This is our official list in search of the best cargo straps on the market today. Scroll further down for full details on each product and biref guide to cargo straps.
Quick Look:
- 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Premium Ratchet Tie Down – 4 PK by Vault Cargo Management
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Keeper 05723 1 1/2″ by 8′ Heavy-Duty
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Cartman 1″ x 12′ Lashing Straps
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Badass Moto Gear Heavy Duty Ratchet Straps
- 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Ratchet Tie Down Straps by AUGO
We know time is of the essence, so the above is a cheat sheet of what’s ahead, just in case your’re in a hurry. Otherwise, keep scrolling down for more detailed and constructive info on each item.
5 Highest Reviewed Cargo Straps to Consider
When transporting cargo, you need something to tie down the load. With the best cargo straps, you can make sure your cargo is secured. Depending on your needs, you can use cargo straps to secure items onto a trailer, and they’re also useful for keeping belongings in the back of a pickup truck. Below, you’ll find reviews for five of the best cargo straps available.
1.) Premium Ratchet Tie Down – 4 PK by Vault Cargo Management
Vault Cargo Management produces high-quality products, and these cargo straps are designed to handle a maximum load capacity of 500 pounds. The strong material is made for heavy-duty loads, and it has a break strength of 1,500 pounds.
These ratchet straps can be used to transport motorcycles, trucks, lawn equipment and appliances. They feature an ergonomic grip and serve as cam buckle alternatives.
The industrial-grade straps are made for heavy loads, and they can help you focus on your driving and stop worrying about losing your load. Each strap comes with an ergonomic handle, and it’s designed to stay attached under heavy loads.
Many low-quality cargo straps come with cheap handles, which fall off and litter the highways. To prevent damage to your cargo, these straps are made with an S hook, and the hooks are coated with protective rubber.
PROS
- Easy on the wrists
- Load capacity of 500 pounds
- Long strap length
- Built to last
CONS
- Must be assembled
2.) Keeper 05723 1 1/2″ by 8′ Heavy-Duty
The Keeper 05723 is a heavy-duty tie down, and with a 1,000-pound working load limit, it offers double the strength of many competing cargo straps. The break strength of this product is 3,000 pounds, and for improved grip and comfort, the ratchet handle is padded.
The snap hooks are coated in vinyl, and they come with a D-ring. When compared to some of the alternatives, this product offers superior load capacity, durability and reliability, and it’s especially useful for transporting ATVs and motorcycles.
The ratchet handles are covered in comfortable rubber, and a soft tie extension increases the versatility of the entire product. A major selling point for the Keeper 05723 is that it can help you to stop relying on hooks, and for maximum reliability, the steel D-ring is sewn into place.
PROS
- Solid design
- Perfect for large items
- Very reliable for long trips
- Can hold motorcycles
CONS
- Strap winder is too long for some applications
3.) Cartman 1″ x 12′ Lashing Straps
The Cartman lashing straps have a break strength of 600 pounds, and they’re designed for a wide range of general applications. If a hook isn’t needed, these tie downs are very useful, and they’re ideal for securing up to 200 pounds of cargo.
With a silver finish, the components resist rust and look better than many alternative products. The silver finish also offers three times more corrosion resistance than competing products.
The main material is made from poly ethylene, and it’s significantly stronger than most of the propene polymer belts. The Cartman lashing straps can be used for long trips, and with a length of 12 feet, they’re long enough to secure large loads.
The metal buckle on the end of the strap features a solid design, but since they’re very heavy, be careful when swinging them.
PROS
- Great for transporting pet carriers
- Perfect for small or large loads
- Easy to use
- Can even be used for kayaks
CONS
- Only good for short-term trips
4.) Badass Moto Gear Heavy Duty Ratchet Straps
The Badass Moto Gear ratchet straps are heavy-duty products, and they’re commonly used for commercial applications. With a break strength of 3,300 pounds, these straps can secure a lot of weight, and the ratchet design is easy to use.
The ratchet handles are padded for comfort, and an easy-release lever allows for effortless operation. One of the problems with many other cargo straps is that they tend to scratch paint.
The Badass Moto Gear ratchet straps are made with high-tech webbing, and since they’re covered in soft material, they’re much less likely to scratch paint.
