Tie down points

[Da'engineer]

Does anyone have any tie down points on their trailer for high winds? Just curious because I was thinking about adding some on mine.

[GerryS]

I don't. But Indiana doesn't have winds that high except for the random EF-3 which no tie down will help you with

How high/wide of a profile are you building, and what kind of winds do you anticipate? I've had trouble with side tents etc, but never event felt mine move with some decent winds.

As for shade tents, look for a pahaque cottonwood. Best tent I've ever seen....

[rowerwet]

We have joked about this on the foamies section. I offered screw in ground anchors, like you use to anchor your dog leash etc..
The big box stores sell them rated in how many pounds of force they will anchor against.
You screw them in with a pipe or pole, then use something strong to tie off to them with.
This could also be a quick easy anti theft for a tear. Screw it in, park the tear over it, chain the axle to the anchor.

[GerryS]

Airplanes have to deal with this a lot....let's face it, wind over the wings is kind of what is designed to generate lift . They use 3 points.....one on each wing (about 1/2 way out) and one on the tail.

I would think the same for a teardrop would work....on at the A frame, one at each of the back corners. Word for the wise.....get neon cords or chains. Kicking one of these spiral tie downs (also bigger ones used by planes) make sure it's marked. Think 2am and shins. Maybe even some of those nifty solar led lights.

[Socal Tom]

Unless you are worried about a tornado, I think it's excessive. The center of gravity for mine is below the floor.
Tom

[ctstaas]

Hi Friends, I am building a steel running board and I incorporated an extra hole on the frame for a tie down. Discrete loops are always handy and aren't too much extra work if designed in up front. Come to think of it now I need to fab some up for my hatch. The TD (To Do) list just got longer.
Enjoy, Chris

[S. Heisley]

Most teardrops are low to the ground and, at least in one direction, most are aerodynamic; so, I doubt there would be much of a problem unless a tornado hit one. When a tornado hits a house, the house has no defense; so, I doubt a teardrop would fare any better. Those cork screw anchors would get pulled out in no time. They are no match to a tornado or hurricane.

My roof lifts up and, if the winds are bad, I either don't lift it up or I put "worry straps" on. (If I can, I try to angle it out of the wind.) I would think that if anybody were going to have a problem with winds, it would be me. It's been on the road since 2011 and the roof has been up in some pretty hefty winds, without any major problem, knock on wood. The "worry straps" help make a person feel better, as long as you don't mind the wind playing the straps like a didgeridoo. I don't use them much; but, If you squint a bit, you can see them in this Nebraska picture, below:

[S. Heisley]

One thing that tie down points might be good for is to tie down those Easy Up shelters that people tend to use over their galleys. Usually, there are extra holes in the chassis framework where tie down eyes can be screwed in. You can usually purchase tie down eyes at your local auto parts store.

[Gage]

If you’re building a teardrop, don't worry about it. I have been within a mile of a tornado touch down and some pretty wild thunder storm. Not to mention some real heavy desert winds, and have only lost my side room and solar panel. The only time wind has given me fits is a couple of times when pulling the Field and Stream to AZ across the desert being hit with some pretty bad cross winds. What would I tie the trailer down with and too while traveling down the road?

[Catherine+twins]

Um, no, why would I be worried about my trailer blowing over?

I will admit that my trailer frame has eye-bolts on the corners under the cabin so it can be tied down, if need be. Granted, I hadn't thought about how, it just seemed like a good idea. Maybe. No specific reason, you understand.

Catherine

[Gage]

I don't know who helped you design and or give you advice on your trailer. But as anyone can see, it was distend to tip over in any kind of wind.

[Catherine+twins]

Yes, Penguino II has a wider wheel base and is shorter. I'm still not sure I want to brave a long drive in strong winds.

Catherine