How to Tie Down a Car on a Trailer: Securing Cars With Retractable Ratchet Straps

Master the use of retractable tie-down straps in transporting cars and SUVs.

If you’re in the business of moving vehicles often, you know how tricky it can be to securely haul cars on trailers. The secret to making it smooth and hassle-free? Having the right gear. That’s where retractable ratchet straps come in—they’re a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify the process.

In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through how to tie down a car on a trailer with a retractable ratchet strap, and break down the differences between these and the standard ratchet straps.

Read more: Cargo Tie Down: What Are The Different Types of Ratchet Straps

6 Steps to Tie Down a Car on a Trailer

Let’s take one of Strapinno’s retractable ratchet straps as an example to show how to tie down a car on a trailer. For this demo, we’re using the “2 in x 15 ft Snap Hook Retractable Ratchet Straps (Direct Hook Type).” When you open the box, you’ll find a strap with snap hooks and an axle strap included. These straps pack some serious strength, with a breaking strength of 10,000 lbs and a working load limit of 3,333 lbs—plenty tough for securing most vehicles.

(There is also a 2 in x 16 ft Heavy Duty Retractable Ratchet Strap with Snap Hooks available if you prefer something a bit longer.)

Read more: What’s the Difference Between Working Load Limit and Breaking Strength?

1. Prepare the Vehicle and Trailer

First, drive your vehicle onto the trailer, making sure it’s centered over the axles to keep the weight balanced and the trailer stable during transport. Once it’s in position, engage the parking brake to keep the vehicle from rolling while you secure it. Before you get started with the straps, take a moment to inspect both the trailer and your equipment. Make sure the trailer is in good shape and that your retractable ratchet straps are high-quality and rated to handle the weight of the vehicle. A little prep work goes a long way in making sure everything stays safe and secure on the road.

2. Decide on the Securing Method

• Axle or Tire Securing (Preferred): Secure the vehicle using straps around the axles or tires. This avoids compressing the suspension and allows it to move naturally during transport.
• Avoid Frame Securing (If Possible): Strapping to the frame can compress the suspension, creating unnecessary stress on both the suspension and the straps.

3. Attach Straps to the Axles

Wrap the axle straps snugly around the axles, making sure they’re clear of any sharp edges or moving parts that could cause damage. Once that’s done, hook up your retractable ratchet straps to the axle straps and then secure them to the trailer’s tie-down points.

4. Tighten The Retractable Straps

Since it’s a retractable ratchet strap, there’s no need to mess with threading the buckle or dealing with the extra strap flapping around. All you’ve got to do is crank the handle a few times to tighten it up, and you’re good to go. Just make sure it’s snug and secure, but don’t go overboard—tight enough to hold everything in place without putting unnecessary strain on the straps or the vehicle.

5. Ensure Proper Strap Alignment

• Straight Pulls Are Best: Align the straps to pull straight, minimizing side-load stress. Crossed straps are less ideal but acceptable if necessary due to anchor point limitations.
• Avoid Strap Mixing: Ensure either all straps are straight or all are crossed—do not mix configurations.

6. Secure All Four Corners

• Anchor All Four Corners: Use a strap on each corner of the vehicle, attaching to the trailer’s tie-down points.
• Check Tension Evenly: Tighten each strap equally to secure the vehicle without over-tightening, which could damage the suspension.

How to Release a Retractable Strap?

If you’re using the strap we talked about earlier, it’s easy—just open the handle up to almost 180 degrees, and it’ll automatically retract. Simple as that!

Why Retractable Ratchet Straps?

Here are a few key differences between retractable ratchet straps and regular ones. If you’d like more details, check out this article: “What’s Easier Than Ratchet Straps? The Retractable Straps.“

1. Tensioning Control

• Retractable Ratchet Straps: Provide ultimate precision with tensioning. With just a few pulls of the handle, you can tighten the strap securely around the vehicle, ensuring it stays immobile during transit. This level of control reduces the risk of shifting or potential damage.
• Regular Ratchet Straps: Offer decent tensioning but require manual adjustment of the webbing to achieve the desired tightness. This process can sometimes lead to uneven tension or over-tightening if you’re not careful.

2. Convenience and Time-Saving

• Retractable Ratchet Straps: A self-contained design allows for quick strap retrieval and storage. There’s no loose webbing to deal with, making the process of securing and unloading vehicles much faster. This is especially valuable for professionals who transport vehicles frequently.
• Regular Ratchet Straps: Tend to be more time-consuming. You have to manually thread the webbing through the ratchet and deal with tangles or loose ends. Storing them neatly after use can also be a hassle.

3. Safety and Reliability

• Retractable Ratchet Straps: Designed for enhanced safety. The retractable mechanism eliminates excess webbing, preventing loose ends from getting caught in wheels or creating hazards. Their durable construction and high load capacity provide peace of mind, even for heavy-duty transport.
• Regular Ratchet Straps: While reliable, the loose webbing can pose risks if not secured properly. Extra care is needed to ensure excess strap doesn’t become a safety issue, especially during long hauls.

4. Durability and Longevity

• Retractable Ratchet Straps: The built-in mechanism protects the webbing from wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan. Since the strap retracts into the housing, it’s less likely to get frayed or damaged.
• Regular Ratchet Straps: More prone to wear since the webbing is exposed to the elements and can rub against sharp edges. Proper care is required to extend their usability.

If you’re looking for ease, efficiency, and safety, retractable ratchet straps are the superior choice, especially for frequent use or transporting high-value items like cars. However, for occasional use or those on a tight budget, regular ratchet straps can still get the job done with some more effort and attention.

5 Tips for a Smooth Transport Journey

Tip 1: Regular Inspections

Regularly inspect your retractable tie-downs for signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged or worn-out straps promptly to maintain their effectiveness.

Tip 2: Balance the Load

Distribute the weight of the vehicles evenly across the truck bed to prevent imbalance and potential accidents.

Tip 3: Weather-Proof Your Cargo

Consider using weather-resistant covers for the cars to protect them from the elements during transport.

Tip 4: Stay within Capacity

Always adhere to the weight capacity limits of the retractable tie-down straps to ensure safe and effective securement.

The Takeaway

Mastering the use of retractable ratchet straps is the secret to a smooth and stress-free experience when transporting cars. These reliable tools bring three big benefits to the table: precise tensioning control, time-saving convenience, and rock-solid safety.

By following the right techniques and a few key tips, both logistics pros and vehicle owners can rest easy knowing their cars are securely fastened to the trailer. Investing in quality retractable straps, checking them regularly, and staying within weight limits are simple steps that go a long way toward making vehicle transport hassle-free.

With retractable tie-down straps, you’re ready to handle the challenges of moving cars and SUVs while saving time and boosting safety. Happy hauling!