TRAILER CARGO CONTROL,
TIE-DOWNS & WINCHES
IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Proper cargo control is essential whenever a trailer carries equipment, vehicles, building materials, landscaping tools, recreational vehicles, or general freight. A dependable securement system helps prevent cargo from sliding, rolling, tipping, bouncing, or falling from the trailer during acceleration, braking, cornering, and travel over uneven roads.

Deer Valley Trailer stocks a wide selection of trailer cargo-control equipment, including ratchet straps, transport chain, chain binders, hooks, D-rings, E-track, L-track, X-track, wheel chocks, vehicle tire straps, winches, tarp systems, equipment ramps, trailer toolboxes, landscape racks, anchor points, and related mounting hardware.

Every load is different. The appropriate securement method depends on the cargo’s weight, shape, length, center of gravity, attachment points, trailer design, and intended travel conditions. Our knowledgeable parts specialists can help customers compare cargo-control components and identify a practical solution for their trailer and application.

WHAT IS TRAILER CARGO CONTROL?

Trailer cargo control includes the straps, chains, binders, tracks, anchor points, chocks, winches, tarps, barriers, and supporting equipment used to load, position, restrain, protect, and transport cargo.

An effective cargo-control system does more than hold an item downward. It must also control movement toward the front, rear, and sides of the trailer. Cargo that can roll may require wheel chocks, cradles, wedges, blocking, or another positive restraint in addition to straps or chains.

Federal cargo-securement rules for commercial motor vehicles require cargo to be firmly immobilized or secured using structures of adequate strength, dunnage, blocking, bracing, tiedowns, or a combination of these methods. Although specific legal requirements depend on the vehicle and operation, these principles provide useful guidance for anyone transporting cargo on a trailer.

CARGO-CONTROL PRODUCTS WE CARRY

Deer Valley Trailer carries cargo-control products for light-duty utility trailers, landscape trailers, car haulers, equipment trailers, enclosed cargo trailers, dump trailers, deckover trailers, gooseneck trailers, tow dollies, commercial trailers, and custom applications.

COMMON CARGO-CONTROL COMPONENTS

Ratchet Straps
Cam-Buckle and Utility Straps
Vehicle Tire Straps and Tire Nets
Grade 70 Transport Chain
Chain Binders
Grab Hooks and Slip Hooks
Cluster Hooks
Hammerlocks and Connecting Links
D-Rings and Tie-Down Anchors
E-Track, L-Track and X-Track
Track Fittings and Accessories
Wheel Chocks
Trailer Winches
Winch Mounting Plates
Winch Remotes and Accessories
Tarp Kits and Replacement Tarps
Equipment and Car-Hauler Ramps
Trailer Tongue Boxes
Landscape Tool Racks and Storage Boxes
Adjustable Clamp-On Tie-Down Points
Stake-Pocket Accessories
Edge Protectors and Strap Accessories
Spare Tire Mounts

UNDERSTANDING WORKING LOAD LIMIT

The working load limit, commonly abbreviated as WLL, is the maximum load a cargo-control component is rated to handle during normal service when it is used correctly. Working load limit should not be confused with breaking strength. Breaking strength represents the force at which a new component may fail during controlled testing; it is not the allowable everyday working capacity.

When straps, chains, hooks, binders, anchor points, and fittings are combined, the securement system is limited by its lowest-rated component. A high-capacity strap does not provide its full working load limit when it is connected to a weaker hook, fitting, D-ring, track section, or trailer attachment point.

For commercial cargo securement, FMCSA states that the aggregate working load limit used to restrain an article or group of articles against movement must be at least one-half of the cargo’s weight. Additional rules may establish minimum tiedown quantities or commodity-specific methods.

THE LOWEST-RATED COMPONENT CONTROLS THE SYSTEM

A securement system is only as strong as its weakest component. When selecting cargo-control equipment, consider the working load limit of the complete connection path:

Trailer Anchor Point → Hook or Fitting → Strap or Chain → Binder or Tensioning Device → Cargo Attachment Point

If any part of that system has a lower rating, the overall securement capacity must be based on that lower-rated component.

