Trailer Tie Downs
Types of Trailer Tie Downs
Depending in exactly what it is you are trying to secure, there are quite a few options when it comes to trailer tie downs. That is a general term and includes lots and lots of products designed to keep whatever you are carrying safely and securely in the truck.
From the most basic piece of rope the next step up is an elastic cord known by most people as bungee cords. These are generally not recommended for securing anything because they weaken over time and have been known to break.
Slightly more expensive are the ratchet tie down straps. These types of trailer tie downs come in varying widths and can work really well as long as there is something to run the strap through to keep the load not only strapped together but in the truck too. Mostly made from nylon ratchet tie down strips do not have much stretch to them and hold up over long periods of time and don’t tend to be affected much by the UV rays from the Sun either.
Small width straps are available at most big box stores. Larger ratchet tie down straps can be purchased at car trailer ratchet straps. These usually come with a much larger handle to allow you to really put tighten the straps to keep the load really secure. One these they usually have a hook on one end and a metal loop on the other so it’s easy to put the strap completely around the load and easily tighten the straps.
Another type of trailer tie down straps is the motorcycle tie downs. You can use other types of tie downs for your motorcycle but if you buy a motorcycle tie down kit they usually come with a motorcycle wheel chock too. Without a doubt the easiest way to trailer a motorcycle safely. Just know that some motorcycle tie downs require you to drill holes in the bed of the truck too. That’s to the straps can be attached to the floor plates. The floor plates come the a built in ring that folds down into the base plate so it will not get in the way when you are not hauling motorcycles.
Ratchet Tie Downs
Ratchet tie downs, or trailer tie downs also come packaged as marine tie downs too. These are very similar to the normal ratchet tie down but instead of having a hook on each end, marine tie downs usually have a hook on one end and a twisted loop on the other. That combination makes hauling easier and more secure. Marine tie downs also tend to have larger ratchet handles so it’s easier to apply more pressure when tightening the straps.
The varieties trailer tie downs seem almost endless with different types, widths, lengths, connectors, etc. Give some thought to exactly what it is you want the trailer tie down straps to do. Do you need a lot of versatility or will you be hauling the same thing over and over? For most people the things being secured can be pretty expensive, like motorcycles or cars or even boats. When you are securing something that costs that much money it’s probably not a good idea to scrimp and buy the cheapest trailer tie downs. That little bit of money you saved when buying trailer tie downs could turn out to be a very expensive decision in the end.
A lot of places sell trailer tie downs but don’t have a very wide selection to choose from. We have found the widest variety of types of tie downs and the lowest prices here.
