How to Tie Down a Vehicle in your Car Hauler

Loading a vehicle onto your car hauler is only half the battle. Before you hit the road, you need to make sure the vehicle has been properly secured with tie-downs. This step is critical to prevent damage to the car and to prevent any accidents while driving. Before you tie down your first vehicle in your car hauler, make sure to read through these tips:

Hitch the Trailer Correctly

The first thing you need to do is make sure your car hauler is correctly coupled with the tow vehicle. Make sure that the safety chains, pins, and electrical components are all connected properly. You also need to double-check that your trailer and tow vehicle are rated for the amount of weight you intend to pull. As you load the vehicle onto the trailer, be sure to use spotters or a winch to avoid accidentally causing any adjustments or damage. 

Use Straps and Hooks

Once the car is loaded, you will need to use straps and hooks to secure it. You want to select the right size of hooks to create the safest and strongest hold. Many times your trailer will come with straps and hooks, but different vehicles may require straps with different lengths or widths.

Most trailers will utilize “T” and “R” hooks, but you can also use ratchet straps for a very firm hold. During this process, it is important to avoid damaging the vehicle by scratching the paint with a hook or hitting the body with a heavy strap. It’s also important not to overtighten the strap, which can cause excess tension and potentially break. 

Tying Down the Vehicle

After gathering the correct tools, hooks, and straps, you’ll be ready to tie down your vehicle! As you secure the car, you’ll want to use natural and strong points for the hooks. One of the most common ways to do this is to wrap the restraints around the tires. This will use the car’s natural suspension to deal with bumps on the road without allowing the vehicle to shift. 

When all hooks and straps are in place, you can begin tightening them with the ratchet. You’ll want to find the perfect tension since having them too loose won’t keep your car secure, but tightening it too much can damage your vehicle. 

With practice and know-how, you’ll be able to keep your vehicle secure whenever you use your car hauler. If you’re ready to find the perfect car hauler, visit the team at TSI Trailers in Van Alstyne, Texas. We also welcome the communities of Dallas and Fort Worth, and we hope to see you soon!