What Is Working Load In Cargo Securement?
Among the frequently asked questions we get here at Rollercam® is the working load of our cam straps. For our standard polypropylene 1" wide straps, we recommend not exceeding 350 pounds. But if you don't know what a working load is, that number probably means nothing to you. This post will explain the fundamentals of securing your cargo safely.
If you ever feel that your load is not secure enough, do not chance it. Our tip? Just add more straps. It doesn't matter if you are using standard cam straps, our patented Rollercam® straps, or some other load securement option, staying safe means getting it right.
Working Load
Working load is the total force a piece of securement equipment can withstand without "catastrophic failure." Although not exactly the same thing, the working load is similar to breaking strength. If you exceed the working load, there is a pretty good chance your strap, chain, or cord will break.
Working Load Limit (WLL)
The working load limit (WLL) of a cargo securement device — like our cam straps — indicates the total amount of combined force it can withstand under load. This is not something you have to worry about if all you are doing is securing a motorcycle to a trailer or tying down water coolers on the top of your SUV. However, if you are a truck driver who typically transports heavy equipment, WLL is a big deal.
WLL is calculated by dividing the minimum breaking load by a safety factor. That safety factor is determined by how the load is stressed. Picking something up with a crane would have a higher safety factor than tying cargo down to a trailer. Why? Because lifting dead weight puts more stress on the cam strap or chain in question.
Again, WLL usually isn't a consideration for non-commercial and non-industrial applications. Even so, pay attention to load limits on any piece of cargo securement equipment you use. Also, be sure to maintain that equipment. Like we say on our cam strap tags: Be smart. Check for wear.
Maintaining Cam Straps
Maintaining cam straps is not difficult; just give your gear regular inspections. Before you use a cam strap to tie something down, give it the once over. Check for frayed straps and any visible cuts or breaks. Any sign of a damaged strap is reason enough not to use it. You can save the cam buckle and add a new strap yourself if you feel handy.
Check the cam buckle during your inspection, too. You shouldn't have a problem with rust but check for corrosion or damage. Giving your cam buckles a good cleaning prevents dirt and debris from getting inside the buckle mechanism and damaging it.
Be careful with any cam buckle that shows signs of damage. A dent or scratch is no big deal, but missing pieces of metal or components that don't fit tightly are another matter entirely. Do not ever use a cam buckle you suspect might be damaged.
Finally, the straps themselves will last longer if you give them a cleaning every now and again. Substances like salt, industrial solvents, oil, and grease can degrade webbing material over time. A good cleaning keeps damage at bay and extends the life of a strap.
Our cam straps are capable of handling most non-commercial and non-industrial applications. We recommend not exceeding a working load of 350 pounds for our 1" straps. If you ever question whether a load is truly secure, you can always throw on a couple more straps — no need to take any chances.
