Wheel Straps

Wheel Straps & Tire Tie Down Straps

Wheel straps, also called tire tie down straps or over-the-wheel tie downs, secure a vehicle to a trailer by its tires. Each tire ratchet strap runs over the tread, anchors to the trailer in front of and behind the tire, and tightens with a ratchet. Auto haulers often choose these over-the-tire straps for low-profile vehicles.

Every wheel tie down strap in this collection is sized for tires up to 36" in overall diameter.

Fit depends on your tire's overall diameter, not its rim size. Check yours with our measuring guide.

Watch the video below to see three common trailer wheel tie downs: a standard over-the-tire wheel strap, an E-track wheel strap and a wheel bonnet. It shows how to position adjustable rubber blocks on the tire, connect the hooks or E-fittings, protect the webbing from abrasion and tighten the strap with the ratchet.

Wheel Strap or Wheel Net?

A wheel strap is a single tire strap that runs over the tire in line with the tread, using three connection points: in front of the tire, behind it and at the ratchet. A wheel net or wheel bonnet loops around the tire with one or more straps over the top and connects at two points. Not sure which fits your trailer? Compare all three styles on our auto tie down straps page.

Choosing an End Fitting

To choose wheel straps for your trailer, match the end fitting to its anchor points.

No anchor points yet? Add D-rings or E-track to your trailer.

Rubber Tread Blocks

Many of our wheel straps include rubber blocks, also called cleats. The blocks sit in the tire's tread grooves to keep the strap from shifting while you haul.

• Fixed blocks stay in one position on the strap.
• Adjustable blocks can be moved along the strap to line up with your tread.

How Much Working Load Limit Do You Need?

Use four tire straps, one per tire, and make sure their combined working load limit (WLL) is greater than the vehicle's weight. Multiply one strap's WLL by four:

For example, any set of four in the table exceeds the weight of a 4,500 lb. vehicle. Many of our wheel straps also come in 4-packs, so one pack covers every tire. Check your vehicle's weight and each product's listed WLL before you buy.

Federal cargo securement rules (49 CFR 393.128) require cars, light trucks and vans weighing 10,000 lbs. or less to be restrained at the front and rear with at least two tiedowns. We recommend strapping all four tires.

Using the Ratchet on a Wheel Strap

On wheel ratchet straps, the ratchet is the third connection point. This video shows how to feed the loose end through the ratchet, tension it and release it. For written steps, read How to Use a Ratchet Strap.

More Auto Tie Downs

Hauling on a steel-deck car hauler? See car hauler tie downs. Adding anchor points to an open flatbed? See flatbed car hauling tie downs. You can also browse axle straps, tow dolly straps and tie down hardware.

Still comparing styles? Read Which Car Tie Down Strap Is Right for Me? for a guide to wheel straps, wheel nets and other car tie downs.

Questions?

Not sure which car tire tie down straps fit your trailer? Contact our product specialists with your vehicle's weight, tire size and your trailer's anchor points.