Retractable Ratchet Strap for Bed Rails

[gjallen3]

Does anyone know if there is a retractable ratchet strap available that works with the bed rails so you can move the ratchet along the rails (front to back) instead of one fixed location mounted at the gate?

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[dmopro]

Does anyone know if there is a retractable ratchet strap available that works with the bed rails so you can move the ratchet along the rails (front to back) instead of one fixed location mounted at the gate?

A few questions before I get into the weeds:
1. What type of rail system? Ford or aftermarket
2. What level of unorthodox engineering do you posses?
3. Will you/do have a tonneau cover?

I initially crafted this beauty for my Ford rail system:

I purchased these: Amazon.com: Maxzina 2PCS Universal Retractable Ratchet Straps Compatible with Pickup Truck Auto Retract Securing Straps L-Track Tie Down System Trail Rail System Accessories (Only Be Used with L Track Rails) : Automotive

Then went to HD and bought two of these to place in the channel of the Ford Rails: Everbilt 6 in. Steel Zinc-Plated Mending Plate 24570 - The Home Depot

All the hardware except the plate came with the ratchets. It includes parts for an aftermarket rail system. If yours is aftermarket then you may be good to go with just the ratchets.

Worked great (for me anyway) but I felt that they road to high when I finally decided on my tonneau cover. The next modification required a little more Yankie engineering and an hour and a half roaming the isles of HD looking for a solution (found one, so not a waisted trip.)

Now if you are comfortable roaming HD and thinking out the box, the same ratchet straps (slight attachment differences) can be had on Temu for 1/3 the price (same EXACT mechanism). You just need to step up you engineering skills to figure the mounting out. automatic ratchet tension belt tensioner steel heavy duty - Temu

Current Setup:

Left is Temu and right is Maxzina

Back side of Temu ratchet strap

 

[gjallen3]

That looks great. I have been searching for one out of the box but figured I’d have to make something because none of the manufacturers have made one. At least none that I could find. My rails are Ford as is my roll up cover. Thanks for figuring this out. It could be my next project.

 

[gjallen3]

I stand corrected. It appears the Maxina straps will work, and do move on the rails. The question is if they will fit under my cover.

 

[dmopro]

That looks great. I have been searching for one out of the box but figured I’d have to make something because none of the manufacturers have made one. At least none that I could find. My rails are Ford as is my roll up cover. Thanks for figuring this out. It could be my next project.

I based my final solution on this: Modding Maxzina’s Retractable Bed Tie Downs | MaverickTruckClub - 2022+ Ford Maverick Pickup Forum, News, Owners, Discussions

by AbnRgr


I should have posted this in my initial reply. This a picture of my initial setup. I felt they sat too tall and would interfere with the tonneau rails.

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