Ratchet Strap Tie Down, 2 Wide, 5 Foot Long, Sold Each

Heavy-Duty Security for Your Air-Cooled Investment

When it comes to transporting your prized Volkswagen Beetle, Karmann Ghia, or custom Sand Rail, there is absolutely no room for compromise on security. The EMPI Ratchet Strap Tie Down is engineered specifically for the enthusiast who demands professional-grade tension and reliability. Measuring a robust 2 inches in width and 5 feet in length, this strap provides the necessary surface area to distribute pressure evenly across your vehicle''s structural points, preventing the marring or shifting that often occurs with narrower, inferior hardware store alternatives. Whether you are hauling your Baja Bug to the dunes or taking your pristine Split Window to a national show, these straps ensure that your VW stays exactly where you put it, regardless of road conditions or sudden stops.

Constructed by EMPI, a name synonymous with air-cooled performance and quality for decades, this ratcheting tie-down features a high-leverage handle that allows you to achieve maximum tension with minimal physical effort. The 5-foot length is perfectly suited for securing axles, beam tubes, or frame horns in tight trailer configurations where excess webbing would otherwise become a tangled mess or a flapping hazard. Sold individually, these straps allow you to customize your tie-down kit based on your specific trailer setup. Don''t risk your investment with weathered or undersized straps; upgrade to the strength and peace of mind that only a purpose-built EMPI tie-down can provide for the long haul.

Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

While these are universal heavy-duty tie-downs, they are the preferred choice for securing the following Volkswagen and off-road applications:

• Volkswagen Type 1: Standard Beetle, Super Beetle, and Baja Bug (All Years).
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Kombi, and Microbus (Split Window and Bay Window).
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback.
• Volkswagen Type 14: Karmann Ghia Coupe and Convertible.
• Volkswagen Type 181: The Thing / Kurierwagen.
• Off-Road: Meyer''s Manx, Sand Rails, Tube Chassis Buggies, and Chenowth frames.
• General Use: Ideal for any flatbed trailer, enclosed hauler, or truck bed utility application.

Technical Specifications and Features

• Part Number: 17-2862-0
• Webbing Width: 2 Inches (50mm) for superior load distribution.
• Overall Length: 5 Feet (60 inches) optimized for short-reach securement.
• Mechanism Type: Heavy-duty steel ratcheting handle with ergonomic grip.
• Material: Industrial-grade, high-tenacity polyester webbing.
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant zinc plating on the ratchet assembly.
• Hook Style: High-strength steel hooks designed for D-rings and trailer rails.
• Quantity: Sold Each (Individual units).
• Color: High-visibility finish for easy inspection during transport.

Pro Tips from the Appletree Garage

Tip 1: The Half-Twist Harmonic Trick

When securing your VW on an open trailer, always put a single half-twist in the long section of the webbing before tightening the ratchet. If the strap is perfectly flat, the wind rushing over it at highway speeds will cause it to vibrate violently, creating a loud "humming" sound and potentially causing the strap to fray against itself or your vehicle''s finish. This simple twist breaks the airflow, eliminates the vibration, and protects your webbing from premature wear during long-distance hauls.

Tip 2: Avoid the "Suspension Bounce" Trap

One of the most common mistakes when tying down a Beetle or Ghia is attaching the hooks to the body or bumpers. As the trailer hits bumps, the car''s suspension will compress, momentarily loosening the straps and allowing the hooks to potentially disconnect. For the most secure haul, always tie down to "unsprung" weight, such as the lower torsion housing or the axles. If you must tie to the frame, ensure you compress the suspension significantly during the ratcheting process to prevent the straps from going slack on the road.

Tip 3: Maintenance and Inspection Protocol

Road grime, oil, and UV rays are the enemies of polyester webbing. After every trip to the dunes or the track, inspect your EMPI straps for any signs of "furring," nicks, or chemical staining. If a strap has a cut deeper than 10% of its width, it is legally and safety-wise compromised and must be replaced. We recommend cleaning your ratchets with a light spray of dry silicone lubricant to keep the pawl mechanism moving smoothly without attracting dirt and sand that could jam the gears when you need them most.