HammaMan
Well-known member
How to back wrap cargo with these like a couch?
The price is ridiculous for what's offered. It's a $6 strap on a $2 piece of steel, and that's manufacture in your garage production prices.
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Rad truck straps for bed
- Thread starter travisN000
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The price is ridiculous for what's offered. It's a $6 strap on a $2 piece of steel, and that's manufacture in your garage production prices.
Eskram
Well-known member
I like the concept, but the load rating and pricing leave a bit to be desired.
They do have a neat little 10mm ratcheting wrench keychain though. https://radtruckstraps.com/products/10mm-ratcheting-wrench-keychain
They do have a neat little 10mm ratcheting wrench keychain though. https://radtruckstraps.com/products/10mm-ratcheting-wrench-keychain
David1234
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I initially had the same question and thought I'd mound one of the back straps oriented horizontally. But once I received them and started playing with them, I discovered that the opening in the metal body of the strap is very tight and straightens out the strap as if retracts, so that it rolls up flat and even. So I installed all of mine oriented vertically. If I want to strap around the back of something that hangs out past the tailgate, you just use the spring retract to remove the slack (after the other end is hooked on the opposite side) and then do a couple of ratchets on the lever to get it tight. I was worried that the strap would fold over on itself if tightened when not aligned perfectly straight on, but that doesn't seem to be a problem.
On another note, Ford says that the reinforcement of the Boxlink cleats allows them to accommodate a horizontal (cross-box) load of 275 lbs.
With that in mind, what good would it do to have a strap rated for 1,200 lbs. if the anchor point that you're hooking it to isn't rated for anywhere near that much force?
People get really hung up on max load ratings and insist that they need the most heavy duty strap available, rather than being realistic about the loads that they'll actually be hauling in a half ton truck and the load ratings of the anchor points that they'll be hooking on to.
On your comment about the pricing, again, the RAD straps aren't for everyone.
Some people value their time more than others.
You're being a bit exaggerative about being able to make a comparable finished product for $8.
A set of 2 auto retracting straps linked above would cost you $33 plus tax alone, then you'd still have to buy steel, cut & drill the steel (costs for tools & consumables), buy hardware to put it all together, and buy paint or powder coating.
And you're clearly you're not factoring in your time/effort into the equation.
Obviously I'm not going to be able to convince you otherwise, but I find it humorous when people chime in with comments like "that price is ridiculous, I could make it cheaper."
Talk is cheap.... I'd like to see you actually do what you are claiming.
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HammaMan
Well-known member
I manufacture parts. Given that you're taking it personally seems to hint some association with the company. I can get 1000 of the strap assemblies delivered for $5,500 and the plates are quite basic being able to be laser or plasma cut including material for ~$2/ea at the volume I have parts made. You really don't want me to go further into describing how to make these on the cheap as you'll be facing competition from someone willing to undercut the price by 2/3s. I have other things on my plate so to speak, but entering the F150 accessory market isn't out of the question entirely.
fatBatman
Well-known member
This video discusses using the Rad brackets but also addresses the single point attachment and torque placed on a single mounting bolt by redirecting the tension. Depending on how Rad has mounted their ratchet straps, they might be better. I'm not sure. This video might have been made prior to Rad mounting the ratchet straps to their bracket. Either way, this is an enjoyable video.
One thing that does set this apart from the Rad ratchet straps is when the guy in this video made his, he used stainless steel ratchets. Depending on where you live, that could make a big difference to longevity and use.
Cheers.
One thing that does set this apart from the Rad ratchet straps is when the guy in this video made his, he used stainless steel ratchets. Depending on where you live, that could make a big difference to longevity and use.
Cheers.
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David1234
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I'm not taking it personally at all.
I've said it multiple times now... to each his own.
I assure you, I have zero affiliation with RAD straps, other than just purchasing as set from them for my truck.
You are just proving my point though....
Would you consider it reasonable for the average consumer to go out and purchase these components at volume to get the price down? Do most people have the equipment or resources to make or source the components needed in bulk?
The answer to both of those questions is no.
I'm not arguing that these couldn't be manufactured and sold for less, but RAD straps is the only one currently making and selling them as a ready to go consumer product. They can sell them for at whatever price-point they want until someone comes along to undercut them.
Do I wish there was someone selling these at a lower price-point? Of course!
But that's not the case and I don't plan on going into the consumer product manufacturing business, as I'm sure is the same for most people on here.
If you're able to manufacture a better version of these straps at a lower price-point, I'd bet you'd have a ton of customers lining up to place orders.
But like I said before, talk is cheap. Most people that make comments like yours don't actually implement what they say, but rather just want everyone to know that they could, if only they didn't have so much on their plate.
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SteedaGT
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I have a set of these in my truck and use them a LOT! I have 2 of them installed on the driver side with the box link hooks on the passenger side. Work really well for a variety of loads. I really just like how convenient they are.
B-real
Well-known member
Same. When it comes to removing car seats so I can get to my heavier duty and longer ratchet straps I am lazy, so having a set of these in the bed at all times and saving me those 2 mins for items that are light weight is great. We all overpay for certain convenience things in our lives. I cant fathom that people are paying $800/yr for BlueCruise, but I gladly handed over $150 for a set of cheap straps.
David1234
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I couldn't agree with you more. The convenience factor makes it worth it to me.
JoeB
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I bought 4 cleats ( a lot cheaper) that lock into the factory installed plates. I just run a small ratchet strap (HF, cheap) from side to side of the bed, attaching to the cleats. Never an issue. Of coarse, as mentioned, they are for keeping items in place and not shifting. I would not trust them to lock down a 4 wheeler or riding more for example. I keep a cargo box in the back that the front set of straps keep stationary. This setup suits me fine and all less than $75.
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