Questions About Ratchet Straps

[markiver54]

I got an idea that the material used in a 1K ratchet strap isnt the quality that would be in heavier ones. Probably part of the reason for them stretching

I use ratchet straps on my small utility trailer for the exact same reason, (transporting my ATV's). Mine are rated at 1500 lbs. I've had many different ones over the years, and I've never had them stretch on me. I DID have a set rated at 1000 lbs. and found that the ratchet buckle itself was not strong enough and one of them even bent and then failed. It pays to purchase a good set. Try increasing the tension rating a bit. I've never had one show any signs of stretching.

I always tow with the 4Wheeler in neutral with the brake on the tightest setting. I go up and down rough gravel mountain roads and have never had a problem.

[Hatchdog]

Even when towing my tractor using chains and binders it will work loose. I have learned to stop after around 15 minutes of driving and check the chains. Back in the day when I was a working guy I used to load trucks. Mostly I loaded flat beds with side curtains and the driver would strap with 4” very heavy duty straps. I was told by drivers that they were required by law to stop and check the load after “x” amount of miles. (Can’t remember exactly what the number of miles was). I do the same thing when towing an atv using straps as I do with the chains.

Hard to see in this pic but there is a chain running thru the loader and another at the rear of the tractor attached to a clevis on the drawbar.

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[HenryFan]

Good information from 220 and clovishound.

I thought I had a couple of turns on the ratchets but I will pay mor attention in the future. I hope that will resolve the issue.

Thanks to all who commented.

[HenryFan]

Hatchdog - Good lookin' truck.

[Redthies]

Hatchdog - Good lookin' truck.

The tractor is better

[5shot]

This thread brings back memories of 50 some years ago when as a young cub truckdriver I was trying to haul an end loader on a double drop lowboy trailer from Iron Mountain, Michigan to Hibbing, Minnesota. I looked in the mirror of that old Freightliner after the first bad bump and saw chains flying. On that trip I learned the lesson of cross chaining from one side of the machine to the other side of the trailer when hauling anything with rubber tires. The "scissor effect" of that technique absorbs most of the shock. Sure used a lotta repair links before I caught on though!

I believe it was the same trip when I learned to be mindful of going over a hump with a lowboy. I was pulling out of a little Mom and Pop restaurant and there I was with the bottom of the trailer hung up and the tractor sitting in the middle of U.S. Hwy 2. It's funny now but not so much back then.

[220]

Henryfan, you can buy tyre straps designed to go over around or through wheels to be used with ratchet strap to secure them via the wheels.
With alloy wheels I usually just go through the wheel and if they have a solid axel you can use it.
It is quite disconcerting the first time you tow with one strapped by the wheels, when you look in the mirror you will see it appearing to be moving all over the place and bouncing around. It is moving and quite a bit but it is only the body ridding on the suspension and the wheels are not moving where they are tied down at all.

[Sir Henry]

These stamps worked great for me. They didn’t loosen any in a short 40 mile trip. I snugged them tight but could have easily ratcheted them another three or four times.

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