A large load on a vehicle can be hazardous if everything is not properly secured. While an excellent elastic rope might do the job, the right ratchet straps are your first choice for maximum security.
Buckles are a popular belt option, but most professional drivers use ratchet straps for added safety and comfort. These straps are available in different lengths and strengths. Here is our guide with all you need to know to make the right choice when shopping for them.
Benefits of a Ratchet Strap
Ratchet straps offer a secure, reliable way to stabilise loads, making transport safer and more manageable for both heavy and irregularly shaped items.
Protect larger loads
With ratchet straps, you can hold heavier loads than with standard elastic rope. High-performance ratchet straps are the first choice for drivers who need to carry heavy loads over a distance.
Carry awkward objects
Bicycles, kayaks, golf carts, farm implements, and other portable items can make tying down difficult. The end hook ratchet straps have the advantage that they can be attached directly to parts of the thing or rolled up on different surfaces for greater flexibility. Several straps can work together for longer.
The Price of a Ratchet Belt
The cost of a ratchet belt can vary depending on its strength, length, material quality, and intended use.
- $ 25 or less: Most low-cost ratchet strips use a traditional fixed-head construction with an adjustable end. They are easy to use, great for everyday use, but can be limited to heavier loads.
- $ 25-50: There is a right combination of simple, high-quality strips and ratchet kits that contain several strips with poor performance. Some of the higher layer options are more suitable for heavy loads.
- $ 50 and above: They are premium belts that are ideal for heavy loads, as they use better materials and thicker widths.
Key Features of a Ratchet Belt
When choosing a ratchet belt, understanding its key features helps ensure you select a strap that is safe, durable, and suited to your load-securing needs.
Webbing
The central part of it is the webbing that forms the overall length of the strap. Most tapes contain nylon or polyester, and polyester is preferable for its abrasion and weathering properties. The straps are available for loads of 1 to 4 inches wider.
Ends
The ratchet handle tips increase the safety and versatility of the product. Most recommendations are in the form of hooks, whether coated or bare metal.
You can attach them in different places or on the handle itself while wrapping it. The head's size, the hook's material, and safety features, such as the locking mechanism, affect the belt's overall strength.
Tensioner
The tensioner forms the ratchet mechanism itself, pulling the belt (adjustable head) with each click and increasing the tension until everything is in order. Most buckles have an adjustable chair that slides freely into the groove.
However, some models have a retractable mechanism that wraps around the handle for convenient storage.
Capacities
The ratchet belt's resistance is always an essential aspect for safe use if carrying loads more enormous than the belt can handle, as it can damage the load or its surroundings. All belts' working performance represents the safest working area and the breaking limit, which means the belt's breaking point.
With heavy loads, it is best to maximise these resources as much as possible. A working capacity of 500 pounds and a breaking capacity of 1500 pounds is a reasonable estimate for the average active band.
Length
The total length of the belt affects the size of its coverage. Size is generally not important unless you plan to carry large objects or long distances between the item and the anchor points. Most ratchet straps are 3 to 6 meters long.
Ratchet Straps for Vehicles
The best ratchet straps for cars or trucks combine strength, reliability, and ease of use to safely secure cargo during transport.
1. Vehiclex Ratchet Straps & Soft Loops
Vehiclex Ratchet Straps & Soft Loops are for ATVs, scooters, UTVs, and watercraft. The kit includes four 1.5-inch wide straps rated at 1,995 kg break strength, reinforced webbing with a diamond stitch pattern, and vinyl-coated full-bend S-hooks with spring clips to prevent slipping.
You also get a spring-loaded, lockable release mechanism that adds safety by reducing the risk of accidental opening during transit. Its bright orange colour improves visibility when fastening and checking tension.
Pros
- High break strength
- Wide reinforced straps
- Secure spring-clip S-hooks
- Lockable safety release
Cons
- Higher price than basic strap sets
- Manual ratchet tensioning required
- Bulkier for small/light loads
2. JACO Ratchet Tie Down Straps
JACO's ratchet straps are built for heavy-duty securing tasks, from transporting ATVs and UTVs to stabilising kayaks, paddleboards, and cargo in trailers or trunks. The adjustable polyester webbing extends up to 15 feet and features a waterproof, abrasion-resistant design for durability.
