Are you planning to move some furniture, your bikes, or other cargo with a trailer? Have you found an effective and safe way to secure items in the trailer?
Typically, the most recommended method to secure items to a trailer involves using the right types of ratchet tie-down straps for your cargo. This will not only keep items secure but will also minimise the risk of a load-related accident on the road.
Make Safety Your First Priority
Irrespective of whether you’re transporting small items such as garden tools or something much heavier such as your ATV, it’s essential to make safety a top priority. To help you do this, our experts have compiled a list of pointers to help you use your ratchet straps as safely as possible.
1. All Straps Are Not Equal
The first rule of using ratchet straps is to remember is that they aren’t all equal. That means you should start by getting the right set of straps for the job on hand. Since some straps are stronger than others, you’ll want to keep the following factors in mind to help you identify the right set of straps.
- Overall weight capacity: The straps you will be using should be able to secure the weight of your cargo easily. Thin, weaker straps won’t be ideal for larger, heavier items and won’t prevent them from moving around.
- Length of the straps: Ideally, straps should be long enough to go over the cargo without any unnecessary strain. Tie-downs that are too tight are at risk of tearing or snapping, which compromises the safety of the whole process. Rather purchase the correct lengths rather than join a few shorter pieces, as this makes the straps weaker.
- Hooks needed: Your straps will need to be hooked onto the sides of the trailer or transport vehicle. For this, you’ll need the right types of hooks based on the capacity and type of strap you’re using. Speak to your local strap supplier for the strongest possible strap and accompanying hook.
2. Know How to Use the Straps Safely
If you’ve never used ratchet straps before, it’s a good idea to practice beforehand. Keep in mind that the best straps will be completely useless if they aren’t used correctly. Not tying the straps correctly will mean the cargo is still loose and can easily fall off.
Incorrect use can also damage the straps. If you’re not sure how to use a strap, consider these tips:
- Place the loose end of the tie-down strap in the mandrel part of the ratchet.
- Pull the strap securely through the slot in the mandrel.
- Make the strap tight by pulling the slack out of the strap.
- Gently crank the ratchet to reach the desired tightening.
- Keep the strap in line with the other one to avoid locking or tangling.
- Tighten the strap to secure the strap and lock the handles down.
- At the end of the trip, reverse these steps to avoid damaging or tearing the straps.
- Ensure your straps are dry and undamaged before you put them away for storage.
3. Assess the Quantity Needed
It’s common practice in the logistics industry to use ratchet straps in pairs. This means that you’ll want two sets of the same type of strap to secure your load. Two straps ensure that there’s at least one fully functional strap if one should snap.
Keep in mind that instances with larger or very heavy loads may require additional straps. You may also find that the size and length of the load require varying lengths or types of loads. Always research the requirements for the types needed for the load you have.
4. Always Inspect Before Use
You may have ratchet straps in your cupboard in the garage. Keep in mind that just because you haven’t used them in a while doesn’t mean they’re still in good condition. Even the smallest tear, nick or worn stitching in your straps can affect the safety of your load.
This is especially the case if your straps were previously used to secure something that had chemicals in them. Or, if they were stored while they were wet. The build-up of mould can also cause your straps to deteriorate. Be sure to check your straps a few days before your scheduled trip to allow yourself time to buy new ones if you need to.
Final Thoughts
You might think that it’s not necessary for all this fuss if you’re simply moving a few things across town. However, keep in mind that it takes one sudden instance of hitting the brakes too hard with an unsecured load on your trailer to create a devastating accident. Rather use our tips to ensure that you’re using the correct tie-down straps in the safest and most secure way possible. Keep yourself and your cargo as safe as possible, no matter how short the distance, or how small the load is!
