Pickup bed ratcheting cargo bar... any opinions?

[Dadnatron]

I have a F350 CC dually and I find that I will often need to carry a few things around in the bed, but they invariably slide all over the place. The most typical culprits are gas/diesel cans.

Has anyone had any luck with those ratchet bars that span the bed and simply press tight in order to keep from moving?

I don't want to put something significant in the bed in order to stop the movement, but I've thought that perhaps one of those would give me some basic 'slide stability' and options in moving it to both front/back as well as how big/small to make it.

This is what I am talking about, or something like it.
Amazon.com: Keeper 59 Ratcheting Cargo Bar: Automotive

 

[JK22]

I own that same bar. I like it and it still works well after about 8 months. My Ram has slots on the sides of the bed and Previously I used 2/6" to secure things but that was a pain and occasionally they disappeared from my bed when I was unloading other lumber. However, you do need to be careful, as these bars do have the force to dent/warp the sheet metal if you ratchet them too hard.

 

[sweettractors]

That device looks like it should do the trick. Lower profile items may still be able to slide under it? Ken Sweet

 

[JK22]

^thats true. I like putting mine towards the tailgate. Great for securing gas cans, propane tanks, liquor store boxes. Better than nothing for groceries.

 

[Tompet]

I've had one similar for about 8 years from, I think, Home Depot purchased on a whim. It is very handy and would purchase another if needed as it gets used quite often.

 

[Tompet]

^thats true. I like putting mine towards the tailgate. Great for securing gas cans, propane tanks, liquor store boxes. Better than nothing for groceries.

Exactly.

 

[Fallon]

I have one in the back of my Tacoma & it works great 90% of the time. Heavy stuff will pop it loose occasionally. My 6" auger for my PHD keeps pushing it loose or jumping over it... really need to drop that up at the shop, no need for it still riding around in there.

I went through 2 cheap Harbor Freight ones that broke. Got a slightly beefier one at the farm store for $35ish I think. The HF ones use a smooth shaft & friction. My new one has a rack on the shaft a gear on the ratchet mechanism runs on. Mechanism is pretty much the same as a ratchet strap except it has a gear & track on the rod instead of a strap.

 

[hslogger]

I have one of the " S line" ratcheting cargo bars that Northern sells. It is Heavy Duty, a tad bit more expensive than some other ones but well worth it. STOUT.http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200320753_200320753

 

[knukey]

Harbor Freight sells them. $21.99

Ratcheting Cargo Bar

Use the 25% off on Sunday and save some $$ if practical.

Harbor Freight Tools Coupon Database - Free coupons, 25 percent off coupons, 20 percent off coupons, No Purchase Required coupons, toolbox coupons

 

[BukitCase]

I have one of the HF ones - it's noticeably wimpier than the earlier linked one and doesn't have a "fine" adjustment between notches. Almost NEVER use the HF one, bought a second similar to that first link for times I need TWO at once... Steve

 

[Rustyiron]

I have a F350 CC dually and I find that I will often need to carry a few things around in the bed, but they invariably slide all over the place. The most typical culprits are gas/diesel cans.

Why don't you try a rubber bed mat before you move on to a mechanical restraint. I'm sold on them and am still using the 1st one I bought about 25 years ago. It's been in 4 different Fords in those years and was only about $60 back then prolly at TSC.

 

[downsizingnow48]

All my recent Fords have four tie downs located low in each corner. I run lengths of chain from front to back on both sides. Then it is a simple matter to tie down any shape cargo anywhere in the bed, with cords or straps hooked to the chains.

 

[Will_C]

I have used one for years to hold fuel cans against the tailgate. Works well for me.

Will

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Oh great, something else I really could use. Lol

 

[Big Barn]

I don't particularly like ratcheting bars in pickup boxes. They tend to spread the box and still slip.

I mounted E Track rails on the sides of my box so that I can use their cargo locking bar, tie downs and other devices.




Terry

 

[beowulf]

I have had a couple, maybe three different ones. None too expensive as I recall, and I returned one. I think the key is to have one that is easy to use, adjust and ratchet in. The one I returned was a PITA and more trouble than it was worth. Others may have specific suggestions re which one to get for strength, cost or whatever, but make sure it is easy to use - not all are. I will try to find what I have and post it.

They work for some things. I also use a net, bungee cords and the additional tie downs I have put in the bed.

 

[comancheflight]

I have one I bought online (don't remember where). It is way more stout looking than any listed on the thread. I also purchased the divider for it that can slide along the rail (perpendicular about 12") I use mine a lot and it has never ever even slightly moved and the bed sides do not seem to bend and I've put a lot of force on it. I was in a pinch a couple of weeks ago and hauled home a 20' section of 10" double wall plastic pipe for culvert in my 8' bed and I used it near the cab to hold the pipe down. Worked like a champ. I highly recommend one.
I would get another although big barns Etrack is pretty cool. You can get a lot of Etrack stuff too..ok, next time I may go that route...

 

[fidowanttobe]

I have 2. Both gear type that I grease with anti-seize occasionally as the never leave the beds. One is HD and one is a shortened semi trailer one a trucker pal gave me. That one could bend the box for sure. Love them. Keeps everything up front, or way in the back.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

I have this one: with a divider bar.. Works well for me.

 

[s219]

I thought all trucks came with slots for lumber, to act as dividers? I know my GMC does, and pretty sure other models did when I was shopping. The only downside is you're limited to what the manufacturer thinks is a good size/arrangement. But heck, that works great for me in the rare cases I need it. I usually just tie stuff down in a corner to keep it from moving around.