Tie-Down Points & Load Restraint
A vehicle is a rigid, high-value, oddly-shaped load — restraining it correctly is a different problem to restraining loose material, and the consequences of getting it wrong are worse.
Anchor Points
A general-purpose car trailer should provide at least four usable, rated structural tie-down points positioned around the loaded vehicle — one primary securement position near each corner — supporting the standard four-strap method. These are chassis-integrated points on the trailer itself, not to be confused with the vehicle's own tie-down or towing points, which are a separate consideration below.
Strap Angles
The minimum effective lashing angle for restraint is 35° from horizontal. Front straps should run forward and slightly outward from the vehicle to the trailer's front anchor points; rear straps run backward and slightly outward, mirroring the front pair to create balanced restraint on all four corners. Hooks should connect to trailer anchor points at roughly 45°. A strap running nearly flat/horizontal to its anchor point provides significantly less effective restraint against vertical bounce than one at a proper angle.
What to Attach To — and What Not To
Use the vehicle's own manufacturer-approved tie-down or towing points where they exist. Never attach straps or hooks to steering arms, brake lines, suspension components, or bare sheet metal — none of these are designed to take restraint loads and can be damaged or fail. For vehicles without approved tie-down points — common on older or restored cars — wheel straps or soft loops around the tyre/wheel avoid the problem entirely by not attaching to the chassis or bodywork at all.
General Load Restraint Principles
Beyond vehicle-specific tie-down points, load restraint on any trailer is governed by the National Transport Commission's Load Restraint Guide — the load must be properly restrained, not exceed the trailer's mass limits, and not obscure lights, reflectors, indicators or the number plate. These general principles apply to a car trailer exactly as they apply to any other load type.
Questions & Answers
How many tie-down points does a car trailer need?
At least four usable, rated structural tie-down points — one near each corner of the loaded vehicle — to support the standard four-strap securement method.
What angle should tie-down straps be at?
A minimum of 35° from horizontal for effective restraint, with hooks connecting to the trailer's anchor points at roughly 45°. Straps running too flat/horizontal provide much weaker restraint against vertical movement.
Can I strap to my car's suspension or brake lines?
No — never attach tie-down straps or hooks to steering arms, brake lines, suspension components or bare sheet metal. Use the vehicle's manufacturer-approved tie-down/towing points, or wheel straps/soft loops if approved points aren't available.