If you\u2019re hauling items on a roof rack or large loads in your pickup truck,<\/span> tie-downs<\/a><\/strong> are a must. These hold your cargo tightly in place so it doesn\u2019t shift when you\u2019re on the road. But anchoring your gear is about more than just throwing a strap around it. It\u2019s important to learn how to use ratchet straps correctly to keep your freight safe from harm and prevent damage to your vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n When it comes to selecting tie-downs, most experts recommend<\/span> ratchet straps<\/a> <\/strong>over bungee cords, rope or twine. With an elastic core (often hidden underneath a mesh sheathing), it\u2019s nearly impossible to gauge the load capacity of a bungee. In addition, the outer sheathing of bungees, rope and twine can easily fray. These characteristics create a tie-down that\u2019s unpredictable and unsafe.<\/span><\/p>\n Selecting the Right Ratchet Strap<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Ratchet straps are rated based on the weight of the cargo they are capable of anchoring. Weights start at about 300 pounds for a light-duty strap, with heavy-duty straps topping 10,000 pounds. Always use a strap with a rating higher than the weight of your load.<\/span><\/p>\n Start With Something Solid<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n You can\u2019t secure your cargo without a firm attachment point, such as a luggage rack, roof rack or hooks mounted in a truck bed. Don\u2019t be tempted to tie a load on top of your car if you don\u2019t have a rack of some sort \u2014 you\u2019ll never be able to secure the ratchet straps enough for safe hauling.<\/span><\/p>\n Tighten Up<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n As you hook the ends of the ratchet strap to a solid surface, check the length of the webbing to make sure it isn\u2019t twisting and is flat against your cargo. Slowly tighten the strap, checking the positioning of the webbing as you go to verify it doesn\u2019t shift or bind somewhere. Cinch until the strap is taut but be careful not to overtighten, which could damage the strap or whatever you\u2019re hauling.<\/span><\/p>\n Watch Those Loose Ends<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Some ratchet straps allow you to move the cambuckle down the length of the webbing to customize your fit. If shifting the cambuckle position leaves you with extra webbing, be sure to tie your loose end so it isn\u2019t flapping in the breeze.<\/span><\/p>\n More Is Always Better<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s much better to have too many straps than too few. As you anchor your load, don\u2019t limit the tie-downs to just the front-rear and side-to-side planes of your vehicle. Think of your load from all angles to ensure that items can\u2019t shift in any direction. If you\u2019re stacking more than one tier, secure each layer before adding the next.<\/span><\/p>\n Check and Re-Check<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Give each strap one final tug to make sure the line is taut before you drive away. For long trips, recheck the load and the straps periodically (probably about every 50 miles or so). It will surprise you how much looser your formerly tight line can become after being jostled by wind and the bumps of the road.<\/span><\/p>\n For more information on how to use ratchet straps, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local<\/span> NAPA AUTO PARTS store<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo Credit:<\/span>\u00a0Rafting Cargo On Heavy-Duty Truck Bed Cover<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>by<\/span>\u00a0DiamondBack Truck Covers<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(<\/span>CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/strong>).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n