Trailering Model T

[DaveBPT]

I need to haul my '24 about 400 miles on an open trailer. What is the best way to tie the car down?

Thanks

[Dodge]

4 tie down straps, and it is also helpful to use the straps that go over the axles and have eyes for the tie down strap to hook to.
Use two in the front between the end of the spring and the front spindle and
cross tie them, left to right and right to left. In the rear you can go around the torque
tube in front of the differential and cross tie them also.
You can also go from between the spring and wheel also.
If its an open car put the top down and fold the windshield down putting the car on
front first. If it has a top you need to tie it down well. You can use rope or small rachet straps to go around the top side to side.
If its a closed car I prefer to tow it backwards on the trailer.

My 2 cents,
Dodge

[trulyvintage]

Don't transport it on an open trailer.

If you have to - take side or access roads & limit your speed.

You can damage a Model T towing it at highway speeds.


Jim

[kwisor]

I use a open trailer on my 23 all the time on the interstate I put the top down make sure all is sucared and drive 70 all day long no damage I drive from sc to fla and back
kevin
1923 modt roadster p/u
1930 model a tudor

[Bill's Auto Works]

I have transported many "T"s on my open Featherlite trailer with NEVER an issue. You must however use common sense. I also agree with Dodge as to strap placement & always cross your straps.
Bill Squires(owner)
Bill's Auto Works

[t42]

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I would totally wrap your auto with clear wrap and secure with rope all around the wrap. Use tie downs as described above and finish off with a good all weather tarp. I have heard of many trips down the road that lost hoods, lids, doors, etc. and other misc. parts because they forgot to secure everything. Good luck.

[Dodge]

I just remembered one more thing. If your towing with the car facing forward take out the front floor mat and floor boards or weigh them down with some thing heavy or the wind coming up from underneath may do it for you.

[J Franklin]

If you tarp/wrap your car you may find areas in the paint where the paint is damaged by friction caused by the wind whipping on the tarp. Remove the key also, they tend to fall out and can get lost

[Great Lakes Greg]

These are all good points. I was going to ask the same question about my '21 Touring. I am open trailering it to Montana for the Model T National Tour in July. It is burning all of my vacation time at work, so I have to run highway speeds, three days out, three days back. My main concern was wind getting under the top even though I will have it lowered.
I have tried tarps on other loads before, and they just beat themselves into rags within hours. I think strategically placed ratchet straps is probably the way to go.

[t42]

Three days of hard driving? I would definitely find an enclosed trailer. Friend of mine had a stone kick up on the highway and broke the lower windshield on his roadster. Weather is another consideration.

[trulyvintage]

If you care about your Model T ....

Spend the money on an enclosed trailer.

Model T's are fragile vehicles by design intended to be driven
at 40 m.p.h. top speed - not at 80 m.p.h. on the freeway.

Open cars in particular can sustain top bow damage even when
the top is retracted on an open trailer.

Closed cars can have the fabric - trim - sheet metal separate
when hauled on an open trailer.



That is why I have an eight foot tall rear door ....

I just dropped off this 1922 Model T Speedster at the MTFCA Museum
this morning in Richmond, Indiana this morning.

This makes at least (5) Model T's I have safely transported for the MTFCA over the years.



All have been in enclosed trailers ....

In addition to wind damage - there is hail from the sky and debris from the road that no rockguard
on an open trailer will protect you against.


Jim

[Dick Webber]

I've trailered my 23 touring several times without difficulty. The floor boards and mat will blow up if not out. Tie down well. Keep speed down. Obviously a closed trailer is much better.

[DaveBPT]

Made the trip of 400 miles without incident. Put the car on the trailer backwards and strapped it tight. Rope around the hood and door handle too. Thanks for the tips.

Dave