"Tie lots of knots if you can't tie a single one."When it comes to securing a load, this strategy might not be the most prudent option. Ridge Ryder, to their credit, offers an alternative in the form of their tie-down straps, which are extremely simple to employ. What you must have:Take into consideration the dimensions and weight of the load that needs to be secured before making your purchase. Ridge Ryder provides two different sets of tie downs to accommodate a variety of requirements. The blue heavy duty ratchet tie down set comes with four ratchet straps, each of which has a capacity of 650 kilograms (kg) for lashing. The green combo tie down set includes two ratchet straps, each with a rating of 650 kilograms, as well as two cambuckle tie downs, each with a capacity of 320 kilograms for lashing. Putting Together and ExaminingBefore you get started, you need to check each strap for signs of fraying, wear, and sun damage. If any of these things are present, you need to throw away the strap. Keep in mind that the strength of your strap is dependent on where it is mounted; therefore, you should position your load in such a way that the strap will have a straight pull between two stable mounting points.

Put the Straps Through the Hole. To use ratchet tie downs, thread the tail end of the strap through the mechanism and in the opposite direction, toward the hook. First attach the end of the strap, then the end of the ratchet, making sure that the strap does not become twisted anywhere along the way. Put on the Straps, and Watch Out for the EdgesCheck the length of your strap for any sharp edges that could cause damage to your strap, and then use a rag or a piece of cardboard to protect these areas. Once there is a little tension on your strap, you can inspect its length. Keep a close eye out for any places on the load where the strap has the potential to cause damage. When you have finished checking these points, you should operate the ratchet mechanism until the desired tension is reached, and then you should close the ratchet mechanism. Different Straps, Same TechniqueCambuckle straps require the same considerations as standard buckle straps; the only difference is in how they are operated. These cambuckle straps depend on the strength of the user, and as a result, there is less of a chance that they will damage fragile or lightweight cargo.

They are ideal for securing light loads on roof racks or in the trunk of a vehicle and come in a variety of sizes. The user then presses the thumb release, feeds the end of the strap through, and pulls this tight to apply tension. Once the strap is attached to the mounting points, the user is finished. If you let go of the cambuckle mechanism, the strap will remain securely fastened. Getting Rid of the BurdenTo release your load, you simply need to press the thumb release and then pull the strap through the cambuckle in the opposite direction.

On the other hand, using ratchet tie downs requires a certain amount of skill. Inside of the mechanism are two release triggers that can be used. Pulling back on the top one releases the ratchet handle; therefore, raise the ratchet handle halfway using this motion. After you have allowed this release trigger to return to its proper position, apply some pressure to the ratchet handle. With the other hand, pull the second release lever located inside the ratchet mechanism, and then hold it back.

Now, gradually lower the ratchet handle to release some of the tension that was being applied to the strap

- Repeat this step until the strap is able to be removed easily

- Once the strap is able to be removed easily, you can use both of the release levers to unlatch the mechanism and remove the strap entirely