WHICH STRAP FOR ME?
STANDARD light-duty straps or lashing straps are typically used when you are securing a load that does not require a lot of strength to stay in place and is unlikely to slide around. They feature a gator clip which clamps down on the webbing when you pull it tight. They are your small-load straps. For example, a set of Maxtrax or a swag secured on a roof rack driving on mainly tarred roads and or graded dirt. Neither weighs a lot, maybe, so this strap is perfect.
Next up is the Cam Buckle strap. These are lighter-duty than ratchet straps but heavier-duty than lashing straps. They have a higher rating and are perfect for heavier items such as dirt bikes and ATVS. Again, I would not use one to secure a load when doing heavy off-roading.
For heavy loads and loads that you cannot afford to have shift around, such as spare tyres on a rack or anything when off-road, the ratchet strap is the best option. These straps come in a variety of sizes, from light- to heavy-duty. They can also be purchased in stainless steel for an additional price; anyone working in a marine environment will know what that is about. Ratchet straps can be tightened down with a mechanical buckle that ensures the strap is at maximum tension and tight enough that your load has no chance of moving. Therefore, I would recommend them for all off-roading. The two previous straps, no matter who you are, cannot be tightened enough manually.
There are other straps, but these will be your primary go-to options. They can wear over time too, so what should you look out for? All of these straps are made of webbing with a metal buckle. The webbing can fray if the strap gets a nick in it, so check them regularly. A frayed or half-cut strap should be thrown away.
Similarly, the nylon and polyester fibres in straps will eventually break down under UV rays, so essentially the sun will wear out your straps. Check them often. Also, do not store them wet in a box for next time, because there will not be a next time. They may go mouldy and rot. Finally, for the ratchets themselves, treat them with some lubricant like WD-40 after each use, to prolong their service life.
All this talk of tie-downs is great, but your tie-down is only as good as its anchor point. Make sure you are securing them to something secure. I have secured a fridge in a trailer once when moving house and put the strap around a thin piece of metal. Suffice to say, the metal broke, and so did the fridge − an expensive lesson.