To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Making Custom Length Car Tie Down Straps?

lbperry

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 11, 2012
Messages
399
Location
North AL
I'd like some custom length straps for the front of my car to use in conjuction with rear ratchet straps when trailer towing it. Just a hook at each end with a specific length strap in between.
I've got a pretty good supply of strapping and end hooks that could be used to fab them up. I know this is probably not a DIY job, but being as cheap as I am, I just had to ask. Any comments or ideas on how to do them or get them done or buy them? Economically, of course.:rolleyes:
Thanks for any input,
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

thejudges69

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 1, 2012
Messages
4,454
Location
youngstown, ohio
I don't really understand what your asking, so you want to use 4 straps and 2 ratchets? the best option for car tie downs is to go over each tire with a strap. Thomas C. Sunday auto transport sells car straps that they designed themselves that goes over the tire hooks on both sides of the tire and then the ratchet is out in front or behind the car so the ratchet does not touch the car in any way. You can contact them. I'm pretty sure they sell them. What your wanting to do if I'm reading it right does not sound safe. You should have 4 tie down points on every vehicle according to the FMCSA rule book on tie downs. The law can very well right a ticket for insecured load, and you don't want to deal with that. if the vehicle articulates or bends in the middle it is required to have 4 tie down points on each section of the machine or vehicle. also keep in mind that if you use 2 straps and one breaks in transit and you don't catch it in time, it could result in severe damage to the vehicle or even an accident if a broken strap get caught under a tire at highway speeds.

Not trying to detear you from making this, but I know from personal experience that the DOT for "EVERY" state is pushing real hard, these states are severely broke and they are using the trucks as sources of income. I know also in my area they are focusing on smaller contractors and guys pulling trailers for insecured loads because there clueless on how to tie down and there not doing it safe and the roll with either loose chains and straps, or no chains or straps. Or there getting them for weight rating on tiedown equipment. I know in canada it is required by law to have the weight stamped on the tiedown device, straps to be labeled, chains must be G70 rated and binders must have a rating as well and it better be high enough for what your doing with it. The same applies in the states for chains and binder, not so much straps. Straps in the states can not be frayed or ripped more the 25% of the way through, example a 4 inch strap can not have more the a 1 inch long rip in it. chains can not be rubbed or worn down on the links.

Sorry for the long post, I just want you to be aware of whats going on. If you are not sure of the securement laws you should visit the FMCSA website and read up. I know a lot of guys that say......ahhh there not looking for me, there looking at truckers. Thats not true, were out there doing our job everyday and they know that majority of the people pulling small trailers with cars and equipment don't have near the background that we do, so they are focusing more on them. Good luck with your venture, and what ever you decide make sure its safe, remember your not the only one on the road and in the event of ANY accident the largest majority of them can be prevented, and you can never over secure a load but its simple to undersecure it.
 
OP
L

lbperry

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 11, 2012
Messages
399
Location
North AL
Thanks for the detailed reply, Judge. I was looking for a good take on what I'm trying to do.
To clarify my situation, I'm looking for two fixed length straps to go from each lower A-Frame of the front suspension forward to D-rings on the deck deck of the open trailer. In the rear I have crossed ratchet straps from the lower shock brackets to D-rings at the rear of the trailer to provide tension and some centering of the car.
I want some fixed length front straps so I can get the car in the right balance spot on the trailer quick and easy and then set the rears for a quick/secure load.
I like the looks of the over the wheel straps but I never have been able to get my head around them being more secure than frame straps. And I'd have to mod the trailer to properly mount them. Did I mention that I was cheap?
I agree that I need go DOT on whatever I get rather than try to rig up something myself. I just really hate so see all the strap and hooks I have go to waste.
I'll check with discountramps to see if they, or any others can provide me with a fixed length strap with the type hooks on it that I want.
Once again, I appreciate the reply and advice.
 
Last edited:

Sureshot

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Jan 3, 2011
Messages
3,134
Location
Bridge Creek, OK
Good advice regarding the crackdown on securement. I heard of a trucker here local hauling pipe getting a ticket. You need a strap every 10' and he had one 10' plus a couple inches and got a ticket. These are 40' lengths he is hauling so he had 5 straps just a hair far apart on one. Also a big push on unsecured items. That is anything loose. They expect that you should be able to pick up a truck upside down and keep the load secure.

To answer your original question though, I have had straps made for a special app. Go to a saddle or leather maker. Or possibly any other place with a heavy duty sewing machine. If you do not know of one just check with a tailor for a reference or even a motorcycle shop. I have had saddlebags and chaps sewn as well.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

thejudges69

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 1, 2012
Messages
4,454
Location
youngstown, ohio
the wheel straps are very secure, I saw a car hauler once with them that was greasy side up and the cars never moved on the racks.

As for tieing down long pieces, anything over 38 feet you should have 2 straps within the first 2 feet of the trailer or load, depending on if it is hanging off the front of the trailer or not. so, if its sitting on the trailer fully, you should have 2 securment devices in the first 2 feet and 3 within the first 5 then every 10 feet after that. when hauling small stuff your required 1 strap for anything under 4 feet, anything over is required to have at least 2 then as it gets longer is when its 1 every 10. The securement laws are really tricky, I've never been busted on an insecure load, I have tendancy to put to much on.

A good tarp shop should be able to make you these in nylon so there easy to store, I have seen tie down straps on aw direct and galls that are different lengths with hooks on one end and d rings on the other.
 

thejudges69

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 1, 2012
Messages
4,454
Location
youngstown, ohio
also, I know a lot of people cross straps and chains, keep in mind, that you are by law suppose to have something between them if they are rubbing, I've seen guys zip tie rubber pieces to it. nylon straps rubbing will wear very fast.

Are you wanting to do away with ratchets in the front? basically pull on, hook the straps and back up so there tight then put ratchets on the back to keep it tight?
 
OP
L

lbperry

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 11, 2012
Messages
399
Location
North AL
Exactly, Judge. I want to put plain straps on the front; back it up so they're taut and the car is properly positioned and put the crossed ratchet straps on the rear.
And I will start using something between the crossed straps to cut out the rubbing.
Thanks
 

RCman

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 25, 2010
Messages
252
I can't believe this company has not come up yet, but call MAC's Custom Tie Downs.
They made some custom length ones for my trailer/Jeep for no additional charge.
Much higher quality webbing and sewing than the cheap $17 ones listed above. There are many places someone can get away with being frugal & cheap, but securing down a load properly should not be one of them.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom