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When securing a load or large item to a roof rack or flatbed, it is important to get a good grip on whatever it is you happen to be carrying. In general, the rule is as tight as possible, barring any possible damage to the items your are securing. The reasons for this are clear: the tension itself is what assures that your ratchet straps are capable of holding on to the heavy load.
Any looseness when you get the item prepared for transport will likely be a huge headache for you later. The reason is simple, if you leave space between the load and the strap, chances are things will move around. Your cargo will almost surely be damaged as it shifts around the roof or flatbed. What might be even worse is you could do major damage to your car or truck.
But then there is the thing about the tension. If your ratchet straps are not being pulled tightly around your cargo, they are likely not secure at all. As soon as you hit one bump, the straps are likely to unhinge and your cargo could become a hazard to not only you but anyone on the road. This is clearly not the safest way to move cargo.



