Ratchet Straps

[Doug Punches]

I have been looking at these for a while. Was there any issue getting the bottom bolts installed? It looked like they had the potential to be a little difficult.

Not a problem at all. I chased the threads in the top hole, and they use a T-Bolt for the larger hole. Super easy install.

Sponsored

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I like the rubber bands on the slack but being a prior sailor (USCG) I was always taught to tie off my slack over the handle

I'd be interested in seeing what you do.........
But how I've done it originally was roll up the extra strap into a tight roll, then using a piece of 12 gauge copper wire left over from wiring my garage and slip it through the coiled up strap, and literally tie it against the tight strap using the wire.

Later all of that extra strap just kept getting in the way so I shortened them up, ad accordion folded the extra strap and again, used that copper wire to tie it to the strap.

This is 12 gauge copper wire (green insulated) tying the extra strap in place to keep it from whipping.

That's how I do it - however - not against learning something FAST and SIMPLE to do if there's other ideas.

 

[Gatorized]

I'd be interested in seeing what you do.........
But how I've done it originally was roll up the extra strap into a tight roll, then using a piece of 12 gauge copper wire left over from wiring my garage and slip it through the coiled up strap, and literally tie it against the tight strap using the wire.

Later all of that extra strap just kept getting in the way so I shortened them up, ad accordion folded the extra strap and again, used that copper wire to tie it to the strap.

This is 12 gauge copper wire (green insulated) tying the extra strap in place to keep it from whipping.

That's how I do it - however - not against learning something FAST and SIMPLE to do if there's other ideas.

I do the accordion fold, hold it tight with rubber band cut from old bicycle inner tubes, then wedge it in the gap between the handle and the strap. If you lose the rubber band, there are a hundred more on the tube it came from.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I do the accordion fold, hold it tight with rubber band cut from old bicycle inner tubes, then wedge it in the gap between the handle and the strap.

The extra is on the opposite side from the handle. I'd have to literally block the handle, and I leave the handle open for checks now and then. I'll drive a few miles, hit a rest stop and check the straps, maybe give the handle another pull, and so on. That's why the handles are in plain view, easy access, nothing covering them.
All of my straps, the handle goes back to the locked position opposite of the long part that threads through the drum of the ratchet.

Not a problem at all. I chased the threads in the top hole, and they use a T-Bolt for the larger hole. Super easy install.

If you had rails, you'd be chasing the threads in all of the holes along the top area of the bed sides. That's the toughest, most time consuming part of all - getting bedliner out of those threads.

 

[ItsmeMrWright]

Hi all. I just installed MAXZINA Ratchet Straps on my Gladiator. I love 'em. They are small and work well for tying down cargo in the bed.

Nice looking installation.

 

[Gatorized]

The extra is on the opposite side from the handle. I'd have to literally block the handle, and I leave the handle open for checks now and then. I'll drive a few miles, hit a rest stop and check the straps, maybe give the handle another pull, and so on. That's why the handles are in plain view, easy access, nothing covering them.
All of my straps, the handle goes back to the locked position opposite of the long part that threads through the drum of the ratchet.

I don’t obstruct the handle, just over the ratchet and tuck through the handle so the handle puts pressure on the folds that are sandwiched between the handle and the short end of strap. I can give the handle a tug for extra tightening and then push it back down on top of the folds to keep them out of the way.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I don’t obstruct the handle, just over the ratchet and tuck through the handle so the handle puts pressure on the folds that are sandwiched between the handle and the short end of strap. I can give the handle a tug for extra tightening and then push it back down on top of the folds to keep them out of the way.

OK, gotcha, I get it now.

 

[m-l_johnny]

There are similar straps made for use on boat trailers for the stern tie-downs. Check marine supply stores.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The OP's post is regarding those straps made specifically to fit the Gladiator's box - perfectly formed to the side, mounting points that line up with existing holes. No drilling..........

They are on my list - I expect to own a pair soon.

 

[zcashio]

I just bought a pair on prime deal. Thanks.

 

[Thunderspud]

There are similar straps made for use on boat trailers for the stern tie-downs. Check marine supply stores.

We have used retractable straps from DC Cargo Mall on a lot of our off-road trailer builds over the years as well. For a lazy guy like me, they make loading/packing up a breeze.

https://dccargo.com/pages/search-results-page?q=retractable

 

[Doug Punches]

I have been looking at these for a while. Was there any issue getting the bottom bolts installed? It looked like they had the potential to be a little difficult.

No problem at all

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I've had these installed for a while (at least a couple of months or more) but I don't think my wife ever paid attention or saw them in action before. We bought several boxes of cat litter and I didn't want them to slide clear forward in the truck. So, I reached in, pushed the yellow lever, and pulled the strap out and hooked it to the other side and let the button go. Instant kitty litter stopper-from-sliding.
Her response "well, isn't that clever!"
(I had to laugh)
They retract back out of the way when done, and with one on each side, if you pull it over to the opposite loop in the side of the bed, you have sort of a cross of straps to keep things at the very back, within reach.

Sponsored