Ratchet Tie Down Strap

What Are Ratchet Tie Down Straps?

A ratchet tie down strap is one of the most essential pieces of cargo control equipment you can carry. Unlike simple cam buckle straps or bungee cords, ratchet tie downs use a mechanical ratcheting mechanism to progressively tension the webbing until your load is locked down tight — and it stays that way. Whether you're hauling a Jeep on a flatbed trailer, securing a motorcycle in the bed of your truck, or lashing down equipment on a jobsite, a quality ratchet strap is what stands between your cargo and a dangerous, costly road incident.

How Ratchet Tie Downs Work

The core components of a ratchet tie down are the polyester webbing, the ratchet mechanism housing (with its toothed spool and release lever), and the end hardware — typically J-hooks, flat hooks, or snap hooks. To use one, you loop or hook the fixed end to an anchor point on your trailer or truck bed, route the strap over or around your load, thread the free end into the ratchet spool, and crank the handle back and forth. Each stroke of the ratchet draws more webbing through the spool, incrementally building tension until the load is immobilized. To release, you simply pull the release lever, which disengages the pawl from the ratchet teeth and allows the spool to unwind freely.

Key specs to pay attention to when shopping include the Working Load Limit (WLL) — the maximum load the strap is rated for in regular use — and the Break Strength, which is typically three to four times the WLL. Webbing width (1", 1.5", 2", or 4") and length also vary widely depending on application.

Choosing the Right Ratchet Strap

• Load capacity: Match the combined WLL of your straps to the weight of your cargo. For heavy vehicles like full-size trucks or rock crawlers, look for 2" straps with higher-rated hardware.
• Hook type: Flat hooks work well on standard trailer D-rings; snap hooks with retention clips are better for anchor points where vibration might dislodge a plain hook; axle straps and soft ties protect painted surfaces and suspension components.
• Webbing material: Polyester is the industry standard — it resists UV degradation, absorbs minimal moisture, and holds tension well across a wide temperature range.
• Ratchet quality: Look for steel barrels, heavy-duty pawl teeth, and ergonomic release handles. A flimsy ratchet mechanism is a single point of failure you don't want to discover on the highway.

Top Ratchet Tie Down Strap Brands

Torklift International is best known for its precision-engineered camper and cargo tie-down systems, particularly among truck camper enthusiasts who demand extreme holding power and hardware longevity. Their tie-down products are designed to integrate seamlessly with truck frames and provide a secure, vibration-resistant connection for the long haul.

Erickson Mfg is one of the most widely recognized names in cargo control, offering a broad range of ratchet straps suited for everything from light-duty truck bed use to heavy equipment transport. Their extensive product lineup makes it easy to find a strap matched to virtually any application or load capacity requirement.

SpeedStrap has built a loyal following among off-road and motorsports haulers with tie-down kits engineered specifically for Jeeps, UTVs, trucks, motorcycles, and ATVs. Their ratchet straps feature built-in soft-tie ends that wrap around A-arms, trailing arms, and axles without scratching paint or finish, and heavy-duty steel ratchet barrels tuned for smooth, reliable action under serious load.

Powertye specializes in tie-down solutions for powersports vehicles, with a focus on designs that protect delicate suspension components and finishes during transport. Their products are a popular choice for motorcycle, ATV, and UTV owners who haul frequently and need a dependable, no-slip system.

Kargo Master rounds out the lineup with cargo management accessories built to complement truck rack and utility systems, offering tie-down options for drivers who need organized, secure load control on work trucks and adventure rigs alike.