How to prevent strut on my CRV from cutting tow dolly tire straps?

[gmacklem]

I got a Mater Tow tow dolly a month or so back and used it for the first time on a trip this past week. I got the car from GA to VA and dropped it. When I was hooking it back up to move a couple hours up the road, I found that the strap was about 1/3 of the way cut through. So my wife followed me in the car to the next campground. I hooked it up once again yesterday to head home and checked it an hour down the road. That is when I realized if I got under the frontend I could see the strap (see pic below). It is rubbing on the strut!

So I dropped the car and my wife drove it home behind me. I can't see a better way to attach the strap where it cannot rub the strut. Does anyone else have this problem with a 2013 or other model year Honda CRV? What is the fix?

[OldCoot]

Always thought the straps went over the tires and were tightened.

[gmacklem]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Always thought the straps went over the tires and were tightened.

There is a strap that goes around the tire with a strap connecting the two that runs over the top of the tire. I cannot see any way to adjust this strap so that it doesn't hit the strut. Both a strap that came with the dolly and a replacement I bought rub the strut.

[bowtie_guy]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Always thought the straps went over the tires and were tightened.

I suspect on this dolly he has the basket straps so there is a piece of strap on each side of the tire as well as a traditional over tire one.



As far as preventing that, may need to get smaller set of baskets so instead of down covering part of the wheel they stay up on the tire. Does the other side do the same?

[gmacklem]

Originally Posted by bowtie_guy

I suspect on this dolly he has the basket straps so there is a piece of strap on each side of the tire as well as a traditional over tire one.

As far as preventing that, may need to get smaller set of straps.

Yes, this is what I have, two different kinds. One for 14-16 inch tires and the one that came with it which must be for 17 inch and larger. The one in the picture is for 16 inch tires and any smaller strap won't reach the ratchet.

[OldCoot]

Maybe throwing a rug or something over the strut where the strap goes? OR, shorten the inside strap.

[ColonelRick]

I just bought a Demco dolly, with a completely different tire strap configuration - it may avoid the strut...

Good luck!

[lsauer1]

Why not tow it four down? The CR-V tows wonderfully.

[gmacklem]

Originally Posted by lsauer1

Why not tow it four down? The CR-V tows wonderfully.

That is what I would prefer to do but it costs nearly 3 times as much to do. May end up doing it anyway just to not have to deal with a dolly.

[Las Cruces]

When I strap anything down where my straps will rub, I cut a 12 inch lengths from a 3 or 4 inch fire hose and slide it over the straps. Unless it's a really jagged edge it will protect your strap for a long time.