It has a reinforced ratchet mechanism with rubber-coated handles that provide a firm grip and smooth tensioning, while the quick-release lever allows easy unloading. Rubberised hooks with rust-proof vinyl coating help protect anchor points and prevent scratches.
Pros
- Strong load capacity
- Durable polyester webbing
- Complete kit with storage case
- Protective rubberised hooks
- Smooth ratchet action
Cons
- Excessive for light-duty use
- Bulkier than basic straps
- Manual tensioning required
3. Velidy Ratchet Strap
These Velidy Heavy Duty Ratchet Straps are built for light to medium-duty load securing, offering thick, durable webbing and a reliable buckle mechanism for consistent performance.
With a working load around 265 kg and a breaking strength up to 800 kg, they are well-suited for luggage, roof cargo, kayaks, SUP boards, and general transport needs. The rust-proof metal lock ensures a firm hold, while the strap design helps minimise the risk of scratches on vehicle paint.
Pros
- Multiple size options
- Easy installation
- Durable straps
- Rust-resistant buckle
Cons
- No hook attachments
- Not suitable for very heavy loads
- Manual tightening required
- Limited for industrial use
Ratchet Straps for Motorcycles
Ratchet straps for motorcycles are built to secure bikes safely during transport, offering reliable tension and protection without damaging the frame.
4. Aerofast Motorcycles Ratchet Straps
Aerofast motorcycle ratchet straps are built for durability and reliability in tough outdoor conditions. They feature UV-stabilised polypropylene webbing, thermal-sealed fibres to reduce wear, a thicker belt for added strength, and an anti-rotation snap for more flexible attachment.
The rotating safety ring keeps tension aligned, preventing binding in the ratchet, while the rotating safety carabiner improves stability during transport. Each strap is rated at 1,180 kg breaking strength, making them suitable for securing motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs.
Pros
- UV-resistant webbing
- Thick durable straps
- Anti-rotation snap
- Rotating safety ring
- High breaking strength
Cons
- Manual tensioning required
- Over-tightening risk
- Premium pricing compared to basic straps
Important Tips
A few practical guidelines can help you use ratchet straps more safely, efficiently, and with better long-term results.
- If money is not a major concern, it is a good idea to purchase a ratchet strap that has more load capacity than you need. An additional capacity buffer increases versatility.
- Learn how to use the ratchet strap correctly, including how to tie the ends together and put it back in place from the start. It makes it easier to secure the straps more securely from the start.
- We recommend that you use a retractable ratchet strap if you use the belts frequently. It can save a few minutes of the adjustable primary winding, especially when the retract mechanism for automatic winding is spring-loaded.
- Choose short straps for easy attachment to motorcycles or off-road vehicles. The strap number is more vital than the length for small devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long of a strap do I need?
A 10-20 foot harness is adequately long for regular loads that you can carry. Longer belts are most commonly preferable for commercial purposes or other projects that do not involve dragging heavy loads between locations.
Can the ratchet straps break?
Like any other mechanism, ratchet straps can break, especially if you overuse them. In most cases, the belt or the endpoint itself will likely get damaged before the ratchet mechanism. If you are keeping loads and forces below the belt limits, it probably won't break.
Can I use ratchet straps with other attachments?
Ratchet straps work well with other cables, rubber bands, and ties. You can also hang ratchet strips on the various tie-downs to add full length or wrap a delicate product.
Final Thoughts
Ratchet straps remain one of the safest and most dependable solutions for securing loads on vehicles. The right strap provides stability, reduces movement, and significantly lowers the risk of damage or accidents. Selecting straps with suitable working load limits, durable webbing, and reliable ratchet mechanisms ensures both cargo protection and road safety.
Before purchasing, we recommend you consider the type of load, required length, hook style, and capacity buffer. Investing in quality straps and using them correctly will deliver better performance, longer service life, and greater peace of mind during transport.
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