What are Wheel Straps?
Wheel straps are essential for anyone who has ever taken the leap of faith and delivered their prized vehicle to that treacherous world known as car hauling. As unassuming as these tools appear, they are crucial to keeping your car safe and secure when you drive it from point A to B. We look in-depth at wheel straps: the diverse types, what they are used for, and when to use them.
Types of Wheel Straps
Wheel straps come in various configurations, each suited for specific needs. Here is a breakdown of the most common types:
- Ratchet Straps: The heavy lifters of car hauling, ratchet straps allow the most adjustability and security. The ratchet system allows you to tighten the strap down until there is no movement in the wheels.
- Cam Buckle Straps: Designed as a faster and easier substitute for ratchets, cam buckle straps function by utilizing a moving part with toothed edges. Handy, it does not have the same secure tension level as ratchets.
- Tow Straps: With tow straps, we are not referring to wheel straps; instead, we refer to the kind you would employ when pulling a disabled vehicle down from orbit.
Beyond Types: Functionality and Features
Beyond the primary classification, wheel straps come with features that enhance their functionality:
- Material: More durable than the second piece, this leash is made from nylon or polyester webbing rather than high-strength, cheaper materials.
- WLL (Working Load Limit): This critical rating lets you know how much the strap can handle. Select straps with a WLL greater than the weight of your vehicle.
- Strap Length: Be sure to buy straps long enough to tie around your wheels and anchor points on the trailer; they should not be tight.
- Hooks: Select beefy ones like your trailer's anchor points when purchasing hooks. They will typically use S-hooks, J-hooks, and flat hook options.
- Soft Loops: These padded loops protect your wheels from scratches caused by the straps.
The Art of Securement: Applying Wheel Straps
Wheel straps are one of the more accessible tie-down options to secure a vehicle properly. Still, it takes only a little laziness or an extra heavy foot on the accelerator pedal for things to go wrong with them. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Load in the Car: Get your vehicle onto the trailer - balance weight.
- Locate Anchor Points: Find the specific anchor points on the trailer bed. Commonly, D-rings or welded loops are set up for tying vehicles.
- Put the Wheel Straps in Place: Wrap a strap around each tire -ensure that you place it above the tire, directly behind the valve stem, but not touching-.
- Hook the Straps: Attach the hooks of the straps to its supporting anchor points on your trailer.
Tighten the Straps:
- Ratchets become engaged, and you can tighten them down incrementally until the wheel has tiny movement left. Be careful not to overtighten, or you could damage your tires.
- You will pull the strap through a cam buckle back and forth until it properly holds your favorite rear wheel in place
- Check and Balance: Make sure every strap is evened out and tightened. Check once to ensure you are happy when the vehicle is stable and will not shift much during transport.
Additional Tips for Secure Transport
Wheel straps are essential, but do not forget about these random tips!
- The second measure uses wheel chocks by tying them with the wheel straps. The wheel chocks apply wedges against the wheels, which prevent them from rolling even if the straps are lost.
- Use the Parking Brake: Always use a parking brake on your vehicle before you ratchet down straps.
- Examine Your Straps: Before you use your wheel straps for the first time, examine them closely to ensure they have not worn out or broken.
If you learn how to use the wheel straps properly, you can make your vehicle hassle-free and secure when it comes to getting on onto its trip hassle-free and secure. Safe car hauling is a concoction of perfect equipment complemented with skillful technique and common sense. Therefore, fasten your knowledge and get the proper wheel straps on so that when you relocate, it can have a safe & reliable trip to its new home.