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How to Properly Use a Tie-Down

When it comes to transporting your off-road vehicle, motorcycle, ATV, or gear, using a tie-down the right way makes all the difference. Whether you’re loading up for a weekend trip or hauling your rig across the country, improperly securing your load can lead to damage, or worse, disaster.

At SpeedStrap, we build tie-downs that are tough, easy to use, and are built for the long haul. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly use a tie-down strap, and why our heavy-duty ratchet handles outperform the competition every time.

1. Choose the Right Tie-Down Strap

Before you even hook up your gear, it’s critical to choose the correct tie-down strap for your setup.

Consider:

  • Weight of your vehicle or cargo

  • Mounting points on your trailer or truck bed

  • Tie-down angle for best leverage

Pro Tip: For Trucks, or heavy loads, our 2″ Heavy Duty Through the Wheel Lasso Tie Down are a solid go-to. For motorcycles and ATVs, check out our Ratchet 1in x 15ft Tie-Down with Snap S-Hooks & Soft-Tie made for two-wheeled fun, or hauling items in your truck bed.

2" Heavy duty through the wheel lasso tie-down

Ratchet 1in x 15ft Tie-Down

2. Inspect Before Every Use

Make sure your tie-downs are free of cuts, frays, or worn hardware. Even the best gear can wear down over time, don’t risk it.

SpeedStrap’s tie-downs feature UV, water, and abrasion-resistant webbing that holds up in harsh environments.

3. Hook It Up Securely

Attach one hook to a secure, non-flexing point on the vehicle’s frame or axle. Then attach the other end to the anchor point on your trailer or truck.

Best Sellers

Tie-Down Anchor Points

Gunmetal Flush Fit Retractable Tie-Down Anchors

Gunmetal Flush Fit Retractable Tie-Down Anchors

$39.99
Raised Retractable Tie-Down Anchors

Raised Retractable Tie-Down Anchors

$29.99
Gunmetal Flush Fit Retractable Tie-Down Anchors

Gunmetal Flush Fit Retractable Tie-Down Anchors

$39.99
Gunmetal Flush Fit Retractable Tie-Down Anchors

Gunmetal Flush Fit Retractable Tie-Down Anchors

$39.99
Flush Fit Retractable Tie Down Anchors

Flush Fit Retractable Tie Down Anchors

$29.99
Stainless Steel Flush Fit Retractable Tie-Down Anchors

Stainless Steel Flush Fit Retractable Tie-Down Anchors

$34.99
Flush Fit Retractable Tie Down Anchors

Flush Fit Retractable Tie Down Anchors

$29.99
Flush Fit Retractable Tie Down Anchors

Flush Fit Retractable Tie Down Anchors

$29.99
Stainless Steel Flush Fit Retractable Tie-Down Anchors

Stainless Steel Flush Fit Retractable Tie-Down Anchors

$34.99
Raised Fit Retractable Tie-Down Anchors

Raised Fit Retractable Tie-Down Anchors

$24.99

Pro Tip: Use our built-in soft-tie loops to avoid metal-on-metal contact and protect your paint or powder coat.

4. Ratchet It Down (Without Overdoing It)

Now for the crucial part: ratcheting your load down.

  • Use smooth, even pulls on the ratchet handle to apply tension

  • Avoid over-tightening, which can damage suspension or compress shocks

  • Check strap angles—ideally 45° down and away from your load

Our signature heavy-duty ratchet handles are oversized and ergonomically designed, giving you more leverage and a more secure lock without busting your knuckles. This isn’t your average hardware store strap, this is SpeedStrap performance.

5. Check and Re-Check

After driving a few miles, pull over and inspect your tie-downs. Make sure nothing has shifted or come loose.

SpeedStrap tie-downs stay tight thanks to durable stitching, premium ratchets, and hooks that lock in place.

Don’t Settle for Flimsy Straps

If your tie-downs are hard to use, get jammed up, or feel cheap in your hands—it’s time to upgrade.

Shop our full lineup of Tie-Downs and feel the SpeedStrap difference:

  • Oversized Heavy-Duty Ratchet Handles

  • Soft-Tie Built In

  • Abrasion & Weather-Resistant Webbing

  • Snap Hooks That Stay Locked

FINAL THOUGHTS

Learning how to properly use a tie-down isn’t just about protecting your gear—it’s about protecting your lifestyle. From dirt trails to desert dunes, SpeedStrap is built to go the distance.

Ready to haul smarter? 

Best Sellers

Tie-Downs

Ultimate 1.5" Tire Bonnet Kit - Black

Ultimate 1.5" Tire Bonnet Kit - Black

$197.99
Utility Jug Tie Down

Utility Jug Tie Down

$45.99
Heavy Duty Motorcycle/ATV Tie-Down Kit

Heavy Duty Motorcycle/ATV Tie-Down Kit

$99.99
Motorcycle Tie-Down Kit – Black

Motorcycle Tie-Down Kit – Black

$89.99
2” Heavy Duty Through the Wheel Lasso Tie Down

2” Heavy Duty Through the Wheel Lasso Tie Down

$29.99
Heavy Duty Wheel Lasso Tie Down Kit

Heavy Duty Wheel Lasso Tie Down Kit

$159.99
Off-Road Tie-Down Kit - Black

Off-Road Tie-Down Kit - Black

$174.99
Adjustable 1.5 in. Tie Back

Adjustable 1.5 in. Tie Back

$21.99
Essential UTV Tire Bonnet Tie Down Kit

Essential UTV Tire Bonnet Tie Down Kit

$144.99
2” x 4’ Marine Transom Tie-Down Straps with Snap S-Hooks (2 Pack)

2” x 4’ Marine Transom Tie-Down Straps with Snap S-Hooks (2 Pack)

$24.99

HAVE QUESTIONS?

If you need any help, or have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 1.800.317.6253 or email us anytime at [email protected]

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