Transporting Cars: Is It Better to Secure the Wheel or Chassis?

Hauling your prized possession on a trailer can be nerve-wracking. One wrong move, and your gleaming beauty could end up with a nasty scratch—or even worse. So, when it comes to securing your car, the age-old question arises: is it better to tie down the wheels or the chassis? Let's dig deep into the pros and cons of each method, explore the best tools for the job, and give you the confidence to make the right choice, every time.

Securing the Chassis: A Solid Choice for Stability

Securing a vehicle by its chassis is a tried-and-true method that's favored for its ability to provide exceptional stability during transport. Here's why this method is often considered the gold standard:

• Direct Connection to the Vehicle's Frame: When you secure your car by the chassis, you're attaching directly to the strongest part of the vehicle—the frame. This connection minimizes the risk of movement during transport, which is crucial for preventing damage to the car or trailer.
• Stability Over Bumps and Uneven Terrain: The chassis provides a rigid point of attachment, keeping the car stable even when you encounter bumps, potholes, or uneven terrain. This is particularly important for long hauls where the road conditions might not be perfect.
• Best for High Ground Clearance Vehicles: For vehicles with higher ground clearance, securing the chassis is straightforward and effective. The additional height allows for easy access to suspension components or dedicated tie-down points, making the process smoother and safer.

But, securing the chassis isn't always a walk in the park, especially with low-lying cars.

The Challenge of Low-Sitting Cars

When dealing with cars that sit low to the ground, like sports cars or custom vehicles, accessing the chassis can be a real challenge. Why?

In general, the lower the car, the harder it is to reach suspension components or frame rails without damaging the car's bodywork. Trying to thread a strap under a low-sitting car can be a nightmare, especially without the right tools.

Improperly securing the chassis on a low-lying car can result in scratches, dents, or even more severe damage. The risk of misplacement or overtightening is high, making this method less appealing for cars with low clearance. So, for low-lying vehicles, securing the wheels often becomes the preferred option.

Securing the Wheels: A Safer Bet for Low-Riding Cars

Securing the car by its wheels can be a safer and more convenient option, especially for vehicles with low ground clearance. Here's why this method is gaining popularity:

• Avoids Underbody Damage: When you secure the wheels, you eliminate the need to reach under the car, which drastically reduces the risk of damaging the underbody. This is especially important for sports cars, luxury vehicles, or any car with a low profile.
• Wheel Nets and Wheel Straps: Specialized tools like wheel nets or wheel straps are designed to hug the tires snugly, ensuring the car stays in place without putting strain on other parts of the vehicle. These tools are engineered to distribute tension evenly across the wheel, preventing slippage or movement during transit.
• Easier to Secure: For many, the simplicity of attaching a strap to the wheels makes this method more appealing. There's no need to crawl under the car or find the perfect tie-down point. Just loop the straps over the wheels, tighten them down, and you're good to go.

While wheel securing is highly effective, it's not without its challenges. The key is knowing when and how to use this method properly.

Best Practices for Securing Wheels and Chassis

Whether you choose to secure the wheels or the chassis, following best practices is crucial to ensure safe and secure transport.

Use the Right Tools

To secure the chassis, axle straps and ratchet straps are your best friends here. Axle straps are designed to loop around suspension components or other secure points on the chassis, providing a strong, stable connection. Ratchet straps ensure the tension is just right without over-tightening, which could damage the vehicle.

Wheel nets or wheel straps are the go-to tools for securing the wheels. Make sure the straps are rated for the weight of your vehicle and that they fit snugly over the tires. These tools are designed to keep the wheels firmly in place, even over rough terrain.

Distribute the Load Evenly

When securing the chassis, it's important to balance the tension across all straps. Uneven tension can cause the car to shift during transport, leading to potential damage.

Also, make sure each wheel is secured with the same level of tension. This prevents one wheel from taking on more strain than the others, which could cause slippage or imbalance.

Check and Double-Check

Always double-check your straps before you hit the road. Make sure everything is tight, secure, and that there's no excess slack. A quick inspection can save you from potential disasters down the line.

When to Choose One Method Over the Other: Special Considerations

The decision to secure a car by its wheels or chassis often comes down to the specific vehicle you're transporting and the conditions of your transport.

• Weather Conditions: If you're transporting a vehicle in wet or icy conditions, securing by the chassis might provide better overall stability, preventing the vehicle from shifting due to slippery surfaces.
• Type of Trailer: Enclosed trailers often have tie-down points that are more conducive to wheel securing, while open trailers might offer better access to the chassis for direct securing.
• Distance of Transport: For shorter distances, wheel securing might be sufficient, especially if the route is smooth and straightforward. However, for longer hauls over varying terrain, chassis securing might offer greater peace of mind.

The Best of Both Worlds - Choose the Right Method with Discount Ramps

When it comes to transporting cars, the decision between securing the wheel or the chassis isn't always black and white. It depends on the vehicle, the tools at your disposal, and the specific conditions of your transport.

At Discount Ramps, we offer a wide range of high-quality straps, wheel nets, axle straps, and all the other essential gear you need to secure your vehicle with confidence. Whether you're a pro hauler or just need to transport your car safely, we're here to answer all your questions and provide the gear you need for a smooth, secure journey. Don't leave it to chance—equip yourself with the best from Discount Ramps and make sure your car arrives in perfect shape, every time.