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Safely Transport Your Cargo With The Best Trailer Tie Down Systems

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Last Updated: May 3, 2024, 1:05 p.m.

Transporting extra-large objects, heavy-duty equipment, vehicles and machinery can be a hassle. And if you don’t have a proper securing system in place, your precious items can get damaged during transit and become an accident hazard. Thanks to tie-down systems though, you don’t have to worry about these hassles when transporting massive items from one place to another.

A trailer tie down system is commonly used by professional movers and is a staple in the shipping industry. This system uses a variety of straps, buckles and hooks to attach to the trailer and secure heavy-duty cargo inside. You can find different types of cargo straps, such as ratchet and cam buckle straps, used to secure massive items.

Given the overly saturated state of the shipping industry, finding the right tools for your tie-down system can be daunting. So to help you out, we’ve reviewed some of the finest trailer tie down systems of 2023, accompanied by a detailed buyer’s guide.

Trailer Tie Down Systems: A Buying Guide

A trailer tie-down system is essential for securing heavy-duty items to your trailer’s interior. It helps keep everything in place and prevents your cargo from moving around when you hit bumps and curves in the road. But you need tie-downs that will actually hold everything in place instead of snapping themselves. Finding the right trailer tie-down kits can be tricky, so we’ve created this quick guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Factors To Consider When Buying Trailer Tie Down Systems

Durability

A tie down system is nothing if it isn't durable. So, the kit you get should be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the objects you’re securing with it. If it isn’t well-made, you may end up having an accident on the road and damaging your equipment or automobile too.

Ease of use

If you’re investing in a tie-down system, it means you want to make your life easier not more complicated. You can find different systems with varying levels of difficulty, so you should pick a system based on your expertise and how much time you want to spend on putting the system in place.

Safety

Safety is crucial in all sorts of tie-down systems. Since you use these systems to secure heavy-duty equipment, automobiles and other large objects, you should pick a safe system to prevent accidents.

What Else Do I Need To Look For in Trailer Tie Down Systems?

How much weight it can handle

The primary function of a tie-down system is to bear the weight of your cargo. The straps used in the system have a working load limit (WLL) – the maximum working load specified by the manufacturer. This limit determines how much weight the strap can hold without snapping. The WLL of a trailer tie down system will be given on its product page. To get the accurate WLL for your system, you need to know the average weight of the cargo you normally transport.

Length of straps

Another crucial factor is the length of the straps used in your tie-down system. If the straps are too short, they won’t secure your cargo correctly as they won’t be able to go over it entirely. Alternatively, long straps aren’t a good idea either because you’ll be left with a loose part, obstructing transportation.

Type of hooks

Your trailer has a tie-down point acting as an anchor to attach the strap’s hook. You can find straps with different types of hooks, so make sure you get the ones that work with your trailer. The most common hooks are S-hooks, J-hooks and flat hooks. The S- and J-hooks work well with flatbed anchor points or thin metal areas of car bumpers and trailers. Flat hooks can be secured to flat anchor points.

What Types of Straps Are Used in Trailer Tie Down Systems?

Ratchet straps

Due to their robustness, ratchet straps are the most commonly used straps in trailer tie down systems. These straps feature a ratchet buckle that flows in one direction, allowing the tension from the webbing to be tightened. This buckle prevents the cargo from untightening during the move. Once the cargo has reached its destination, you can pull the lever upwards to open the ratchet handle.

Cam buckle straps

Cam buckle straps have a user-friendly design, making them perfect for first-time users. Professional movers also prefer it due to its user-friendliness. You can tighten these straps by pulling the webbing through the buckle with as much strength as possible. This prevents over-tightening and keeps the cargo safe from being damaged.

What Are Application-based Types of Tie Down Straps?

E-track straps

E-track straps have two types: e-track ratchet straps and e-track cam buckle straps. These straps quickly latch into e-track rails installed vertically or horizontally on the floor and walls of an enclosed trailer. These e-track rails provide multiple securement points for cargo of different sizes and types, maximizing the space inside the trailer. E-track straps have color-coded webbing lengths. Blue webbing is 20 inches, gray webbing is 16 inches, and yellow webbing is 12 inches long.

Automotive tie-down straps

If you want to secure a vehicle for transportation, these tie-downs work well. These straps are made with heavy-duty material that doesn’t stretch excessively. It prevents the straps from snapping and keeps the automobile safely tied down. These tie-downs come with varying WLL per strap, and you can find one suitable for the make and model of your car.

Motorcycle and ATV tie-down straps

Designed for ATVs, UTVs and motorcycles, these straps make sure your ride remains perfectly secure during transit. These sturdy straps keep your bike in place and arrive at its destination in the same condition.

Top Picks

Best Overall: Dc Cargo Mall Trailer Tie Down System
Easy To Install: Rhino Usa Trailer Tie Down System
Large Load Capacity: Badass Moto Trailer Tie Down System
Super Sturdy: Vulcan Trailer Tie Down System
Value For Money: Erickson Trailer Tie Down System

Reviews

Best Overall

Dc Cargo Mall Trailer Tie Down System

Pros	Cons
Easy to install The all-in-one kit makes setup quick Powder-coated rails give a sleek appearance	Fasteners are not included in the package

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Easy to Install

Rhino Usa Trailer Tie Down System

Pros	Cons
PolyBlend webbing enhances its break strength Innovative end cap design protects ratchet mechanism S-hooks feature safety clips for added security	Difficult to release and undo

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Large Load Capacity

Badass Moto Trailer Tie Down System

Pros	Cons
Triple diamond stitching makes it super strong 180-degree S-hook offers more security Extra wide ergonomic grip provides comfort	The carry bag could be more durable

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Super Sturdy

Vulcan Trailer Tie Down System

Pros	Cons
The smooth O-rings prevent strap wear Features protective Cordura wear pads for safety Industrial strength webbing ensures durability	The straps start fraying with excessive use

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Value for Money

Erickson Trailer Tie Down System

Pros	Cons
The over-the-wheel design ensures maximum security Double-slotted e-fitting for large and small tires Powder coating offers better resistance against elements	Mounting hardware isn’t included

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FAQs

How many straps do I need in a trailer tie down system?

The Code of Federal Regulations requires you to secure any vehicle with at least four anchor points. You must ensure that the four points are equally spaced to distribute the weight equally. This prevents the vehicle from shifting during hard turns, bumps, and stops. Check their website for more details.

How strong should straps be in a trailer tie down system?

To safely secure cargo on your trailer, the weight of the secured load must be lesser than the combined Working Load Limit (WLL) of the straps. For instance, if your load weighs 1000 pounds and you’re using four straps to secure it, each strap must have a WLL of 250 pounds or more.

How much do straps stretch in a trailer tie down system?

The stretching ability of a tie-down strap depends on the material it is made of. Most straps are made of polyester webbing blends and can stretch up to three percent of the total length of the strap when secured.