Renown Cargo Trailers

8.5×20

The Ultimate Guide to Enclosed Cargo Trailer Tie Downs

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inside of a gooseneck trailer with tie downs

When it comes to traveling with enclosed cargo, securing it correctly is an absolute necessity. As you travel, your motorcycles, equipment, and other cargo will shift and move about the trailer if you do not have it properly tied down. That is where some reliable tie-downs for trailers are a vital component for every enclosed cargo trailer. But what are tie-downs for trailers? Where do you attach them to the cargo trailer? What kind of cargo can be secured with tie-downs for trailers? 

In this guide, we will discuss the purpose of tie-downs for trailers, what they are, and cover some tips and tricks for how to use them to secure your cargo the most securely. Hold on tight as we get rolling out to the world of tie-downs for trailers. 

What are Tie-Downs for Trailers?

Tie-downs for trailers are heavy-duty straps that are used to secure hefty cargo so it cannot be jostled about while in motion. Made to be capable of securing monumental payload weights, cargo tie-downs are designed to keep even heavy motorcycles or vehicles safe and secure in transit. 

Most cargo tie-downs consist of a strap or net, some form of a hook to attach it to an anchor. Oftentimes, tie-downs for trailers will include a mechanism called a ratchet to tighten and loosen the strap. With the strap or net portion typically being made from super-tough Nylon and the hook being made from a steel alloy, the materials used are intended to be stout and secure. 

Available in nearly every color and a variety of materials, cargo tie-downs come in a variety of lengths. Typically, you can get tie-downs in lengths from about 6 feet for smaller loads, to about 40 feet for larger cargo. 

Quick terms: 

  • Break Weight: The break weight refers to the maximum weight that the cargo tie-down can support before breaking. This limit should be available on every type of tie-down for trailers. The break weight will be a higher number than the working load strength as it is not intended to be the everyday capacity.
  • Working Load Strength: This refers to the everyday weight limit that the cargo tie-downs are capable of supporting. This weight is meant to indicate the daily conditions that the tie-downs can be used in that will not cause damage. This will be lower than the break weight as the working load strength is meant to be safe for continued use on a daily basis. 

The Nitty Gritty: Types of Straps and Hooks

Digging a little deeper into the types of tie-downs for trailers, there are a few different types of straps and hooks available to secure your cargo. Though there are numerous types on the market, here are the most common straps and hooks for cargo tie-downs:

Types of Straps:

  • Lashing straps: Lashing straps are intended to be used with smaller loads and weights. With easy-to-use gator clips, a smaller working load strength, and lighter break strength, lashing straps are ideal for loads around 100 lbs and lighter.
  • Cam buckle straps: Cam buckle straps are intended for medium loads like ATVs and dirt bikes and are going to have a heavier capacity than lashing straps. With a working load strength of around 500 lbs and a break strength of up to 1,500 lbs, cam buckle straps are ideally used when securing moderately heavy cargo.
  • Ratchet straps: Ratchet straps are the heaviest duty of tie-downs for trailers that are used for large and weighty loads. Named after the locking mechanism to secure the straps in one position, the ratchet straps have an easy-to-use securing instrument. The working load strength of most ratchet straps is an impressive 5,000 lbs and the break weight of ratchet straps is 15,000 lbs. Ideal for the largest cargo, motorcycles, automobiles, and industrial loads, ratchet straps are a hefty option for motorcycle tie-downs for trailers or cargo tie-downs for trailers.

