How Many Ratchet Tie-Down Straps Do I Need to Secure Cargo Load

How Many Ratchet Tie-Down Straps Do I Need to Secure Cargo Load?

Whenever you are transporting a heavy load in a flatbed truck then it is very important to ensure the safety of the load. For the protection of the loads, tie-down straps are used. Tie-down straps is a fastener that is available in various length. The length of the strap is selected depending on the size of the load.

Tie-down Straps

Tie down straps can be used for numerous purposes. The various advantages of cargo straps and auto tie-down straps and uses for securing the cargo loads, transporting heavy vehicles like motorcycles & cars, doing the towing jobs, hauling on flatbed trailers, etc. It is also used by professional movers.

How Many Tie-Down Straps Required?

The selection of tie-down straps completely depends on whether the load is small, big, lighter or heavier. Ideally, a minimum 4 tie-down straps are required to secure the cargo load. There are different materials that can be selected for the straps like nylon rope, polyester webbing, etc for ratchet tie-down straps, winch straps and cam buckle straps. Nylon rope is one of the cheapest options available out there. The rope must be quite thick for securing the load or else the rope will break very easily.

The advantage of tie-down straps is that it is available with different types of hooks to offer strength and stability depending upon the type of load. The other benefit of a tie-down strap is that it is lighter than a cargo chain. Usage of a chain can cause abrasion or damage to the load which is why a tie-down strap is more preferred and is also safer than a cargo chain.

Ratchet straps are one of the best ways to secure cargo. These straps can be used for any type of load and cargo size. Hooks are also available at the end of these straps to tie down the load firmly so that it remains stable. Ratchet straps are perfectly suitable for heavy loads. Another way to secure the load is cam buckle straps. Generally, they are preferred for medium-sized loads. Cam buckle straps are very easy and quick to secure the load than ratchet straps. The only disadvantage of the cam buckle strap is that it can’t be used to secure heavier loads.

Choose the Suitable Tie-Down Straps According to Your Load

Before choosing tie-down straps, you must consider some factors like the weight of the load, WLL, hook type, type of load, and strap length.

1. Weight Capacity

The load of the cargo is the basic thing that must be known before deciding the number of tie-down straps required. You need to know how much weight a strap will be able to carry. Generally, 2 straps are the basic requirement for any type of load.

2. Tie Down Strap Length

The strap must be long enough so that it covers the whole load and is properly tied down from all the points. The strap should not be very long nor should it be small as it will compromise the load safety. If the tie-down strap is short then it won’t be able to cover up the whole load and if it is too big then it won’t give adequate strength and support to the cargo as it will be loose. So, an appropriate strap length is necessary.

3. Strength of the Tie Down Straps

There is a load rating for every tie-down strap. It is important to make sure that the load rating of the strap is higher than the load that is being transported to make it safe. There are many other factors that must be considered in a total load of cargo and those are wind resistance, bump on the road, etc. So, all these factors must be observed to make your cargo safe and secure.

4. Type of Hook at Tie-Down Straps End

These hooks are attached at the end of the strap and are used to connect the strap to the anchor point. There are various types of hooks that are available at strap end fitting such as s-hooks, flat hooks, wire hooks, etc. The type of hook has to be selected on the basis of the anchor point. The s-hook is compatible with almost all kinds of anchor points. Whereas, the flat hooks can be used where the anchor point is flat and are mostly used in flatbed trailers. There are also certain hooks that come with safety latches. Because of these safety latches, the hooks won’t come off the anchor point easily. This makes the cargo more secure and safe.

5. Locking in Ratchet Straps

Built-in locks are also installed in some straps that act as an additional feature. They provide extra support and safety to the cargo. If the load that is being carried needs extra support and security then these straps are very important and must be used in such cases.

Tie-down straps can also get damaged from the corner of the loads. Corner protectors are used in order to stop the tie-down straps from damaging. If the load is fragile or sensitive then corner protectors can be very helpful in such cases. With the help of these protectors, the load won’t get damaged because of the straps or chains. They are not costly and act as a perfect material for the overall safety of strap and cargo.

Conclusion

These are some things to consider before buying the tie-down strap. The tie-down straps are very important for transporting the load. They must be checked properly to make sure that the load is safe and secure. The number of straps must be selected depending upon the size and weight of the load that is being transported.

FAQs

How many tie-downs are required for a 20-foot load?

Normally Minimum of 2 tie-down straps should be used for every 10-foot of cargo. At least 2 straps must be used per load as per the length of cargo but it still depends on loads weight, capacity, WLL and Government rules.

How many straps on a flatbed?

You need a minimum 2 to 4 tie-down straps but totally depends on the weight of the load and it must be followed by government rules.