Axle Strap Tie Downs, 16 Long Sold as a Pair

OVERVIEW

When it comes to transporting your prized air-cooled Volkswagen, whether it''s a show-winning Type 1 Beetle or a rugged long-travel sand rail, the safety of your chassis and the integrity of your paint job are paramount. Standard metal-hook ratchets are notorious for scratching powder-coated frames, gouging painted trailing arms, and causing unnecessary wear on critical suspension components. These EMPI Axle Strap Tie Downs are engineered to solve that exact problem by providing a soft yet incredibly strong buffer between your vehicle and your transport trailer. By looping these high-tensile straps around your axle tubes, torsion housings, or trailing arms, you create a secure anchor point that distributes tension evenly without the risk of metal-on-metal contact that leads to rust and structural degradation over time.

Crafted with the heavy-duty demands of the off-road and restoration communities in mind, these 16-inch straps are built from premium-grade webbing that resists stretching and environmental fatigue. Each strap features a protective sliding sleeve designed to withstand the friction of sharp edges and rough castings, ensuring that the structural webbing remains intact even during long-distance hauls through varying weather conditions. Sold as a pair, these straps are a fundamental safety upgrade for any VW enthusiast who values their vehicle''s finish as much as its performance. Don''t settle for generic hardware store solutions when you can trust the legendary EMPI brand to keep your Volkswagen exactly where it belongssecurely on the trailer until you''re ready to drop the ramps and hit the road or the dunes.

FITMENT

These axle straps are universal in nature but are specifically optimized for the suspension geometry and weight distribution of air-cooled Volkswagen applications and custom tube-chassis vehicles, including:

• VW Type 1 Beetle: 1946-1979 (All Standard and Super Beetle models)
• VW Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1950-1979 (Split Window and Bay Window)
• VW Type 3: 1961-1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1955-1974
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1969-1983
• Meyers Manx & Dune Buggies: All Short and Long Wheelbase variants
• Sand Rails & Baja Bugs: Ideal for custom tube frames and aftermarket long-travel trailing arms
• Trikes & Light Trailers: Any application requiring a 2-inch wide soft-tie point

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 17-2969-0
• Length: 16 Inches (Overall length from D-ring to D-ring)
• Width: 2 Inches (High-density heavy-duty webbing)
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (Two straps included)
• Hardware: Dual reinforced steel D-rings for maximum hook compatibility
• Sleeve: Integrated sliding protective sleeve to prevent webbing abrasion
• Color: High-visibility Black with industrial stitching
• Material: UV-resistant polyester webbing designed for minimal stretch

PRO TIPS

1. Avoid Critical Lines and Components

When looping your axle straps around the rear torsion housing or front beam, always double-check that you aren''t pinching your brake lines, fuel lines, or emergency brake cables. On many air-cooled VWs, the hard brake lines run along the top or back of the axle tube; placing a strap directly over these can crimp the line and lead to brake failure. Always slide the strap behind the lines or use a location on the trailing arm where the strap has a clear, unobstructed path around the solid metal component. This ensures you aren''t trading a secure haul for a mechanical nightmare when you reach your destination.

2. Use the ''''X'''' Pattern for Lateral Stability

For the most secure transport, especially with lightweight vehicles like dune buggies or sand rails, we recommend crossing your tie-down straps in an ''''X'''' pattern. Attach the axle strap to the left side of the vehicle''s suspension and run your ratchet strap to the right-side D-ring on your trailer, and vice versa. This prevents the vehicle from shifting side-to-side (lateral movement) during cornering or sudden maneuvers. These 16-inch straps provide the perfect amount of slack to wrap around thick torsion tubes while leaving enough room for your ratchet hooks to clear the bodywork and fenders safely.

3. Regular Inspection and Cleaning

Even the highest quality webbing can be compromised by road salt, grease, and UV exposure. After a weekend at the dunes or a long trip on salty winter roads, take a moment to wipe down your axle straps with a damp cloth. Check the webbing for any signs of fraying, "fuzzing," or "burn" marks which indicate friction damage. If you see a cut in the webbing that exceeds 10% of the strap width, it is time to replace them. Storing these straps in a dry, dark tool box when not in use will significantly extend their lifespan and ensure they are ready to handle the load the next time you head to the track or the show.