Whether you're transporting a race car to the circuit, collecting a project car or moving a classic vehicle, securing your car correctly to a trailer is one of the most important parts of the journey.
Using the correct wheel straps and ratchets helps keep your vehicle securely positioned during transport, reducing the risk of movement under braking, acceleration or cornering.
At Hampshire Trailer Co, we regularly help customers transport vehicles using our Brian James A-Transporter car trailers. In this guide, we'll explain the equipment you'll need, how to secure your car using wheel straps and the essential checks to complete before setting off.
What Equipment Do You Need to Strap a Car to a Trailer?
Before securing your vehicle, make sure you have the correct equipment for your car, trailer and restraint system.
You'll typically need:
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Four suitable wheel restraint assemblies – designed to secure the vehicle by its tyres.
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Ratchet tensioners – to apply the correct tension to each restraint.
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Approved trailer anchor points – suitable for the restraint system and load.
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A suitable car transporter trailer – with sufficient payload capacity and the correct dimensions for your vehicle.
Always check the working load limits and condition of your straps and ratchets before use. Damaged, frayed or unsuitable restraints should never be used.
Step 1: Position Your Car on the Trailer
Before fitting any straps, ensure your vehicle is correctly positioned on the trailer.
Load the vehicle carefully, following the trailer manufacturer's instructions and ensuring the vehicle's weight is distributed correctly.
Pay particular attention to the trailer's nose weight, gross weight limit and axle loading. Incorrect positioning can negatively affect towing stability.
Once positioned, apply the vehicle's parking brake and switch off the engine before beginning the securing process.
Top tip: Don't assume that positioning the vehicle centrally over the trailer axles automatically provides the correct nose weight. Vehicle weight distribution varies significantly between models.
Step 2: Position the Wheel Straps
Wheel straps are designed to restrain the vehicle through its tyres, allowing the vehicle's suspension to move independently during transport.
Begin by positioning the first wheel strap over the tyre, following the instructions for your particular restraint system.
Ensure that:
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The strap is correctly seated on the tyre.
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The restraint is compatible with the tyre size.
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The strap isn't twisted.
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All hooks and fittings are connected to approved anchor points.
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The strap is clear of sharp edges and vulnerable vehicle components.
Different wheel restraint systems use different attachment methods, so always follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
Step 3: Tighten the Ratchet Straps
Once the strap is correctly positioned and attached, use the ratchet to tension the restraint.
Remove any slack and tighten the strap in accordance with the manufacturer's guidance.
The restraint should hold the tyre securely without damaging the wheel, tyre or restraint equipment.
Close and secure the ratchet mechanism once the correct tension has been achieved.
Important: Avoid using additional leverage or excessively tightening the ratchet. Follow the restraint manufacturer's recommended method and tensioning instructions.
Step 4: Secure the Remaining Wheels
Repeat the process for the remaining wheels, using the restraint configuration specified for your trailer and equipment.
For a typical four-wheel restraint arrangement, each wheel is secured individually.
Check that every strap is correctly routed, tensioned and attached to its designated anchor points.
Never assume that securing only the front or rear wheels is sufficient unless this is explicitly permitted by the approved restraint system and applicable load-securing requirements.
Step 5: Carry Out Your Final Safety Checks
Before setting off, take a few minutes to inspect the entire vehicle and trailer.
Check that:
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All wheel restraints are correctly fitted and tensioned.
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Ratchets are properly closed and secured.
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Hooks and fittings are fully engaged with approved anchor points.
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Loose strap ends are secured and cannot drag or become entangled.
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The vehicle is correctly positioned and within the trailer's weight limits.
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The trailer coupling, breakaway cable, lighting and tyres have been checked.
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The towing vehicle and trailer combination is suitable and legal.
Check the restraints again after the initial part of your journey and periodically thereafter, particularly after travelling over uneven roads.
Common Mistakes When Strapping a Car to a Trailer
Even experienced drivers can make mistakes when securing vehicles for transport.
Some of the most common include:
Using incorrect straps: Not all ratchet straps are designed for wheel restraint applications. Use equipment suitable for your vehicle and trailer.
Twisting the straps: Twisted webbing can prevent the restraint from sitting correctly and may affect its performance.
Using unsuitable anchor points: Only use anchor points approved for the intended restraint loads.
Failing to secure loose ends: Excess webbing can flap in the wind, become damaged or interfere with trailer components.
Forgetting to recheck the load: Straps can settle during the journey, making regular checks important.
Taking a few extra minutes to inspect your setup can help prevent costly damage and unsafe towing conditions.
Watch Our Video: How to Strap a Car to a Trailer
Prefer to see the process in action?
We've put together a practical video demonstrating how to secure a car to a trailer using wheel straps and ratchets.
Our video walks through the equipment, strap positioning, ratchet operation and final safety checks.
Car Trailer Hire in Hampshire
If you're planning to transport a vehicle, Hampshire Trailer Co offers a range of Brian James A-Transporter car trailers available to hire.
Our fleet includes:
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4m Car Transporter – ideal for many smaller cars, track cars and lightweight vehicles.
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5m Car Transporter – offering additional loading length and payload capacity for suitable larger vehicles.
Our trailers feature hydraulic tilt beds, manual winches and extendable loading ramps, helping make vehicle loading and transportation more convenient.
Based near Fareham, Hampshire, we provide car trailer hire for customers across Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and the surrounding areas.
Whether you're heading to a track day, collecting a classic car or moving a project vehicle, we're here to help you find a suitable trailer.
Browse Our Car Trailers & Book Online
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only. Always follow the instructions supplied with your trailer and restraint equipment, and ensure your towing combination and load comply with applicable UK requirements.