by Joshua Thomas
Ratchet straps make it easy to quickly and effectively secure cargo for transport and their popularity shows just how good they are.
You can get ratchet straps in different lengths and sizes, plus they work in all kinds of vehicles, including trucks, vans, trailers, rooftop racks, and so on.
Ratchet straps are also widely in commercial use and many drivers prefer them over bungee straps because of their tautness control and ease of use.
In this ratchet straps review, you get a list of the best ratchet straps in the market, plus a buying guide to help you make the right choice.
Contents
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. LockDown 111BL (Best Overall) |
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 | 2. Augo 4-RCHT |
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 | 3. Rhino USA HDKIT |
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 | 4. Erickson 34416 |
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 | 5. Vulkan TH011 Lasso |
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 | 6. HFS 11582-4 |
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 | 7. Tiger Tie Downs |
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This LockDown premium quality strap set is one of the top-rated ratchet straps in the market for good reasons. The package features a 3,372-lb break strength and includes everything you need to secure your cargo.
There are four ratchet straps, four 15-ft long hook straps, and four soft straps. The package also includes a carrying bag and they all combine to produce a very flexible strap set.
One issue with this set, however, is its price because you can get comparably cheaper sets elsewhere. On the positive side then, you get a set with thick webbing, an easy-to-use ratchet, and double-coated hooks to protect your cargo.
Another issue, although a rather small one, is that it only comes in blue. This shouldn't matter much to most people anyway, as long as the 1.25-inch wide straps keep up their high quality.
Pros
Cons
Whether you're looking for the best motorcycle ratchet straps or general cargo ratchet straps, it wouldn't hurt to get something affordable. So this offer is interesting because of its low price.
In spite of that, the package features four quality ratchet straps with 500-lb load capacity and 15-ft long webbing, with rubber-coated S-hooks and ergonomic handles.
What the package lacks anyway, is a carry bag for easily organizing the contents. It just comes with its packaging. Also, its 500-pound load capacity might be too low for some cargo types.
The webbings are, however, made of quality polyester and the package also includes two bungee cords to make your job easier.
Pros
Cons
Rhino USA is a small family company from California that makes automotive products like these ratchet straps. This offer is one of the best heavy-duty ratchet straps in the market and it comes with lots of extras.
Its first major feature is a polyester and silk blend for the webbing, plus Rhino USA backs its products with a lifetime warranty.
The ratchet straps have at 5,208-pound break strength rating and each measure 1.6 inches in width and eight feet in length. There are four straps in the package, with coated S-hooks and four soft loops as well for more tie-down flexibility.
You can this package in any of four colors, including orange, blue, green, and black. The only problem is its rather high price, but when you consider the lifetime warranty, then it doesn't seem too bad, after all.
Pros
Cons
The Erickson 34416 is a patented ratchet strap design that puts it in a class of its own, its ease of use sets it aside from the other tie-down straps in the market.
If you're looking for a high-quality ratchet strap, then check out this retractable design. To use, simply pull out the web to the desired length, attach it and start ratcheting until it tightens.
To release the strap, simply press the Red release button and that's it. This retractable design means that all unused webbing gets stored inside the device, eliminating webbings that may float in the air while you drive.
Points of concern here include the high price and that there are only two units in the package. The patented design makes up for it all anyway.
Pros
Cons
If you're looking for the best ratchet straps for ATVs and other off-roaders hauling, then check out this offer for specially designed tire tie-down straps from Vulkan.
There are four straps in the package and each one comes with a metal ratchet and a plated "lasso style" O-ring that make it able to tie-down a range of tire sizes.
The package is available in either of three attractive colors, including Yellow, Green, and Silver, but the package's price is not very attractive when compared to other offers in this review. So, it's left for you to decide.
Pros
Cons
This offer is for a set of four yellow ratchet straps that are each 1.5 inches wide and 15 feet long. The straps have a 1,000-pound working load limit and a 3,000-lb break strength.
They come with double J-hooks, which come from tough steel and guaranteed not to give away like weaker S-hooks often do.
