Straps and anything else?

[anonymous1977]

New F150 owner and a new pick up truck owner. Posted previously on the generic forum and got some ideas and thought of posting here specifically. I am trying to learn how to tie down cargo on the truck bed. Do I just start with different types of straps like ratchet, cam buckle and rope and play around? Is harbor freight a good place to buy?

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[Dunthupl]

I've bought several cheap multi-pack ratchets over the years and fine to get you started. Fine if you leave them in the rain.

However, self-retracting ratchet straps are worth every penny IMO. Cam buckles I use for light duty stuff, but more so for holding things together I.E. lumber etc.

These are cool too (if you have a bed cover).
https://radtruckstraps.com/

Get a plastic boxes to keep them organized under your seat or I store mine in a Swing Case.

 

[rockfish]

Ratchet staps are very secure but can sometimes be a pain to deal with. Rhino USA makes some good ones you can get on Amazon. Nitize makes some very nice cam straps called dual camjam straps that are very versatile. Also one of those adjustable ratcheting cargo bars can keep stuff from sliding around in the bed.

 

[StoneGray22]

I think it really comes down to your use case. How heavy of an item are you planning on locking into place? Some suitcases, a few boards from the lumber yard, then the harbor freight 400 lb ratchet straps will work fine for you. Start needing to secure heavier things (I was moving IBC tanks with ~800-1200 lbs in them), then you'll need to move up in strap capability accordingly. For my day-to-day type of stuff, and a few moves, I have a mix of the hft 400 lb, and husky (home depot) 500 lb ratchets. I will add that over the past 6 years or so, I've had the ratchet side break on 4-5 (out of maybe 20) of the hft, and 2 (also out of 20) of the husky.

 

[Coll4646]

I've bought several cheap multi-pack ratchets over the years and fine to get you started. Fine if you leave them in the rain.

However, self-retracting ratchet straps are worth every penny IMO. Cam buckles I use for light duty stuff, but more so for holding things together I.E. lumber etc.

These are cool too (if you have a bed cover).
https://radtruckstraps.com/

Get a plastic boxes to keep them organized under your seat or I store mine in a Swing Case.

Have a set of the rad straps on mine, they're pretty convenient. Has the auto retract, already set up / ready to go when you need them and you don't lose the tie down point. Worth the money in my opinion

 

[anonymous1977]

Hey folks - how necessary is it to have a tonneau cover? If I have it is it safe to just keep things in the bed without using a ratchet strap since in any case the bed would be closed? Also any recommendations on DIY friendly covers?

 

[Davexxxx]

A tonneau is to keep things out of sight and dry.

You can not depend on them to secure any load, except those light enough to fly out.

 

[anonymous1977]

A tonneau is to keep things out of sight and dry.

You can not depend on them to secure any load, except those light enough to fly out.

So get the tonneau but still strap using the accessories mentioned?

 

[Davexxxx]

So get the tonneau but still strap using the accessories mentioned?

Depends on the load.

None of my normal stuff is strapped. Tool box, jack, four way, chain, shovel, bucket of straps etc. The bed mat, keeps them more or less in place.

When I go to get fuel for the mowers? Yeah, the cans are tied down.

 

[G_Money]

Costco and Sams are also good sources for cheap straps (Cat brand, i think)

 

[Buyer2021]

Hey folks - how necessary is it to have a tonneau cover?

Opinions vary hugely but FWIW ....

40+ years always with a pickup, I've never owned a bed cover because inevitably it would interfere with something I'm hauling. Roll-back, flip-back, doesn't matter.

IMO for a first-time pickup owner your best bet is to grab a bundle of assorted ratchet straps and bungee cords at whatever discount source is convenient (Harbor Freight, Costco, whatever). Don't spend for fancy stuff, you can do that later if you learn you need 'em and the cheap straps and bungees will still come in handy.

Don't sink $ in any sort of bed cover.

Use your truck to learn what your use-habits really are (it'll be a learning experience, I guarantee). Go from there.

Just for your consideration.

 

[Davexxxx]

Opinions vary hugely but FWIW ....

40+ years always with a pickup, I've never owned a bed cover because inevitably it would interfere with something I'm hauling. Roll-back, flip-back, doesn't matter.

IMO for a first-time pickup owner your best bet is to grab a bundle of assorted ratchet straps and bungee cords at whatever discount source is convenient (Harbor Freight, Costco, whatever). Don't spend for fancy stuff, you can do that later if you learn you need 'em and the cheap straps and bungees will still come in handy.

Don't sink $ in any sort of bed cover.

Use your truck to learn what your use-habits really are (it'll be a learning experience, I guarantee). Go from there.

Just for your consideration.

OTOH, with the same amount of daily truck driving, I wouldn't be without a cover

I like that it keeps things dry and out of sight.

I prefer a roll up, so that when I do need to haul something big, there is less interference but different strokes.

 

[WalterMitty]

Opinions vary hugely but FWIW ....

40+ years always with a pickup, I've never owned a bed cover because inevitably it would interfere with something I'm hauling. Roll-back, flip-back, doesn't matter.

IMO for a first-time pickup owner your best bet is to grab a bundle of assorted ratchet straps and bungee cords at whatever discount source is convenient (Harbor Freight, Costco, whatever). Don't spend for fancy stuff, you can do that later if you learn you need 'em and the cheap straps and bungees will still come in handy.

Don't sink $ in any sort of bed cover.

Use your truck to learn what your use-habits really are (it'll be a learning experience, I guarantee). Go from there.

Just for your consideration.

Similar story here. I'm on my 3rd truck and have never had any sort of cover (haul motorcycles often enough and assumed they won't work). That said, recently I've been very tempted. Mainly due to how everyone likes to ride in my truck. It's so comfy and roomy, I would like the ability to pick folks up at the airport, etc., but don't have any good spot for all the luggage. So, I have been taking a hard look at the covers. My issues will be when I need to take a bike, the cover will probably break when I jam a wheel into the corner of the truck bed like I do now.

Over the years you find out what straps you like. I'm a big fan of cam type straps if the load isn't that heavy. It might be sacrilege for some, but I've hauled stuff for years without issue. IMHO lighter dirt bikes don't need the ratchet straps. I just like the ease of use with CAM type straps for lighter stuff. For the heavier bikes and loads, I do use the ratchet types, and the last 4 that I bought were the retractable ones from Rhino.

https://www.rhinousainc.com/products/2-x-10-retractable-ratchet-straps

When you're first starting out...and when i doubt, add more straps than you maybe need.

 

[WalterMitty]

Below is what I'm talking about.....I like to use the corner of the bed to secure the front wheel. I've always assumed whatever cover (roll up, or tri fold) used would cause some issue and/or break the cover off it's mounting points.

 

[anonymous1977]

Opinions vary hugely but FWIW ....

40+ years always with a pickup, I've never owned a bed cover because inevitably it would interfere with something I'm hauling. Roll-back, flip-back, doesn't matter.

IMO for a first-time pickup owner your best bet is to grab a bundle of assorted ratchet straps and bungee cords at whatever discount source is convenient (Harbor Freight, Costco, whatever). Don't spend for fancy stuff, you can do that later if you learn you need 'em and the cheap straps and bungees will still come in handy.

Don't sink $ in any sort of bed cover.

Use your truck to learn what your use-habits really are (it'll be a learning experience, I guarantee). Go from there.

Just for your consideration.

Very very useful information. One quick question. I am going on a trip soon with family. Would I be ok putting a few suitcases in the back just with these straps, bungees and ratchets without a cover?

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