Trailer anchor points are not always marked with a working load limit. When the rating of an existing anchor point is unknown, its capacity should not be assumed solely from its appearance or physical size. FMCSA encourages anchor-point ratings and markings but does not require all commercial-vehicle anchor points to be marked.

RATCHET STRAPS & WEB TIE-DOWNS

Ratchet straps use woven synthetic webbing and a mechanical ratchet to apply tension around or across cargo. They are commonly used to secure motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, appliances, building materials, landscaping equipment, furniture, pallets, and many other loads.

Deer Valley Trailer carries ratchet straps in multiple widths, lengths, working load limits, colors, hook styles, and end-fitting configurations. Our inventory includes compact 1-inch straps, versatile 2-inch straps, heavier 4-inch straps, E-track straps, wheel tie-downs, tire nets, and complete vehicle-securement sets.

1-INCH RATCHET STRAPS

One-inch ratchet straps are useful for lighter cargo, recreational equipment, toolboxes, small machinery, and general utility-trailer applications. Their compact size makes them easy to store and position in areas where larger hardware may be difficult to use.

The strap’s working load limit, hook design, webbing condition, and anchor-point rating must still be appropriate for the cargo being secured.

2-INCH RATCHET STRAPS

Two-inch ratchet straps are among the most versatile cargo-control products used on trailers. They are available with flat hooks, wire hooks, chain extensions, snap hooks, E-track fittings, and other end configurations.

Deer Valley Trailer carries 2-inch straps in several lengths and working load limits for equipment, vehicles, building materials, commercial freight, and general cargo applications.

4-INCH RATCHET STRAPS

Four-inch straps provide wide webbing for larger loads and commercial cargo applications. Their increased width can distribute contact across a broader area, but the strap must still be used with compatible winches, ratchets, anchor points, edge protection, and properly rated end fittings.

TIRE STRAPS & VEHICLE TIE-DOWNS

Vehicle tie-down systems are designed to restrain a car, truck, tow dolly load, UTV, ATV, or other wheeled equipment by securing the tires, axles, or approved vehicle attachment points.

Deer Valley Trailer carries tire nets, wheel straps, axle straps, cluster-hook assemblies, E-track wheel chocks, and vehicle-securement strap sets. The correct design depends on the vehicle, trailer deck, wheel size, suspension movement, available anchor points, and transport method.

When commercial motor vehicles transport automobiles, light trucks, heavy vehicles, equipment, or machinery, commodity-specific FMCSA requirements may apply in addition to the general securement rules.

TRANSPORT CHAIN & CHAIN BINDERS

Transport chain is commonly used to secure construction equipment, tractors, skid steers, vehicles, steel products, and other heavy cargo. Deer Valley Trailer stocks Grade 70 transport chain in several sizes, along with lever binders, ratchet binders, grab hooks, slip hooks, connecting links, replacement latches, and chain accessories.

Chain grade, diameter, working load limit, hook size, binder capacity, and attachment points must all be compatible. A binder with a higher rating does not increase the capacity of a smaller or lower-grade chain.

GRADE 70 TRANSPORT CHAIN

Grade 70 chain is a heat-treated transport chain commonly used for load securement. It is typically identified by grade markings on the chain links and is often finished with yellow zinc or another protective coating.

Transport chain should be selected by its marked grade, diameter, and working load limit. Unmarked chain should not be assumed to have the capacity of a similar-looking marked chain. FMCSA assigns conservative working load limits to unmarked tiedowns because their actual grade and strength may be uncertain.

RATCHET CHAIN BINDERS

Ratchet binders use a threaded mechanism to gradually tension the chain. They provide controlled adjustment and allow the operator to increase or release tension in smaller increments.

The binder must be compatible with the chain size and grade. Threads, hooks, handles, and moving components should be inspected for deformation, corrosion, cracks, excessive wear, or binding before use.

LEVER CHAIN BINDERS

Lever binders use mechanical leverage to tighten transport chain. They can apply tension quickly but store considerable energy while being operated. They should be used carefully, with the operator positioned to maintain control of the handle and clear of its travel path.

The binder’s size and working load limit must match the chain and the load-securement requirements.

GRAB HOOKS, SLIP HOOKS & CONNECTING HARDWARE

Grab hooks engage an individual chain link and are commonly used to shorten or tension a transport chain. Slip hooks provide a wider throat and may include a safety latch to help retain the connection.

