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Ben Kasierski is a North Carolina native who covers the latest automotive and motorcycle products. He has tested hundreds of car detailing products – including tire shines, car wash soaps, and full detailing kits – as well as gadgets to make life easier for the everyday driver like key finders and GPS trackers. Ergo Ratchet Tie Down
These ratchet straps come with formidable power.
Soft hook ratchet straps with great hold.
Amazon’s Choice for best ratchet straps available.
Easy-to-use ratchet straps with little installation hassle.
Reliable heavy-duty ratchet straps for large cargo.
Ratchet straps are useful for securing items to your vehicle, keeping both your vehicle and your cargo damage-free. They can be used for tying down boxes to a trailer, fastening luggage onto a roof rack , or even fixing a kayak onto your car for a lake trip. Whatever you need to move, choosing the best ratchet straps is essential for safe travel and peace of mind when transporting large cargo.
In this review, we discuss the best ratchet straps on the market and what makes them stand out from the rest. All of the straps in this roundup were tested by members of our product team. For more information on how to choose the best ratchet straps for your needs, check out our buyers guide at the end of this review.
To review each product, our team thoroughly researched and evaluated each ratchet strap based on its installation difficulty, strength, accessories, and overall value. The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars.
We named ratchet straps from Rhino USA , Rocket Straps , Augo , and Vulcan as the best-rated ratchet straps on the market in 2023.
*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.
We first selected each ratchet strap by searching Amazon and other vendors for top-selling products. We looked at factors like two-day shipping eligibility, customer ratings, vendor superlatives, and prices. Our team ordered the five ratchet straps that best met these standards and each item was rated out of 5.0 stars based on its performance.
Learn more about how we tested ratchet straps here .
There are many reasons to love the Rhino USA Ratchet Tie Down Straps , such as their medium length of 15.0 ft. per strap. This length makes them ideal for car use so there isn’t too much spare strap to tie down. The bodies of the straps are coated in a full polyester-silk blend to prevent tearing and water damage. With their ergonomic padded handles and locking coated S-hooks, these Rhino straps are just as easy to assemble as they are to dismantle.
You can see how the Rhino USA Ratchet Tie Down Straps performed in each of our testing categories below:
Not only do customers get a set of four ratchet straps with their purchase, but also a set of spare loop hitches for a more secure hold. Rhino USA offers a full lifetime warranty on their products, so your straps are protected. Below are the pros and cons of the Rhino USA Ratchet Tie Down Straps:
Based on our experience with the Rhino USA ratchet straps, we rated the product 4.9 out of 5.0 stars. The straps were easy to install and stayed tight throughout our tests, and the additional soft belt loops were very handy for fixing the straps to our testing vehicle’s frame without scratching it. The only thing these straps lost points on was their width, which is narrower than most of the best ratchet straps.
Installation: Setting up these straps was very easy. We hooked the S-hook to one side of our truck and the opposing ratchet end to the other, and the two attached together with little hassle. We especially liked that Rhino USA included a step-by-step instruction manual with images to demonstrate how to best use their straps.
Tightness: We had no problems tightening these straps, and they didn’t come loose with pressure. The locking ratchet buckle didn’t take more than a few clicks to create a secure hold.
Accessories: Rhino USA went above and beyond when they designed this kit. On top of the four ratchet straps, Rhino USA included spare belt loops, a carrying bag, and stickers. We were also impressed with the instructions they included for how to use and store their straps.
Value: These straps come at a low price compared to competitors and offer just as much, or even more, support than other pods. The narrowness of the straps is hard to look past, however, since they are only 1.0 in. wide and limited because of this.
A majority of the written reviews are positive, with satisfied customers commending their Rhino USA straps for their versatility and strength. One customer even wrote that they use their straps on a daily basis for tying production equipment around for transport and their straps haven’t faltered even with extensive use.
Negative customer feedback is mostly centered around Rhino USA’s advertising and not the straps. Although they say that their products are ‘designed and engineered’ in the United States, the straps themselves are manufactured in China. Many complain that this is false advertising by Rhino USA.
Performing similarly to the Rhino USA straps, Rocket Straps Tie Down Straps are a slightly longer, more vibrant alternative. They have an extra 2.0 ft. of length than the Rhino USA straps, plus they’re more competitively priced. The major difference between these two straps is the material: the Rocket Straps are made of polyester. This makes them more prone to wear and tear over time.
You can see how the Rocket Straps Tie Down Straps performed in each of our testing categories below:
Steel alloy buckles ensure the Rocket Straps maintain a secure grip on its cargo. They also have wire-gate S-hooks that clamp onto holds with ease. Like Rhino USA, Rocket Straps offers a lifetime warranty on its products. Below are the pros and cons of the Rocket Straps Tie Down Straps:
Our product review team awarded the Rocket Straps ratchet straps a 4.8 out of 5.0 stars. Their soft hooks and size made them great for tying onto our testing vehicle. Points were lost for these straps’ lower-quality materials and low WLL.
