Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a system and method for cargo height observation are disclosed. Certain embodiments are configured such that a user, such as a tractor operator, may verify that an overall height of the car hauler, as may be dictated by the height positions of one or more vehicles positioned on ramps associated with an upper deck of the car hauler, is below a predetermined allowable height for the car hauler when being transported over public or private roadways.

Abstract: Riser apparatuses and systems for vehicle transportation are disclosed. Embodiments include a riser with a top surface configured to receive a vehicle. The riser has a front end and a back end opposite the front end. The apparatus is configured such that rotating a lift mechanism causes a front end of the riser to move both in a first horizontal direction and in a first vertical direction to a first raised position such that the front end of the riser is supported by at least one rotatable leg. Rotating the lift mechanism also causes a back end of the riser to move in the first horizontal direction, and causes a latch to engage a carrier rod to secure the riser in the first raised position.

Abstract: Improved remote start/stop systems and methods for use with a truck and/or vehicle transport trailer. Embodiments include a transport trailer and truck, the trailer comprising a platform that moves in response to a hydraulic system coupled to the platform. The hydraulic system is powered by the truck engine. A pressure transducer in communication with the hydraulic system is configured to measure a change in hydraulic pressure. A start/stop controller is in communication with the pressure transducer. The start/stop controller is configured to receive the measurements from the pressure transducer, determine to turn off the truck engine in response to the measurements, and provide an message via an indicator in communication with the start/stop controller, the indicator located proximate to a hydraulic control for the first hydraulic system. Some embodiments include a button that may override turning off the truck engine, or cause the truck engine to restart.

Abstract: A road debris system and apparatus for use with a car or vehicle transport trailer. Embodiments include a transport trailer coupled to a truck. A plurality of resistive mounting brackets are attached to the truck. Embodiments also include a plurality of cantilever rods, a first end of each of the cantilever rods attached to one of the plurality of mounting brackets. The second end of each of the plurality of cantilever rods extend away from the respective mounting bracket. A debris guard is coupled to the plurality of cantilever rods such that an edge of the debris guard distal from the mounting bracket may articulate up and down, and such that an end of the debris guard adjacent a front of the transport trailer may articulate up and down. The debris guard is dimensioned to fill a gap between a back end of the truck and the front of the transport trailer.

Abstract: A ratcheting tie down apparatus and system. Embodiments include a ratchet assembly affixed to a tie down shaft having a longitudinal axis, the ratchet assembly including a ratchet gear, a ratchet head, a ring pawl between the ratchet gear and the ratchet head, and a compression spring between the ring pawl and the ratchet head. A plurality of ramped protrusions of the ring pawl engage a plurality of ramped indentations in a back surface of the ratchet gear, such that when the ratchet head is rotated in a first direction, the ring pawl engages the ratchet gear so that the ratchet head and ratchet gear rotate as a single unit, and when the ratchet head is rotated in a second direction the ring pawl disengages from the ratchet gear such that the ratchet head and ratchet gear rotate independently.

Abstract: A parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system. Exemplary embodiments include a parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system for vehicle transports. Exemplary embodiments include a central shaft having a ratchet wheel and a pawl configured to wrap a strap around the central shaft. A parallel shaft is positioned parallel to the central shaft. The strap can be inserted between a variable gap between the central shaft and the parallel shaft. When the central shaft is rotated the strap is wound around the central shaft and the parallel shaft, both of which cooperate to create a self-tightening response of the strap on the central and parallel shafts.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting chain tie down systems to strap tie down systems. Exemplary embodiments include a method for retrofitting a chain tie down apparatus to a strap tie down apparatus, the chain tie down apparatus having a central shaft, the method including affixing a first parallel shaft adjacent the central shaft and affixing shaft plates to the central shaft, wherein the first parallel shaft is radially moveable with respect to the central shaft.

Abstract: A parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system. Exemplary embodiments include a parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system for vehicle transports. Exemplary embodiments include a central shaft having a ratchet wheel and a pawl configured to wrap a strap around the central shaft. A parallel shaft is positioned parallel to the central shaft. The strap can be inserted between a variable gap between the central shaft and the parallel shaft. When the central shaft is rotated the strap is wound around the central shaft and the parallel shaft, both of which cooperate to create a self-tightening response of the strap on the central and parallel shafts.

Abstract: A parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system. Exemplary embodiments include a parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system for vehicle transports. Exemplary embodiments include a central shaft having a ratchet wheel and a pawl configured to wrap a strap around the central shaft. A parallel shaft is positioned parallel to the central shaft. The strap can be inserted between a variable gap between the central shaft and the parallel shaft. When the central shaft is rotated the strap is wound around the central shaft and the parallel shaft, both of which cooperate to create a self-tightening response of the strap on the central and parallel shafts.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting chain tie down systems to strap tie down systems. Exemplary embodiments include a method for retrofitting a chain tie down apparatus to a strap tie down apparatus, the chain tie down apparatus having a central shaft, the method including affixing a first parallel shaft adjacent the central shaft and affixing shaft plates to the central shaft, wherein the first parallel shaft is radially moveable with respect to the central shaft.

