6 Best Trailer Tie Down Kits For Hobby Farmers That Prevent Load Shifts
Secure hauling is essential for hobby farmers. Our guide reviews the 6 best tie-down kits designed to prevent dangerous load shifts and protect your equipment.
The first time a load shifts on you is the last time you’ll ever skimp on tie-downs. One minute you’re hauling a load of hay down a county road, the next you’re staring in the rearview mirror at a mess. Securing your load isn’t just about following the law; it’s about protecting your investment, your equipment, and everyone else on the road.
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Choosing Tie-Downs for Farm Hauling Safety
The most important number on any tie-down is the Working Load Limit (WLL), not the break strength. Break strength is the point of failure, which you never want to approach. The WLL is the maximum force the strap or chain is designed to handle safely, and it’s usually one-third of the break strength. Your total WLL for all tie-downs should be at least 50% of the weight of your cargo.
A hobby farm trailer hauls an incredible variety of things. One day it’s a dozen square bales, the next it’s a sub-compact tractor, and the day after that it’s a stack of T-posts and fencing. There is no single tie-down that’s perfect for everything. The goal is to build a collection that gives you the right tool for each specific job, ensuring every load is locked down tight.
Rhino USA Ratchet Straps for All-Around Use
Secure cargo with this 4-pack of heavy-duty 15-foot ratchet straps. Featuring a 2,200-lb break strength and safety-lock S-hooks, these straps ensure reliable transport for motorcycles, appliances, and more.
For general-purpose tasks, a solid set of 2-inch ratchet straps is your workhorse. The Rhino USA kits are a great starting point because they are built to a higher standard than the cheap stuff you find at big-box stores. The padded handles save your knuckles, and the coated S-hooks resist rust and won’t scratch paint as easily.
Think of these as your go-to for securing an IBC tote full of water, a mower, or a pallet of feed bags. They have a high enough WLL for most common farm loads without being overkill. A kit with four straps is usually enough to properly secure most equipment, using one at each corner to prevent any forward, backward, or lateral movement.
Erickson E-Track System for Versatile Loads
If you haul a lot of different-sized items or mixed cargo, an E-Track system is a game-changer. It involves bolting metal tracks to the floor and walls of your trailer, creating dozens of secure anchor points. You then use special E-track straps and fittings that clip in and out in seconds. This system turns your trailer into a modular hauling machine.
Imagine securing three different-sized water troughs, a pile of lumber, and a stack of fencing all in one trip. With standard tie-downs, finding good anchor points would be a nightmare. With E-Track, you can place an anchor exactly where you need it. The upfront installation takes an afternoon, but the time and frustration it saves down the line is immeasurable, especially if your trailer serves multiple purposes.
US Cargo Control Chain and Binder Heavy Kit
When you move up to heavy equipment, straps are no longer the right tool. For a tractor, large logs, or heavy implements, you need chains and binders. Polyester straps can stretch slightly and are vulnerable to sharp edges; chains are not. A Grade 70 transport chain is the standard for securing heavy loads.
This kit is for the serious stuff. Ratchet binders are easier and safer to tighten than old-school lever "snap" binders, allowing you to get the tension just right without risking a handle flying back at you. Using chains and binders is a different skill, but it’s essential for hauling anything that could cause a catastrophic accident if it came loose. It’s an investment in pure, non-negotiable security.
Fortem Ratchet Straps: A Budget-Friendly Set
Not every job requires a premium, heavy-duty strap. Sometimes you just need to get a load of brush to the burn pile or secure a few empty barrels. A budget-friendly kit like Fortem’s gives you a good quantity of straps for those lighter-duty, everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
These are the straps you don’t mind getting caked in mud or snagged on a branch. While their WLL might be lower than a premium brand, they are more than adequate for securing loads that aren’t exceptionally heavy or valuable. Having a set of these on hand means you always have a strap when you need one and can save your more expensive straps for the jobs that demand them.
Keeper Cam Buckle Straps for Lighter Tasks
Ratchet straps are great for cinching things down tight, but that immense pressure can damage fragile items. This is where cam buckle straps shine. Instead of a ratchet mechanism, you simply pull the webbing tight by hand, and a spring-loaded cam holds it in place. There’s no risk of over-tightening and crushing your cargo.
Think about hauling a stack of new beehive boxes, a load of tomato cages, or a lightweight aluminum gate. A ratchet strap could easily warp or break them. Cam buckles provide just enough tension to hold the load securely without applying destructive force. They are also much faster to use for light loads, making them perfect for quick trips.
AUGO Ratchet Straps with Axle Strap Combo
Sometimes the biggest challenge isn’t the load itself, but finding a place to hook onto it. Tying down an ATV, a riding mower, or other wheeled equipment can be tricky without damaging the frame or suspension. This is where axle straps are invaluable. They are essentially heavy-duty loops that you can wrap around an axle or a sturdy frame member.
An axle strap creates a secure, non-damaging anchor point where you can then connect the hook of your ratchet strap. A kit that includes these shows it’s designed for vehicle hauling. It solves a very specific but common problem, preventing you from hooking a metal S-hook directly onto a painted or sensitive part of your equipment.
Key Features for Your Farm Tie-Down Kit
When you’re comparing kits, don’t just look at the price. Focus on the features that match the jobs you actually do. The right kit is a blend of strength, usability, and versatility for your farm.
Here’s what to look for:
- Working Load Limit (WLL): The single most important factor. Ensure it’s rated for your heaviest common load.
- Tensioning Mechanism: Ratchets for heavy loads, cam buckles for delicate ones, and binders for equipment.
- Hook Type: Coated S-hooks are good all-rounders. Flat hooks are for rub rails and stake pockets. Snap hooks offer extra security so they can’t bounce off.
- Webbing Material: Look for high-quality polyester webbing that resists stretching and UV damage.
- Included Accessories: A good kit often comes with soft loops, axle straps, or a storage bag. These aren’t just extras; they are tools that make the job safer and easier.
Ultimately, securing a load is about peace of mind. Investing in a quality tie-down kit—or a few different types—isn’t an expense; it’s insurance. It ensures that what you put on the trailer stays on the trailer until you decide to take it off.
