How to Measure Your Tire

Auto Tie Down Tire Measuring Guidelines

When it comes to car tie downs, there are a lot of options out there in a lot of different sizes. To help ensure the best fit, you should measure your tires before purchasing.

Depending on the type of strap you are buying, the measuring requirements differ, so confirm the type of strap you are considering before starting.

Tow Dolly Straps

Measure your tire width to ensure the strap overlaps the tire enough to secure it safely without interfering with other wheel or suspension parts.

Measure the distance from the connection point on the dolly behind the tire to the ratchet or winch on your dolly. Measure along the path you expect your strap to follow.

tow dolly strap measurements for ensuring a tire fit

Note: Tow dolly straps may rest/tilt further forward or rearward depending on the size of your tires.

Wheel Straps with Three Connection Points

Measure the distance from where you will connect to a D-ring or E-track directly in front of the tire, up and over in-line with the tread of the tire to where you will connect directly behind the tire.

Then continue the measurement back to where you will connect the 3rd connection point at the ratchet. This distance should be less than the total length of the strap (the loose and fixed end).

wheel strap with three connection points spec example

Wheel Nets & Bonnet Straps with Two Connection Points

Measure the circumference horizontally around the tire where you want the horizontal strap to rest.

For the top strap(s), measure the width over the top of your tire from where you want your horizontal strap to rest on the inside and outside of the tire. Make sure it will not interfere with other wheel or suspension parts.

wheel bonnet loop measurement example

Measure the distance from the horizontal strap down to where the tail (rear) strap will connect to your D-ring or E-track. This should not exceed the distance between the loop and the front end hardware.

wheel bonnet front strap measurement

Measure the distance from the horizontal strap down to where you will connect the ratchet end of the strap. This should not exceed the length of the strap between the loop and the ratchet.

wheel bonnet measurement for end strap with ratchet

Note: Wheel Nets and Bonnet Straps with 2 connection points may rest/tilt further forward or rearward depending on the size of your tires and location of connection points.

Single Strap Side Mount Wheel Nets

Measure the circumference around the tire horizontally.

Measure from the tire to where you will connect to either a D-ring on the floor or rail on the side of the trailer.

The sum of these two measurements should be less than the length of the strap.

single-strap-side-mount-wheel-net

Side-Mount Wheel Nets with Two Extension Straps

Measure the circumference around the tire horizontally.

For the top strap, measure the width over the top of your tire from where you want your horizontal strap to rest on the inside and outside of the tire. Make sure it will not interfere with other wheel or suspension parts.

Measure the distance from the horizontal strap down to where you will connect the two ratchet or cam buckle ends of the strap.

These should not exceed the length of the straps from the loop to the end fittings.

Some side-mount wheel net options come with chain extension end fittings, which can be added to your overall calculations as well.

 single-strap-side-mount-wheel-net

Questions?

If you need more information or help deciding which auto tie down will work best for your application, call to speak to one of our product experts today!