When it comes to securing cargo, choosing the right type of cargo strap can make or break the outcome of your hauls. Whether you’re hauling cargo for outdoor applications like greenhouses, moving equipment for laundry services, or transporting heavy machinery, the choice between ratchet straps and cam straps can make a big difference in both convenience and safety. In this post, we’ll break down the differences between cam and ratchet straps, while also helping you decide which one is right for your needs. We’ll even share some simple care tips to keep them in top condition too.
What Is a Cam Strap?
Cam straps are the ideal cargo strap to use if you’re requiring speed and simplicity when it comes to tying down your equipment. They’re the best type of strap to use when you’re transporting lightweight cargo, loads under 1500 lbs., and small-sized cargo. Cam straps can be used for securing dirt bikes, kayaks, or canoes to cars or trailers, moving furniture, bicycles and small, lightweight machinery. Use a 2” cam strap by pulling tight to get the tension you want without using additional mechanisms. Cam straps rely on manual tensioning– pulling the strap tight by hand, to secure your cargo. As a result, these straps are easier to release than ratchet straps, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
What Is a Ratchet Strap?
Ratchet straps are better suited for applications needing a lot of tension and superior control. These straps use a mechanical ratcheting system that allows you to apply significantly more tension than cam straps can offer. This ensures your load is tightly secured and reduces the risk of shifting during long hauls, over rough terrain. These types of heavy duty applications include securing your boat to a trailer, transporting cars or lawnmowers, and industrial equipment. Ratchet straps come in a variety of widths and lengths to suit regular and irregular shaped loads. They’re the recommended cargo strap for securing heavy duty equipment over 2000 lbs.
Cam Straps vs. Ratchet Straps: Which Cargo Strap Is Best for Your Haul?
There are three key factors to consider when deciding which type of cargo strap is right for your needs. The first is, how quickly and easily you need to tie down your equipment. Next, is your working load limit. The third is the shape of the cargo you’re tying down.
The Ancra ratchet straps that we offers are a reliable option for heavy duty loads like beverage and bakery transport. Compared to Ancra’s cam straps, their ratchet straps are available in a variety of widths (1” to 4”). They offer vast working load limits (up to 5400lbs.) which is significantly more than cam straps offer. However, ratchet straps can require more time to set up and secure.
Unlike ratchet straps, cam straps are manually tightened by hand. This greatly reduces the risk of crushing or damaging delicate items like carbon bike frames, kayaks or canoes, and fragile furniture. Some cam straps feature a simple push-button buckle designed for fast, tool-free tightening and release. See our Ancra Cam Buckle Tie Down here. Cam straps are ideal for quick-loading tasks, and are especially useful when you need to tie down items multiple times in a day.
C.P. Lauman offers a variety of cam and ratchet straps from Ancra International to help you keep all your lightweight to heavy duty cargo secure. Ancra’s straps are made from a unique, latex-coated, polyester fabric that makes up the webbing of each strap. This material is strong with very little stretch to prevent slippage and resists most mild chemicals, UV rays, mold and mildew.
View C.P. Lauman’s selection of Ancra cargo straps here.
How to Clean and Maintain Ratchet Straps and Cam Straps for Long-Lasting Performance
To keep your cam and ratchet straps in top condition, regularly remove debris from the webbing to prevent wear and tear. For light debris or dirt, use a hose to rinse your straps clean. For tough grime, grease, or oils, use warm water mixed with a mild detergent—never bleach.
A scrub brush can help loosen stubborn residue. Don’t worry, the thick polyester webbing can withstand continuous scrubbing. Always allow straps to air dry completely before reusing or storing them. For storage, keep straps in a dry, shady location, consider hanging them cinch-first on a wall or storing them in plastic bags to keep them protected and organized.
View all Ancra International Cargo Strap Products Here
