Replies

1. 
   unclemike42 | Jul 27, 2020 11:54am | #1

   I like quarter inch twisted nylon rope.

   Use trucker hitches to secure.

   https://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/truckers-hitch

   flat straps wobble in the wind.

1. 
   adrian654 | Jul 28, 2020 10:59am | #6

   Thank you!

2. 
   mgmahan | Jul 28, 2020 08:29pm | #10

   There is an easie trucker's hitch that doesn't require pulling the rope through a loop. I tie it automatically without thinking, so I can't explain it. As soon as I have some one to take some pictures I will post them.

3. 
   andy_engel | Aug 31, 2021 06:27am | #13

   Exactly.

2. 
   johnpendery | Jul 27, 2020 06:20pm | #2

   Truckers hitch is a great knot as suggested, but if you aren’t in a knot tying mood check out the tie down straps nrs sells (just google nrs tie down strap). Not practical for every application, but if used properly it’s amazing how well and quickly they work.

1. 
   adrian654 | Jul 28, 2020 11:00am | #7

   thanks for the advice.

3. 
   firedudec56 | Jul 28, 2020 07:18am | #3

   ratchet straps crossed in an X across the load - also check that the load can't shift forward - if it slides forward, you have a broken rear window on your truck and possibly a massive headache (or worse)

4. 
   sawdust_steve | Jul 28, 2020 08:29am | #4

   I love the ratchet straps but they have a habit of working loose ,so my go to method is to stop after the first couple of miles to check tension and adjust as necessary

5. 
   fran_d91 | Jul 28, 2020 10:57am | #5

   I've been using one of these lashing straps for years: https://www.mysortimo.us/en_US/Roof-Racks/Accessories-TopSystem/Accessories-TopSystem/ProSafe-lashing-belt-ratchet-3-5-m/p/000000001000000225 , feel very secure about things staying where they are. You gotta be careful in packing as well though! ;)

1. 
   adrian654 | Jul 28, 2020 11:00am | #8

   great, I'll check it out!

6. 
   bobbomax | Jul 28, 2020 07:04pm | #9

   I use ratchet straps like everyone else, but Uncle Mike's solution is better if you're good with knots, because thin nylon rope will stretch and is more likely to stay tight when the load shifts a bit. Ratchet strips aren't typically stretchy, which is why they need to be tightened after you've driven a few miles and the load has re-arranged itself a bit.

1. 
   mgmahan | Jul 28, 2020 08:38pm | #11

   Nylon rope will stretch and is LESS likely to stay tight. I've never had to re tighten ratchet strapps if they are rapped around the load and tightened properly. With sheet goods I always put a tie across the front to prevent sliding. I learned this the hard way. I learned about nylon rope when I put some on a block and tackle set up and pulled and pulled the load I was trying to move didn't but the rope sure streched with the extra leverage of the block and tackle. The best for tie downing is CA truck rope. I'm sure it's availiable in all 50 states. https://blog.uscargocontrol.com/exactly-california-truck-rope/

1. 
   bobbomax | Aug 29, 2021 11:28pm | #12

   Actually, stretched rope. within limits, WILL stay tight. Think about bungee cords- as the load shifts, the stretch takes up the slack. A rope that has no stretch loosens as soon as the load shifts a bit.

   Or if you're a mechanic, think of headbolts- they need a bit of stretch- otherwise, as soon as the head gasket compresses a bit it's loose and that will happen as the engine heats and cools. If the headbolts have a bit of stretch, they'll take up the slack and the gasket will stay tight.

   Good tiedown needs a balance- rope or strap strong enough to hold the load, but with some stretch to take up any slack that develops.

7. 
   andy_engel | Aug 31, 2021 06:29am | #14

   I also use quarter inch nylon rope and the trucker's hitch (finished with a slippery hitch). Really easy knots to tie and untie. Really cheap, too. Great article on this from many years ago, about the time I started at the FHB. https://www.finehomebuilding.com/1994/03/01/using-a-cargo-rack