Axle Strap Tie Downs, 24 Long Sold as a Pair

OVERVIEW

Securely transporting your air-cooled investment requires more than just a standard ratchet strap hooked to a random frame horn. These EMPI Axle Strap Tie Downs are engineered specifically to provide a safe, non-marring connection point for your vintage Volkswagen Beetle, Karmann Ghia, or custom Sand Rail. When you hook a metal ratcheting hook directly to your powder-coated trailing arms or front beam, you risk deep gouges, rust-inducing scratches, and potential slippage during transit. These 24-inch straps loop around the axle, torsion housing, or chassis member, creating a soft but incredibly resilient anchor point that distributes tension evenly across the webbing. Whether you are heading to a local VW show or hauling your Baja Bug across the desert to the next trail, these straps ensure your vehicle stays exactly where you put it without the risk of metal-on-metal damage that often ruins high-end finishes.

Crafted from high-density, heavy-duty 2-inch nylon webbing, these straps are built to withstand the rigors of heavy hauling and off-road recovery. The dual-ring design allows for a simple wrap-around installation that cinches tight, providing a secure steel D-ring interface for your primary trailer straps or winch hooks. This design is particularly crucial for lowered Volkswagens or vehicles with complex suspension setups where traditional tie-down points are difficult to access or prone to bending under load. By using these axle straps, you increase the longevity of your trailer equipment and protect the structural integrity of your VW''s suspension components. Sold as a pair, they are an essential addition to any air-cooled enthusiast''s recovery kit, offering the professional-grade security required for long-distance towing and rugged trail side-recoveries.

FITMENT

These universal axle straps are designed to fit a wide variety of air-cooled and off-road applications, including but not limited to:

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years and models (Standard and Super Beetle).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1955 through 1974.
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: Split Window and Bay Window models.
• Volkswagen Type 3: Notchback, Squareback, and Fastback.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All years.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Meyers Manx, Berrien, and custom tube chassis frames.
• Baja Bugs: Ideal for securing reinforced trailing arms and front beams.
• Utility Trailers: Can be used for securing various non-VW equipment with similar axle diameters.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 17-2689-0
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (2 Straps Included)
• Length: 24 Inches
• Width: 2 Inches
• Material: High-Tenacity Reinforced Nylon Webbing
• End Hardware: Heavy-Duty Zinc-Plated Steel D-Rings
• Color: High-Visibility Yellow
• Application: Axle wrap, trailing arm wrap, or chassis tie-down point

PRO TIPS

1. Avoid Vital Lines and Cables

When wrapping these straps around your VW''s rear trailing arms or front beam, always double-check that you are not pinching or crushing brake lines, emergency brake cables, or electrical wiring. It is very common for enthusiasts to accidentally loop the strap over a hard brake line on the rear axle, which can lead to a dangerous fluid leak or total brake failure after the vehicle has been bouncing on a trailer for several hours. Take the extra five seconds to slide the strap behind the lines to ensure a clear, metal-to-nylon contact point that won''t compromise your vehicle''s safety systems.

2. Use the "X" Pattern for Maximum Stability

For the most secure haul, we recommend using these axle straps in an "X" pattern when connecting them to your trailer''s D-rings. By crossing the strapsconnecting the driver-side axle strap to the passenger-side trailer anchor and vice versayou create lateral tension that prevents the car from "walking" or shifting side-to-side during transit. This is especially important for lightweight vehicles like Dune Buggies and Sand Rails that tend to bounce more on open trailers. The 24-inch length provides plenty of slack to clear most suspension components while maintaining a steep enough angle for superior load stabilization.

3. Regular Inspection and Cleaning

Nylon webbing is incredibly strong, but it can be compromised by UV exposure, road salt, and grease. After a weekend at the dunes or a muddy trail ride, make sure to wipe down your straps with mild soap and water. Grease and oil from leaking transaxle boots can soak into the webbing and attract grit, which acts like sandpaper against the nylon fibers over time. Always inspect your straps for any signs of fraying, "fuzzing," or heat damage from proximity to exhaust headers. If you see a cut in the webbing, replace the pair immediately; a small nick can turn into a catastrophic failure under the high-tension loads of emergency braking or rough road conditions.