WANTED ASAP

put a tie bar on the hook side. It’s just a 2.5”x 1/4” piece of flat stock bolted to All the crossmembers.
Tada. Now you can use flathooks, those ones you got, or chain ends (which would also work with most product for what you are looking to do now).

 

From the pictures, you also appear to have the tracks for J-Hooks? Also called J Plates? I used those all the time on my Rietnouer connie, and still use them on my Rietnouer side kit set up.

You can get the at Tarpstop or other tarp shops. Or any place that sells and installs conestogas. Be prepared for some price sticker shock, but they do last a good long time and you can use them for flat hook straps or chain end. I use them for chains and binders on coils all the time, they work great.

 

I have a couple conestogas. And do multi stop 3 runs a week. Tie bar. Flat hook.


Peel the rubber back with your finger and open it to move the hook in or out. Hook the hook to the strap itself so it doesn’t catch the freight when they pull it off the hook side. Or throw the loose hook side over and they can pick the winch side or both sides. Then throw the hook over gently so the hook isn’t banging off your wagon, wheels, toolbox, lights. Push down thru the rubber and re hook.


It works. That flap is there vs a closed opening so that you can put hooks down through to the tie bar, or the rail edge if your trailer has a deep enough one to catch purchase.

 

Would coating the straps with linseed oil be an impractical endeavor?

 

I have been to a few good parts places and they will custom order you straps with what ever end you want and length for pretty close to the same price as others

 

Soak your straps in antifreeze, they wont freeze.

 

Like @Ruthless said, just peal the rubber back with you hand. A lot of times I will push dow from the inside with my other hand to help get the rubber out of the way.