I have to haul my new 69 home this weekend. I have the option of open or enclosed trailers, the only appeal to the open trailer is gas savings, and ease of maneuvering it around. I'm leaning more towards the enclosed, keeps the car safer, less chance of rocks and things hitting the car, and my truck (2500HD) seems to get about the same mpg with a car in the box as it does with out, empty seems to be the worst, both ride quality and mpg. My biggest question is where is the best place to wrap the axle straps (the short straps with the D ring on both ends that you hook the ratchet straps to) to both hold the car and not hurt anything?

Enclosed would be a good choice for your reasons given. However, with an open trailer, you'll get alot of "thumbs-up" and head turns.

One strap around each end of the rear axle just inboard of the springs. Use plenty of padding to protect the paint and brake lines.

Up front, I use the longitudial member from the main crossmember to the first crossmember. Use padding as well.

If you have an enclosed trailer that is definitly the way to go. Having an open trailer myself there are some issues. For one, rocks and dirt so you have to get big mudflaps. Then everyone knows what your towing as opposed to enclosed trailer. I bought some seatbelt shoulder strap pads at K-Mart and they are fake sheep skin and have velcro and they fit around the axle straps perfectly and provide great padding.

Excellent idea on the sheep skin!

Yeah, I think its going to be the enclosed trailer, way more plus than minus, and some of those are expensive!