5 Best Ratchet Straps For Atv Transport That Prevent Dangerous Shifting
Secure your ATV and prevent dangerous shifting. Our guide reviews the 5 best ratchet straps, comparing load capacity and locking mechanisms for safe transport.
You’ve just spent hours clearing brush or hauling feed, and the last thing you want to worry about is the ATV shifting on the trailer ride home. We’ve all seen it: a four-wheeler held on by a couple of flimsy, frayed straps, bouncing precariously with every bump. A loose ATV isn’t just a risk to your equipment; it’s a serious danger to everyone else on the road.
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Key Features in a Reliable ATV Ratchet Strap
Before you even look at brand names, you need to know what you’re looking for. The most critical number on any strap is the Working Load Limit (WLL), not the break strength. Break strength is the point of failure, while WLL is the maximum force the strap can safely handle day-in and day-out. A good rule of thumb is that the combined WLL of all your straps should be at least 50% of your ATV’s total weight.
Look for webbing made from polyester. It resists stretching when wet and holds up better to sun exposure than nylon. The hooks matter, too. Rubber-coated S-hooks or J-hooks prevent scratching your trailer’s anchor points and your machine’s frame. An uncoated hook is just asking to chip paint and invite rust.
Finally, work the ratchet mechanism itself. Does it feel clunky or smooth? A good ratchet engages with a solid, confident click and has a release mechanism that’s easy to operate, even with gloves on. A cheap ratchet that jams is more than an annoyance; it’s a safety hazard when you’re trying to unload.
Rhino USA Straps: Ultimate Heavy-Duty Security
When your primary concern is absolute, uncompromised strength, Rhino USA is the brand to look at. These straps are built for abuse. Their WLL ratings are often significantly higher than standard-duty straps, making them an excellent choice for heavier UTVs or for anyone who frequently travels on rough, unpaved roads.
The build quality is immediately obvious. The webbing is thick, the stitching is robust, and the ratchet mechanisms are oversized and feel indestructible. They often come as a complete kit with high-quality soft loops and a carrying bag, so you have everything you need to do the job right.
The only real tradeoff here is cost. Rhino straps are a premium product with a premium price tag. For a small 300cc quad that only goes a few miles down a paved road, they might be overkill. But for a heavy side-by-side or for the peace of mind that comes with over-engineering, they are worth every penny.
Erickson Pro Series: Fast Retractable Straps
If you value speed and convenience, the Erickson Pro Series retractable straps are a game-changer. There’s no more wrestling with a tangled mess of webbing or trying to figure out how to tie off the excess strap so it doesn’t flap against your truck. You pull out what you need, ratchet it tight, and the rest stays neatly spooled inside the housing.
This design makes loading and unloading significantly faster. For a hobby farmer who is always short on time, saving five or ten minutes every time you load up really adds up. It removes one of the most frustrating parts of the tie-down process.
The convenience does come with a consideration. The internal coiling mechanism is another moving part that can potentially fail, especially if it gets clogged with mud, sand, or ice. While generally reliable, they aren’t as fundamentally simple as a traditional strap. You’re trading a bit of bomb-proof simplicity for significant gains in speed and tidiness.
Keeper Padded Handle Straps for Comfort & Grip
Don’t underestimate the importance of ergonomics. The padded, oversized handles on many of Keeper’s straps might seem like a minor luxury, but they make a practical difference. Getting the right tension requires a firm grip and good leverage, which is hard to do with a small, bare metal handle, especially in cold or wet weather.
A wider, cushioned handle allows you to apply force comfortably and confidently without tearing up your hands. This means you’re more likely to get the straps as tight as they need to be. It’s a small feature that encourages proper and safe use.
Keeper is a well-established name in the cargo world, and their products generally offer a great balance of strength, durability, and user-friendly design. They represent a solid middle-ground option that is more than capable for the vast majority of ATV transport needs, providing a noticeable step up in usability from basic, no-name straps.
