In the high-stakes world of auto transport, safety, stability, and efficiency are paramount. Whether you're a seasoned tow operator or just getting started in the vehicle hauling industry, selecting the right car tie-down straps can mean the difference between a seamless delivery and costly damage. At Mega Cargo Control, we specialize in premium car tie-down and assembly tie-down wheel straps engineered for strength, versatility, and peace of mind.
What Are Tire Straps and Why Do They Matter?
Tire straps—also known as car tie-down straps—are heavy-duty, specialized straps used to secure vehicles to trailers during transport.
Made from strong synthetic materials like polyester webbing, tire straps are built to withstand tension, resist abrasion, and provide a secure hold without stretching excessively.
These straps come with various end fittings like J-hooks, flat hooks, ratchets, or snap hooks, depending on the kind of trailer and cargo you're working with.
What Are Tire Straps and Why Do They Matter?
Tire straps—also known as car tie-down straps—are heavy-duty, specialized straps used to secure vehicles to trailers during transport.
Made from strong synthetic materials like polyester webbing, tire straps are built to withstand tension, resist abrasion, and provide a secure hold without stretching excessively.
These straps come with various end fittings like J-hooks, flat hooks, ratchets, or snap hooks, depending on the kind of trailer and cargo you're working with.
But Why Do They Matter?
Every movement on the road—sudden stops, sharp turns, or unexpected bumps—can threaten the security of your load. That’s why quality car tie-down straps are a non-negotiable necessity.
Designed with high working load limits (WLL) and built from heavy-duty polyester webbing, our straps ensure maximum resistance to abrasion, UV exposure, water, and stretching. Mega Cargo Control is your go-to source for professional-grade car hauling equipment made to meet or exceed DOT regulations.
Introducing Our Full Range of Car Tie-Down Straps
Navigating the different types of tie-down straps can be overwhelming—especially if you're new to car hauling or handle a variety of vehicles. That’s why we’ve simplified the decision-making process for you.
Which Tie-Down Strap is Best for You?
Each tie-down system is designed for a specific type of vehicle and trailer setup. We’ll break them down below and help you understand what sets each one apart—and why all systems come in sets of 4.
1. Side Mount Wheel Nets
Perfect for: Wheel lift systems, rollbacks, and flatbed trailers
Side mount wheel nets are built with a ratcheting system used for tightening the wheel net into place. These are extremely adjustable and will fit nearly any wheel size—from compact cars to tractors.
1. Side Mount Wheel Nets
Perfect for: Wheel lift systems, rollbacks, and flatbed trailers
Side mount wheel nets are built with a ratcheting system used for tightening the wheel net into place. These are extremely adjustable and will fit nearly any wheel size—from compact cars to tractors.
Designed to lock the vehicle in place by securing all four tires, side mount wheel net straps provide dependable restraint for rollback tow trucks, flatbeds, and car haulers. These strap kits wrap directly around the tire, minimizing frame contact and reducing vehicle damage during transport.
2. 8-Point Tie-Down System
Perfect for: Heavy-duty car hauling or rollback trucks
The 8 Point tie downs refer to a towing system that secures a vehicle at eight distinct points. This method provides optimal stability and security during transport, significantly reducing the risk of shifting or movement. By distributing tension evenly across multiple points, the 8-point system ensures your vehicle remains firmly in place, even over bumpy roads or uneven terrain.
2. 8-Point Tie-Down System
Perfect for: Heavy-duty car hauling or rollback trucks
The 8 Point tie downs refer to a towing system that secures a vehicle at eight distinct points. This method provides optimal stability and security during transport, significantly reducing the risk of shifting or movement. By distributing tension evenly across multiple points, the 8-point system ensures your vehicle remains firmly in place, even over bumpy roads or uneven terrain.
The 8-point tie-down system is one of the most secure methods for transporting vehicles, providing anchor points at all four corners with two securement straps per wheel. This prevents any lateral movement, making it perfect for long hauls or uneven terrain.
8-Point Tie Down Kit Includes:
- 4x Lasso Chain Straps – Wraps securely around each wheel.
- 4x Ratchet Buckles – Creates tension with minimal effort.
- 4x Dogbone Straps – Short straps that add flexibility in tight spaces.
- 4x Chain Extensions (G70 grade) – For hard anchor points.
✅Working Load Limit: 3,333 lbs per strap
✅Breaking Strength: Up to 10,000 lbs
✅Chain Extensions WLL: 1,666 lbs
3. Over-the-Tire Straps
Perfect for: Vehicles with little clearance around wheels
These straps wrap over the top of the tire and secure to anchor points on either side of the wheel. They’re designed for trailers with open slots or rails.
3. Over-the-Tire Straps
Perfect for: Vehicles with little clearance around wheels
These straps wrap over the top of the tire and secure to anchor points on either side of the wheel. They’re designed for trailers with open slots or rails.
