Car hauling sounds like a joyride at first glance, but there’s actually a lot of work that goes into transporting vehicles. For instance, truckers need to make sure they’re using the right auto towing and hauling equipment to ensure the safety of the car. You’ll need everything from Axle Straps, Loading Skates, to Winch Cables to make sure your car is properly secure over your flatbed trailer or truck bed.
All Your Essential Equipment for Auto Hauling
Honestly, who doesn’t want to gawk at foreign cars all day? If cars are your jam, then auto hauling is the job for you. Though, keep in mind that there are a few materials you’ll need to get started on your car hauling journey.
Auto Hauling Straps:
These short ratchet straps are designed to provide optimal securement of your vehicle over your trailer. Their heavy-duty polyester webbing is strong enough to prevent it from shifting during transport. Auto-Hauling Straps come in several different styles, which are the Over-The-Wheel Straps, Side-Mount-Wheel Nets, Tow Dolly Straps and Axle Straps.
This car hauling supplies also come with a wide array of end-fittings, such as RJ Hooks. Choosing the proper end-fitting will make sure the straps stay connected to your truck bed and you never runaway from the road.
Tow Straps:
Other car hauling supplies include the Tow Strap. Much like the Auto-Hauling Straps, this equipment is made out of durable polyester. Though, it lacks stretching capabilities and flexibility. While Tow Straps can’t recover a vehicle, they can tow a vehicle to a nearby car repair shop or person’s residence. Though, their lack of flexibility allows for the driver to have more control over the car and prevent loss of the vehicle.
Loading Skates:
This equipment for auto hauling is also made of heavy duty, recycled plastic that allows them to move cars when the wheels aren’t functioning properly. More specifically, use a car jack to elevate the vehicle off the ground, before placing the Loading Skates beneath each wheel and lower the car on top of them. Afterwards, tow the vehicle by attaching the towing cable to the car’s frame with a hook and pull it. This allows you to maneuver the vehicle more easily to the desired location.
Tie-Down Chains:
Though, a car shipment might require the use of tie-down chains. These towing supplies come plated with gold chromate, which helps prevent them from developing rust. Not to mention, they’re made of steel and come in grade 70, making them pretty durable. Additionally, tie-down chains have a higher working load limit (WLL) and they won’t lose their tension over the course of the transit. It’s clear to see why a car hauler might opt for a tie-down chain versus an auto-hauling strap.
Car Tie Down Hooks:
While chains are made out of some pretty heavy-duty materials, their end-fittings pack on another layer of strength. Not only will you need to use the right chain but also their proper end-fittings to get the job done. Equally important, an end-fitting can anchor a tie-down on the bed or side of a car carrier. You’ll more than likely need to use a RTJ-hook end-fitting. Specifically, R-hooks work well with Ford vehicles, T-hooks are compatible with GM and Chrysler vehicles, and J-hooks go best with foreign cars.
Wheel Chocks:
Furthermore, Wheel Chocks also keep your vehicle secure during the towing process. In more detail, they prevent the car from rocking or rolling backward over your trailer during transportation. Even better, they have a wealth of uses. They can be used on any wheel size. Additionally, they can chock a sedan, a pickup truck or even a piece of machinery. Wheel Chocks come in a variety of different sizes and matching hardware as well, making them all the more effective.
Height Sticks:
Speaking of being effective, Height Sticks can ensure that your truck and cargo meet all driving regulations. Naturally, when car hauling, your trailer or truck bed can increase in height. Unfortunately, some truckers have damaged their cars simply by not meeting height regulations set by the Federal Department of Transportation laws. Moreover, the regulations state that the maximum legal height of a flatbed load is 13ft, 6in. Not only do Height Sticks make your job easier but they also keep you compliant with state laws.
Shackles:
On the other hand, Shackles, also referred to as Anchor Shackles, are used in conjunction with heavy-duty Tow Straps to pull up extremely heavy cars. It even works with awkwardly shaped cargo. Their forged carbon steel construction prevents them from breaking under pressure and the stress of towing jobs. Furthermore, this auto hauling supplies comes in several different sizes and WLL. Even better, trailer shackles can anchor two slings simultaneously, to help lift a heavy vehicle or cargo.
Winch Cables:Winch Cables can be used to recover wrecked cars. These cables are wrapped around the electric winches that are mounted onto your trailer. Furthermore, the electric winch can roll up an unspooled cable in record time. This allows a car hauler to quickly haul the car out of a ditch and load it onto the truck’s trailer. These auto hauling supplies are made of durable material that makes them practically invincible. You can run them over and they won’t break.
Winch Bar:
Winch bars have multiple uses. They can either secure a car over a flatbed using a tie-down method or anchor a vehicle to a car carrier using auto-hauling straps. To explain, the winch bar will ensure that a car remains over a trailer or truck bed throughout transport. These long, steel bars are used to tighten or loosen winch straps or chains that secure a car. The last thing you want is for the straps over your vehicle to be loose during transit and lose the car.
Why Should You Use High-Quality Hauling Equipment and Supplies?
Moreover, there are several reasons to choose high-quality auto hauling equipment versus used products.
- They’re Long-Lasting:High-quality equipment can stand the test of time better than a used piece of hardware. Some auto hauling equipment even comes rust and crush-resistant. Invest in materials that will last for years.
- Avoid Costly Replacements:Speaking of being long-lasting, high-quality car-hauling supplies can mean spending less money on replacement parts. That’s why it’s better to invest in well-crafted towing supplies that’ll help us tow, recover and haul cars more effectively.
- Better Quality Products Are More Effective: Better quality also equals getting a job done more effectively. Auto-hauling supplies that are made with a higher level of craftsmanship will function better and help you finish a job faster.
- Inclement Weather: Wear and tear is bound to happen to your materials at some point. Though, if you invest in high-quality auto-hauling products, you’ll find that their durable and sturdy construction allows them to withstand inclement weather conditions.
- They Meet Legal Requirements: Better and well-crafted supplies also keep car haulers in line with federal driving regulations. No one wants beef with the Federal Department of Transportation.
To make sure you’re hauling or towing a car correctly, it’s crucial that you use the right car hauler accessories. Even more importantly, use tools that’ll help you complete a car shipment more efficiently, faster and safer.