When it comes to ensuring your gear is safely transported to your camping or outdoor destination, ratchet straps are an indispensable tool. With their ability to secure items firmly, they provide peace of mind for any adventurer. However, improper usage can lead to damaged equipment or even accidents. In this article, we’ll explore essential tips and tricks to make the most out of your ratchet straps, ensuring both safety and efficiency.
Choosing the Right Ratchet Straps
- Quality Matters: Invest in high-quality ratchet straps to ensure durability and reliability. Low-quality straps can wear out quickly and may not hold up under pressure. The Rhino USA 1.6 Ratchet TieDown Kit includes 4 heavy-duty ratchet straps and 4 soft loop tiedowns, designed specifically for transporting vehicles like UTVs and motorcycles.
- Break Strength: The ratchet straps should have a high break strength. For instance, Rhino USA’s straps boast a break strength of 5,208 lbs, ensuring they can handle heavy loads safely.
- Material and Durability: Look for straps made from heavy-duty materials. The Rhino USA straps, for example, are designed with 8 feet of usable strap length and soft loops that provide 17 inches of secure tying options.
- User-Friendly Design: Features like padded handles, ultra-precise locking mechanisms, and double-diamond stitching can significantly enhance ease of use and strength.
- Safety Features: S-hooks with high-quality safety clips and soft loops can help avoid damage to vehicle surfaces, an important aspect when considering the features of high-quality ratchet straps.
- Strength and Length: Select straps with appropriate strength ratings for the items you’re securing. Consider best ratchet strap lengths for ATVs, especially if you’re transporting larger items like kayaks or ATVs.
Properly Securing Your Gear
- Prevent Over-Pressure: One of the most important points is to avoid applying too much tension which can easily deform the mounting points, especially if they aren’t sturdy. This tip is crucial for avoiding pressure damage with ratchet straps.
- Carabiner Technique: Use carabiners through the eyes of the hooks on the ratchet straps. This method ensures a more secure hold and minimizes the risk of hooks falling out if tension drops. The benefits of carabiners in securing gear are notable in this context.
- Soft Loops: Use soft loops to wrap around wider or irregularly shaped items to prevent abrasion and enhance security.
Tips for a Smooth Ride
- Adding a Twist: Always put a twist in your straps where they are not lying flat against the surface of the item or the vehicle. This simple technique prevents the straps from humming in the wind during transit, which is a great trick for preventing strap hum during transit.
- Frequent Checks: It’s crucial to pull over and check your straps every 15 miles to ensure they remain tight and secure. Environmental factors like wind and vibration can loosen straps over time.
- Proper Tightness: Avoid overtightening to prevent damage to the load and mounting points. A good practice is keeping some suspension travel to accommodate road bumps without damaging the items.
Real-life Precautionary Tales
Real-life experiences can serve as valuable lessons. For example, an outdoor enthusiast once experienced an incident where an ATV shifted on a trailer, causing the ratchet strap hook to fall out. Thankfully, they had used additional securing methods such as carabiners, which prevented a major mishap. Stories like these emphasize the importance of double-checking straps and using multiple securing methods. Finding longevity in quality ratchet straps involves regular checks and maintenance.
Maintenance and Storage
- Regular Inspections: Before every trip, inspect your ratchet straps for any signs of wear and tear like fraying or cuts.
- Proper Storage: After use, clean the straps to remove any dirt or debris and store them in a cool, dry place to prolong their lifespan.
- Dry and Roll: Ensure that straps are dry before storage. Roll them neatly to avoid tangling and damage.
In conclusion, ratchet straps, when used correctly, can be a camper’s best friend. By following these guidelines and tips, you’ll ensure your gear is transported safely, allowing you to focus on enjoying your outdoor adventure. Happy camping!
