Mac’s Tie Downs: The Toughest Tie Downs

By Ryder VanNess, Marketing and Product Specialist, Mac’s Tie Downs

Colin McLemore, owner of Mac’s Tie Downs, does not believe all equipment is made equal; that sentiment helped start the Idaho-based company more than 26 years ago.

McLemore has always been an avid outdoorsman and would often be found blazing new trails on his utility vehicles. Getting to those trails would be tricky as he would often have trouble with the generic tie downs. The “one size fits all” model did not always fit. Whether the load capacity was insufficient, the ratchet handle was difficult to operate, or the excess webbing could not be contained, the tie-down offerings just were not user-friendly.

Enough was enough. The tie-down shortcomings were apparent, and it was time to fill a void in the industry. In 1993 McLemore arrived at the Portland Swap Meet in his pickup truck with tie downs that would set a new bar in the market. Halfway through the first day the straps were all sold, and Mac’s Tie Downs was born.

Righting the Wrongs

Straight away, the company corrected several issues faced when using generic tie downs. For example, the ratchet handle was completely revolutionized. The one-piece steel ratchet handle is 40 percent more rigid, the free-wheeling mandrel eliminates “stickiness” when winding, and mandrel caps keep debris out. In addition, Mac’s chose only the highest quality webbing material that improved chafing and UV resistance. Incorporating overkill stitching greatly reduces failure and adds significant time to the lifespan of the product. Mac’s continues to have the highest stitch count in the industry.

Not Just Tie Downs

Mac’s is much more than tie down straps. The company prides itself on creating complete tie-down packages for its customers. Aside from heavy- and light-duty tie-down straps, Mac’s has anchor points up to the 10,000-pound minimum breaking strength, VersaTie—L-track and E/A track—as well as molded rubber chassis stabilizers, wheel chocks, and more. The company also offers solutions for around the shop, including a PiVOT Articulated Engine Lift Plate with adapters that is compatible with engines ranging from a Ford Flathead V8 to a modern-day GM LT4.

Custom, Custom, Custom

Although Mac’s has a variety of off-the-shelf options, the company is no stranger to creating custom solutions. There is no project too big or too small. Just ask. If it is needed, Mac’s can build it.

A Trusted Trailer Manufacturer Partner

Since the company’s inception, Mac’s has worked closely with top trailer manufacturers to incorporate track and anchor points into the build process. This saves the customer time and money when compared to adding these components after the trailer is built.

The Next Generation of Tie Down Solutions

Mac’s has recently released several products that are reshaping the tie-down industry. The company continues to evolve and push the envelope, ensuring prized possessions are protected.

Weld-On Tie-Down Brackets

Mac’s weld-on tie-down brackets create a permanent anchor point. No need for an axle strap. This comes in handy for lowlying vehicles with axle housings that are difficult to reach. The weld-on brackets also eliminate contact with critical vehicle components such as brake lines, wires, and hoses.

The size and design of the Weld-On Axle Housing Bracket will fit a wide variety of axle diameters. The Flat-Back Bracket welds to any square structural vehicle component, including a crossmember, frame rail, or truss.

Mac’s Monkey Face and Low-Profile Lashing Winch

The Mac’s Monkey Face is a game-changing product for the tie-down industry. The Monkey Face is a drop-in, stake pocket multi-mount designed to receive all Mac’s tie-down end-fittings. Each shape laser-cut into the design of the Monkey Face receives a specific type of Mac’s end-fitting: flat-snap hook, twisted-snap hook, s-hook, and flat hook. Cable, chain, wire rope, etc. can all be used.

The Mac’s Monkey Face can be purchased with or without the new Low-Profile Lashing Winch. This completely new design is built to tension two-inch-wide webbing. Use a seven eighths-inch socket to tension from either side. There is no choice between left- or right-mounted. The unique design of the Monkey Face allows the Low-Profile Lashing Winch to swing 60-degrees to angle the tie-down strap toward your cargo.

HD Tube Track

The new HD Tube Track is the first of its kind in the track industry. Manufactured with 1.5 in. x one 1.5 in. x .1875 in. steel tubing, the HD Tube Track sits flush with the trailer deck when installed and is specifically designed to replace a partial strip of

An example of Mac’s Monkey Face attached to a trailer.

wood decking. The design is built to accept both the Low-Profile Lashing Winch and D-Ring, and both anchor points are located on two-inch increments for the length of the track.

Primed for the Future

With product offerings that continue to set the standard in the industry, top-of-the-line customer service and a commitment from owner Colin McLemore, the future continues to shine bright for Mac’s Tie Downs. Learn more at www.MacsTieDowns.com or call (800) 666-1586.