How to Tie Down a Car on a Trailer
Updated: October 1, 2024
Most of the time, you drive your car when you're going somewhere, but what if you're taking it to a place where it needs to remain pristine? Whether you're going to sell your car, take it to the mechanic for repairs, or head out to show it off at a car show, there are instances when it's best to transport your car on a trailer. At Arizona Trailers, we've got the know-how to strap a car to a trailer properly so it stays safe and secure until you get to your destination. Come visit us in Eloy, AZ to check them out for yourself!
How to Strap Down a Car on a Trailer
Before we discuss how to tie down a car on a trailer, you need to make sure you've got the right supplies. Only use heavy-duty straps that are designed for automotive use. Typically, these straps are made from polyester webbing, which is incredibly durable, resistant to abrasions, and water-resistant to boot. Once you have high-quality straps, you're ready to load your car onto the trailer.
Loading the Vehicle onto the Trailer for Arizona
When you're ready to load your vehicle onto the trailer, follow these steps:
- Line the car up evenly with the ramp. (This may take a couple of people — one person to drive the car and one to spot.)
- Drive slowly up the ramp.
- Listen carefully as the spotter tells you to adjust your car to be perfectly centered on the trailer.
Once the vehicle has been loaded, ensure it's centered front to back and side to side on the trailer. If not, the vehicle's weight can be unevenly distributed on the tires, leading to uneven wear on one side.
Secure the Car with Tire Straps
When securing a car to a trailer, there are specific steps to follow to make sure it stays safe and secure for your entire drive.
Secure the Straps
There are different types of straps, and each type is applied differently. Axle straps, as the name suggests, are attached to the vehicle's front and rear axles. Ratchets, on the other hand, can be used to tighten straps and increase tension, but they can not be attached to the vehicle itself. Instead, ratchets are attached to other straps for added security. Make sure you never attach straps to certain areas like the fuel or break line, the steering component, or around wires. This can cause significant damage.
Tighten Things Up
If your straps are attached to a ratchet system, you'll want to increase the strap's tension by moving the ratchet handle up and down. That way, all the tire straps will be secure, and more importantly, your vehicle won't be going anywhere.
Once you're on your way, you should stop every once in a while to ensure that your straps are secure and your vehicle hasn't budged.
Different Types of Straps Used to Tie-Down Vehicles
Different straps will determine how you strap a car to a trailer. Let's look at two of the most common types of straps.
Ratchet Straps
Ratchet straps are incredibly durable because they're made from flexible industrial-grade polyester fibers. That's why they're one of the most commonly used straps for tying down vehicles on trailers. Some ratchet straps are also made of nylon, and avoiding using them when moving heavy cargo is best. Ratchet straps have a "working load limit" that you should never exceed. You can calculate it by determining 1/3 of the break strength or the cargo weight at which your ratchet straps may break.
Chain Binders
Chain binders are built for heavier loads. They are made from incredibly durable materials like forged steel that won't stretch or rip to ensure your vehicle is completely secure. The downside is that chain binders are the heaviest options, weighing as much as 20 pounds.
Drive with Confidence: Safely Transporting Your Vehicle with Arizona Trailers
Strapping down a car to a trailer correctly is crucial for the safety of your vehicle, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. If you've got questions about how to strap a car to a trailer, our experts at Arizona Trailers are here to help. Browse our inventory of trailers and straps online, and contact us for more information by calling 520-492-1491.
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