Choosing & Using Cargo Tie-Downs

Ever find yourself in a bind needing to secure cargo on your roof, in your truck bed, or in an enclosed space such as a moving truck? Using tie-downs to attach or secure your cargo can be the solution to fill your needs. However, you should never use just any old tie-down. Instead, do your research and determine the best option for the cargo in question – otherwise, you could lose your load along the road if it is not properly secured to your vehicle.

When deciding what tie-down to use, consider the following four questions:

1. What is the total weight and weight distribution of the cargo you are hauling?

If your load is heavy or has an uneven weight distribution, then heavier-duty cargo tie-downs are your best and safest choice.

2. How are you hauling your cargo and what type of tie-downs are needed?

If you’re tying cargo in an open-air situation (like a truck bed or roof rack), then you might need a stronger tie-down option or even two types of tie-downs to reinforce or protect smaller items from coming loose and flying out during transit.

Alternately, if you’re securing a larger load inside a truck or trailer, you will need to familiarize yourself with the type of tie-down rails, rings, or latches that are available on the walls, floor, and ceiling to connect to the ends of your tie-downs. If you’re using ratchet straps in a truck or trailer, you should be aware that they are not always compatible with the tie-down connectors. For example, you may need soft loops to adapt your ratchet straps to fit your needs.

3. Are you already familiar with the tie-down you are selecting, or do you need to learn how to properly use it?

It’s important to factor in your time not only when you are choosing and applying your cargo tie-downs, but also the pre-haul time when you will need to learn how to use your selected tie-down method.

4. If the tie-down has hooks on the ends, are the hooks compatible with your vehicle or trailer? If yes, will they potentially cause damage to your vehicle due to shifting or friction during transit?

I learned this one the hard way, and my Chevy never forgave me for the rubber-coated flat hooks I used to secure a beach cruiser during a 7+hour drive. Due to summertime stop-and-go traffic patterns, the hooks shifted ever so slightly back and forth the entire drive, resulting in a wear pattern on the otherwise unblemished paint on my then 2-year-old SUV.

Choosing the Right Cargo Tie-Down

There are a lot of options out there, which can make choosing the right cargo tie-down a little overwhelming for the first-time hauler. Here are some key details to help you select the right one.

Levels of strength – The last thing you want is your tie-downs stretching or breaking. Road safety, damage to your vehicle, accidents around you on the road, traffic violations, and damage to or loss of your cargo are all serious risks that may occur if you are not careful. Check your load weight first, and then compare that to the working load and break strengths of your tie-down options.

Knowing your load – Familiarize yourself with the weight of your cargo, often referred to as the working load limit. This weight not only dictates the capacity your tie-downs should handle but also informs the necessary precautions for weight distribution within or on your vehicle to ensure stability during transit. Additionally, it is imperative to know the break strength of your tie-downs, which signifies the maximum weight the tie-down can handle before potential failure. (This is particularly important if your cargo shifts or leans against the tie-downs during transit.) When in doubt, select the stronger option with the highest working load and break strength.

Hooks – It’s important to review if and where you can use hooks to securely tie down your cargo. If your vehicle has the versatility to accommodate the use of tie-down straps with hooks, this is a great option for an easier securing process with a smaller learning curve.

Types of Cargo Tie-downs

There are plenty of cargo tie-down options to consider. Here are a few of the common styles that cover a range of working loads and break strengths – proven to be tried, tied, and true.

Bungee cords

Offering versatility but not much strength, bungee cords are great to have on hand for three reasons. First, they offer flexibility – literally and figuratively – due to their elastic nature and the fact they come in a variety of lengths and strengths. Second, bungee cords have the ability to add an additional layer of stability to tying down any load you may be hauling. Last, and certainly not least, they are easy to use and have little to no learning curve (so long as you know how to properly use the s-hook ends to connect the cords to your vehicle).