Types of Hooks: 

  • S-hook: As the typical standard on most types of motorcycle tie-downs for trailers and cargo tie-downs, the s-hook is made from a steel alloy in the shape of an “S.” With one end of the s-hook being closed around the end of the strap and the other end being open, these hooks are easy to attach to nearly any anchor type.
  • Snap hook: The snap hook is going to include a closing hook that is more secure than the s-hook. By snapping around the anchor, the snap hook needs to be unhitched to be removed. This gives cargo an extra layer of protection in transit and is compatible with most types of anchors.
  • Flat hook: The flat hook is a versatile hook shape that is unobtrusive. The flat hook is designed to be secured around the rub rails of trailers and can be secured to other cargo tie-downs for trailers as well. 
  • J-hook: Used to tightly grip the anchor, j-hooks are a multi-point hook that is on one end of some cargo tie-downs for trailers. Often used with heavy-duty straps are a hardy option for cargo securement 

Where to Secure Tie-Downs for Trailers

Whether you are transporting a vintage show car or your mobile concession stand equipment, the right anchors for your tie-down are a major part of your enclosed cargo trailer. Most enclosed cargo trailers are going to be equipped with some form of anchor to secure cargo tie-downs. These anchors are attached securely to the side walls or floor in a fixed location. This provides an unyielding connection point to secure the trailer tie-down and hold cargo in place. 

There are two common types of anchors found in enclosed cargo trailers. Depending on the type of cargo you intend on hauling, it is important to get the right anchor to ensure that your haul gets there safe and sound. Here at Renown Cargo Trailers, we can equip your enclosed cargo trailer with either d-rings, e-tracks, or both if you need a more diverse anchoring system. 

Types of anchors for tie-downs for trailers

  • D-rings: D-rings are small half-rounded rings that are embedded into the floor or sidewalls of a trailer. Providing a fixed point for attaching cargo tie-downs, d-rings are ideal for transporting the same type of cargo over and over. You may want to install d-rings into your trailer if you plan on using motorcycle tie-downs for trailers, automobile tie-downs, or other vehicle tie-downs for trailers. 

The downside of d-rings as cargo anchors is that they do not offer much in the way of flexibility. D-rings are secured to a fixed point that may limit your hauling capabilities depending on what you are needing your enclosed cargo trailer to carry.

  • E-tracks: As the name suggests, e-tracks are E-shaped tracks that are installed into the floor or side walls of a cargo trailer. These versatile anchoring systems have multiple slats in which a cargo tie-down and be attached. This offers numerous points of contact for your cargo tie-downs and allows more flexibility for what cargo you can carry. E-tracks can also be combined with d-rings to create a system of anchor points to attach cargo tie-downs for trailers. 

Tips and Tricks for the Most Secure Cargo Tie-Downs

Whether you are transporting sound equipment to your next concert or bringing your ATV along for a weekend in the great outdoors, knowing how to utilize tie-downs for trailers is essential for the long haul. Of course, the exact method will depend on what you are carrying, the type of cargo tie-downs you are using, and the anchoring system your trailer is equipped with. However, here are some general tips and tricks to properly securing your cargo. 

  • Center you load: When loading your cargo, the position in the trailer matters. By positioning the cargo in the middle of the trailer or near the hitch side, you can keep the weight of the load evenly distributed across the trailer and keep it from hitting the walls as you move. This gives it enough room to move slightly without banging up against the wall of the trailer.
  • Be sure your tie-downs are tight: Once you have everything tied down, be sure to inspect the tension of the tie-downs. This will make sure all of your connections are securely in place and will not move during the trip. 
  • Do not over-tighten: You want to make sure that your cargo tie-downs for trailers are tight and secure, but not too tight. Especially with cargo like automobiles and motorcycles, overtightening your tie-downs for trailers could cause damage to your cargo. 
  • Use additional straps: It is much better to use additional tie-downs for added security than it is to have loose cargo. Use as many straps as you can. 

Have the Cargo, Need the Trailer? Renown is Here to Help

Whether you are carrying something across town or across the country, Renown Cargo Trailers has the perfect enclosed cargo trailer for you. With numerous ways to customize your trailer, you add all the tie-down anchors you could ever need. Request a quote from us today. 

