Questions About Ratchet Straps

[HenryFan]

I recently bought a four-pack of 1,000 pound test ratchet straps for use on a utility trailer which I use to tow an ATV. It was a recent purchase but I have not a clue how long they may have been on the Tractor Supply shelf before I bought them.

In any event, I have noticed that the two times I have used the ratchet straps since new, they appear to have stretched both times, to the extent there is noticeable slack in the straps after the trip is over.

Has anyone else noticed this? Do new ratchet straps stretch? I can't remember this happening in times past and I have towed ATV's and UTV's many a mile.

If new ratchets straps stretch, is some period in which the stretch tapers off?

Not a life-or-death problem since I can stop mid-trip and add a couple of clicks but this is odd to me since I can't recall such happening before.

[daytime dave]

I have had ratchet straps that are not new loosen on me. I have never noticed if new ones stretch as you describe. I wonder what experience others have had?

[HenryFan]

I speculate that the straps stretched to show looseness but there may be some other reason. I don't know.

I haven't change the way I secure loads.

[fortyshooter]

Have a set of 4 heavy duty straps I use on my trailer to haul the tractor and they are old more than 15 yrs. and still work well.

[HenryFan]

When I transport an ATV or a UTV, I tighten the ratchet straps until the suspension compresses. I theorize they will retain the same tension since the machine can't bounce around. If in fact they don't bounce around, it is a miracle on South Carolina roads.

[BigAl52]

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

[Mags]

When I transport an ATV or a UTV, I tighten the ratchet straps until the suspension compresses. I theorize they will retain the same tension since the machine can't bounce around. If in fact they don't bounce around, it is a miracle on South Carolina roads.

The machine might not be bouncing, but could still be wiggling/shifting around beneath the straps causing some slack to develop.

[HenryFan]

I transported the ATV earlier today and experienced the same result but I may have an answer. Maybe.

I looked at the spool where the straps wind on to the ratchet and noticed that some had somehow "unspooled" a bit. I think I will try to get more strap on the spools next time I transport and see what the results are.

Just a guess but it's my only guess at this time.

[220]

When transporting ATV or cars I strap down the wheels. With the wheels firmly strapped down it allows the suspension to work as designed and the ATV or car to move up and down without changing the tension on the straps.
I do find if straps are over or around anything you rarely get even tension on all the strap and the strap on the ratchet side is always tighter at the start. As things move around in transport the tension evens out and the straps can be looser.

[clovishound]

I transported the ATV earlier today and experienced the same result but I may have an answer. Maybe.

I looked at the spool where the straps wind on to the ratchet and noticed that some had somehow "unspooled" a bit. I think I will try to get more strap on the spools next time I transport and see what the results are.

Just a guess but it's my only guess at this time.

How many turns were spooled around the ratchet? When tying down cargo on aircraft we were required to have at least 1 1/2 turns of strap wound onto the ratchet. This was on 5,000 lb aviation rated ratchet straps. I would probably give the much lower rated commercial straps a bit more.

I remember when we did our walkaround checks we would sometimes have to tighten up straps on cargo after a leg. I don't remember having straps loosen significantly, but then these were very heavy duty straps. Keep in mind that was over 25 years ago, so how much and how often we had to re-tighten straps is a little fuzzy.

[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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