Why Does it Seem Like My Erickson Ratcheting Tie Downs are Coming Loose

Updated 03/02/2012 | Published 03/01/2012

Question:

Is there a way to be sure tie down is locked? I am having trouble with them coming loose. I think I have it tight and back down in position. I pull on it and it appears to be taut. It is holding down a wheelchair and I have been using this type for years. Thank you,

asked by: Erickson R

Expert Reply:

I think something else might be happening here, it sounds like you are getting the tie-downs tight and locked but then as you drive the wheelchair might move or the strap might slide and then the tension that was in the tie-down has been reduced and feels like the strap has come loose.

It is not uncommon to have to tighten and re tighten loads periodically as you are traveling down the road.

If you put the lever of the all the way in the down position it will be locked. Check out the video I attached that shows how this product installs and operates. If you are still concerned that it is slipping you could tighten it down and then put some duct tape around the strap right where it comes out of the sleeve and then once it feels like it has come loose you could check to see if the tape has moved farther away from the assembly. This way you will know for sure.

expert reply by: Jameson C