You need a strong tie down system when hauling cargo on a trailer. Ratchet straps and tie downs are among the most common options for securing your goods for transport. The two terms are often used interchangeably and it can be difficult to tell them apart.
However, the two straps have specific vital differences. If you choose the wrong one, you could damage your load or cause it to fall. This blog describes the features of the two straps and which one works best for different types of cargo, gear shipping or supercharging.
What are ratchet straps and when to use them
A ratchet strap is a polyester or nylon strap that is fed through a ratchet mechanism. This mechanism allows you to tie down your load much tighter than you would otherwise. Ratchet straps are strong and can hold a weight of up to 5,000 pounds and more
You can tie together furniture, heavy equipment, lawn mowers and vehicles and use them for super cargo hauling and trailer hauling. The mechanism makes it easy to adjust the tension without untying the strap.
Ratchet straps come with a hook or clip on one end that you can attach to your trailer’s rail or eyes. Retractable straps work like a tape measure, where you can unroll the exact amount of strap you need. This prevents the straps from getting tangled up and causing safety problems.
What are moorings and when to use them
Lashings, like ratchet straps, are made of nylon or polyester webbing. They usually don’t have a hook and you manually tie them to your load. In this way the excessive tightening of fragile loads is avoided. Moorings such as kayaks, canoes, dirt bikes and delicate cargo are often used for shipping light equipment. These straps have a weight capacity of 100 to 1,000 pounds and can be used on trailers and vehicles.
Although lashings do not have a ratchet mechanism, they may have a cam buckle. This buckle bites the strap, preventing it from slipping. And while this provides a secure grip, the clip comes loose easily. Moorings may also have end fittings such as S-hooks, electronic track ends and hankies.
The main differences between ratchet straps and lanyards
The significant difference between the two straps is the safety system. The ratchet mechanism on the ratchet straps ensures that heavy loads stay secure. However, increased tension can affect fragile loads such as kayaks.
Ratchet straps are also more expensive than tie downs because of this mechanism. But they are generally easier to use and last longer since they have a higher load limit. Lashings, on the other hand, are better for light cargo, where over-tightening could cause damage.
Ratchets always have some end adjustment, be it an S-hook, J-hook, flat hook or chain anchor. Ties do not always have a final fit. Instead, you tie them to the rails. Because of this, it may take longer to secure luggage with drawstrings than with ratchet straps.
Whether you choose ratchet straps or lanyards, make sure your gear doesn’t exceed the load limit. Using inferior belts under heavy loads will damage them and cause them to fail sooner or break. In general, use lanyards for luggage, bicycles, coolers, and light cargo, and ratchet straps for heavy equipment, cars, and trailer hauling.
When choosing the best strap for transporting equipment, always go for superior quality to ensure the safety of your cargo. You can also choose between different lengths and widths depending on what you need to transport.
To wrap it up!
Finding the best strap for your load can take time and effort. Ratchet straps and lashings are viable options, but using the wrong one for shipping equipment can be disastrous. When buying any ratchet or bend strap, make sure it has a rating. Otherwise, you run the risk of getting a poor quality strap.
If you would like to learn more about tie down systems, overburden hauling and trailer hauling, please contact Heavy Haulers. We have many years of experience in transporting large and heavy equipment. Our fleet includes flatbed trailers, step decks, deck, RGN and multi-axle trailers. Talk to one of our specialists to get started.
