I just bought some new ones that are a variation of what I've seen lots
of racers do. It is a single 2" wide strap of the usual material that
has a ring sewn on to one end, the other being a plain end that can go
in to a ratchet. The idea is to thread the strap through the wheel
(easiest on minilites, hardest on wire wheels, workable on most stamped
steel wheels) and then the end threads through the ring, making a loop
with the wheel/tire in it. The plain end then inserts through the
ratchet, which hooks to the floor mounted ring. Only one per tire, and
seems to be very secure. I often run in to clearance issues with the
axle straps, and I'm often loading or unloading in the dark. Theses
tire straps seem to be a good alternative.
I got them via mail order from this place:
http://www.talcospecialties.com/web18.htm
Steve Hammatt, Mount Vernon WA USA wrote:
>Since I'll be keeping the car trailer in the shop,
>I figured this will be an on-topic discussion.
>I've acquired a new enclosed car trailer.
>There are 9 sets of swing-up D-rings in the
>floor. Instead of tying from the axels to the
>floor, I'm planning to snug around each tire
>and attach to 2 D-rings per wheel, one fore
>and the other aft of each wheel. Rather than
>use a wheel net, I've seen a rather nice arrangement
>using a single web strap, with ratchets at each end.
>In the middle of the strap there would be what
>I'd call a short "loop strap" that slides with connectors,
>up and down the main strap. The short and the long
>straps would form a loop that would slip over the
>tire (the majority of my tires are 36" dia x 4"-5" in
>width). I've seen this arrangement used on tow
>trucks, but don't see it anywhere for sale.
>
>My other concern is the quality of the ratchets. I'm
>tired of so many ratchets that seem difficult to use,
>erratic in operation and subject to corrosion. They
>all seem to be made in China or some similar place
>and while looking good when new, don't seem to
>wear well. Does anyone have any experience with
>either the wheel loop method of tiedown and/or
>better quality ratchets?
>
>Super thanks.
>
>Steve Hammatt
>Mount Vernon WA USA
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