7×16 vs 8.5×20 Enclosed Trailer Comparison

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  • 7x16 enclosed trailer
    7×16 Enclosed Trailer
  • 8.5x20 enclosed cargo trailer
    8.5×20 Enclosed Trailer

There’s no doubt that both the 7×16 and 8.5×20 are tough cargo trailers. Each enclosed trailer can carry thousands of pounds of whatever you need to transport and each are solid workhorses, built for years of faithful service. So when considering which enclosed cargo trailer is right for your situation, how do you know which is the better option? Here, we’ll highlight the unique aspects of both the 7×16 and the 8.5×20 to help you gain a better understanding of which trailer would best suit your needs.

How These Enclosed Cargo Trailers Measure Up

Knowing the dimensions of your cargo trailer is an important first step in considering which trailer options are right for you. After all, you need to make sure that the cargo you have in mind for transporting will adequately fit within the enclosed trailer space. Later, we’ll discuss how the cargo’s weight should be factored in but here we’ll focus strictly on measurements. Let’s look at both the 7×16 and the 8.5×20 trailer specifications.

7×16 Enclosed Cargo Trailer 

With Renown’s 7×16, you get the convenience of two different choices: the 7x16TA or the 7x16TA Blacked Out Edition. All of these enclosed trailers have the same measurements. However, please note that the measurements we provide below can vary somewhat depending on the manufacturer and different options. Always be sure you have the final measurements for the trailer you are focusing on before making your purchase. 

You might think that figuring out the width and height are easy, right? I mean this is a 7×16 trailer after all. Well, some of the features of the trailer add some extras here you should account for in your purchasing decision. 

Let’s look over the specifications of our 7×16’s:

7×16 Enclosed Cargo Trailer Measurements:

  • Total Exterior Length: 19’6” (16’ trailer + 3’6” standard tongue length)
  • Total Exterior Width: 102” including the exterior fenders  
  • Total Exterior Height: 93”
  • Ramp Entry Opening Height: 69.5”
  • Ramp Entry Opening Width: 75”
  • Interior Height: 75” (6’3”)
  • Interior Length of V-Nose: 24”
  • Interior Width of Trailer: 80”
  • Ground Clearance: 12-14” from ground to bottom of frame
  • 7×16 Enclosed Trailer Weight: 2,260 pounds (empty)

8.5×20 Enclosed Cargo Trailer

With Renown’s 8.5x20TA trailer, you get beauty and brawn all in one. The trailer’s obvious length and width advantage translates into being able to safely carry more cargo increased distances over the 7×16 but there are some potential sacrifices like maneuverability that we’ll cover in greater detail later on.

For now, let’s cover the measurements of our 8.5×20’s:

8.5×20 Enclosed Cargo Trailer Measurements:

  • Total Exterior Length: 23’6” (20’ trailer + 3’6” standard tongue length)
  • Total Exterior Width: 102”  
  • Total Exterior Height: 96”
  • Ramp Entry Opening Height: 75.5”
  • Ramp Entry Opening Width: 89.5”
  • Interior Height: 78” (6’6”)
  • Interior Length of V-Nose: 27”
  • Interior Width of Trailer: 96″ wall-to-wall on interior and 84″ between the wheel wells
  • Ground Clearance: 12-14” from ground to bottom of frame
  • 8.5×20 Enclosed Trailer Weight: 3,200 pounds (empty)

With a side-by-side comparison of the 7×16 vs the 8.5×20, the obvious difference is size. With the 8.5×20, you have more cargo room, more head room, and a bigger enclosed trailer in general. However, bigger isn’t always better. For driving the busy streets of a town, parking, and generally maneuvering around, the 8.5×20 is a much bigger trailer to have to contend with. If you need to get your trailer in and out of tight places, like in a bustling urban environment, the 7×16 is far easier to maneuver. Of note, both of these trailers have drop leaf spring axles with electric brakes on both axles – making it easier on the tow vehicle to stop. 