Another nice feature on this offer is the low and attractive price, but keep in mind that there are neither accessories in the package, nor are the straps available in any other color but yellow.
HFS also guarantees that the soft polyester webbing won't scratch your paint in any way and backs the package up with a 1-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
This Tiger Tie Down straps offer is perfect for those who want the best tie-down ratchet straps for the money. It's offered at a low and attractive price, which makes it 20-ft length even more valuable.
You should note that most other ratchet straps are either 8-ft or 15-ft long, so this offer with its 20-ft does offer you more flexibility in tying down
Its downsides include its 500-lb working load limit and the lack of accessories in the package. Its S-hooks are rubber-coated to prevent scratches, however, and the webbings are UV treated for durability.
Pros
Cons
If you want to get the best ratchet straps, then you must understand the different features that are important before making your choice, because this enables you to make an informed decision.
Ratchet straps are specific tools and following are their most important features and how they relate to each other and to securing your cargo.
A ratchet strap's load capacity or Working Load Limit (WLL) refers to the total weight of a load that it can comfortably handle, and this capacity is usually stated by the manufacturer.
Load capacity is usually a third of a strap's break strength and this is necessary because it gives the strap enough capacity to handle variations in the cargo's weight or tension.
You need to know a ratchet strap's WLL because this lets you match your cargo to the correct strap. You also want to make sure that you get a ratchet strap with a rating that's more than what your cargo weighs.
As mentioned above, a ratchet strap's break strength is also important to note. This break-strength refers to the most weight or force that the ratchet strap can withstand before tearing or breaking down.
You should keep in mind that a ratchet strap's break strength doesn't only refer to the strap's webbing, but to the ratchet and any other parts used in making the entire strap.
Since this is the most force that the strap can handle, that's why rated load capacities are usually about a third of a ratchet strap's break strength, so there's enough rough for slight variations and improved safety as a result.
The goal with ratchet straps is having a taut material that keeps cargo in place while being flexible enough for tightness adjustments. This means that the webbing should come from a material with as little stretching as possible.
Nylon, polyester, and polypropylene are strong materials that can withstand high cargo weights but they have different flexibilities, which makes polypropylene the least ideal and polyester the most ideal material for making ratchet straps.
Choosing the least flexible material is important because you don't want your cargo shifting from left to right or up and down, while you're on the road.
Different manufacturers make their ratchet straps in different lengths, so it's left for you to choose which length best suits your vehicle and the type of cargo that you're transporting.
Most offers average 20 to 30 feet in length and you can always choose a longer strap if you're not sure, because you get to adjust and tighten them anyway.
You should also consider how you intend to transport your cargo. If you're working with an open-air vehicle or vessel, then the strap's weather-resistance is usually more important to you than if you used a closed truck.
Depending on your preferences, you may want to check out extra features in the package, such as rubber-coated hooks to protect fragile cargo, soft loops, or a storage bag for easy handling.
You also want to get more straps than you think you'll need because more is always better, and keep in mind that metal ratchets are better and heavier-duty than plastic ones.
You too can use ratchet straps to secure your cargo just like the pros do every day, all you need is to understand the three major steps involved and to always inspect your straps before or after use.
Following are the three simple steps of threading, securing, and release.
The first step is threading, which is simply passing your strap webbing through the ratchet. You'll need to press the release catch on the ratchet first, to open it.
Then, open the ratchet fully and place it on a table or other flat surface, with its spiked wheels facing upwards. Now, pass the strap through the bottom of the ratchet, known as the mandrel. Continue passing this strap until you get the approximate length that you need.
You'll need to first place your cargo exactly where you want it and then pass the ratchet strap across or over the cargo. Next, hook your straps to the truck bed or grooves on the walls, and start ratcheting.
Simply pull the ratchet back and forth until the strap tightens around your cargo. Be careful, however, not to make it too tight. You want the strap tight and taut, but not too tight as to damage your ratchet or cargo.