Abstract: A ratcheting tie down apparatus and system. Exemplary embodiments include a ratcheting tie down system, including a ratchet assembly affixed to an end of a tie down shaft having a longitudinal axis, a pawl mechanism coupled to the ratchet assembly, wherein the ratchet assembly includes a ratchet gear, a ratchet head coupled to the ratchet gear, wherein an inner face of the ratchet gear is positioned in opposition to and in mechanical contact with an inner race of the ratchet head, and wherein the ratchet gear, the ratchet head and the shaft are configured to rotate as a single integral unit when rotated in a forward direction about the longitudinal axis, and the ratchet head is configured to rotate with respect to the ratchet gear and the shaft when the ratchet head is rotated in a reverse direction about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A ratcheting tie down apparatus and system. Exemplary embodiments include a ratcheting tie down system, including a ratchet assembly affixed to an end of a tie down shaft having a longitudinal axis, a pawl mechanism coupled to the ratchet assembly, wherein the ratchet assembly includes a ratchet gear, a ratchet head coupled to the ratchet gear, wherein an inner face of the ratchet gear is positioned in opposition to and in mechanical contact with an inner face of the ratchet head, and wherein the ratchet gear, the ratchet head and the shaft are configured to rotate as a single integral unit when rotated in a forward direction about the longitudinal axis, and the ratchet head is configured to rotate with respect to the ratchet gear and the shaft when the ratchet head is rotated in a reverse direction about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system. Exemplary embodiments include a parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system for vehicle transports. Exemplary embodiments include a central shaft having a ratchet wheel and a pawl configured to wrap a strap around the central shaft. A parallel shaft is positioned parallel to the central shaft. The strap can be inserted between a variable gap between the central shaft and the parallel shaft. When the central shaft is rotated the strap is wound around the central shaft and the parallel shaft, both of which cooperate to create a self-tightening response of the strap on the central and parallel shafts.

Abstract: A parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system. Exemplary embodiments include a parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system for vehicle transports. Exemplary embodiments include a central shaft having a ratchet wheel and a pawl configured to wrap a strap around the central shaft. A parallel shaft is positioned parallel to the central shaft. The strap can be inserted between a variable gap between the central shaft and the parallel shaft. When the central shaft is rotated the strap is wound around the central shaft and the parallel shaft, both of which cooperate to create a self-tightening response of the strap on the central and parallel shafts.

Abstract: A parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system. Exemplary embodiments include a parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system for vehicle transports. Exemplary embodiments include a central shaft having a ratchet wheel and a pawl configured to wrap a strap around the central shaft. A parallel shaft is positioned parallel to the central shaft. The strap can be inserted between a variable gap between the central shaft and the parallel shaft. When the central shaft is rotated the strap is wound around the central shaft and the parallel shaft, both of which cooperate to create a self-tightening response of the strap on the central and parallel shafts.

Abstract: A strap tie-down apparatus and system. In general, the apparatus includes an elongated shaft generally attached to an automobile transport platform. A ratchet gear wheel having engagement teeth and a ratchet wrench socket wheel having a plurality of wrench apertures can be located on one side of the shaft together or on opposite sides of the shaft. The apparatus further includes a strap spool slidably connected to the shaft. The spool generally includes two side plates connected by a strap attachment bracket. A quick release pawl is connected to the platform adjacent the ratchet gear wheel for engagement with the engagement teeth. The pawl is connected to an elongated rod that is connected to the platform generally parallel with the shaft. The rod partially protrudes adjacent the ratchet wrench wheel. A spring is connected to the shaft adjacent the pawl.

Abstract: A strap tie down apparatus and system for vehicle transporters is provided. With conventional idlers removed from the individual platforms on the transporter, elongated bars on the platforms are provided with a series of slots. Removable idlers adapted to be connected and disconnected from the slots as needed are provided. Strap spools are connected at the ends of the platforms, the spools being adapted to roll up straps that are threaded and routed through the idlers, then connected to the underbody of the vehicles being transported. The strap spools are coupled to conventional ratchet devices to tighten the straps to secure the vehicles.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder having an integral self-contained locking mechanism is described. A locking cylinder includes a housing that contains a screw shaft and a rod/piston assembly. A rod end of the rod/piston assembly can be connected to one load and the end cap, which is located opposite to the rod end, can be connected to another load. The two loads may be two levels of a car trailer. During an extension stroke the screw shaft is released from a locking mechanism inside the housing, allowing the screw shaft to rotate freely. The rod piston assembly, which is in threaded engagement with the screw shaft, moves freely along a longitudinal axis as a pressure is applied, and it unscrews from the screw shaft. When the assembly reaches a desired or maximum extension, the pressure is removed. The piston retracts slightly until the screw shaft re-engages with the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A power screw load retention system is described. The system typically includes four power screw sections each having a threaded shaft connected to a power source located within an elongated channel. A carriage is in threaded engagement with the threaded shaft and is adapted to translate within the channel. The carriage is connected to a connecting member such as a chain that connects to the under structure of a vehicle. Typically, the four power screw sections are located on a platform that holds the vehicle. Several of these platforms are located on a vehicle transporter. All of the power sources may be connected to a control unit.

Abstract: A power screw load retention system is disclosed. The system typically includes four power screw sections each having a threaded shaft connected to a power source located within an elongated channel. A carriage is in threaded engagement with the threaded shaft and is adapted to translate within the channel. The carriage is connected to a connecting member such as a chain that connects to the under structure of a vehicle. Typically, the four power screw sections are located on a platform that holds the vehicle. Several of these platforms are located on a vehicle transporter. All of the power sources may be connected to a control unit.