Rhino USA LASSO-STRAPS
Rhino USA Car Tie Down Straps with Flat Hooks Instruction Manual
Model: LASSO-STRAPS
1. Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the safe and effective use of your Rhino USA Car Tie Down Straps with Flat Hooks. These heavy-duty straps are designed for securing vehicles such as cars, trucks, UTVs, and powersports equipment during transport on trailers.
Proper usage ensures the safety of your cargo and compliance with transportation regulations. Please read this manual thoroughly before first use and retain it for future reference.
2. Safety Information
WARNING: Failure to follow these safety instructions may result in serious injury, property damage, or death.
- Always inspect straps and hardware for damage (cuts, fraying, corrosion, deformation) before each use. Do not use damaged straps.
- Ensure the working load limit (WLL) of the straps and all components meets or exceeds the weight requirements of your cargo.
- Secure vehicles using all four straps, one for each wheel, to prevent movement in any direction.
- Avoid sharp edges on the vehicle or trailer that could cut or abrade the straps. Use edge protectors if necessary.
- Do not overtighten straps, as this can damage the vehicle's suspension or the straps themselves.
- Periodically check strap tension during transit, especially after the first few miles, and re-tighten if necessary.
- Ensure all hooks are fully engaged and secured to appropriate anchor points on the trailer.
- Keep hands and fingers clear of moving parts during tensioning and releasing.
- Do not use straps for lifting or towing. They are designed for securing cargo only.
3. Package Contents
Your Rhino USA Car Tie Down Straps with Flat Hooks package includes:
- (4) T-Handle Ratchets
- (4) Lasso Straps (2 inches x 96 inches)
- (1) Carrying Case
- (1) Sticker Pack
Figure 1: Complete kit showing four lasso straps, four T-handle ratchets, and a carrying bag.
4. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps to properly set up and install your Rhino USA Car Tie Down Straps:
- Position Vehicle: Drive or winch your vehicle onto the trailer, ensuring it is centered and positioned as desired. Engage the parking brake and place the vehicle in park (automatic) or gear (manual).
- Prepare Straps: Unroll each lasso strap and T-handle ratchet. Ensure there are no twists or knots in the webbing.
- Lasso the Tire: Take one lasso strap and loop it around the tire, ensuring the protective sleeve (with "RHINO USA" branding) is positioned over the tire's contact surface to prevent abrasion. The strap should sit snugly around the tire.
- Connect to D-Ring: Feed the free end of the lasso strap through the D-ring on the other end of the strap, creating a secure loop around the tire. Pull the strap tight to remove slack.
- Attach Ratchet: Connect the flat hook of a T-handle ratchet to a secure anchor point on your trailer. Ensure the anchor point is rated for the load and is in good condition.
- Feed Strap into Ratchet: Feed the free end of the lasso strap through the mandrel slot of the T-handle ratchet. Pull any remaining slack through the ratchet.
- Repeat for All Wheels: Repeat steps 3-6 for all four wheels of the vehicle. Ensure straps are positioned to triangulate the load, pulling the vehicle down and slightly forward/backward.
Figure 2: Lasso strap correctly positioned around a vehicle tire, with the protective sleeve in place.
Figure 3: Detail of the flat hook for secure attachment to trailer anchor points.
Figure 4: The T-handle ratchet, showing the mechanism for tensioning the strap.
5. Operating Instructions
Once the straps are in place, follow these steps to secure your vehicle:
- Tension the Straps: Operate the T-handle ratchet by moving the handle back and forth to gradually tighten the strap. Apply even tension to all four straps. The goal is to compress the vehicle's suspension slightly, but not to the point of damage.
- Secure Excess Webbing: Use the included Velcro straps to secure any excess webbing to prevent it from flapping in the wind during transit.
- Final Check: Double-check all connections, hooks, and strap tension. Ensure the vehicle is stable and cannot move.
- During Transit: After driving a short distance (e.g., 5-10 miles), stop in a safe location and re-check the tension of all straps. Re-tighten if any slack has developed. Continue to periodically check tension during long journeys.
- Releasing Straps: To release tension, pull the release lever on the ratchet and fully open the handle. Carefully pull the strap out of the mandrel slot. Disconnect the flat hook from the anchor point and remove the lasso strap from the tire.
Figure 5: A vehicle properly secured on a trailer using the Rhino USA lasso straps.
Video Guide: Rhino USA Lasso Strap Demo
Video 1: A demonstration of how to properly use the Rhino USA Lasso Straps to secure a vehicle on a trailer. This video covers the looping, attachment, and tensioning process.
Video Guide: Rhino USA Lasso Straps How to Guide
Video 2: A detailed "how-to" guide for applying Rhino USA Lasso Straps, illustrating each step for secure vehicle transport.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Clean straps with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry completely before storage. Do not use harsh chemicals or bleach.
- Storage: Store straps in the provided carrying case in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. This protects them from UV degradation and environmental damage.
- Lubrication: Periodically lubricate the ratchet mechanism with a light oil to ensure smooth operation.
- Inspection: Regularly inspect straps for any signs of wear, cuts, fraying, or damage to the stitching. Check hooks and ratchets for bends, cracks, or corrosion. Replace any damaged components immediately.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Strap not tightening | Webbing twisted or jammed in ratchet; ratchet mechanism dirty or corroded. | Ensure webbing is flat and untwisted. Clean and lubricate ratchet mechanism. |
| Strap becomes loose during transit | Insufficient initial tension; vehicle suspension settling; improper anchor points. | Re-tension straps after initial travel. Ensure proper tensioning and secure anchor points. |
| Strap shows signs of wear/fraying | Contact with sharp edges; excessive friction; age/UV exposure. | Use edge protectors. Replace damaged straps immediately. Store properly. |
| Hook detaches from anchor point | Improper hook engagement; damaged hook or anchor point. | Ensure hook is fully engaged. Inspect hook and anchor point for damage; replace if necessary. |
8. Specifications
- Model: LASSO-STRAPS
- Strap Dimensions: 2 inches (width) x 96 inches (length)
- Material: Alloy Steel, Nylon, Polyester (straps), Stainless Steel (fasteners)
- Color: Black (straps), Green (protective sleeves/branding)
- Load Capacity (Working Load Limit): 3,333 Pounds
- Break Strength: 10,000 Pounds
- Fastener Type: Buckle (ratchet), Flat Hooks
- Number of Pieces in Kit: 9 (4 ratchets, 4 lasso straps, 1 carrying case)
- Item Weight: 17.82 pounds
- Special Features: Heavy Duty T-Handle ratchet, High visibility colors, Protective sleeves
- Vehicle Service Type: Passenger Car, Trailer, Truck, UTV, Powersports
- UPC: 810109891092
Figure 6: Visual representation of the working load limit (3,333 lbs) and break strength (10,000 lbs) for the straps.
9. Warranty & Support
Rhino USA offers an unlimited Lifetime Replacement Warranty on all its products. If you encounter any issues with your Car Tie Down Straps, please contact Rhino USA customer support for assistance.
Contact Information:
- Phone: (800) 575-7310 (Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm PST)
- Website: Visit the Rhino USA Store on Amazon
Rhino USA is an American-owned, family-operated business committed to customer satisfaction.
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