Installation: Installing the Rocket Straps was very simple. The kit included instructions that gave us a clear step-by-step visual, and the straps stayed locked onto our vehicle. Taking them off was quick and painless.
Tightness: We were able to ratchet the straps down to full tightness without expending much energy. The straps even stayed tight after use.
Accessories: The belt loops were great for securing straps to our vehicle’s frame, and the bag helped keep our straps organized and safe from environmental damage.
Value: Rocket Straps ratchet straps are one of the most inexpensive kits on Amazon but at the expense of their quality. A polyester-only body is more prone to damage than a blended one, and the Rocket Straps’ 1,760.0-lb. WLL limits them to smaller loads.
Top reviews of these ratchet straps are mixed, with the most-shared review scorching these straps for their poor longevity. Positive reviews claim these straps are great for moving large objects like dressers and couches. Negative reviews cite short lifespans and bleeding colors as the reason for their low ratings.
The Augo Ratchet Tie Down Straps 4-Pack is Amazon’s Choice for “ratchet straps,” and with good reason. This kit is a beginner’s delight, packed with ratchet straps, tie-down loops, a storage bag, and even bungee cords. Although only 15.0 ft. long and 1.0 in. wide, these straps have a WLL of 2,200.0 lbs., so they can securely transport anything from a few small boxes to a UTV.
You can see how the Augo Ratchet Tie Down Straps performed in each of our testing categories below:
The straps’ S-hooks are rubber-coated to prevent chips, marks, and scratches. It also provides them a better grip on whatever they’re attached to and creates a water-resistant barrier against corrosion. Ergonomic handles on the Argo straps make ratcheting less tedious, as well. Below are the pros and cons of the Augo Ratchet Tie Down Straps:
The Augo kit earned 4.8 out of 5.0 stars for its ease of use and bountiful accessories. It lost points for its shorter length.
Installation: There was no hassle when installing these ratchet straps to our vehicle. The kit came with detailed instructions on how to set up the straps and storage techniques to extend their life.
Tightness: These straps had no problem tightening and created a very strong hold. However, our team noticed that there was very little extra strap to work with once tightened. This is due to the Augo’s 15.0-ft. length, which is shorter than most ratchet straps.
Accessories: This was the best kit for extra accessories hands down. The soft loops were helpful for latching onto the frame of our testing vehicle. We also thought the bungee cords added an extra layer of security.
Value: With its current listing price on Amazon, the Augo kit gives other straps a run for their money. It offers more accessories than its competitors, but the build quality and limited warranty weaken its long-term value.
By feature, the Augo kit scored highly for its versatility, value for money, and ease of use. Positive reviews of the Argo kit complement its longevity even after extensive use in harsh weather conditions. Some negative reviews claim their straps began to rust shortly after purchasing them.
Installation can make or break how well a set of ratchet straps performs. Augo Extra Strong Ratchet Straps are incredibly easy to install with their locking S-hooks that can attach to nearly any surface.
You can see how the Augo Extra Strong Ratchet Straps performed in each of our testing categories below:
These straps have a 1.0-in. by 15.0-ft. size that’s ideal for moving TVs, surfboards, and other pieces of mid-sized furniture. Like many of the best ratchet straps, the soft loop additions are helpful for hard-to-hook objects. Below are the pros and cons of the Augo Extra Strong Ratchet Straps:
We scored these Augo straps at 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. They were very simple to install and performed well under our testing conditions.
Installation: Installation was very easy with these straps. The S-hooks latched onto our vehicle with no problem and stayed firm as we tightened our straps.
Tightness: These straps tightened with a few clicks and stayed tight with little wobbling.
Accessories: This kit comes with soft loops and a carrying bag, putting it on par with some of our other choices in this roundup.
Value: Fairly priced compared to other ratchet strap kits on Amazon, this Augo kit offers many of the same features as its competitors at a similar price. The only downside to this kit is its straps’ lengths are shorter than most others.
Amazon reviews skew positive for this Augo kit. Many positive reviews praise the Augo kit for remaining tight under various weather conditions and holding down moving loads on trailers, specifically using D-rings and O-rings. Some negative reviews claim their straps snapped under little pressure.
Unlike other ratchet straps, heavy-duty ratchet straps are designed to handle immense weight loads without suffering major wear. Vulcan Tie Down Straps are professional-grade quality with a WLL of up to 3,330.0 lbs. Their flat hooks create a sealed grip against any surface they’re latched on to and ensure a secure fit.
