If you regularly use your truck for hauling cargo, it's important to make sure everything is safe and secure. That's why Enthuze offers a nice selection of ratchet straps and ratchet tie downs. The trusty ratchet strap is undoubtedly a hauler's best friend. You can get them in strengths as high as 5,000 pounds and they can be used in a wide variety of applications.

If you're new to ratchet straps and how they can help you transport your cargo safely, we have an all-inclusive guide on using and choosing your ratchet strap tie downs.

What Are Ratchet Straps?

Ratchet straps, also known as ratchet tie down straps, are straps that help secure cargo in your pickup truck bed or in a trailer. Most ratchet straps are made of polyester, but nylon is also common. Polyester is strong and less stretchy than nylon, which typically makes it better at securing a load for a long haul. Polyester is also more resistant to UV rays, chemicals, and mildew or mold.

Ratchet strap tie downs come in a wide variety of styles. When it comes to choosing the right one, there are several factors to consider. Strap width is one of the first things to look at. Strap width impacts the working load limit (WLL) of any given ratchet strap. If you use a ratchet tie down strap that doesn't have enough WLL for your cargo, you could damage it or cause safety hazards.

Ratchet tie down straps are generally available in widths between 1 inch and 4 inches.

1-inch straps are good for light applications with a WLL of about 1,000 pounds.

2-inch straps are the most common type of strap for most applications. They usually have a WLL of up to 3,333 pounds.

3 and 4-inch straps are the best choice for heavy tie down jobs. A 3-inch tie down strap usually has a WLL of around 5,400 pounds. A 4-inch strap can handle weights even higher than that.

It's also important to consider the end hardware of your ratchet strap and the assembly type. Some end fittings are E-track and L-track, while other options might include wire hooks and chain ends. The hardware you choose depends on the attachment points you have as well as the available space.

For example, if your bed has E-track and L-track attachments already installed, you might choose hardware that will easily fit that. Or, if you have a narrow space, you might choose a wire hook.

For assembly type, you can choose between full or endless. A full assembly is two sections, one that includes an end fitting and a ratchet, and the other that has an end fitting and a fixture-less end. This is the most common type of ratchet strap.

However, if you need to bundle items together, you might choose an endless assembly, which is just one strap with a ratchet and fixture-less end. These are simple to use as you just feed the end through the mandrel create a loop and then secure it with the ratchet.

How Ratchet Straps Work

Before you understand how ratchet straps work and how to use them, it's good to know how many ratchet straps you need. The good news is that there's a handy set of rules made by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The FMCSA guide addresses both the minimum WLL and the minimum number of ratchet strap tie downs you will need for different load sizes.

For example, if you have a load that is less or equal to five feet in length and 1,100 pounds in weight, you'll only need one tie down. If the item is less than or equal to five feet in length but over 1,100 pounds, then you'll need two tie downs.

Ratchet tie down straps work by either attaching to the cargo, passing through the cargo, or passing over the cargo. For example, when a strap is attached to the cargo, the tie down is attached to the vehicle's tie down points first, then it's attached to the cargo.

In a pass-through situation, the tie down strap is attached to the vehicle, passed through or around the load, then attached to the vehicle again at a second tie down point.

If the strap is passed over the cargo, then it's attached first to the vehicle, passed over the load, then again attached to the vehicle.

How To Thread Ratchet Straps

The process of how to set up ratchet straps is similar no matter whether you're using an endless ratchet strap or a full assembly. The main difference in how to put together ratchet straps is that an endless assembly should be in position before you start, whereas the full assembly is difficult to set up before you thread.

Step 1 - Open the handle

Step 2 - Insert the strap's loose end into the mandrel

Step 3 - Double the strap back over and then pull it through the mandrel slot

Step 4 - Tug the strap firmly to remove any slack

Step 5 - Crank the ratchet to achieve the desired tension

Step 6 - Ensure that the strap lines up with the other strap to avoid tangles

Step 7 - Lock the handle down once it's tightened

How To Tighten Ratchet Straps

Once your ratchet straps are in position, it's time to tighten them. The key is to get them to where your load is secure, but some space should exist between the strap and your cargo.

Step 1 - Pump the ratchet handle to remove the slack and tighten it

Step 2 - When it feels secure, stop ratcheting

Step 3 - Don't over-tighten the strap as that can damage your cargo or break your strap

Step 4 - Check if you can fit one finger between the strap and your load, if you can't, it's probably too tight and you should loosen it somewhat

How To Loosen Ratchet Straps

Both assembly types are roughly the same when it comes to how to undo a ratchet strap. The following steps discuss how to release a ratchet strap.

Step 1 - Pull the trigger back toward the handle

Step 2 - Open the ratchet fully to release the webbing

Step 3 - Pull the webbing from the mandrel

Step 4 - Tug the trigger to unlock

Step 5 - Close the ratchet back down

How To Store Ratchet Straps

When you're not using your ratchet straps, it's important to store them properly. Take the time to inspect, clean, and store your ratchet straps in a dry place away from the sun.

Start by hosing your straps down. If the straps are very dirty, you can use mild detergent and a scrub brush. Let your straps air dry before storing them.

A good way to store ratchet straps is with a strap winder. You can then store them in a plastic bag, hang them up with a cinch strap, or tie them together with a bungee cord.

When it comes to quality truck accessories like ratchet straps, tie downs, recovery straps, and more, no one makes a safer, more durable, or more reliable product than Enthuze. Rely on our selection of ratchet strap tie downs to meet all your hauling needs.

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