Soft loop straps are an indispensable tool for securing ATVs and dirt bikes to trailers or carriers. These straps are designed to protect your vehicle's finish while providing a strong hold during transport. In this guide, we'll explain how to loop ratchet straps and buckle straps using soft loops, specifically focusing on securing vehicles at hard points like frames or towing hooks.
Understanding Soft Loop Straps
Soft loop straps are made from a durable webbing that loops back on itself. This design is perfect for creating a secure connection point that won't scratch or damage the vehicle, unlike bare metal hooks.
How to Loop Ratchet Strap with Soft Loops
- Identify a Hard Point: Find a secure point on your ATV or dirt bike. This could be part of the frame or a special towing hook.
- Attach the Soft Loop: Wrap the soft loop strap around the hard point and pull the end through the loop to tighten it around the hard point securely.
- Connect the Ratchet: Hook the ratchet's hook to the soft loop. Ensure the ratchet is properly closed to keep the strap in place.
- Secure the Load: Pull the ratchet strap through the ratchet mechanism and tighten until the load is well-secured. Ensure the strap is tight enough to prevent any movement during transit.
How to Loop Buckle Strap with Soft Loops
- Setup the Soft Loop: As with the ratchet strap, start by looping the soft loop strap around a solid hard point on your vehicle.
- Attach the Buckle: Hook the buckle's hook to the looped strap and thread the other end of the strap through the buckle.
- Tighten the Strap: Pull the strap through the buckle until it's snug and secure around the vehicle. While buckle straps might not offer as much tension as ratchet straps, they should be sufficiently tightened to ensure safety.
Example: Securing an ATV with a 2-Inch Ratchet Strap and Soft Loops
Let's walk through a practical example using a 2-inch ratchet strap:
- Prepare the Soft Loop: Place the soft loop strap around a sturdy hard point on the ATV, such as the frame or a towing hook. Ensure the loop is flat against the vehicle.
- Attach the 2-Inch Ratchet Strap: Hook one end of your 2-inch ratchet strap to the soft loop. Secure the hook and position the ratchet mechanism outward for easy access.
- Route and Secure the Strap: Extend the free end of the strap over the ATV to another hard point or additional soft loop on the opposite side. Hook it in place, ensuring there's no slack.
- Tighten the Ratchet: Ratchet the strap until it is firm and the ATV feels stable, without over-tightening to avoid damage.
- Final Checks: Double-check all connections and strap tension to ensure everything is secure and the vehicle is ready for transport.
Benefits of Using Soft Loop Straps
Using soft loop straps on ATVs and dirt bikes helps avoid damage to the vehicle while providing a robust and secure method to transport it. These straps ensure that hard points on the vehicle are utilized without risking scratches or dents, keeping your vehicle in top shape during and after transport.