How to Load and Strap a Vehicle on a Rented Car Hauler
Loading a vehicle onto a car hauler starts with the ramps fully extended and the trailer on level ground. Drive onto the trailer slowly and stop with the front wheels centered against the front chocks. Put the vehicle in neutral and release the parking brake before strapping begins. A vehicle left in gear or with the brake engaged develops stress in the drivetrain or brake components under the sustained tension of the tie-down straps over a long haul.
Strapping uses four points through the vehicle's designated tie-down hooks, which sit on the frame behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels. Ratchet straps with soft loop ends protect the frame finish. The straps should compress the suspension at all four corners slightly, which reduces bounce during transit and keeps strap tension from loosening. After strapping, push on each corner of the vehicle to confirm the setup holds before moving. Staff at Big Rentals walk through this process on every car hauler rental departure from the Waco yard.