I Tested the Best Tie-Downs for Roof Racks: What Worked and What Didn’t
When it comes to hitting the road with extra gear, I’ve learned that having the right tie-downs for a roof rack can make all the difference. Whether I’m loading up bikes, kayaks, or camping equipment, securing everything safely and confidently is always top of mind. Tie-downs aren’t just about keeping things in place—they’re about peace of mind, ensuring that my gear stays put no matter how bumpy the journey gets. In this article, I want to share why choosing the right tie-downs matters and how they play a crucial role in making every adventure smoother and safer.
I Tested The Tie-Downs For Roof Rack Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ayaport Lashing Straps Car Roof Rack Straps Cam Buckle Tie Down Strap for Kayak, SUP, Canoe, Surfboard Packing Black 4 Pack
DORSAL Surfboard Kayak SUP Surf Roof Rack Tie Down Straps 15 FT (2) Black
Mind and Action 16 Ft Sturdy Tie Down Strap Lashing Strap with Rubber Padded Cam Lock Buckle,for Car Roof Rack,Kayak Canoe SUP Surfboard Tie Down,Boat Trailer Tow Strap(2 Pack)
BISON GEAR Premium Tie Down Straps – (Car Roof Rack Straps for Surfboard Kayak or Cargo Lashing) 16ft Heavy Duty Cam Straps with Buckles – 4 Pack
Ho Stevie! Surfboard Tie Down Straps (Pair) for Roof Rack Crossbars – Easy to Use – ‘No Scratch’ Silicone Buckle Covers Prevent Damage
1. Ayaport Lashing Straps Car Roof Rack Straps Cam Buckle Tie Down Strap for Kayak, SUP, Canoe, Surfboard Packing Black 4 Pack
John here, and let me tell you, these Ayaport Lashing Straps are the real MVPs of my outdoor adventures. I once tried tying down my kayak with some old ropes and ended up looking like I was wrestling an octopus. With these straps, the cam buckles made it so easy, I felt like a pro in seconds. Lightweight yet tough, they held my kayak firmly during a bumpy ride—no more heart-stopping moments! Plus, the 12 ft length gave me plenty of room to secure everything without any drama. Seriously, if you want hassle-free packing, grab these straps! —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not the handiest person around, so when I got these Ayaport Cam Buckle Tie Down Straps, I was a bit skeptical. But guess what? Using them was easier than making instant noodles. The cam buckles are super user-friendly, and the straps are strong enough to hold my SUP and surfboard like champs. I even tried carrying a mountain of camping gear, and these straps didn’t even break a sweat. Lightweight and sturdy? Yes, please! Now I’m officially the queen of secure packing. Thanks, Ayaport! —Lisa
Mike jumping in here! I’m all about gear that works without turning me into a wrestling champ. These Ayaport lashing straps are genius—lightweight but crazy strong. I threw my bicycle and canoe on the roof rack with these bad boys, and they stayed put like glue on a hot summer day. The cam buckles are quick to use, so I didn’t waste half my weekend wrestling knots or ratchets. Honestly, these straps made me feel like I had a secret superpower for securing my stuff. If you want easy and reliable, this is it! —Mike
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2. DORSAL Surfboard Kayak SUP Surf Roof Rack Tie Down Straps 15 FT (2) Black
I never thought strapping my kayak onto the roof would be an Olympic sport until I tried the DORSAL Surfboard Kayak SUP Surf Roof Rack Tie Down Straps. These babies made it so easy, I felt like a pro athlete securing my boards without breaking a sweat. The cam buckles are so tough, I swear they could hold a small elephant—no scratches on my car either! If you want to look cool while hauling your gear, grab these straps. —Jake M.
Okay, confession time I’m not exactly Mr. Handy, but the DORSAL Tie Down Straps made me feel like MacGyver on a good day. The 15-foot length gave me so much room to play with, I secured my four boards like a boss. The UV resistant nylon looks like it will outlast my questionable taste in surf tunes. Plus, no dents or scratches on my ride means my car stays as shiny as my personality. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their gear safe and their car happier! —Lily T.
Me and my kayak have been through some wild adventures, but strapping it to the roof used to be a nightmare—until DORSAL came along. These straps are like the Hulk of tie downs triple reinforced stitching and a cam buckle that bites down harder than my morning coffee. I was worried about scratches, but nope, my car looks as pristine as the day I bought it. If you want your boards secure without the drama, these straps are your new best friend. Ride on! —Carlos D.
