Even with the most careful planning to hook ATV tie-down straps in the right spots, if the straps are cheap, worn out or not rated to handle a heavy vehicle like an ATV, your wheeler might end up upside down in a ditch.

There are many manufacturers of ATV tie-down straps and they come from all corners of the globe, so it’s difficult to say with certainty whose straps are the best. But when shopping for ATV tie-down straps, remember that you get what you pay for.

I avoid the multi-pack units from home repair stores. Webbing is generally thin and my gut says that paying $15.99 for a four-pack of ratchet straps isn’t going to get me four quality products.

I’d rather pay $40 at an ATV dealership for a pair of heavy-duty, name brand ATV tie-down straps with thick webbing, sturdy buckles and large hooks that can get around large-tube ATV bumpers. A few brands of ATV tie-down straps that I’ve had good luck with are Ancra, EK USA and Bike Master.

Another decision to make is whether to buy cinch straps or ratchet straps. Ratchet straps are more complex and more likely to malfunction when the strap gets wrapped around the cam — usually caused by the user, not due to failure — but they make it easy to securely fasten the quad to the truck or trailer.

Cinch straps are simpler and smaller so they fit into confined spaces. They might be more likely to slip, though, because cinch straps don’t have a cam like ratchet straps do that holds their position. Read the label and make sure the straps are rated to handle the weight of your machine.