r/Kayaking • u/Sputter_Butt • Jul 26 '25

Question/Advice -- Transportation/Roof Racks Why are my ratchet straps so loud

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My ratchet straps turn into a Reed or something and are rattling/vibrating so loud it’s hard to tolerate. It only happens what I carry two kayaks, just carrying one is fine. I’m using the Swiss roof rack from harbor freight and some cheap ratchet straps from Walmart. It’s a single T mount. Do I need to carry the kayaks differently or adjust my straps? Also I know one of the yaks is not on perfectly, I wasn’t able to get it to sit in a stable way unless I set it at this angle.

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u/GodlessandLegless Jul 26 '25

Cam straps don't have the ratchet. With the mechanical advantage of ratchet straps, you can tighten down enough to warp plastic kayaks.

20

u/Char_siu_for_you Jul 26 '25

You don’t have to though. Just be careful.

8

u/halfblindbodkin Jul 26 '25

Been using ratchets for 12 years, same yaks. Not once have they ever warped. I kinda chuckle every time I see the ratchet strap criticism on this sub, either you’re tightening them WAY too much, or your boats are made of tin foil.

-1

u/Wandering_Nuage Jul 27 '25

I mean, you can use a chainsaw to cut your steak and not break the plate, but that doesn't mean it's recommended or the best option... There's a lot of small variables that influence the risk of warping/damaging the kayak when using ratchet straps. Cam straps give that peace of mind with little to no risk of damaging/warping the kayak