Yes, there’s a right way to tie things to your Ford Ranger roof racks

Yes, there’s a right way to tie things to your Ford Ranger roof racks main image Yes, there’s a right way to tie things to your Ford Ranger roof racks image
Purchasing a Ford Ranger is your ticket to adventure or the ideal vehicle for all of your work purposes. A roof rack allows you the opportunity to fasten all of your occupational and recreational gear and a range of other materials as well.

Purchasing a Ford Ranger is your ticket to adventure or the ideal vehicle for all of your work purposes. A roof rack allows you the opportunity to fasten all of your occupational and recreational gear and a range of other materials as well.

It is important to know how to tie these materials down correctly, though, to avoid them becoming dislodged, damaged and causing dangerous roadside debris.

Ensure the load is totally secured with correct strapping methods

It's essential to ensure you have three or four solid points of contact when you are strapping down a load. Any less and you risk your cargo sliding out from under the straps and falling off the top of the vehicle.

Here are some top tips to consider when going through this process:

  • Tie your objects down from front to back, as well as from side to side. Motion from both directions can lead to your equipment coming loose.
  • Try to avoid ratcheting straps as they can put enormous pressure on your load and can crush what you are trying to transport.
  • Bungie cords are also not recommended, especially when you will be travelling at speed, as they can flex and your load can shift and move on the roof of your Ford.
  • Roof nets and webbing are recommended to cover the entire surface area without putting undue pressure on your cargo.
  • Fastening buckles are a good all-round solution to keep your load secure without applying too much pressure.
  • The placement of your load is also very important. Always try to centre your payload and distribute the weight as much as possible.

If you have a combination of fragile objects and hard materials, try to separate them or put towels/blankets in between them for cushioning. Ensure these towels/blankets are firmly wedged between the objects and secured, so they don't come loose and become debris as well.

Ensure you inspect and double-check every single time

No matter how many times you have strapped a load to your roof and how efficient at this process, you may think you are, you must always double-check over your efforts.

It is not worth the risk to drive off when there could be a single loose element, as you could damage your precious cargo and create a road hazard that can lead to accidents.

How to manage and prevent fraying at the end of your straps

Over time and because of wind resistance and friction, the ends of your straps can become frayed. You can cut these frayed ends off with a sharp knife or scissors, but you can also prevent this from happening in the first instance.

If you have plastic (polyester or nylon) straps, use a lighter or match to melt the ends which will stop them from fraying and extend the life of your belts.

Note: this will not work on straps made from organic materials, and they will catch fire if you try this technique.