Transporting a vehicle on a trailer — whether it's a race car, off-road rig, project car, or daily driver — requires proper securement. Using the wrong method can damage suspension components, wheels, or tires. Here's everything you need to know about the three main vehicle tie-down methods.

Axle Straps

Axle straps wrap around the vehicle's axle and connect to your ratchet tie-downs. They're the most common method for trailering vehicles because they secure the heaviest, strongest part of the vehicle.

Pros

• Attach to the strongest point on the vehicle (the axle)
• Don't touch wheels, tires, or suspension — zero risk of cosmetic damage
• Work with any wheel/tire combination
• Available in various widths for different axle sizes
• Allow suspension to move naturally during transport (reduces stress)

Cons

• Can be harder to reach on lowered vehicles
• Some axle designs have limited strap clearance (especially independent rear suspension)
• Must be positioned carefully to avoid brake lines and sensors

Best Practices

• Wrap the strap around the axle tube — never around CV axles, tie rods, or steering components
• Position the D-ring or hook connection point downward so it doesn't contact the axle under load
• Use soft-loop straps if your axle has wiring or brake lines nearby
• 4 straps minimum (one per corner)

Wheel Nets (Tire Nets)

Wheel nets are basket-style straps that wrap around the entire tire and wheel assembly, cradling it from multiple angles. They're the fastest method for securing vehicles on car haulers.

Pros

• Fastest to install and remove (huge advantage for commercial haulers)
• Provide multi-directional restraint (forward, backward, and lateral)
• Don't require crawling under the vehicle
• Self-centering — they naturally position themselves on the tire

Cons

• Can mar or scratch wheels (especially polished/chrome)
• Less effective on very small or very large tires
• More expensive than simple axle straps
• Metal components can scratch paint if they swing loose

Best Practices

• Use rubber-coated hooks to protect wheel finishes
• Ensure all basket straps are evenly tensioned
• Position the ratchet where it won't contact the wheel face
• Check tension after the first 50 miles of travel

Tire Straps (Over-the-Tire Straps)

Tire straps go over the top of the tire and hook to the trailer on both sides. They're simpler than wheel nets but provide less multi-directional restraint.

Pros

• Simple and affordable
• Quick to install
• Available with protective sleeves to prevent tire damage
• Work well as supplemental tie-downs alongside axle straps

Cons

• Less secure than wheel nets or axle straps alone
• Can slip off the tire if not properly tensioned
• Limited lateral restraint
• Can cause flat spots on tires if over-tensioned during long storage

Which Method Should You Use?

Load Rating Math

For vehicle transport, you need enough total WLL to handle the vehicle weight:

• 4 tie-downs minimum (one per corner)
• Combined WLL should be at least 50% of vehicle weight for each direction of restraint
• Example: 4,000 lb vehicle needs at least 2,000 lbs of forward restraint WLL
• With 4 straps at 45° angles, each strap needs ~1,400 lbs WLL
• Always round up — use higher-rated straps than the minimum

Common Mistakes

• Strapping to control arms: They're not designed for vertical loads — you'll bend them
• Using the bumper as an anchor: Most bumpers will rip off under ratchet tension
• Only using 2 straps: Two straps can't prevent lateral movement — always use 4
• Not re-checking tension: Suspension settles during transport; re-tension after 50-100 miles
• Tying to springs: Leaf springs can shift, coil springs can unseat — use the axle or frame

Bottom Line

The best vehicle tie-down method depends on your trailer setup, the vehicle being transported, and how often you're loading/unloading. For most enthusiasts, axle straps with quality ratchet tie-downs are the safest and most versatile option. For commercial haulers doing volume, wheel nets save time without sacrificing security.

Shop our full lineup of heavy-duty tie-down straps, axle straps, and ratchet systems — built for serious hauling.