You can see how the Vulcan Tie Down Straps performed in each of our testing categories below:
Vulcan straps are also some of the most durable straps on the market. The Vulcan’s webbing is lined with hard plastic to prevent cuts and abrasions that can deteriorate a strap. These plastic-coated end fittings are also water-sealed, making them ideal for poor weather conditions. The straps’ hot neon orange color also enhances their high visibility as an added safety feature. Below are the pros and cons of the Vulcan Tie Down Straps:
After testing the Vulcan ratchet straps, we awarded them an overall score of 4.4 out of 5.0 stars. They’re incredibly durable and create a very tight lock on cargo. Installing them can be tricky, though.
Installation: Vulcan doesn’t provide an instruction manual with these ratchet straps, so users must already be familiar with how to set them up. The flat hooks do not stick well unless the strap already has tension in it, so two people are necessary to secure them down. And be ready for a lot of excess strap once your cargo is locked in.
Tightness: Tightening the Vulcan straps took some extra effort, given their 2.0-in. width and heavyweight materials. Once tightened, it was nearly impossible to undo these straps.
Accessories: This kit didn’t come with any extra accessories such as a carrying bag for protected storage.
Value: Because they were professional-grade, these straps cost more than most others on the market. Their relatively more expensive price only gets customers the two straps, whereas other kits with more tools can be purchased for half of the price. Although more costly, the Vulcans are made with high-quality materials and are built to last a lifetime.
Customers on Amazon love the Vulcan ratchet straps. Written reviews on Amazon commend these straps for having superb durability when transporting large cargo, even after daily use.
For those who are new to using ratchet straps, we’ve provided a buyers guide with some key ratchet strap information.
Ratchet straps are cargo tie-down straps that are used for securing cargo onto vehicles. They are typically made of durable polyester or nylon webbing. Unlike rope, ratchet straps do not need to be tied using knots: a ratchet mechanism cranks the straps down until there is enough tension to drive freely with a secured load.
Ratchet straps come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with each able to maintain various Working Load Limits (WLL), or the maximum amount of weight for safe transporting. There are four widths of ratchet straps:
If your load exceeds the weight limit of your straps, it’s best to use more than one strap to secure it. Using multiple straps takes tension off any individual strap and increases safety. For more information on how many straps are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration when transporting different types of cargo, check out this helpful breakdown of their rules and regulations.
End-fittings also play a key role in a ratchet strap’s functionality. There are four types of end-fittings for ratchet straps:
In this article, along with sharing helpful purchasing tips for those interested in purchasing ratchet straps, we reviewed the top five ratchet straps in 2023:
Below are some common frequently asked questions about ratchet straps:
A set of ratchet straps should last anywhere from two to four years depending on their usage. They can be damaged over time from overuse, moisture, direct sunlight, and mildew, so check your straps regularly and store them properly.
The three most important things to consider are: Working Weight Limit (WLL), grip design, and length and width of the strap. All of these factors determine how suitable a ratchet strap is for the job at hand. Ratchet straps with a higher WLL, chain or flat hook, and greater length and width will be better for very heavy loads such as automotive shipping.
Yes, overtightening a ratchet strap can cause lasting damage. If you hit the release handle on your ratchet strap and it doesn’t easily unravel from the buckle, then it is too tight. Be sure to check the tightness of your ratchet strap every time you tie down a load.
Transporting a vehicle requires more than just ratchet straps: you will need an axle strap, a flatbed or pickup truck with a trailer, and e-track support rails. Consult your vehicle’s manufacturer to learn the safest methods of moving your vehicle.
Each set of ratchet straps was evaluated based on the following criteria:
Installation: This determines how easily the ratchet straps could be attached to our testing vehicle. The shape of the straps’ hooks, the buckle feature, and the durability of the straps’ bodies were all variable.
Tightness: How tightly the straps could be wound was vital to its purpose. Straps that could be tightened without loosening scored better in this category.
Accessories: Many ratchet straps on Amazon come with various accessories such as bungee cords, extra fasteners, and carrying bags. Ratchet straps that came with usable extras were awarded points.
Value: This serves as a measurement of the quality of the straps compared to their asking price on Amazon. Straps that performed better at a lower price earned points.
Star ratings help us differentiate between products so we can provide an honest review of the best ratchet straps on the market. We calculated an average of 4.7 out of 5.0 stars among the ratchet straps in this review.
Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here .
*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.
Ben Kasierski is a North Carolina native who covers the latest automotive and motorcycle products. He has tested hundreds of car detailing products – including tire shines, car wash soaps, and full detailing kits – as well as gadgets to make life easier for the everyday driver like key finders and GPS trackers.
As a member of both the APA and IMPA, Charles Noyes has devoted himself to creating and refining quality content covering automotive products and accessories, motorcycle products, RV products, and more. As the lead editor serving the product review team, he has personally reviewed, critiqued, and fact-checked over 200 product reviews.
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