Vault Cargo: Premium Straps with Soft Loops
Vault Cargo has made a name for itself by focusing on the details that matter. Their kits almost always include a full set of soft loops, and that’s a bigger deal than you might think. Attaching a bare metal hook directly to your ATV’s handlebars or frame is a surefire way to scratch paint and create wear spots over time.
Soft loops solve this problem elegantly. You wrap the soft loop around a sturdy part of your ATV’s frame or A-arm, and then connect the ratchet strap’s hook to the loop. This creates a buffer that protects your machine’s finish. It shows you’re thinking not just about security, but also about preserving the value of your equipment.
These kits are often packaged thoughtfully with a storage bag, making them easy to keep organized in your truck or shed. For someone who wants a complete, ready-to-go solution that protects their investment, Vault Cargo offers tremendous value.
AUGO Ratchet Straps: A Complete Tie-Down Kit
Secure cargo with this 4-pack of heavy-duty 15-foot ratchet straps. Featuring a 2,200-lb break strength and safety-lock S-hooks, these straps ensure reliable transport for motorcycles, appliances, and more.
For the hobby farmer on a budget, AUGO offers a compelling package. Their kits are often the most comprehensive for the price, frequently including four ratchet straps, four soft loops, and even a pair of bungee cords in a convenient carrying bag. You get everything you need to secure an ATV in one purchase.
This is an excellent entry-level or occasional-use option. The WLL is typically sufficient for standard ATVs, and the inclusion of soft loops is a fantastic feature at this price point. It’s a practical, no-fuss solution that gets the job done without a major investment.
The tradeoff, as you might expect, is in the ultimate heavy-duty feel. The webbing might not be as thick and the ratchet mechanism not quite as smooth as more premium brands. For daily use or for securing a very heavy, expensive UTV on a long-distance haul, you might want to invest in something more robust. But for securing a 500-pound quad for a trip across the county, they are a smart and economical choice.
Proper Crisscross Method for Securing Your ATV
The best straps in the world won’t help if your technique is wrong. The goal is to create opposing forces that prevent any movement—forward, backward, or side-to-side. The most effective way to do this is with the crisscross or "X" pattern.
Start by running a strap from an anchor point on the front-left of your trailer, up and over a solid part of your ATV’s frame (like a lower A-arm), and down to an anchor point on the rear-right of the trailer. Do the exact opposite with a second strap—from the front-right of the trailer to the rear-left. Repeat this process at the back of the ATV, creating another "X". This locks the machine in place from all four corners.
A crucial step is to ratchet the straps down enough to slightly compress the ATV’s suspension. If you don’t, the ATV will bounce on its own suspension during transit, which can cause the straps to loosen and fail. Always attach to the frame or suspension components, never to plastic fenders, cargo racks, or handlebars.
Inspecting Your Straps Before Every Single Use
Treat your ratchet straps like any other critical piece of equipment. A quick, 30-second inspection before you load up can prevent a disaster. This isn’t something you do once a season; it’s something you do every single time.
Run your hands along the length of the webbing. Are there any cuts, nicks, or significant frays? Look for discoloration or stiffness, which can be signs of UV damage from the sun, weakening the fibers. A strap that feels brittle is a strap that’s ready to be retired.
Check the metal parts. Look for any bending or cracks in the hooks. Operate the ratchet mechanism to make sure it engages and releases cleanly. If it’s sticky or gritty, it may need cleaning or it might be damaged internally. Straps are consumable items. When they show signs of wear, replace them. The cost of a new set of straps is nothing compared to the cost of an accident.
Securing your ATV isn’t just about avoiding a ticket; it’s about responsibility. Choosing the right strap for your machine’s weight and your own needs—whether that’s ultimate strength, convenience, or value—is the first step. Combining that with proper technique and regular inspections ensures your equipment, and everyone else on the road, stays safe.
