Five mistakes to avoid when strapping a car to a trailer

Getting a car onto a trailer is only half the job – securing it properly is what really matters. Small mistakes can lead to movement in transit, or worse, serious safety risks on the road.

Table of Contents

1-Using the wrong type of straps

Not all straps were made equal. Using straps without the right load limit is a mistake. So, straps should comfortably handle the vehicle’s weight and be suited to the job, especially when you’re dealing with heavier cars. You can get trailer parts from places like this //autoandtrailer.com/shop/trailer-parts.

2-Incorrect strap angles

Straps need to be positioned correctly. Without opposing angles, the load can move forwards or backwards under braking or acceleration.

3-Overlooking wear and damage

The poor old straps take a lot of strain, and it’s easy to miss spotting when they’ve got some wear. Things like frayed edges, weakened fibres or damaged hooks can really affect how reliable your straps are.

4-Attaching to the wrong points

It can be tempting to hook onto anything that looks solid, but that’s a risky strategy. Secure your straps to rated tie-down points, because attaching to suspension arms or weak rails can lead to loosening as the vehicle shifts.

5-Skipping final checks

Straps can settle after a few miles, creating slack, which is pretty dangerous. Making a quick stop to recheck tension will make a massive difference to your safety.

So, if you avoid these common mistakes, you’ll be protecting your load and making sure you’re in for a far more controlled towing experience.