Winch Straps For Flatbed Trailers

Winch straps are one of the most popular tie-down methods in the trucking industry. They are cost-effective, durable, and built to secure heavy or irregular cargo across North America. Winch straps are available in 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch widths and are ideal as they are a lower-cost alternative to traditional ratchet straps.

Unlike ratchet straps, winch straps are tightened using a winch bar to previously installed winches along the trailer’s rub rail. This eliminates the need for heavy and expensive ratchet hardware while still providing the same safe and secure hold. Loads can be tightened or released quickly to help save the driver time during stops.

The most common lengths are 27 feet and 30 feet and are compatible with most standard-sized cargo securement applications. These straps are designed to work in conjunction with the trailer’s winch track, locking the cargo in place. Each strap is made from heavy-duty polyester tie-down webbing that resists scratching, provides excellent strength, and has minimal stretching to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, snow, heat, and direct sunlight. All straps include a clearly labeled Working Load Limit (WLL) tag for DOT inspection compliance.

Custom length winch straps are also available for oversized or unique applications that may require additional length. We also offer several different combinations of end fitting hardware, including flat hooks, wire hooks (double J hooks), chain and hook, loop, snap hook, or delta rings.

If you have any questions about our custom capabilities, need a quote, or are interested in having your company name stenciled directly onto the tie-down webbing, please call our experts today at 800-444-0956 for further information, or use our online contact form located at the top of the website if you prefer email.

Frequently Asked Winch Strap Questions

How Many Winch Straps Do I Need?

For most standard-size flatbed trailers, you should carry at least 10 winch straps and 10 corner protectors at all times. This allows you to secure most average-sized loads while keeping spares in case a strap were to break, become frayed, or be damaged while on the road. For oversized or heavier cargo, you may need 12 to 16 straps to comply with DOT tie-down requirements.

Do I Need Corner Protectors?

While corner protectors are not mandatory per the DOT or FMCSA, they are strongly recommended. Winch straps wear out faster when they are in direct contact with sharp metal edges. This can cause the straps to become cut, frayed, or even burned on the webbing itself from friction, which is one of the leading causes of damage. Corner protectors are essential for safeguarding tie-down webbing from sharp edges.

This also helps ensure your straps remain in good condition and are safe to use for securing cargo. If you come across a tie-down strap with cuts, burns, or frays, you should immediately stop using it, as it is unsafe and needs to be replaced. You can also check out our blog post on How To Inspect A Ratchet Strap For Damage for visual examples of damaged tie-down straps to ensure the tie-down you are using is safe to use.

How To Safely Store Winch Straps When Not In Use

There are a couple of things you should do when storing winch straps to prevent them from becoming damaged. First, keep the winch straps out of direct sunlight as ultraviolet light can weaken the webbing and cause discoloration over time. We recommend storing them inside the vehicle or inside a toolbox that is free of moisture, as mold and mildew can also cause damage over time. It’s also important to keep the winch straps away from sharp edges or metal to prevent cuts and burns.

By spending a couple of extra minutes inspecting and storing your winch straps properly, you can ensure they remain in good condition for longer and help your cargo arrive safely at the next location. Remember that a good rule of thumb is always to inspect your winch straps before and after every use.

Are Winch Straps DOT-approved?

At Trucking Depot, our winch straps meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) and CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) industry standards and recommendations for cargo control. All of our tie-down straps are sewn with a visible and legible working load limit (WLL) tag so you know the limitations and what your strap is safely rated for at all times.