Deer Valley Trailer carries clevis grab hooks, clevis slip hooks, replacement hook latches, cluster hooks, hammerlocks, quick links, mid-links, screw-pin anchor shackles, and other connecting components. Each item must match the chain size, grade, connection method, and required working load limit.

D-RINGS & TRAILER TIE-DOWN ANCHORS

D-rings provide fixed attachment points for straps, chains, ropes, and cargo-control fittings. They are available in several mounting styles and capacities for utility trailers, enclosed trailers, equipment trailers, car haulers, landscape trailers, and custom builds.

A D-ring must be securely attached to a structural part of the trailer. Installing a heavy-duty D-ring into thin decking or light sheet metal without adequate reinforcement does not create a heavy-duty anchor point.

BOLT-ON D-RINGS

Bolt-on D-rings can be installed using properly rated fasteners and structural reinforcement. They are useful when welding is not appropriate or when the anchor may need to be serviced or relocated.

The mounting bolts, backing plate, trailer structure, and D-ring must function as one complete system.

WELD-ON D-RINGS

Weld-on D-rings are commonly used on steel equipment trailers, car haulers, utility trailers, and fabrication projects. Their capacity depends not only on the D-ring but also on the welding procedure, base material, mounting location, and trailer structure.

Installation should be completed by someone familiar with trailer fabrication and load-bearing attachment points.

RECESSED & PAN-MOUNT D-RINGS

Recessed D-rings sit within a pan mounted into the trailer deck or floor. They provide a lower-profile anchor that reduces interference when the ring is not in use.

These anchors are popular in enclosed cargo trailers, car haulers, motorcycle trailers, and utility trailers. The pan and surrounding floor structure must be properly supported to handle the intended load.

ADJUSTABLE & CLAMP-ON TIE-DOWN POINTS

Clamp-on D-rings and adjustable tie-down points can add securement locations to compatible angle rails, square tubing, stake pockets, or other trailer structures without permanent welding.

These products must be matched to the exact rail shape, material thickness, clamping design, and intended working load. They should be inspected for movement or loosening during use.

E-TRACK, L-TRACK & X-TRACK SYSTEMS

Track systems create multiple adjustable attachment points along a trailer wall, floor, or deck. They allow straps, wheel chocks, rings, bars, and storage accessories to be positioned for different cargo arrangements.

Track capacity depends on the track profile, fitting, mounting hardware, fastener spacing, supporting structure, and direction of loading. A fitting should only be used with the track system for which it was designed.

E-TRACK

E-track uses a slotted steel rail that accepts spring-loaded E-track fittings. It is widely used in enclosed cargo trailers, landscape trailers, moving trailers, car haulers, service trailers, and commercial vehicles.

Deer Valley Trailer carries horizontal and vertical E-track, ratchet straps with E-track fittings, rope tie-offs, D-ring fittings, wheel chocks, landscape-tool holders, wood-beam sockets, and related accessories.

L-TRACK

L-track uses a narrower rail with closely spaced circular attachment points. Its low-profile design is frequently used for motorcycles, mobility equipment, recreational vehicles, specialty cargo, and applications where precise fitting placement is valuable.

L-track fittings, fasteners, and supporting structure must be selected for the intended direction and magnitude of the load.

X-TRACK

X-track is designed to provide flexible attachment options for compatible cargo-control fittings. As with E-track and L-track, the system’s capacity depends on the complete installation rather than the track section alone.

Before installation, the trailer wall, floor, frame members, mounting hardware, and expected load direction should all be evaluated.

WHEEL CHOCKS & ROLLING-CARGO RESTRAINT

Cargo that can roll must be restrained against movement. Wheel chocks, wedges, cradles, tire stops, and track-mounted chocks can help prevent vehicles, equipment, drums, reels, or other round cargo from rolling while being loaded, stored, or transported.

FMCSA’s general securement rules state that cargo likely to roll must be restrained using chocks, wedges, a cradle, or an equivalent method that will not become unintentionally loose during transit.

Wheel chocks should be used with appropriate tiedowns rather than as the only securement method unless the complete system is specifically designed and rated for that use.

