Written byCar hauling can be a dream come true if you love cars. It looks easy and exciting until you face some bad experiences, like a fatal car accident.
In 2021, roughly 500,000 truck accidents occurred in America. In 2020, that figure stood at 415,444. Sadly, it is very widespread to have large truck fatal accidents.
They may be caused by various different reasons, including equipment malfunction, driver drowsiness, and dreadful weather conditions. Quite frequently, inaccurate securing of your vehicle results in road catastrophes. Choosing the right tools can make for a safer car transporting experience.
In this article, you will explore the best car securement tools that can help you safely transport your vehicles.
The Importance Of Car Transport Accessories
There’s a lot to think about when selecting the right kind of transport equipment for your car. You’ve got winch cables, ratchet straps, wheel chocks, and tie-down straps to name just a few. It’s better to select car transport equipment that will best protect your car.
As an example, open car carriers are a cheap option that can carry a few vehicles at a time. Conversely, an enclosed trailer offers the best solution for safeguarding your ATV, motorcycles, and expensive cars.
Also, operating with the correct type of equipment will keep you compliant with DOT and FMCSA regulations. It is compliance that keeps the police away, more money in your pocket, and your trucks safe.
How To Choose The Right Car Transport Equipment
Choosing high-quality securement tools for your vehicle can tremendously increase your chances of having safe transport. Investing in quality products usually yields positive results.A high-quality 2-inch ratchet strap, for instance, can ensure there’s proper tensioning over the wheels of your vehicle. They’ll last longer and cut down on replacement and repair costs.
They’ll last longer and cut down on replacement and repair costs. Some equipment comes with unique features, such as a removable handle and grab hooks, making your loading procedure easier. Not to mention, you’ll save time preparing and get on the road faster.
Even better, car transport equipment and their add-ons make it easier to support any type of vehicle. You’ll have a good combination of durability and compatibility. Utilizing high-quality materials heavily impacts the safety of your vehicle. Equally important, it helps you work more efficiently.
1. Car Tie-Down Straps Provide The Best Vehicle Protection
One of the most popular and dependable ways car haulers tie down cars is with tie-down straps. Whether with winch straps or tow dolly straps, these devices give necessary tension across a car’s tires, have several anchoring points available, and offer the versatility required for different hauling configurations. Depending on your requirements, there are various straps that can be found on the market, including axle straps, 8-point rollback tie-down systems with chain ends, ratchet tire straps having 3-wire J-hooks, and auto recovery straps—all created to ensure safe and secure transport of vehicles.
Not sure which strap makes the most sense for your job? Consider key factors such as the weight of your vehicle, the type of car you’re hauling, what FMCSA regulations recommend and how much securement you want over your vehicle. Basically, car straps can provide an adequate amount of protection over your vehicle.
2. Wheel Chocks Stop Your Vehicle From Rolling Away
Another great tool car haulers can use to promote a safe transport experience are wheel chocks. The majority of these wheel chocks are available in a wide range of models and materials, from rubber-made to steel and aluminum. They are known for their solidity and strength, and they serve a very crucial function in the securing of equipment and vehicles when loading, unloading, or parking them. Whether in commercial use or using for personal transport, the right design and material choice can make a huge difference in safety and stability.
3. Use Safety Chains & Loading Binders
Chains and load binders are another safety device car haulers can employ to keep vehicles tied down while being transported. Although chains do not provide the softest touch, they are very useful for holding vehicles firmly in one position on a trailer. Combined with load binders, chains can be properly tensioned to prevent any shifting or movement over the tires.
Load binders come in a number of styles to match various hauling requirements, ranging from removable handle binders to steamboat ratchet binders, Extreme models, and EZ binders. They are often made by some of the industry leaders’ most trusted brands, such as Peerless, Durabilt, Columbus McKinnon, and Pewag.
4. Invest In Winch Cables
Other securement tools that can provide the right amount of safety over your vehicles are winch cables. This transportation equipment can help recover wrecked cars. Simply spool the cables around the electric winch that’s mounted onto the back of your tow truck. The electric winch will wind up an unspooled cable, help haul the vehicle out of a ditch and onto your truck’s trailer. In other words, a winch cable is great to use in any vehicle recovery situation.
Use A Tarpaulin For Your Vehicles
Flatbed trailer tarps are an efficient way to offer complete coverage for a broad spectrum of cargo, such as steel, lumber, and cables. They also serve to protect vehicles from road debris and lower wind resistance during transport. With several types of tarps—lumber tarps, steel tarps, coil tarps, parachute tarps, and bee hauling tarps—their covers can be designed to suit particular hauling purposes.
Some tarp kits include useful add-ons such as repair tape, polyester cloth, grommets, and tarp cement that allow for convenience and easier customization. Tarps are also produced using a range of materials such as vinyl, polyester, and canvas. Some are specifically intended for protection from weather, while others target withstanding early wear and tear. For further cover in transportation, a properly fitted tarp can prove to be efficient and a sure option.
How To Maintain & Use Your Car Transport Tools The Right Way
To help get the most out of your car securement tools, make sure you’re keeping them well-maintained. Every time you use them, make sure they’re installed over your materials correctly. For example, transportation regulations state that truckers must use four straps to secure their vehicle. Refusing to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or even the DOT guidelines, can cost you a hefty fine. Even worse, you could risk damaging your tools and the vehicle you’re transporting.
Make sure to inspect your tools for any signs of tears, scratches or other forms of damage. You might be able to repair your tools but in some cases the damage might be too severe. It would be in your best interest to invest in a replacement. Also, properly cleaning your supplies with soap, water, and even greasing them down can ensure they remain in good working condition. More often than not, it’s a good idea to store them away in your cab racks or in dry areas.
Using the best tie-down strap, tow chain, chock, tarp or winch cable can make a huge difference in the level of security you provide over your vehicle. Not only that, but investing in high-quality materials can make you work more efficiently and save money. Researching companies and looking at their reviews can help you decide if they offer high-quality products. Even maintaining your tools can ensure they last longer and can provide optimal protection over your vehicle.
Altogether, these aspects keep you compliant with DOT and FMCSA regulations. When you prioritize the safety of your vehicles, you won’t have to worry about encountering any issues on the road.
