How to Secure a Vehicle on an 8 X 18-foot Wooden Deck Car Hauler Trailer

Updated 03/05/2014 | Published 03/02/2014

Products Featured in This Question

40" Vinyl Coated Safety Cables with Clevis Hook (Qty. 2) by Dutton-Lainson, 6,500 lbs.

(91)

$74.39

Erickson Axle Strap with D-Rings - 2" Wide x 24" Long - 1,650 lbs

(201)

$10.75

Backing Plate for Brophy Recessed D-Ring Tie-Down Anchor

(74)

$16.14

Brophy D-Ring Tie Down Anchor - Bolt-On - 4-7/8" Wide - Recessed Mount - 1,600 lbs

(685)

$12.79

Brophy D-Ring Tie Down Anchor w Backing Plate - Bolt-On - 1/2" Wide - Recessed - 1,600 lbs

(394)

$27.53

Brophy D-Ring Tie Down Anchor - Bolt-On - 3-1/2" Wide - Surface Mount - 1,600 lbs

(685)

$8.48

Question:

I have an 8x18foot car trailer with a full wooden deck. I want to get 3/8inch chain and binders for use with the trailer but dont know how long of a chain to get. If I haul a vehicle ill obviously need it chained at each end but have never hauled a car before so I dont know what length of chain to get. I do know I will be getting 70 grade 3/8inch chain

asked by: Travis M

Expert Reply:

To secure your vehicle on the wood deck of your 8 X 18-foot car hauler trailer I suggest you consider straps rather than chains. Straps offer lighter weight, reduced chance for scratching the vehicle and are often easier to use than chains. They also will not corrode like chains. The Dutton-Lainson 40-inch cables you referenced are intended for use with tow bars for flat-towed vehicles. We have better options for you.

For example, we offer the Erickson Car Tie Down, part # 58503. It can be used along with axle strap # 58506 and your choice of deck tie-down, such as Brophy # RR5K, # SR15-C, or # RR05 along with # BP05. Four of these ratcheting tie-downs if used with four axle straps and four tie-downs would provide a total working load limit of 6600-lbs (4 x 1650-lbs) that should cover you for most passenger vehicles.

This set up would allow you to more easily secure the vehicle to and release the vehicle from the trailer deck because the ratcheting straps will take far less time to be adjusted to the vehicle.