These cargo straps can protect your gear, and for maximum safety, they have rounded edges. If you’re looking for products that will allow you to safely transport cargo, then the Badass Moto Gear ratchet straps are worth considering.
PROS
- Cams are smooth
- Triple webbed
- Huge load capacity
- Perfect for transporting motorcycles
CONS
- Ratchet mechanism could be improved
5.) Ratchet Tie Down Straps by AUGO
The AUGO ratchet tie down straps have a load capacity of 500 pounds, and the break strength is about 1,500 pounds. With each purchase, you get a pack of four straps, and these products are recommended for moving appliances, motorcycles and lawn equipment.
Many cheaper straps come with low-quality handles, but the AUGO straps are designed with ergonomic handles, which is why you don’t have to worry about them falling off. The hook attached to each strap prevents your vehicle from getting scratched, and it also protects your cargo.
With 15 feet of webbing, these straps can hold small or large loads, and you also get two AUGO bungee cords with every purchase. Since they’re made from industrial-grade materials, these straps can secure most types of cargo.
The AUGO ratchet straps have hooks that are coated with plastic, and the ratcheting mechanism is coated with zinc. These materials can resist corrosion for a long time, but eventually, they’ll begin to rust. These straps commonly purchased and used by women because they’re very easy to use.
PROS
- Made with high-quality strap material
- Handles and hooks feel solid
- Great for moving long distances
- Frequently used for boats, appliances and motorcycles
CONS
- Threading instructions would be useful
Brief Guide to Buying Cargo Straps
The quality of the strap is important because it determines how much stress the material can handle. If you’re using high-quality straps to tie down your cargo, then you shouldn’t have to worry about items getting loose and falling out.
Some people make the mistake of trying to tie down cargo with weak ropes, or they use makeshift items that aren’t designed to secure the cargo.
If you’re transporting a large load on the highway, high-quality cargo straps are essential, and once attached, the straps will prevent the cargo from coming loose and falling onto the highway.
What Is a Cargo Strap?
Cargo straps are made for tying loads down to prevent movement so that they can be transported safely. Every day, ratchet straps are used to secure cargo, and they’re commonly used with trailers. However, tie downs are also popular for marine applications. If you ever need to tie something down, there is a good chance that you’ll need a cargo strap to do it.
A standard strap consists of webbing, and to secure the load, it has hardware attached to it. They are made from a variety of materials, and most cargo straps have a ratchet, which allows you to add tension to the line. There is usually a fixed end and an adjustable end.
The two main types of products are two-piece straps and loop straps. A ratchet tie down is a popular piece of equipment because it’s easy to use, and it’s used much more often than alternative products. Loop straps are often used to tie pallets down.
What to Look For?
To find a high-quality cargo strap, you must know what to look for. Ratchet straps are essential tools for truck owners because they’re great for hauling cargo. The main purpose of the strap is to prevent your cargo from getting damaged, but it’s also useful for keeping the roadways safe.
Capacity
If items are flying out of your tuck bed because they’re not properly tied down, it can create an unsafe situation. Before you purchase cargo straps, you need to understand the maximum capacity of the straps. If you purchase products that can’t handle the size of your load, then the equipment might fail, which could cause serious injuries.
Since it’s best to keep your cargo under the maximum capacity, you should purchase straps that can handle more than you plan to transport. By keeping the stress on the straps to a minimum, you can significantly reduce the risk of an accident.
You shouldn’t have any difficulty finding the capacity rating for product, and it will tell you the maximum amount of weight the product can safely handle.
Width
Another factor to consider is the width of the strap. The width of these straps varies from 1 inch to 4 inches wide, and for heavier load, you’ll need stronger straps. For example, the width of the cargo straps should be at least three inches for motorcycles and similar items.
Most cargo straps should be issued with a working load limit (WLL) that meets certain regulations, so you will want to check and make sure that what you are transporting doesn’t exceed this limit. Most regular users will be fine with 1 or 2 inch straps, but truck drivers will most likely need a 3 or 4 inch width.
Stretch
You will want to look for something that is strong, and will last a long time, through wind and rain, without wearing out. The amount of stretch is also an issue, as for some loads you might need it to be more stretchy than other types. The material the straps are made of will make the most difference in how stretchy they are. Nylon is usually more elastic and can stretch 20 to 30% under a 2500 pound load. Polypropylene stretches the most (up to 50%), and Polyester the least (about 5-10%).
