How to tie down a car on a trailer: a 4-point checklist

Start with the right position

Weight placement decides how the trailer tows. Load roughly 60% of the weight in front of the trailer axles and no more than 40% behind them, and never put more weight at the back than at the front. The tongue should carry about 10–15% of the total trailer weight. If you can, check the loaded weight on a scale.

The 4-point method

1. Park the vehicle on the deck, put it in park (or in gear for a manual) and set the parking brake.
2. Attach one strap at each of the four corners, using the tie-down anchors on the trailer and a strap that fits over the tire or an axle strap rated for the job.
3. Angle the straps outward from the corners of the vehicle so each pair pulls against the other. Straps that all pull straight down allow the car to rock.
4. Ratchet each strap evenly until the suspension is just compressed. Tight enough to hold, not so tight that you damage the vehicle.
5. Tuck the loose strap ends so they cannot flap or reach a wheel, then attach the safety chains and check lights and brakes.

What the federal rule says

The federal cargo securement rule for automobiles, light trucks and vans up to 10,000 lb requires the vehicle to be restrained at the front and at the rear against lateral, forward, rearward and vertical movement, using a minimum of two tiedowns. When tiedowns go over or around the wheels, they must restrain the vehicle in the lateral, longitudinal and vertical directions, and any tiedown attached to the vehicle's structure must use mounting points designed for that purpose.

That rule is written for commercial operations, but it is a good benchmark. Our recommended standard is stricter: four points, one at each corner.

Mistakes we see most

• Strapping to suspension parts or the bumper instead of a point designed for tie-downs.
• Using only two straps because the rule says a minimum of two.
• Over-tightening until the car's suspension is fully compressed.
• Skipping the re-check: straps settle after the first miles.

Re-check after the first 10 miles

Pull over somewhere safe soon after you leave and check every strap, the hitch, the chains and the lights. Straps loosen as the load settles, and it is far easier to fix at mile ten than at mile ninety.

Renting an enclosed Atlas trailer? It comes with tie-down anchors in a three-line layout and straps, and we walk through the securement with you at pickup.

Sources

• Cargo securement for automobiles, light trucks and vans — 49 CFR § 393.128 (Cornell LII)
• Towing a trailer: tongue load 10–15% and 60/40 loading — Kia owner's manual