This guide is here to walk you step by step on the safe and proper way to load a vehicle for transport to get it delivered in the safest manner possible.

The Basics of Loading

 Before getting into the types of straps, chains, and other specifics, let’s start with 4 simple steps.

1.    Start by pulling your trailer up to a flat and level area. Using inclines or a driveway is not safe. Make sure the tow vehicle is securely parked with the parking brake set to prevent the trailer and tow vehicle from moving.

2.    Make sure the vehicle is totally centered, both front to back and side to side. If the vehicle is not centered, it could lead to an unbalanced load where unneeded pressure could be placed on the tires or hitch.

3.    Place the vehicle in park and set the parking brake. If the vehicle is a manual, leave it in gear. This will make sure the wheels do not turn.

4.    Equipment: Have all necessary equipment like straps and chains on hand and ready to go.

How Many Anchor Points Do I need?

In most states, it’s all for corners. Regardless of it being illegal or not, all four corners are the way to go for the most safety.

Pro Tip: Regardless of straps or chains, they should be pulling in opposite directions. Front and back , side to side.

Is Securing My Car Myself Safe?

By following along with this guide you will get a general ideal of how to safely load your vehicle and secure it.  It’s best to review many guides and videos, especially to get an all-around understanding of this procedure. However, if this is out of your wheelhouse, then it’s recommended you use an auto transport company to safely ship your vehicle.  

How to Tie Down a Car on a Trailer with Ratchet Straps – Method 1

You can strap a vehicle with ratchet straps onto the lower suspension.  You don’t  need axle straps if your car has a differential, but they are recommended. If you have rear independent suspension you can hook right on to the lower control arm without an axle strap.

If You Have Axle Straps

Take the axle strap and wrap it around the right side of the differential (also known as the pumpkin). Holding it together, bring the hook of your ratchet strap and latch it on.  Make sure the strap is secure on the mounting point on the opposite rear of the trailer, so that when you put on the strap, it makes an “x”. Make sure to pull until tight. Use the remaining slack to tie a knot around the bottom section of the strap.

A Word About X Strapping

You don’t need to X strap. It’s true that a strap  makes  its maximum rating when pulled as straight as possible. Some argue that if one strap fails with X strapping, the one strap will pull the vehicle over to and become loose.  However, X strapping does help reduce gravity pulling your vehicle side-to-side during turns.

If you Don’t have Axle Straps

If you don’t have axle straps, you should not crisscross the straps, as they may slip over the differential housing. Simply wrap the strap around the axle and hook it to an anchor point on the same side.   Do not twist the strap and make it hook onto itself! This can rip the strap.

Independent Rear Suspension Cars

If the vehicle has an independent rear suspension, you won’t need an axle strap or to criss cross the straps.  Just use the control arm and place the hook where it will securely latch. Just the same, make sure the strap is mounted properly on the trailer and begin to pull until tight. Use the remaining slack to tie a knot around the bottom section of the strap. Do not connect to tie rods or swaybars!

The Front Suspension

Repeat the control arm strapping process for the front as well. Remember, no crisscross and you need to be pulling in the opposite direction of the rear.

How to Tie Down a Car on a Trailer with Ratchet Straps – Method 2

Using Ratchet Straps on the Tires (Safest Method)

If you or your client are picky about hooking and pulling on suspension, this is a very secure and easy way to safely strap the vehicle by “lassoing” the wheels.  One way is with a lasso strap, but if you don’t have one, there’s a way around this. 

Warning: Do not strap through the wheel itself.

If You Have Lasso Straps

 If you do have lasso straps, it’s straightforward. Simply place the strap over the wheel with the hook in the center, make sure you aren’t catching any suspension components and then you take your hook from the regular strap, secure it in, then ratchet it to a tiedown point in the trailer.   Remember, front and rear wheels pull in opposite directions.

If You Don’t Have Lasso Straps

If you do not have lasso straps, you take a  regular ratchet strap and crisscross it around the wheel, avoiding any suspension.

Here’s a simple video on how to strap your vehicle down if you do not have lasso straps:

Securing Your Vehicle Using a Transport Chain

Another way to secure a vehicle is using transport chains with clevis hooks. Keep in mind, you should do this with the utmost care. Although chains are tough, using them improperly can damage the vehicle suspension or scratch the protective finish on the underside of the vehicle.

This is recommended to be done for heavy equipment, not necessarily your old Camaro.

If There is a Rear has a Differential

If the rear has a differential, you can simply hook the chains and loop them around the rear axle on each side. Keep in mind, this could scratch the coating so if you have a sleeved chain this would be more ideal. Use a chain binder to tighten the chains together.

Independent Rear Suspension Cars

If the vehicle has an independent rear suspension, use the control arm and place the chain hook where it will securely latch. Just the same, make sure the chain is mounted properly on the trailer and ratchet it tight. Do not connect to tie rods or swaybars!

Repeat this process for the other side of the axle.

In Conclusion

Hopefully this clears up doubts you have on how to secure a vehicle onto a car carrier or trailer. Knowing these helpful tips will help reassure you that you are loading a vehicle safely. Remember, regardless of what you need for your truck or load, Trison is here with the best and most reliable equipment from the best and most well respected manufacturers 

Call us today at 855-851-4700 and let us provide you with a wide range of transportation equipment with friendly and courteous service.