Next, we’ll look at some reasons why size shouldn’t be your only consideration when deciding between these two cargo haulers.

Comparing Enclosed Trailers’ Payload Capacity 

Payload capacity in enclosed trailers is a topic we have written extensively about, and for good reason. Most customers are looking for the best trailer for hauling their desired payloads. Thus, understanding the payload of the trailers you are comparing is critical. Size, too, as we have covered, is an equally important consideration. 

The proper payload needs to be distributed correctly in the trailer in order to maintain safe operation. Payload capacity simply refers to the maximum weight of cargo that a trailer can safely transport. However, this is only part of the consideration when considering your trailer’s cargo capacity. An essential measurement any trailer owner needs to be familiar with is the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes both the payload capacity and the trailer’s weight to arrive at the absolute maximum for the trailer to safely transport cargo from a to b. 

With the 7×16, you have plenty of room to store a mower, equipment, and other tools for a lawn business, but when you have multiple pieces of large equipment, the dimensions of the trailer need to be factored in. In the lawn business example, a crew with a big 60” zero turn mower and say a 36” walk-behind for gated yards would do better to go with the 8.5×20 as there will be more room for both the mowers, as well as the trimmers, blowers, tools, etc. and still give you room to move. Both of these trailers have heavy-duty ramp doors with an E-Z spring assist for easier opening and closing but the 8.5×20 also includes a 4’ no-show beavertail to help with loading and unloading gear. The 8.5×20 also has four recessed 5K D-rings welded right into the frame with steel backing plates so you can secure large and/or heavy gear.

Remember, the 8.5×20 also has a higher amount of headroom at 78”, making it ideal for getting in, grabbing your equipment, and getting out unhindered. That’s not to say the 7×16 isn’t appropriate for a lawn care business, just that this trailer would be more ideal for a smaller operation carrying less equipment. 

Getting honest with yourself as to the exact intentions for your trailer and even measuring out how your equipment will fit inside the internal dimensions is a great way to visualize how this trailer will work for you day in and day out. If you’re having to shuffle around your equipment every day, this costs time and will probably get old pretty fast. Both trailers do offer the convenience of a 36” RV style side door with a flush lock that makes accessing forward gear easier.

Factoring Price into the Trailer Purchasing Decision

Price alone should never really be the main driver behind any purchasing decision but it definitely ranks pretty high on the list for most of us. After considering the trailer’s measurements and payload capacity, the price of the trailer comes into play. 

With our 7×16 vs 8.5×20 comparison, the 7×16 definitely comes out on top in terms of price. Our current pricing for these two enclosed cargo trailers are as follows:

Remember, at Renown we always have a monthly special running so be sure to check here for the best deal on the trailer-of-the-month. In fact, this month’s special is for an upgraded 8.5×20 trailer! With an upgraded axle, our 8.5x20TA3 trailer carries an astounding 7,200 lbs of payload. Specials are for a limited time and this pricing won’t last so act quickly if you want this particular cargo hauler. 

Price will also affect your financing options. Apples to apples, with a higher priced trailer at the same interest rate, you will end up paying more in interest over the term of your loan. If your credit is less than stellar, you may even be limited in how much you are able to borrow. However, we work with some of the best trailer financing names in the industry and can help you secure the financing that works with your situation.

That Feeling You Get When You Roll Off Our Lot

At Renown, we want to give our customers the very best trailer buying experience possible so you roll off our lot with a smile on your face, knowing you got a great trailer at a great price. We’ll work hard to earn your business but if we don’t have the perfect set up to meet your needs, we’re just as happy to send you to another dealer that does. Our work is intended to honor God and we demonstrate that by being a trailer dealership of absolute integrity from the top down. 

Contact us now or come on by our home office in the beautiful Southern town of Douglas, GA. We’ll take the time to get to know you and everything you need out of your trailer. Added bonus, we can also ship your trailer most anywhere in the United States!