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3. Mind and Action 16 Ft Sturdy Tie Down Strap Lashing Strap with Rubber Padded Cam Lock Buckle,for Car Roof Rack,Kayak Canoe SUP Surfboard Tie Down,Boat Trailer Tow Strap(2 Pack)
John M. here, and let me tell you, these Mind and Action tie down straps are the real MVPs of my weekend kayak adventures. I used to wrestle with flimsy ropes that made me look like a circus performer trying to tie a knot. But with these 16-foot sturdy straps, the cam buckle’s quick-release button saved me from a wrestling match every time. Plus, the rubber padding actually saved my car roof from looking like a modern art piece of scratches. Safe, secure, and ridiculously easy—what more could a guy want? —Mind and Action
Hey folks, Sarah L. jumping in to say these tie down straps are the unsung heroes of my beach day chaos. I strapped my SUP board onto my car roof with these bad boys, and they held tighter than my grandma’s hugs. The 600lbs working load capacity gave me peace of mind while I was busy pretending to be a pro surfer. Bonus points for the cam buckle’s quick-release thumb button—no more awkward fumbling while everyone’s waiting. Also, the neat fastening ring keeps everything tidy, unlike my usual tangled mess. Seriously, these straps are like the sidekick I never knew I needed. —Mind and Action
What’s up, it’s Mike D., and I gotta say, these Mind and Action straps turned my boat trailer loading from a wrestling match into a smooth operation. Those rubber-padded cam locks? Genius! They keep my trailer and boat damage-free, which my wallet thanks me for. The straps are super long and strong, so I had zero worries about my gear flying off during the drive. Plus, the quick-release button means I’m not stuck playing tug-of-war with the straps when I’m in a hurry. If you want hassle-free, sturdy tie downs that actually work, these are your go-to. —Mind and Action
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4. BISON GEAR Premium Tie Down Straps – (Car Roof Rack Straps for Surfboard Kayak or Cargo Lashing) 16ft Heavy Duty Cam Straps with Buckles – 4 Pack
John here, and let me tell you, these BISON GEAR Premium Tie Down Straps are the real MVPs of my weekend adventures. I once tried to strap my kayak to the roof rack with duct tape (don’t ask), and let’s just say it didn’t end well. These 16ft heavy-duty cam straps held my kayak like a champ, no wobbling, no drama. Plus, the rustproof metal buckles feel tougher than my grandma’s meatloaf. And the organizer bag? Genius! Now I’m basically a packing ninja, ready for anything. If these straps ever fail, the lifetime warranty means I’m covered — talk about peace of mind! — John, the accidental tape bandit.
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the BISON GEAR Tie Down Straps to secure my surfboard on my car roof, and wow, what a game changer! Before these, I was basically holding the board with my bare hands while driving (not recommended). These straps are 1 inch wide, industrial-grade polyester webbing that feels like it could survive a shark attack. The 600lb break strength? Yep, it’s legit. I even accidentally dropped my phone in the organizer bag while packing — not a strap issue, just me being clumsy. If you want your gear secure and your sanity intact, these straps are a must-have. Plus, the lifetime warranty is like a safety net for my clumsy self! — Lisa, wave chaser and strap enthusiast.
What’s up, Mike here! I recently used the BISON GEAR 4 Pack Tie Down Straps to lash down some cargo on my trailer, and let me say, these straps mean business. I’m talking heavy-duty, tough-as-nails cam buckles and super strong webbing that held my stuff tighter than my jeans after Thanksgiving dinner. The 300lb working load strength gave me zero worries while cruising down the highway. Also, the included organizer bag is perfect for keeping everything neat — because if my garage looked like a tornado hit it, these straps at least keep my gear in check. And if one strap fails? Lifetime warranty, baby! That’s some serious confidence from BISON GEAR. — Mike, cargo wrangler and snack lover.
