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Trailer Cargo Management

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Secure and Manage Your Trailer Cargo for a Safer, Smoother Haul

An E-track or tie-down anchor is perfect for adding anchor points for your tie-down straps to hold your bigger cargo in place. Organize the smaller stuff with a tool box, tool rack, cabinets and shelves, hooks and hangers, or bottle and can racks. Get your gear loaded quickly and safely with a set of our loading ramps or assist ramps and parking guides. Keep it in place with some wheel chocks and tie-downs. Make sure your trailer and all its contents stay safe with a trailer coupler lock, king pin lock, gooseneck lock, spare tire lock, or hitch lock.

With over 75 years of assisting our neighbors and customers, over 1 million photos and videos taken to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need, and over 35 thousand installations completed, we’ve got the product know-how and experience to help you make the right choices for the job at hand.

How should I load my trailer to keep it stable?

Loading a trailer the right way makes a huge difference in how it tows. About 60% of the weight should be placed toward the front, ahead of the axle, to prevent sway. Spreading the weight evenly from side to side helps keep things balanced and reduces strain on your tires. If your cargo shifts while driving, stopping to readjust can save you from bigger problems down the road.

What’s the best way to secure different types of cargo?

Not all tie-downs work the same for every load. Ratchet straps are great for keeping general cargo locked down, while chains and binders work best for heavier loads like equipment or vehicles. Cargo nets help keep loose or irregularly shaped items from shifting, and E-Track systems give you flexible anchor points for securing loads in an enclosed trailer.

How do I stop cargo from moving around while I’m driving?

Even a well-packed trailer can have cargo shift if it’s not secured properly. Non-slip mats help keep things from sliding, and tie-down straps anchored to the right points will keep heavier items from moving. For anything round—like pipes or barrels— chocks or wedges are a must to stop them from rolling. If you’re hauling over long distances, check your tie-downs periodically to make sure nothing has loosened up.

Are there laws about securing cargo in a trailer?

Yes—most states require cargo to be secured so it doesn’t shift, spill, or fall off the trailer. If you’re hauling heavy loads, you may also need a certain number of tie-downs per weight or length of the cargo. Using the right anchor points, bulkheads, or stakes helps meet legal requirements and keeps your haul safe.

How do I know what tie-down method to use?

The right tie-down method depends on what you're hauling. Straps are a solid choice for general cargo, chains and binders work best for heavy machinery, and cargo nets are great for keeping loose items together. Whatever you use, always check the working load limit (WLL) to make sure it can handle the weight of your cargo, and inspect your tie-downs regularly for signs of wear. To decide which method is best for you, check out our guide.