How to Use Rack Straps to Secure Gear on Your Roof Rack
By Dakine | Backpacks, Luggage, Surf, Snow, & Bike Gear Since ... | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to properly use rack straps and tie down straps to secure gear on your roof rack. Step-by-step guide with tips for safe cargo transport.
Quick answer
To secure gear on your roof rack, choose the right length and buckle size for your load, thread the strap through the rack and around your gear, then cinch the cam buckle tight and double-check tension before driving.
Choosing the right strap length and buckle size
Straps come in different lengths and buckle widths. A 12-foot strap works well for smaller loads like a single surfboard or bike, while a 20-foot strap gives you more reach for bulky items like kayaks or camping gear. The buckle width affects holding power: 1-inch cam buckles are fine for light to medium loads, but 1-3/8-inch buckles provide extra clamping force for heavy or awkward cargo.
If you regularly carry oversized or uneven loads, the wider buckle and longer strap give you more margin for error. For everyday use around town, a shorter strap is easier to manage and store.
Understanding cam buckle vs. ratchet strap
Cam buckles are simpler and faster to use than ratchet straps. You thread the strap through the buckle, pull to tighten, and the cam locks it in place. They work well for soft loads like bags, boards, and camping gear. Ratchet straps offer more precise tension but take longer to adjust and can over-tighten and damage gear. For most roof rack cargo, a cam buckle strap is the practical choice.
How to secure gear with rack straps
- Position your gear and route the strap: Place your gear centered on the roof rack crossbars. Thread the strap under the crossbar, over the gear, and back under the opposite crossbar. For long items like boards, run the strap over the gear and under both crossbars to prevent sliding. Common mistake: routing the strap only over the gear without going under the rack bars. The strap must pass under the rack to hold the load down, not just wrap around the gear.
- Thread the strap through the cam buckle: Insert the loose end of the strap into the cam buckle slot. Pull it through until you have about 6 inches of excess. Make sure the strap lies flat and is not twisted. Checkpoint: a twisted strap reduces holding strength and can loosen during transit. Run your hand along the strap to confirm it is flat.
- Cinch the strap tight: Hold the buckle with one hand and pull the free end of the strap firmly with the other. The cam will lock as you pull. Continue pulling until the strap is snug against the gear and the buckle is against the rack bar. Common mistake: over-tightening can damage soft gear or bend rack bars. Stop when the gear does not shift under moderate hand pressure.
- Secure the loose tail: Tuck the excess strap tail under a loop of the tightened strap or use a Velcro strap keeper if provided. This prevents the tail from flapping in the wind and loosening the buckle. Checkpoint: a flapping strap tail can wear down over time and may come loose. Always secure it before driving.
- Double-check all straps before driving: Walk around the vehicle and tug each strap at the buckle and at the gear contact point. If any strap moves more than a quarter inch, re-cinch it. Repeat the check after the first 10 minutes of driving. Common mistake: skipping the re-check after driving. Straps can settle as the gear compresses or shifts. A quick stop and re-tighten prevents problems.
Product facts
- Baja Tie Down Straps - 20': The 20-foot Baja Tie Down Strap features a heavy-duty 1-3/8-inch cam buckle for cinching gear tight on rough roads. The wider buckle and longer length give you extra holding power and reach for large or heavy loads, reducing the chance of straps loosening during long drives.
Baja Tie Down Straps - 20' - Baja Tie Down Straps - 12': The 12-foot Baja Tie Down Strap is sold in sets of two with 1-3/8 inch cam buckles and a protective neoprene buckle housing. The neoprene housing protects your vehicle's paint and the buckle from corrosion, making these straps a durable choice for frequent use.
Baja Tie Down Straps - 12' - Tie Down Strap 20': The 20-foot Tie Down Strap has a 1-inch cam buckle and is sold as a single strap. If you only need to secure one item or prefer a lighter, more compact strap, this single 20-foot option saves cost without sacrificing length.