TRAILER WINCHES & WINCH ACCESSORIES

Electric and manual winches can assist with loading vehicles, equipment, disabled machinery, boats, and other difficult cargo onto a trailer. Deer Valley Trailer carries and sources trailer winches in multiple capacities, along with wire-rope and synthetic-line configurations, universal mounting plates, receiver-mounted winch plates, wired controls, wireless remotes, and replacement accessories.

A winch used to pull cargo onto a trailer is not automatically a rated tiedown device. After loading, the cargo should be secured using an appropriate cargo-control system designed to restrain it during transportation.

SELECTING A TRAILER WINCH

Winch selection should consider more than the cargo’s total weight. Rolling resistance, trailer angle, ramp grade, tire condition, surface material, pulley arrangements, line angle, number of line layers on the drum, and whether the load can roll freely all affect the pulling force required.

The winch, line, hook, mounting plate, electrical system, battery, wiring, and trailer structure must all be compatible with the intended use.

WINCH MOUNTING PLATES

A winch can only perform as intended when it is mounted to a structure capable of resisting the pulling forces involved. Universal plates, trailer-mounted plates, receiver-mounted systems, and fabricated mounts are available for different applications.

The plate, mounting hardware, welds, receiver, and trailer frame should be evaluated as one load-bearing assembly.

WIRE ROPE VS. SYNTHETIC WINCH LINE

Steel wire rope offers abrasion resistance and established performance in many utility and recovery applications. Synthetic winch line is lighter and easier to handle but requires protection from heat, sharp edges, contamination, and abrasion.

Both types require regular inspection. Kinked or crushed wire rope, broken wires, flattened sections, frayed synthetic fibers, cuts, melted areas, damaged hooks, and weakened terminations are reasons to remove a line from service.

TRAILER TARP SYSTEMS

Tarp systems help contain loose or lightweight materials transported in dump trailers and other open trailers. They can reduce material loss and help protect cargo from wind, weather, and road exposure.

Deer Valley Trailer carries manual tarp kits, replacement tarps, tarp arms, brackets, rollers, springs, cranks, mounting plates, hardware, and related components for several dump-trailer applications.

A tarp should not be treated as a substitute for required cargo securement. The underlying load must still be properly contained and secured for transportation.

EQUIPMENT RAMPS & CAR-HAULER RAMPS

Loading ramps provide a transition between the ground and trailer deck for vehicles, equipment, motorcycles, landscaping machinery, and other wheeled cargo. Deer Valley Trailer carries and sources car-hauler ramps, equipment ramps, tow-dolly ramp extensions, ramp hooks, storage components, and related hardware.

Ramp capacity, length, width, loading angle, support spacing, hook design, surface traction, and trailer attachment must all be compatible with the equipment being loaded. A pair of ramps should be evaluated by the load carried on each individual ramp—not only by the combined rating.

TRAILER TOOLBOXES & CARGO STORAGE

Trailer toolboxes provide organized, weather-resistant storage for straps, chains, binders, tools, batteries, hydraulic equipment, safety supplies, and other trailer accessories.

Deer Valley Trailer carries steel and aluminum trailer tongue boxes, A-frame pump boxes, landscape storage boxes, utility boxes, and specialty trailer storage solutions in several sizes and configurations.

A toolbox should be positioned and mounted so it does not interfere with the coupler, jack, breakaway system, battery, tow vehicle, turning clearance, or trailer tongue structure. Tools and cargo stored inside should also be restrained to prevent shifting and damage.

LANDSCAPE TRAILER RACKS & TOOL HOLDERS

Landscape-trailer racks organize trimmers, blowers, water coolers, hand tools, fuel containers, ladders, and other equipment used by landscaping and property-maintenance crews.

Deer Valley Trailer carries and sources trimmer racks, blower racks, hand-tool racks, cooler racks, utility racks, saddle racks, and other landscape-trailer accessories. Mounting location, security, equipment fit, trailer balance, and access should all be considered before installation.

Tools should be locked or positively retained so they cannot bounce free during transportation.

EDGE PROTECTION & STRAP CARE

Synthetic straps can be weakened by cuts, abrasion, sharp edges, chemicals, heat, sunlight, and improper storage. Edge protectors help shield webbing where a tiedown passes over corners or abrasive surfaces.

