Bungee cords and tie down straps cannot be used interchangeably. Because they are designed to absorb shock shock cords also known as bungee cords are useful for securing tarps to surfaces or anchoring cooler lids. However, they are not recommended for retaining objects that are heavy, bulky or prone to flying. On the other hand, tie down straps are made expressly to secure goods during transit. They come with an assortment of hook ends, strength ratings, lengths, widths and fastening options. See our post on the fundamentals of tie down straps for further information.
The list of reasons why you should think twice before anchoring large, heavy objects with bungee cords is provided below.
The precise tension of a bungee cord is uncertain.
The majority of bungee cords are not rated to indicate how much weight they can support. On tie-down straps, however, there will be printed on them the maximum weight they can sustain with frequent usage (working load) as well as the lowest weight at which failure can occur (break strength).
It makes no difference how short or fast the travel will be.
You should never rely on a cheap bungee rope to hold your expensive stuff, not even on short trips. Elastic cords have the potential to shift loads, endangering the safety of onlookers, you, and your possessions.
Bungee cords that are worn out too quickly are either overloaded or old.
Never extend bungee cords beyond double their resting length. Even with regular usage, bungee cords ultimately fray, break, or stretch irreversibly because they are more susceptible to degradation from the sun, rain, wind, and extremely high or low temperatures. Even with minimal use, bungees need to be changed at least once a year.
The hook ends of bungee cords are every bit as erratic as the ropes themselves.
You should never entrust your precious luggage on a cheap bungee rope, not even for short distance travel. A weight shifting caused by an elastic cable puts you, your possessions, and other drivers at danger.
When a stretched bungee cord escapes your grasp, it turns into a sharp projectile that might cause harm.
Surprisingly, injuries resulting from a loss of grip on a stretched bungee cord occur often. Slipped cables have a recoiling speed of 45 to 60 miles per hour, which can seriously harm delicate tissues like your eyes.
