How to compare auto tie-down straps:

Just because they're yellow and come with ratchets and tread grabs doesn't mean all auto tie-down wheel straps are the same. As one of the nation's biggest suppliers of auto transport tie-down assemblies, we've studied every aspect of ratchet wheel straps. The following list of points comes from our own experience dealing with all of the issues that can come up when trying to make a quality product that will last.

1. Is the strap made from 12,000 pound webbing? There are some out there that are made with 10,000 pound material.
2. Is the strap material made in the USA? We've seen some import stuff that looked pretty bad after just a few months. When they're new, however, it's hard to spot the difference.
3. Is the strap fabricated in the USA? Again, we've seen some pretty gnarly stuff out there. It's kind of hard to evaluate stitch patterns from a grainy picture on the Internet or in a catalog. Ask for American.
4. Is the strap tagged with safe working load limit? We've seen straps being sold with no tags at all. We've seen some straps sold with working loads BELOW 2500 LBS. The best straps come with a 3000 LB working load limit or higher.
5. What is the safe working load limit of the assembly? We've seen straps that had ratings below 1700 LBS. Actual breaking strengths may vary between 5000 and 10000 pounds!
6. What is the length of the strap? Just a few years ago, an 8 foot strap was plenty long. With all the 22 inch tires on cars these days, you really should consider buying a strap that is 10 feet long.
7. Will the strap hooks fit your trailer's deck hole pattern? There is a great deal of variability in double J hooks and swivel J hooks, and not all hooks fit all deck plate hole patterns. If you don't ask, and the hooks won't fit, will they allow you to return the straps? Will they give you a credit for the shipping costs as well as the purchase price?
8. Does your strap come with a warranty? Our AA line of straps is warranteed against manufacturing defects for 90 days.
9. Is the ratchet designed for auto transport? Ideally, you want a short-wide handle. Our short-wides are 2 inches shorter, but you can still get your hand into them wearing a glove. Some companies will just sell you the same big ratchet they use for their general tie-down straps. In the world of auto hauling, less is often more!
10. Can you get free shipping on fleet-quantity orders?

Last, but not least...

Autohauler Supply offers some sweet pricing and fast service on car hauler straps, but NEVER at the expense of quality or safety. We've pretty much made a name for ourselves just on straps alone. The reason our prices are so good is because we sell a lot of straps... over 10,000 of them in 2005. When you sell a lot of wheel straps, you get better pricing. And since your order ships direct from the manufacturer, you don't have to pay for a lot of extra overhead. If you have any questions about the safe use of these ratchet wheel straps, please give us a call, toll-free: 866-855-HAUL (4285)