The Best Ratchet Straps for Transport and Storage
Regardless of the type of trip, you may be required to bring a few large items from time to time. This may be your portable grill, a large battery, foldable furniture, or some other conveniences you could use once you settle down. The problem is getting these items to your destination without them falling off your vehicle — and that’s where ratchet straps can help.
Designed for cargo and heavy items, ratchet straps are the solution you’re looking for if you need to carry equipment, furniture, or just about anything that can’t fit inside your car. They’re made to last, so you can use the same straps for years to come. Below are some of our favorite ratchet straps of 2024.
Our Top Picks
Compare the Quality Ratchet Strap in 2024
Best Overall
Augo’s ratchet straps are our top pick for a few reasons. Firstly, the straps are made of a strong rubber material that can withstand up to 2,200 pounds of break strength. Secondly, you can choose the color of the straps, with the default being black with blue and red options for better visibility. Finally, the straps also come with bungee cords, soft loops, and a storage bag, so you can extend and further strengthen the straps to ensure nothing falls off as you fix objects to your vehicle. This complete set of straps serves as a gold standard and is the best overall product on the list.
Pros
- Comes with a storage bag
- Made to withstand up to 2,200 pounds
- Includes bungee cords
Cons
- The black color version isn’t very visible
Best for Heavy Cargo
What makes this set of tie-down straps extra special is the buckle that you find at the end of the straps. It’s made out of incredibly durable premium material, and even with just two straps, you can carry and strap heavy cargo without issue. You can buy the straps in sets of two to eight, with a medium cargo option also available if you don’t think you’ll be needing something so heavy-duty. The only downside is that the straps are fairly expensive, so expect to shell out a bit of money if you want a few straps to use with your car or boat.
Pros
- Very durable buckle
- Made out of polyester
- Also available in medium cargo-hauling style
Cons
- Very pricey for cargo straps
Best 4-Pack
Two straps are often enough for a lot of things, but sometimes you’ll need more than that. This is often the case when trying to strap down items with complex shapes, such as furniture. While you may be able to make do with just two straps for boxes, you’ll need at least four straps for more complex items, and this set by Rhino USA has that many straps to work with. You can buy the straps in a variety of colors, with some bright ones that can be easily spotted even in dim lighting conditions.
Pros
- Comes in packs of four
- Storage sack included with purchase
- Many bright colors are available
Cons
- Not the best-looking in terms of design
Best 8-Pack
Four straps are suitable for most items, but if you really need to secure things, more straps couldn’t hurt. This set of straps by Ohuhu has not one, not two, not four, but eight total straps per pack. The entire set also costs just under $37, which means you’re spending around $4-5 per strap. That’s a great deal, especially when you buy multiple sets, so you can strap on many items. The martial quality is good too, so it’s not like you’re cheating out on more affordable straps at the cost of durability.
Pros
- Comes in sets of eight straps
- Great value for money
- Very easy to operate
Cons
- No storage bag included
Contender
If you’re an off-road enthusiast, chances are you like riding bikes and ATVs in muddy terrain. It’s a fun experience, but a lot of the issues with the hobby concern logistics — how do you move that hunk of metal and fuel from one place to another? Rocket Straps has the solution—a set of tie-down straps designed specifically for ATV and motorcycle cargo. You can bring your toys around with you wherever you go, provided that your vehicle has enough space to carry them around. The straps are ergonomic and easy to set up, so you can strap your bikes and remove them at a moment’s notice.
Pros
- Ergonomically designed straps
- Made for use with bikes and ATVs
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Only available in two colors
Finding Your Next Ratchet Strap: A Buyer's Guide
Bringing heavy loads can be difficult without tying them in place. This guide will help you make the most out of ratchet straps.
What is a Ratchet Strap?
Not to be confused with a ratchet, a type of tool, ratchet straps are straps used to hold and secure heavy loads on vehicles such as trucks and boats. They work using a set of polyester straps and buckles — the buckles hold the polyester straps in place, and while you can easily adjust them when done correctly, they ensure that the straps don’t come off.
Reasons to Use a Ratchet Strap
It makes carrying cargo a lot safer
Carrying cargo can be quite dangerous if it’s not safely secured on your vehicle, whether it be indoors or outdoors. This is especially true if the load is situated on top or behind your vehicle, as you can easily have the items fly off if they’re not properly tied up. There are multiple ways to secure items onto your vehicle, but ratchet straps are by far one of the safest options.
Ratchet straps work because they’re designed to handle these sorts of situations. Whether it be a constant force due to weight or a sudden force due to momentum, the buckles won’t budge, even more so when used in tandem with other ratchet straps.
It’s more convenient
Convenience matters when it comes to cargo, especially when you’re carrying things around often. It wouldn’t make sense for you to tie a very complicated knot only to undo it hours later and tie it again the same way shortly after. With a pre-installed ratchet strap, you can buckle and unbuckle the cargo very quickly, saving you both time and effort when loading and unloading.
You can use it multiple times
The reusability of ratchet straps is not to be underestimated. You can use the straps tens and even hundreds of times without seeing any sign of wear and tear. They’re particularly useful when you’re making regular trips with heavy items, as you can make full use of their reusability that way.
How to Use Ratchet Straps
Clip them in the right spots
Vehicles will often have areas on the top and back of the vehicle that you can use to clip the straps in place. Pick-up trucks and SUVs are the most common vehicle types to have this, though other car types may have them too from time to time. You may also find similar spots in boats and other vehicles.
Don’t strap them too tight
You can be tight when it comes to strapping cargo, but try not to go overboard. Going “overboard” can happen when the cargo is large but a little sensitive — such as an item that has many moving parts. Putting too much pressure on the cargo can be bad for both the cargo itself and the strap, so be sure to adjust accordingly. Focus on getting a good grip without needlessly tightening it too much.
Ratchet Straps Price Range
Ratchet straps vary quite a bit in price. Some ratchet straps cost around $20 or less. A pack of two straps, for example, can easily go for $15 or less, depending on the brand. If you’re looking to get more straps, however, prepare to spend. Some sets may be somewhat affordable, but you can expect to spend around $25 to $50 or more on a set of four to eight ratchet straps. Factors such as the material quality and accessories like storage bags affect the final price of the ratchet straps.
People Also Asked
Are ratchet straps safe to use?
Ratchet straps are made to withstand heavy forces, so they’re safe to secure your items with.
Can ratchet straps unbuckle on their own?
As long as the ratchet strap is in good condition and is properly secured and installed, it should not unbuckle in any circumstance as long as the cargo is light enough for the strap to support it.
When should I use a ratchet strap?
Consider using a ratchet strap if you want to keep items in place on top of your vehicle or behind the trunk. They are also useful if you go boating as items can easily move around as you ride a boat.