How To Secure Your Trailer Load Using Ratchet Straps

Repco | 5th Apr 2024 | 4 minutes to read

Ratchet straps have been around a long time and make tying down a trailer load very simple and easy. Before ratchet straps you had to be a scout, sailor or truck driver to know how to tie rope knots and successfully tie down a trailer load. Ratchet straps have taken away the need to learn rope knots when securing trailer loads.

What is a Ratchet Strap?

A ratchet strap is two lengths of a seat belt webbing type material (strap), one shorter and one a lot longer. Both pieces have a hook on one end. On the other end of the longer one, it is simply cut so it can slide into the ratchet mechanism. The shorter one has the ratchet mechanism. You use the hooks as anchor points to hold the webbing (strap) onto a trailer or rear tub of a vehicle. You slide the strap into the ratchet mechanism and by moving a lever back and forth you tension the webbing. The ratchet mechanism has a release on it to take the tension off the strap so you can undo it.

Choosing a Ratchet Strap

Ratchet straps come in all different sizes you can buy them individually or in packs of two, three or four. The strap is in different lengths and has a rated load capacity that it can hold down measured in kilograms. Naturally the more weight that it can hold down the wider and thicker the strap.

If you have an item you regularly load in your trailer, like camping gear, a canoe, a motorbike, then choosing a strap or straps is simple. They need to be long enough and have the load carrying capacity to hold down the item. If not, pick a middle of the road ratchet strap, so not the biggest or not the smallest and that should hold you in good stead. You should be able to tie down most things you carry with it. They usually come in pairs so buying two of them is a good idea.

Step By Step For Using Ratchet Straps

1

Load the item you want to carry into your trailer, back of your Ute, or on your roof rack.

Image of load on the back of a trailer.
2

Once loaded, look for a good anchor point for the long end of the ratchet strap. Hook it up and go across your load with the strap. Ideally keep some tension on the strap as you move it around the load. This will help check that the strap will stay where you put it and not start to slide. If it slides which can happen under tension and movement, it can cause the strap to loosen and the load can shift or worse, fall out.

3

When tying down there are two things to look for. The first most obvious one is so the load can't fall out of the trailer. Make sure the strap is holding it downwards or into the trailer. The next part is making sure the load can't slide around the floor of the trailer, especially if the trailer is not fully loaded. This can be more difficult to do and you may have to get creative or use more than one strap. Ideally try and strap it to the wall or corner of the trailer. Be wary of sharp edges as these may cut into the strap. If you have a sharp edge a piece of folded cardboard or rag between the edge and the strap can help.

4

You now need to look for a good anchor point for the ratchet mechanism. This is usually always on the end of the short strap. You want to make sure your long strap has enough length to pass through the ratchet mechanism. Allow around 15 centimetres or more strap past the ratchet and that the strap is under some tension. You don’t need to make this piano wire tight, simply pull on the strap so there are no loose sections. Don't try and tighten large loose sections of strap just using the ratchet.

Image of ratchet strap securing load.
5

Make sure the strap passes through a round barrel with the slot cut into it. It should pass through the slot and out the other side. Use the lever on the ratchet and move it backwards and forwards. The barrel should rotate, tightening the strap. Ratchet mechanisms can exert a lot of force so be careful not to crush your load. It needs to be taught or firm without causing damage or letting the load move around. Once you have finished tightening the lever simply closes to lock the rachet mechanism in place.

6

To undo the ratchet mechanism simply lift the lever and there should be a spring-loaded catch for the ratchet. Once you push down on the spring-loaded catch, it should unlock the ratchet so you can open it right up. When opened up it should be easy to pull the strap out of the ratchet. To remove it simply reverse the installation procedure you used.

Trailer & Towing at Repco

For anyone that owns a trailer, Ute, or roof rack having ratchet straps is an important part of load carrying. Tying down loads still requires some planning to do it successfully and ratchet straps play a lead role in this.

At Repco, we've got a wide range of ratchet and elastic straps available to help you secure loads up to 500kg. We also stock tons of trailer and towing equipment, camping supplies, and 4x4 kit that will set you up for your next adventure.