4. Rollback Chain Ratchet & RTJ Strap Sets
When you need a high-strength, multi-hook solution, our RTJ Chain Ratchet Sets deliver. Designed for rollback trucks and flatbed carriers, this setup includes all the essentials to secure a variety of vehicle types.
4. Rollback Chain Ratchet & RTJ Strap Sets
When you need a high-strength, multi-hook solution, our RTJ Chain Ratchet Sets deliver. Designed for rollback trucks and flatbed carriers, this setup includes all the essentials to secure a variety of vehicle types.
2" Ratchet Buckle
- ✔ Quantity: 4-Pack
- ✔ Working Load Limit (WLL): 3,333 lbs
- ✔ Breaking Strength: 10,000 lbs
- ✔ Heavy-duty construction for extreme loads.
- ✔ Easy-to-use handle for quick tensioning.
- ✔ Compatible with all 2" straps & chains.
RTJ Cluster Hook Strap
- ✔ Quantity: 4-Pack
- ✔ Width x Length: 2" x 10'
- ✔ Webbing Breaking Strength: 12,000 lbs
- ✔ Breaking Strength: 10,000 lbs
- ✔ Working Load Limit (WLL): 3,333 lbs
- ✔ Three hooks for versatile attachment points.
G70 12" Chain Extension
- ✔ Quantity: 4-Pack
- ✔ Working Load Limit (WLL): 1,666 lbs
- ✔ Breaking Strength: 5,000 lbs
- ✔ Adds flexibility to your tie-down setup.
- ✔ Works with any 2" ratchet buckle.
- ✔ Ideal for flatbeds and wreckers.
How to Use Car Tie-Down Straps
Knowing how to properly use car tie-down straps is just as important as owning them. Incorrect usage can make even the best straps ineffective. Below is a step-by-step breakdown to help you get it right every time.
1. Secure Straps in the Right Spot
Each strap is designed to be anchored in a specific way depending on the vehicle and strap type. For instance:
- Axle straps - should be looped around the vehicle’s front and rear axles.
- Over-the-tire straps - should lay flat across the tire and be tightened evenly.
- Wheel nets - go around the entire tire and secure it from all sides.
2. Tighten the Straps Properly
Most car tie-down straps use a ratchet mechanism to create and hold tension.
Here’s how to use one:
- 1. Thread the loose end of the strap through the ratchet’s center spool.
- 2. Pull the webbing to remove slack.
- 3. Pump the ratchet handle up and down to tighten until the strap is snug and secure.
- 4. Do not overtighten, as this could damage the tires or suspension system.
3. Double-Check Strap Security
Before hitting the road:
- - Inspect all tie-down points.
- - Check for proper tension—straps should be snug, but not cutting into the tires.
- - Make sure there are no twists, knots, or frayed webbing.
4. Loosen and Remove Straps Safely
When you arrive at your destination:
- - Locate the ratchet’s release tab near the handle.
- - Hold the tab open to release tension from the strap.
- - Pull the webbing out of the ratchet spool.
- - Carefully remove the hooks or fasteners, avoiding any snap-back.
Why Choose Mega Cargo Control?
At Mega Cargo Control, wedesign, manufacture, and distribute high-performance car tie-down systemsmade with industrial-grade materials and tested for superiordurability. Whether you're hauling compact cars, trucks, ATVs, orheavy-duty vehicles, our rollback and towing tie-downs deliver thereliability and peace of mind you need on the road.
How Do I Know Which Strap Type is Right for My Vehicle?
Choose based on your trailer setup
and vehicle type:
- A) Use wheel net straps for added sidewall grip.
- B) Use over-the-tire straps for simplicity and speed.
- C) Choose an 8-point tie-down system for the highest level of vehicle stability.
- D) Use RTJ rollback strap sets for towing multiple car makes and models.
What are Over-the-Tire Straps Used For?
Over-the-tire straps are designed to wrap over a vehicle’s wheels, securing the tire to the trailer bed without contacting the vehicle frame. They’re commonly used in car hauler trailers and work great with E-Track systems.
What’s the Difference Between Wheel Net Straps and Over-the-Tire Straps?
Wheel net straps create a net-style wrap around the tire and provide lateral
support from both sides. Over-the-tire straps wrap over the tire in a single loop. Wheel nets provide more surface coverage, ideal for high-value or luxury vehicles.
What Makes the 8-Point Tie-Down System Superior?
The 8-point tie-down system evenly distributes tension across four wheels using two straps per wheel. It virtually eliminates all shifting, even over long distances or rough roads. It's the most secure vehicle transport method for rollback carriers.
What is an RTJ Strap and When Should I Use One?
An RTJ strap is a car tie-down strap featuring three hook types: R (Ford), T (GM/Chrysler), and J (foreign/import vehicles). It's ideal for towing diverse fleets where hook compatibility is a must.
