Abstract: A cargo tie down device includes a bracket for mounting on a vehicle such as a truck, trailer, rail car or the like. The bracket may be U-shaped and a hand ratchet may be mounted between the ends of the bracket to wind up a load strap on a spindle rotated by a pivotally mounted handle. A tension release mechanism operates independently of the load strap to safely release the load on the strap. In some embodiments, the bracket slides on a rail of the underside of the vehicle so it may be positioned at any of a series of locations on the vehicle. The device eliminates a conventional removable winch bar and thereby eliminates safety problems associated with winch bars.