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When it comes to hauling a vehicle, whether it’s for relocation, racing, or roadside assistance, safety starts with how you secure it. Strapping a car to a trailer might seem simple, but it takes precision, the right tools, and proper technique to do it safely and effectively.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to strap a car on a trailer, what equipment you need, and common mistakes to avoid—so you can transport your vehicle with peace of mind.
An improperly secured car can shift during transit, leading to damage, dangerous swaying, or even accidents. Good tie-down methods:
Keep your vehicle in place over bumps and turns
Prevent damage to suspension or bodywork
Comply with DOT safety regulations
Help avoid costly mistakes or delays
The right gear and method can be the difference between a smooth delivery and a dangerous disaster.
Before you load your car, make sure you have:
Over-the-wheel straps – Designed to wrap over each tire without touching the car’s paint
Heavy-duty ratchet straps – For securing vehicle frames or suspension
Axle straps or soft ties – Great for low-profile or classic vehicles
Secure anchor points – D-rings, E-tracks, or built-in trailer hooks
Wheel chocks or stops – Optional but ideal for extra safety during loading
PowerTye offers high-quality, USA-made tie-downs that are trusted by transport professionals and DIY haulers alike.
Drive the car onto the trailer slowly and align it center-left to right, with weight evenly distributed over the trailer axles. Put the vehicle in gear or “park” and use wheel chocks to prevent rolling.
This is considered the best way to strap a car on a trailer, especially for newer cars or painted classics.
Place the strap over the center of each tire.
Connect both ends to anchor points directly beside the wheel.
Avoid crossing the strap underneath the car unless specified.
Use ratchets to tighten until snug—don’t overtighten or crush the tire.
Why this works: It locks the car down by the wheels without straining suspension parts or risking body damage.
For added protection:
Use axle straps or soft loop ties around suspension components or the lower control arms.
Connect ratchet straps from the loops to trailer tie-down points.
Tighten evenly on both sides to prevent lateral movement.
This “belt and suspenders” approach keeps the car rock-solid over long distances.
Tighten each strap until it’s firm, but not deforming the tires or components.
Make sure the car doesn’t shift when you tug on it.
Secure any loose strap tails to prevent flapping in the wind.
Walk around the trailer and confirm:
All hooks are fully engaged
Ratchets are locked and tensioned
Straps show no frays or damage
Nothing is touching exhausts, bumpers, or sharp edges
Test the setup by gently rocking the trailer or driving forward a few feet, then re-checking your straps.
Use quality gear: Always go for commercial-grade, tested tie-downs.
Inspect before each use: Check for fraying, corrosion, or bent hardware.
Avoid hooking to bumpers or body panels. Use axles or frame points.
Re-check after 10–15 miles: Straps can loosen slightly during the first leg of the trip.
Protect the finish: Use strap covers or fleece sleeves for painted or delicate surfaces.
Using too few straps: Always use four tie-down points minimum.
Overtightening ratchets: This can damage tires or compress suspension.
Crossing straps incorrectly: Leads to uneven tension and movement.
Attaching to unsafe points: Avoid bumpers, tie rods, or thin metal parts.
If you’re wondering why so many pros recommend them, here’s why:
Fast and easy to apply
Keeps the vehicle stationary via its heaviest points: the wheels
Doesn’t compress suspension
Great for lowered or performance vehicles
This is truly the best way to strap a car on a trailer, especially when combined with quality hardware and proper anchoring.
At PowerTye, we’ve built our reputation around USA-made tie-down straps trusted by transporters, racers, and off-roaders across the country. Whether you need over-the-wheel straps, ratchet kits, or complete trailer solutions, our products are built for durability, safety, and ease of use.
With over 30 years of experience, we know how to help you haul like a pro.
When it comes to strapping down a car, there’s no room for shortcuts. Whether you’re hauling a weekend project or transporting a vehicle across state lines, following the correct method and using the right equipment makes all the difference.
Now that you know the best way to strap a car on a trailer, you can hit the road with confidence.
