Not only can you secure gear on your vehicle with them, you can use them as mini-winches. Simple. If you need to get a load lifted up a steep hill or balcony do this: hook the shorter end to your destination where maybe you personally can get to but without heavy cargo. Cradle a hammock or netting around your cargo and join at the ratchet strap hook. Pump ratchet strap and it will lift or drag your cargo up to you. I do NOT recommend using the ratchet strap as a pressure-increasing torture device.