The only drawback to the use of bungee cords is their low working load and break strength.  For that reason, they should not be used as a primary tie-down method for any moderate to heavy cargo load. They can also dry out and break over time, so it’s important to test and replace them every few years.

Lashing straps

Also easy to use, lashing straps typically consist of a webbing strap with a buckle or other tensioning device that allows for manual adjustment to secure the load. While these straps are versatile, they have a light working load capacity — typically 100 lbs. — and an average break strength of 200lbs, meaning they are better-suited to light cargo loads.

Ratchet straps

Ratchet straps are a great cargo tie-down option for securing a heavy load, as most can handle a working load limit of 5,000 lbs. and have a break strength up to 15,000 lbs. You will need to familiarize yourself with how to properly use the ratcheting mechanism to tighten the straps, but it is relatively simple once you practice a few times. The other learning curve to using a ratchet strap will be determining the correct placement. It is imperative to evenly distribute the weight on the straps being used.

Cambuckles

A similar option to ratchet straps, cambuckles have a lighter working load/break strength – typically 500 lbs./1,500 lbs. respectively. However, if you need a tried-and-true secure tie down and are hauling a lighter cargo load, these straps are easier to use than ratchet straps. They also have more versatility of placement when attaching to a vehicle or trailer.

Traditional rope ties

Any list of cargo tie-downs would be incomplete without the evergreen go-to way of securing almost any cargo: traditional rope ties. While providing optimal versatility and ease for attaching to a vehicle due to their slim profile, a user MUST familiarize themselves with proper tying techniques since rope ties typically have a lower break strength. If knots are not tied properly, then this method can be the least reliable (and most time consuming!) to adequately secure cargo.

It is also imperative to have a knife or another cutting tool handy should a knot refuse to untie when you arrive at your destination and are ready to unload.

Best Techniques for Securing a Load

Once you choose your cargo tie-down, you will need to ensure you are using it properly. Review and check the following details to ensure a safe and secure tie-down and hauling process.

Load Distribution

A major factor to consider when using tie-downs, you must know the load distribution of both the cargo you are transporting and the load distribution of your vehicle. For heavy cargo, check the limits of your vehicle. Additionally, be aware that uneven distribution of load weight can cause your vehicle to work harder and use more gas. You may also find it is more difficult for your vehicle to go up a steep incline due to the increase or uneven weight in the vehicle.

Anchor Points & Proper Tension

These two points are key to ensuring your cargo does not shift drastically or become loose in transit. Select even anchor points to ensure all areas of the cargo are tied down. The tension should also be taut, without damaging the cargo.

If the straps are too loose, it can be a recipe for disaster. The last thing you want to see is your cargo moving behind you, or trailing off your vehicle into the path of traffic behind you. (Speaking from experience, you do not want to run after runaway cargo on a busy interstate in the middle of rush-hour traffic!)

Wear & Tear

Check your tie-downs for signs of wear before, during, and after use. Regularly keeping your tie-downs in good shape is an easy way to ensure safe transport.

Additionally, checking your cargo periodically throughout your trip is a must. Ensure the tie-downs are remaining in place, are not showing signs of mild to excessive wear, and are not creating unexpected strain or damage to either your cargo or vehicle.

Calling In Reinforcements

Properly securing the cargo you are transporting is just as important as selecting the right tie-downs. Accessories, such as a cargo net or soft loops, are a great way to add additional support or more securely tie down your cargo.

No matter what your cargo is or the type of vehicle you are using to transport it, choosing the right tie-downs for the haul can be the difference between a smooth move or a stressful one. That includes what brand of tie-down you reach for.

TrailFX has introduced a line of high-quality cargo management products, ensuring a fast, easy and safe way to secure your belongings. From ratchet straps and cambuckle tie downs, to vehicle recovery items and anchor points, as well as towing and trailering hardware, the TrailFX catalog is practically bursting with options to make your travel experience safe, secure and comfortable – no matter what you’re hauling or where you’re heading.

To learn more about TrailFX’s innovative products, visit: https://www.trailfx.com/