FMCSA requires edge protection when a tiedown would be exposed to abrasion or cutting at the point where it contacts cargo. The protection must resist cutting, abrasion, and crushing.

Straps should not be knotted to shorten them or repair damage. Knots can alter how forces are distributed through the webbing and are prohibited in commercial cargo securement.

INSPECTING CARGO-CONTROL EQUIPMENT

Cargo-control equipment should be inspected before every use and periodically during transportation. Damaged components should be removed from service rather than used for “one more trip.”

Commercial cargo-securement rules require devices and supporting systems to be in proper working order without damaged or weakened components that could adversely affect performance. Tiedowns must also be secured so they cannot loosen, open, unfasten, or release while the vehicle is moving.

INSPECT RATCHET STRAPS FOR

Cuts, Tears or Punctures
Frayed or Worn Webbing
Melted or Burned Areas
Broken Stitching
Chemical Damage
Missing or Unreadable Identification Tags
Bent Hooks
Cracked Ratchets
Rusted or Binding Mechanisms
Damaged End Fittings

INSPECT CHAINS & BINDERS FOR

Bent, Stretched or Twisted Links
Cracked or Gouged Chain
Excessive Wear
Damaged Grade Markings
Bent Hooks
Missing Hook Latches
Cracked Binder Handles
Damaged Threads
Binding or Seized Components
Unauthorized Welding or Repairs

INSPECT ANCHOR POINTS & TRACK SYSTEMS FOR

Cracked Welds
Loose Fasteners
Distorted D-Rings
Elongated Mounting Holes
Bent or Damaged Track
Corrosion
Loose Floor or Wall Structure
Damaged Fittings
Movement Around the Mounting Area
Missing Reinforcement

HOW MANY TIE-DOWNS DOES A LOAD NEED?

The correct number of tiedowns depends on the cargo’s weight, length, shape, position, ability to roll, whether it is blocked against forward movement, and the regulations that apply to the vehicle and cargo.

For commercial motor vehicles, FMCSA establishes minimum tiedown quantities based partly on article length and weight. For example, unblocked cargo measuring five feet or less may require one or two tiedowns depending on whether it exceeds 1,100 pounds. Articles longer than five feet but shorter than ten feet generally require at least two tiedowns, and longer articles can require additional tiedowns. These minimum quantities are separate from the aggregate working-load-limit requirement, and commodity-specific rules may require more.

A minimum number should never be interpreted as permission to use fewer securement devices than the load actually needs. Additional tiedowns, blocking, chocks, or direct restraints may be appropriate based on the cargo and operating conditions.

COMMON CARGO-CONTROL MISTAKES

Many cargo-control problems result from selecting equipment by appearance or convenience rather than evaluating the complete securement system.

COMMON MISTAKES INCLUDE

Using Breaking Strength Instead of Working Load Limit
Assuming Every Trailer Anchor Point Has the Same Capacity
Connecting a High-Capacity Strap to a Low-Capacity Fitting
Using Too Few Tie-Downs
Failing to Prevent Wheeled Cargo From Rolling
Securing Cargo Only Downward Without Controlling Forward or Side Movement
Using Damaged Straps, Chains or Hooks
Allowing Straps to Contact Sharp Edges Without Protection
Attaching Hooks to Thin Sheet Metal or Unreinforced Rails
Using a Loading Winch as the Only Transport Restraint
Failing to Recheck the Load After Travel Begins
Allowing Loose Strap Ends or Chains to Drag
Mixing Incompatible Track and Fitting Systems
Using Landscape Racks Without Positive Tool Retention

DEER VALLEY TRAILER EXPERT TIP

One of the most common mistakes we see is selecting a strap or chain by its size while overlooking the rest of the connection. A large strap connected to a light-duty hook, unrated rail, damaged D-ring, or poorly mounted track does not create a heavy-duty securement system.

Before choosing cargo-control equipment, identify the cargo weight, determine how it could move, inspect the trailer’s attachment points, and follow the securement path from one end to the other. Bringing photographs of the trailer, cargo, anchor points, and intended loading arrangement can help our parts specialists recommend components that work together more effectively.

TRAILER CARGO CONTROL, TIE-DOWNS & WINCHES IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA