In a tie down system and method for securing a vehicle tire to a wire grate, a slotted overlay panel rest on top of the wire grate. A clevis assembly having one end of a tire trap assembly attached thereto is provided along with the winch assembly having a winch for receiving an opposite end of the tire strap assembly. Each of the clevis assembly and winch assembly have a T hook with a T portion which is insertable through a respective slot of the overlay panel.