]

The only straps that i trust any more are semi straps. I have taken and had 4130 hooks made for each end. This summer i took and hooked my tractor up to the front hook on my atv and lifted it off the ground. I have pulled 2000 pound hay bales with this strap. I guarentee that it wont go any where. How ever, if i had a full wood flat bed trailer i would also do the dlink cargo tie downs and chain.

[400crasher]

The only straps that i trust any more are semi straps. I have taken and had 4130 hooks made for each end. This summer i took and hooked my tractor up to the front hook on my atv and lifted it off the ground. I have pulled 2000 pound hay bales with this strap. I guarentee that it wont go any where. How ever, if i had a full wood flat bed trailer i would also do the dlink cargo tie downs and chain.

I am now convinced this will be an added safety to my trailer. The straps will
be used to hold them secure, but the chains will there to keep everything
on the trailer in an unforseen event. You guys have convinced my to step
it up! THANKS for all the input!!!

[swampcat07]

Oh, you mean the VersaHaul. Short trips I use the trailer. Long trips I'll use the VersHaul, better gas mileage, no chance of trailer wheel or bearing failure. More reliable than a trailer because it eliminates the trailer!

Thats it.