The Complete Auto Hauler Strap Kit: What Every Trailer Needs
The Complete Auto Hauler Strap Kit: What Every Trailer Needs
Why Your Strap Kit Matters as Much as Your Trailer
A quality trailer paired with worn-out, wrong-size, or missing straps is still a liability. Your securement system is what keeps inventory on the trailer through emergency stops, highway curves, and rough road surfaces. Getting the kit right means you're never improvising on a load — and you're never side-of-the-road waiting for a replacement part to be delivered.
The professional approach is to build your kit by position and vehicle type, carry spares, and standardize so every driver on your operation uses the same equipment the same way.
The Core Kit: What Every Auto Transport Trailer Needs
Axle Straps
Recommended quantity: 8–16 (2–4 per vehicle position)The backbone of most open-carrier tie-down systems. Axle straps handle the rear attachment on the majority of standard passenger vehicles. Run two per rear axle position — one angled forward, one angled rearward — to meet directional securement requirements. Minimum WLL 3,333 lbs each. Shop axle straps →
Lasso / Lasso Straps
Recommended quantity: 8–16 (to cover front positions and problem vehicles)Front tire positions on open carriers are typically served by lasso straps, which install quickly from above. Also your go-to for lowered vehicles, sports cars, or any vehicle where axle access is blocked by suspension geometry. Ensure the loop cinches cleanly on your most common tire widths. Shop lasso straps →
V Bridle Straps
Recommended quantity: 4–8 (one per front tie-down position)V bridles provide two-point forward securement from a single ratchet at front vehicle positions. They give you lateral stability without doubling your ratchet count. Standard on many professional open-carrier setups at the front of each vehicle. Match your V bridle hook type to your trailer's anchor points. Shop V bridle straps →
Steering Wheel Straps
Recommended quantity: 1 per vehicle position (minimum)Federal regulation requires that each transported vehicle have its steering prevented from rotating freely. Steering wheel straps are the standard solution — fast to install, consistent, and clearly visible during an inspection. Keep enough on the trailer for every position, plus two spares. Shop steering wheel straps →
Ratchet Assemblies
Recommended quantity: 8–16 (one per tie-down position, plus spares)Even the best webbing strap fails if the ratchet mechanism is worn out. Carry enough ratchets for every strap position plus two or three spares. Replace ratchets that slip, jam, or have damaged release levers — a ratchet that won't release at the destination is a problem you don't want at a dealer lot. Shop ratchets →
Position-by-Position Kit Guide for an 8-Car Open Carrier
| Position | Front Tie-Down | Rear Tie-Down | Steering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower deck — standard car/truck | V bridle or lasso (2-point) | Axle strap (2-point) | Steering wheel strap |
| Lower deck — lowered vehicle | Lasso strap (front tire) | Lasso strap (rear tire) | Steering wheel strap |
| Upper deck — any vehicle | Lasso strap (fastest install from above) | Lasso or axle strap | Steering wheel strap |
| Rear overhang position | Axle or lasso (2 forward straps) | Axle strap (2 rearward) | Steering wheel strap |
Specialty Items: Add These for a Complete Kit
Corner Protectors / Edge Guards
Keep 6–10 on the trailerAnywhere a strap runs over a body panel edge, door sill, or bumper, a corner protector prevents contact damage to paint and strap abrasion. Essential for enclosed carrier work and for any vehicle with sharp body lines that could cut into webbing over a long haul. Shop corner protectors →
Rubber Cleats / Wheel Chocks
Keep 4–8 sets on the trailerWheel chocks and rubber cleats prevent wheel roll during loading and staging — before the straps are fully tensioned. They also add a secondary physical barrier on heavily loaded upper deck positions. Shop rubber cleats →
Tow Dolly Wheel Nets (if applicable)
1 set per dollyIf any vehicle in your operation uses a tow dolly, purpose-built tow dolly wheel nets are mandatory — not substitutable with general lasso straps. Size them to fit your dolly ramp width and the tire range you typically haul. Shop tow dolly wheel nets →
What to Keep as Spares
Professionals don't find out they have a bad strap at the shipper's lot with a full load waiting. Build a spare kit that travels with the truck:
| Item | Spare Qty to Carry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Axle straps | 4 | Most common replacement need; wear faster on heavy loads |
| Lasso straps | 4 | Loop stitching wears at high use; front positions turn over faster |
| Steering wheel straps | 2 | Frequently borrowed, lost, or forgotten; cheap to carry extras |
| Ratchet assemblies | 2 | Mechanism failures happen without warning |
| Corner protectors | 4 | Lightweight, inexpensive, protect expensive paint |
| V bridle straps | 2 | Hook damage is common; keep a backup for front positions |
Store spares smart: Keep spare straps in a labeled bag or bin — not loose in the toolbox where they pick up grit and grease that accelerates webbing wear. A clean, organized spare kit also makes pre-trip inspection faster because you know exactly what you have on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many straps do I need for a 10-car carrier?
A standard 10-car open carrier needs a minimum of 4 tie-down straps per vehicle position = 40 straps minimum, plus steering wheel straps for each position. In practice, most 10-car haulers carry 60–80 straps total to cover different position types (axle vs. lasso), maintain spares, and handle a variety of vehicle types across different loads. The exact count depends on your trailer configuration and how many positions use V bridles versus individual straps.
How often should I replace straps in my kit?
Replace any strap immediately if it shows cuts, fraying, damaged hardware, or missing WLL labels. For straps that pass visual inspection, most manufacturers recommend retirement at 3–5 years for regular use. High-volume operations (5+ loads per week) should inspect more frequently and lean toward annual replacement on the highest-use positions. Building inspection into your weekly pre-trip routine catches degradation before it becomes a violation.
Is it worth buying strap kits vs. individual straps?
Kits are the better value if the included combination matches what you actually need. If you're building a kit from scratch and you know you need a specific mix of axle straps, lasso straps, and V bridles, a pre-configured kit saves time and typically costs less than buying each component individually. If you're restocking specific items that are worn out, buying individual replacements makes more sense than replacing parts of a kit that are still serviceable.