Connection Type
Also the type of connection is something that can vary greatly. There are different shape hooks, buckles and springs. Flat hooks are made of metal that is bent over to be double and are great for flat bed trucks. S and Double-J hooks can be used to attach to thin steel parts of trucks, or anchor points. S hooks lie at the same angle to the strap, whereas Double-J hooks are at a 90 degree angle to the strap, so this will affect how it lies.
E-track systems are also available, where the cargo strap has a specific attachment that is made to attach to E-tracks. These are sometimes found already installed in trailers, or you can install your own. Some straps also have locks built into them which you might want to consider if you have valuable cargo that is not going to be guarded. It is also possible to find sleeves and pads that can be fitted to the ratchets to prevent damage to the paint of your vehicle when driving.
Material
Some materials are more weather resistant than others. Polyester is more resistant to the sun’s rays, so won’t break down as quickly as other materials. Polyester is also stronger and resists abrasion more than the other materials – but is also more expensive. Both polypropylene and polyester have good resistance to water since they are water repellants.
What Are the Benefits?
A lot of people make the mistake of transporting heavy loads without cargo straps. The greatest benefit of using these products is safety, and by securing your load with ratchet straps, you can prevent items from falling out of your truck and injuring other people.
If a heavy object falls out of a trailer while you’re driving on the highway, it could cause a fatal accident. To avoid accidents, you can purchase some high-quality cargo straps and use them to secure your load.
Who Can Benefit
If you are moving house, cargo straps are great for securing whatever you have on the back of your truck or trailer. Also if you carry your motorcycle around or an ATV, or any other kind of cargo that could comes loose and needs tying down, then a ratchet strap is what you need. Even larger things, like boats, kayaks and cars can be secured using these straps.
Truck drivers can be cited for not securing their loads safely and according to regulations. Cargo straps will help you, because they have their maximum limits clearly written on them.
What To Avoid?
Make sure you check your cargo straps before using them. If there are any defects or wear, these can get larger during transport and become dangerous.
Don’t use bungee cords instead of cargo straps. Bungee cords are not made for securing heavy items and because they are elastic can result in the load moving too much. They are also dangerous if they slip, and don’t have minimum and maximum weight limits, whereas cargo straps should all be sold with those so that you can stay safe. Bungee cords also fray, stretch and break more easily than cargo straps do.
Make sure you use the right number and size of cargo straps. According to Truckinginfo.com, ‘A common driver violation is not using the correct number of tie-down devices for the cargo. The driver has to consider the weight and length of the article(s) of cargo, and use the correct number of the proper tie-downs.’
FAQs
What are ratchets?
The ratchet part of a cargo strap is the metal bit with teeth. The teeth keep a hold on the strap, meaning that you can tighten it by very small amounts without loosening what you have already tightened. They also have a mechanism which you can use to let it loosen all at once.
How do I maintain cargo straps?
If you want to keep your cargo straps going for a long time, keep them out of the sun while being stored. If they get wet then always let them dry out before putting them away so they don’t become moldy. Also remove the strap from the teeth of the ratchet during storing, so it doesn’t become bunched up underneath and damaged. Always inspect them for damage before and after use, and use a lubricant on the ratchet regularly to keep it operating smoothly.
How long will they last?
Generally it is recommended that cargo straps are retired after 2 to 4 years of continuous outdoor use. This is because they gradually wear down with exposure to ultra violet radiation and rain. But you will also want to inspect them regularly for discolouration, which could be an indicator of too much sun exposure, for fraying, unevenness, reduction in elasticity, and shortening.
Are there any safety issues to be aware of?
Mainly the maximum load limit is something you should watch for. But it also recommended that when driving with a load that is held down by cargo straps, you check every 30 to 50 miles and re-tighten the straps if needed. That is because the wind can cause friction and movement, causing them to loosen slightly.
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Wrapping Up
If you need to transport cargo, you need a way to tie down the load. With the best cargo straps, you can secure your load and prevent dangerous accidents.
These products are great for transporting ATVs, motorcycles, lawn equipment and furniture, but it’s important to make sure you’re using the right straps for the job.
When securing a load with these products, it’s best to use cargo straps that have a higher load capacity than what you plan to use them for, and once attached, they’ll allow you to safely transport large loads across long distances.