Axle Straps: How to Use Them to Haul a Car Safely
Axle Strap Guide
Hauling a car on a trailer takes more care than most cargo. Cars have soft suspensions, painted bodies, and few good places to hook a strap. Hook to the wrong spot and you can bend a part or crack the paint.
Axle straps solve this problem. They give you a strong, safe loop to connect to. This guide explains how they work, where to use them, and how to tie down a car the right way.
In This Guide
What Are Axle Straps?
They are short straps made of heavy polyester webbing. Most have a loop sewn at each end. Some have a metal D-ring or O-ring instead.
You wrap the strap around an axle, a frame rail, or a suspension arm. Then you connect both ends together and hook a ratchet strap to them. The ratchet strap goes down to the trailer.
Many also have a padded sleeve to protect the strap and the car from rubbing.
Why Use Them?
- They give you a tie down point on cars that have no hooks.
- They stop metal hooks from scratching or bending car parts.
- They spread the pull over a wider area.
- They work on many kinds of vehicles, from race cars to trucks.
Where to Wrap Them
Look under the car for strong, solid parts.
| Good places include | Stay away from |
|---|---|
| Solid axles on trucks and many older cars | Brake lines and fuel lines |
| Frame rails | Exhaust pipes, which can get hot and are weak |
| Lower control arms, close to the frame | Sway bars and thin links |
| Factory tie down slots, if the car has them | Tie rods and steering parts |
| Shocks and coil springs |
If you are not sure, check the owner's manual. Many cars list the right tie down points.
How Many Do You Need?
Use four. Put one at each corner of the car. The front two pull forward, and the back two pull backward. This stops the car from moving in every direction.
Each one pairs with a ratchet strap, so you will need four ratchet straps too. You can find good options in the Safe & Tie straps collection.
How to Tie Down a Car With Axle Straps
- Load and center the car. Drive it on slowly and center it on the trailer. Put it in park and set the parking brake.
- Wrap the first strap. Loop it around a strong part at one front corner.
- Connect the ends. Bring both loops or rings together.
- Hook the ratchet strap. Hook one end to the loop and the other to a trailer anchor point ahead of the car.
- Repeat at each corner. The rear straps should hook to anchor points behind the car.
- Angle the straps. Each ratchet strap should pull out and away from the car at about a 45 degree angle.
- Tighten evenly. Snug all four straps a little at a time so the car stays centered.
- Check the fit. Push on the car. It should not roll or shift.
Do Not Over-Tighten
Pulling a car down too hard compresses the suspension. On a bumpy road, the springs can bounce and loosen the straps. Pull them snug and firm, but not so hard that the car squats a lot.
Protect the Car
- Use the padded sleeve where the strap touches metal.
- Keep straps away from the paint and body panels.
- Use a soft pad if a strap must cross a sharp edge. Our heavy duty moving blankets work well for this.
- Tie up loose strap ends so they do not slap the paint.
Axle Straps vs Wheel Straps
Axle straps hold the car by its frame or axle.
Wheel straps hold the car by its tires.
Wheel straps let the suspension move freely, which some people prefer for low cars. Axle straps are quick and work on almost any car with good frame points. Many haulers carry both.
Check the Load on the Road
Stop after the first few miles to check every strap. Then check again at every stop. Straps can loosen a little as the car settles.
Care Tips
- Shake out dirt and gravel after each use.
- Let wet straps dry before storing them.
- Look for cuts, burns, and worn spots near the loops.
- Replace any strap that is damaged.
Final Thoughts
Axle straps give you a safe, strong place to tie down a car without hooking metal to metal. Wrap them around solid parts like axles and frame rails, use four of them, and connect each to a ratchet strap pulling out at an angle. Tighten evenly, protect the paint, and check your work on the road. Your car will arrive just the way it left.
Haul Your Car the Safe Way
Shop ratchet straps and tie downs for car hauling at Safe & Tie.
Shop StrapsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I wrap an axle strap around a control arm?
Yes, if it is a strong lower arm and you wrap it close to the frame. Avoid thin links and steering parts.
How many axle straps do I need for one car?
Four, one at each corner.
Do axle straps have a working load limit?
Yes. Check the tag and make sure it fits the weight of your vehicle.
Are axle straps better than wheel straps?
Neither is always better. Axle straps are quick and work on most cars. Wheel straps let the suspension move and are good for low cars.
Can I use axle straps on a UTV?
Yes. They work well on UTVs, side-by-sides, and ATVs with solid frame points.