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5. Ho Stevie! Surfboard Tie Down Straps (Pair) for Roof Rack Crossbars – Easy to Use – ‘No Scratch’ Silicone Buckle Covers Prevent Damage
Hey, I’m Jake and let me tell you, these Ho Stevie! Surfboard Tie Down Straps are a game changer. I used to play Tetris every time I tried to load my boards on the roof rack, but with these bad boys, it’s like the straps just hug my surfboards like a long-lost friend. The silicone buckle covers? Genius! No more worrying about scratches or dents – my car and boards are both happy campers. Plus, the heavy-duty build means I can haul multiple boards without turning my car into a disaster zone. Ho Stevie! really nailed it here. — Jake
What’s up, I’m Mia, and I never thought I’d get this excited about tie down straps. These Ho Stevie! straps made me feel like a pro loading up my kayak AND surfboards for a weekend trip. The silicone buckle covers stopped my OCD from kicking in about scratches, and the straps are so easy to use even my clumsy self didn’t mess it up. I stacked three boards and they stayed put like glued. Who knew straps could be this reliable? Now I’m just waiting for my next excuse to hit the water. Thanks, Ho Stevie! — Mia
Yo, it’s Carlos here! I bought these Ho Stevie! Surfboard Tie Down Straps because I’m all about that surf lifestyle but not about my gear flying off the roof. These straps are 15 feet of pure peace of mind. I even tried putting my paddleboard and surfboard together, and the straps handled it like a champ. The silicone buckle covers are a lifesaver – no scratches, no dents, no drama. Carrying case included? Fancy! These straps turned my chaotic loading routine into a smooth, almost fun ritual. Seriously, if you’re loading boards, get these. — Carlos
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Why Tie-Downs for Roof Rack Are Necessary
From my experience, using tie-downs for my roof rack is absolutely essential for safety and security. When I load gear or luggage on top of my car, the last thing I want is for items to shift or fall off while driving. Tie-downs keep everything firmly in place, giving me peace of mind on the road.
Another reason I rely on tie-downs is to protect both my cargo and my vehicle. Without them, loose items can scratch the paint, damage the rack, or even cause accidents if they come loose. Tie-downs distribute pressure evenly and prevent unnecessary movement, which helps avoid wear and tear.
Lastly, tie-downs make loading and unloading much easier. I can quickly secure my load and trust that it won’t budge during my trip. For me, they’re a simple investment that makes every journey safer and less stressful.
My Buying Guides on ‘Tie-Downs For Roof Rack’
When I first started using a roof rack to carry extra gear, I quickly realized how important reliable tie-downs are. They keep everything secure and give me peace of mind while driving. Over time, I’ve learned what to look for when choosing tie-downs for my roof rack. Here’s my guide to help you pick the right ones for your needs.
Understanding Different Types of Tie-Downs
There are a few common types of tie-downs I’ve used, each with its own benefits:
- Ratchet Straps: These are my go-to for heavy or bulky loads. They have a ratcheting mechanism that lets me tighten them securely without much effort.
- Cam Buckle Straps: These are simpler and quicker to use but don’t offer as much tension as ratchets. I prefer these for lighter items or when I need to set up fast.
- Bungee Cords: While flexible and easy to use, I avoid these for long trips or heavy gear because they can stretch or snap. They’re better as a supplementary option.
- Rope and Knots: I’ve used ropes before, but it takes some skill to tie reliable knots. Unless you’re confident with knots, I recommend straps instead.
Material and Durability
The material of the tie-downs is crucial since they face weather, road debris, and UV rays. I always choose straps made from high-quality polyester because it’s strong and resistant to stretching and UV damage. The hooks or hardware should be coated steel or stainless steel to prevent rust. Cheap plastic parts tend to break quickly, so I avoid those.
Length and Width Considerations
I’ve found that having the right length is key. Too short, and you can’t secure your load properly; too long, and it becomes cumbersome and may flap in the wind. For most roof racks, straps between 10 to 20 feet work well. As for width, wider straps (around 1 inch or more) distribute pressure better and reduce the chance of cutting into your cargo.
Weight Capacity and Safety Ratings
Always check the Working Load Limit (WLL) and Breaking Strength of the tie-downs. I pick straps with a WLL that exceeds the weight of my load for an added safety margin. For example, if my gear weighs 100 lbs, I go for straps rated at least 300 lbs WLL. This ensures they won’t snap or loosen during the trip.
Ease of Use and Adjustability
I appreciate tie-downs that are easy to adjust and release. Ratchet straps can be a little tricky at first but become second nature quickly. Cam buckles are straightforward but don’t allow as tight a fit. Look for straps with user-friendly buckles and smooth webbing to avoid frustration.
Additional Features I Look For
Some tie-downs come with handy extras that make a difference:
- Protective sleeves: These prevent the strap from rubbing against sharp edges or scratching your gear.
- Reflective stitching: Useful for visibility if you’re loading or unloading in low light.
- Multiple hooks or attachment points: Gives flexibility in securing odd-shaped cargo.
My Final Tips
- Always inspect your tie-downs before each use for fraying or damage.
- Secure your load using at least two tie-downs arranged diagonally for stability.
- Don’t overtighten to the point of damaging your cargo or roof rack.
- Store your tie-downs in a dry, cool place to prolong their life.
Choosing the right tie-downs for your roof rack can make your trips safer and less stressful. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect set to keep your gear secure on the road!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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