Before you take your ride anywhere, you need to make sure that it’s buckled up. Your vehicle is vulnerable to damage on the road, which can be very expensive. To avoid these disasters, you need to tie down your car properly. Here’s what you need to know to strap your car down properly.
Weight Limits:
Your car is a dynamic machine that can move around when loaded in a trailer, especially when the parking brake is set. Therefore, you need tie-downs that can support the weight of your car.
Tie-Down Methods:
There are two different tie-down methods, depending on your vehicle. You can use over-the-wheel restraints, which use a webbed net or a single strap to go over the tire/wheel. This allows the car’s suspension to work independently of the trailer’s suspension. The other method is to attach straps directly from the chassis of the car to the tie-down points on the trailer. This method pulls the car down and allows the trailer’s suspension to do all the work. In both cases, you need to make sure your car stays anchored so that it doesn’t move until you reach your destination.
Keeping Things Tight:
To secure your car in the trailer, use ratchet straps. To use them, simply open them, pull the loose end through, and close and work the lever until you get enough tension. It’s always a good practice to check your straps during your trip, walk around your trailer at fuel stops, and double-check that the straps are tight.
Types of Hooks:
The available tie-down points on the car you are going to haul with the trailer will likely determine the kind of hooks needed on the tie-down straps. “J”, “T,” and “R” transport hooks often fit into the built-in tie-down points found in the chassis on most newer vehicles. Flat hooks usually fit into holes in the frame of your car or over anchor points. These flat hooks seem to be the most versatile solution to tie down most cars.
Other Tie-Down Options:
There are many options available on the market from places like Mac’s Custom Tie Downs. The primary concern is avoiding damage. Sleeves, pads, and plastic buckles all exist to protect your car from scuffs and scratches.
Strap in with JIMGLO Trailers:
If you want to make sure your ride is secure, we’ve got you covered. At JIMGLO Trailers, we offer some of the most innovative trailers on the market today. You’re proud of your car, and you’ll be proud to tie it down and haul it in a JIMGLO Trailer. Get in touch with us online, by phone at 520.384.4564, or toll-free at 888.5.JIMGLO today.
