What straps for roof rack for a strap virgin?

[jp.vegas]

I'm sure there are some really good quality 1" straps. I've just never found them at a reasonable price. A typical all metal ratchet with a 30' 2" strap is around $15 and lasts for - basically forever. I've yet to find a decent 1" strap with a high quality ratchet mechanism that's similar in cost.

There's nothing you could ever haul on the roof given the 200lb weight limit that would justify a 2" strap for strength. It's mostly just the availability of quality ratchet mechanisms and strap materials on 1" size that is the deal breaker. I have half a dozen 1" ratchet straps around. They all end up not working very well after a few years.

The 30’ length is a little tough to work with on the roof too, let’s be honest.

I have my share of crappy 1” straps, they work inside just fine but yes, at some point if you use them a lot outdoors, they turn to shit. Not going to argue that point.

It’s just like other stuff though, I consider them consumables and I carry some spares if something breaks or someone else needs one temporarily. Like to strap up a lower control arm or what have you.

 

[Jetboy]

The 30’ length is a little tough to work with on the roof too, let’s be honest.

I have my share of crappy 1” straps, they work inside just fine but yes, at some point if you use them a lot outdoors, they turn to shit. Not going to argue that point.

It’s just like other stuff though, I consider them consumables and I carry some spares if something breaks or someone else needs one temporarily. Like to strap up a lower control arm or what have you.

The length is a pain - unless you are putting something REALLY big on the roof I guess? lol. It's kinda frustrating that someone doesn't just make a smaller version of a 2" ratchet mechanism. Same general build quality and material thicknesses, but just narrower. I'd buy them.

 

[pcstockton]

Frontrunner Stratchits all day!

Get both sizes. Worth every penny. I don't personally think they are overpriced.

 

[mike5]

Why not cut the long straps down to the length you want and burn the ends? I’ve done that before and it works great.

 

[TrailScout]

I'd suggest Niteze CamJam Straps

When I got my gobi rack, my old ratchet strap hooks wouldn't fit the rails. After looking around I came across the Niteze CamJam straps and have totally fallen in love with them. They're quick to set up, hold seriously tight, and best of all have no chance of scratching the powder coat off the rack because the only thing touching the rack is the nylon strap. Plus, they also roll up into almost nothing for storage.

I ended up getting 4 of the 12' ones and have used them for strapping down lumber, camping gear, bikes etc. No issues ever.

The only down side is that it does take a moment to figure them out. So you'll want to watch a youtube video and play with them at least once before you actually need to use them.

CamJam Tie Down Strap

 

[pointman]

When I got my gobi rack, my old ratchet strap hooks wouldn't fit the rails. After looking around I came across the Niteze CamJam straps and have totally fallen in love with them. They're quick to set up, hold seriously tight, and best of all have no chance of scratching the powder coat off the rack because the only thing touching the rack is the nylon strap. Plus, they also roll up into almost nothing for storage.

I ended up getting 4 of the 12' ones and have used them for strapping down lumber, camping gear, bikes etc. No issues ever.

The only down side is that it does take a moment to figure them out. So you'll want to watch a youtube video and play with them at least once before you actually need to use them.

CamJam Tie Down Strap

Thanks for the info! Those looks really good too! I think I will pick some of those up and see if they work for me. Thanks for the link.

 

[RAD4Runner]

Want to put stuff on roof. ...Ratchets a good idea?

Depends on what you are tying down. Hard objects like spare tire or Jerry cans, ratchet is nice. However, it's hard to "feel" how tight the ratchet is and it could deform for soft objects like kayaks, especially when softened from heat.

For soft objects, I prefer non-ratcheting aka cam-lock straps like below. Personally I use 2 Beijing Freight straps (quality feels good) on my kayak, backed up with a third - a Thule one.

I like the non ratcheting straps. Works for kayaks and lots of other stuff. Amazon.com : VAMO SUP Kayak Surfboard Surf Rack Tie Down Straps - Black Pair (15FT) : Sports & Outdoors

 

[pointman]

Depends on what you are tying down. Hard objects like spare tire or Jerry cans, ratchet is nice. However, it's hard to "feel" how tight the ratchet is and it could deform for soft objects like kayaks, especially when softened from heat.

For soft objects, I prefer non-ratcheting aka cam-lock straps like below. Personally I use 2 Beijing Freight straps (quality feels good) on my kayak, backed up with a third - a Thule one.

Awesome info. Thank you! I'd be using for both soft and harder objects so good stuff for sure. Appreciate the help!

 

[Caliraisedled]

Good tips above. A few more from what we see with customers strapping gear to 4Runner roof racks:

• Ratchet straps for heavy, hard items (cases, fuel cans, recovery boards). Don't over-crank them on soft items or plastic cases.
• Cam buckle straps for kayaks, boards and soft bags. Hand tight is enough and you can't crush anything.
• Soft loops around the crossbar keep metal hooks off your rack's finish.
• Put a twist in any strap that crosses open air. A flat strap hums at highway speed; a twisted one doesn't.
• Check your rack's rating. Driving loads are much lower than parked loads.

For reference, our Premium Roof Rack for 2010-2024 4Runner is rated 500 lbs dynamic (driving) and 1,000 lbs static (parked). There is also a 2025+ version.

Cali Raised LED