To release the strap, simply press the release catch again. If you can't find it, then just read the user manual. Once the ratchet releases, open it completely and pull out the strap, then close the ratchet and store it for next time.
Read More: 10 Best Recovery Straps
Ratchet Tie Down Straps 20ft 4 Pack by Bison Gear High Visibility UV Resistant 2200lb - Walmart Link
Ratchet Tie Down Straps - 4 Pk - 15 Ft- 500 Lbs Load Cap- 1500 Lb Break Strength- - Walmart Link
RHINO USA Heavy Duty Vehicle Tie Down Kit - 11,128lb Guaranteed Break Strength - Use for - Walmart Link
Everest Premium Ratchet Tie Down - 1 PK - 2 IN - 27 FT - 3333 LBS Working Load - 10000 - Walmart Link
RHINO USA Ratchet Tie Down Straps (4PK) - 1,823lb Guaranteed Max Break Strength, Includes - Walmart Link
Malone Auto Racks SpeedLine Mini Ratchet Tie-Downs - Walmart Link
Four 2" x 20' E Track Ratcheting Strap Heavy Duty Cargo TieDowns, Durable Blue Polyester - Walmart Link
RPS Outdoors SI-2071 Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity Camo 1" x 10' Ratchet Tie Down Straps - Walmart Link
RHINO USA Ratchet Straps Tie Down Kit, 5,208 Break Strength - Includes (4) Heavy Duty - Walmart Link
Grip 30 ft x 4 in Heavy Duty Tow Strap - Walmart Link
Sunferno Ratchet Straps Tie Down 2500Lbs Break Strength, 15 Foot - Heavy Duty Straps to - Walmart Link
ALL-TOP Nylon Heavy Duty Tow Strap Recovery Strap Kit : 3 inch x 30 ft (35,000 lbs) 100% - Walmart Link
AUGO Heavy Duty Ratchet Straps & Soft Loops - Pack of 2 Extra Strong 1.5" by 10' Ratchet - Walmart Link
Ratchet Tie Down Straps 20ft 4 Pack by Bison Gear High Visibility UV Resistant 2200lb - eBay Link
Ratchet Tie Down Straps - 4 Pk - 15 Ft- 500 Lbs Load Cap- 1500 Lb Break Strength- - eBay Link
RHINO USA Heavy Duty Vehicle Tie Down Kit - 11,128lb Guaranteed Break Strength - Use for - eBay Link
Everest Premium Ratchet Tie Down - 1 PK - 2 IN - 27 FT - 3333 LBS Working Load - 10000 - eBay Link
RHINO USA Ratchet Tie Down Straps (4PK) - 1,823lb Guaranteed Max Break Strength, Includes - eBay Link
Malone Auto Racks SpeedLine Mini Ratchet Tie-Downs - eBay Link
Four 2" x 20' E Track Ratcheting Strap Heavy Duty Cargo TieDowns, Durable Blue Polyester - eBay Link
RPS Outdoors SI-2071 Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity Camo 1" x 10' Ratchet Tie Down Straps - eBay Link
RHINO USA Ratchet Straps Tie Down Kit, 5,208 Break Strength - Includes (4) Heavy Duty - eBay Link
Grip 30 ft x 4 in Heavy Duty Tow Strap - eBay Link
Sunferno Ratchet Straps Tie Down 2500Lbs Break Strength, 15 Foot - Heavy Duty Straps to - eBay Link
ALL-TOP Nylon Heavy Duty Tow Strap Recovery Strap Kit : 3 inch x 30 ft (35,000 lbs) 100% - eBay Link
AUGO Heavy Duty Ratchet Straps & Soft Loops - Pack of 2 Extra Strong 1.5" by 10' Ratchet - eBay Link
We've reached the end of this ratchet straps review and it's now your turn to choose from the top offers above. You've seen the pro-grade products, as well as the budget offers, so it's left for you to decide.
Remember that there's no single ratchet strap that's better than the rest, so choose an offer that best meets your needs and suits your lifestyle as well.
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About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
Just Car Care
