Car Hauler Wheel Strap Guide: Securing Vehicles the Right Way

Whether you run a two-car open trailer or an eight-car enclosed rig, the principles of safe vehicle securement are the same. Getting them wrong costs you cargo, CSA points, and potentially lives.

Wheel Net vs. Axle Strap vs. Frame Strap

Wheel nets wrap around the tire and self-tighten under load. They're the fastest to attach, don't contact painted or mechanical surfaces, and are the preferred choice for most passenger vehicles.

Axle straps loop around the axle and hook to the trailer. They're low-profile and work well for vehicles with limited wheel well access, but must not contact brake lines or ABS sensors.

Frame straps attach directly to structural frame points. Required for some specialty vehicles (racecars, kit cars) but demand knowledge of safe attachment points to avoid body damage.

Positioning

Each vehicle requires a minimum of four tie-down points — one at each wheel or axle. Straps should pull downward at a 45-degree angle toward the trailer deck for maximum vertical load and minimum horizontal stress.

WLL Requirements

Per FMCSA regulations, the combined WLL of all tie-downs must equal or exceed the weight of the vehicle. A 4,000 lb passenger car needs at least 4,000 lbs combined WLL — not 2,000 lbs as some drivers mistakenly assume for "rolling" cargo.

Common Mistakes

Routing straps over plastic bumper covers (crushes them)
Using only front or only rear tie-downs
Letting straps contact brake lines or fuel lines
Not re-tensioning after the first 50 miles