Tied down and travelling safe: ropes, straps and hooks that earn their keep

Every driver has seen a loose tarpaulin flapping on the highway. It is more than untidy: it can damage the load, the tarp and, in the worst case, put other road users at risk. Good fastening is care for everyone.

Choosing your tie-downs

• Tie-down strap, 5 m with buckle: quick and convenient for lighter jobs.
• Ratchet tie-down, 6 m heavy duty: for tensioning heavier or larger loads.
• Tarpaulin rope, 10 mm, 30 m coil: flexible and widely used.
• Rubber tarp hooks, pack of 20: handy for fixing along edges.

Habits that help

• Check every anchor point and strap before departing and again after the first few kilometres.
• Avoid knots or hooks on damaged eyelets or frayed edges.
• Replace worn straps and ropes instead of stretching their life.

A reminder about rules

Load-securing requirements differ by country, vehicle and cargo. Please check the rules that apply to you. The information here is general and is not a substitute for them or for professional advice.

Need the right size of tarpaulin to go with them? Read how to choose a truck tarpaulin, or ask our team.