Organizing straps (keeping toolbox tidy)

Another method is using an inner tube cut up to make bands to hold straps rolled up. I forgot the inner tube size. I need to get another. Since one tube has lasted 4years for me.

 

You'd hate how mine are! 3" ratchet straps with chain end. I hook the ratchet around a bow and the other end in the j hook. When I jump down from the deck, oops, when I climb off the deck, I say to myself, "I have to organize this deck...next trip!"

 

I made a simple pic to help explain my suggestion.

I would get a 1x board about as tall as the rolled up straps. Cut ears on each side and glue a 3/8 dowel in. On the shelves I'd simply drill a 7/16 or 1/2' hole in the front and back 2x material. Every strap width across the shelf.
That way you can simply drop the divider in the hole that would make the best fit once you pull out the required straps. Think of it like a book end, with the dowels locking it in place preventing it from sliding.

 

Good suggestion. Another simple fix for what you currently have would be throwing a eye bolt on each side, on the inside of the boards and run a bungee across the front of the straps to keep them tight, even when the box isn't completely full of straps.

 

I don’t have a large tool box like that. If I did I would probably have something similar running down one side of the box. I keep 19 30’ straps, one 4” hand ratchet, and one 12’ strap in a 12” step box. That’s all my regular 4” straps and what I need to secure rolled tarps on a double drop without winches. All my 2” straps and longer straps 4” are in the headache rack.

 

PROBLEM






SOLUTION!





I finally broke down and bought another Brunners box for the other side.

Things were under control till I needed to buy 8 - 40’ straps for over width loads, and 4” ratchets.

And - a driver side box with driver side winch track only - means a LOT of walking round the trailer.

New one will go passenger side, hold mainly straps and ratchets. Driver side gets oversize flags, lights etc, and spare chains, kingpin lock, this, that, the other - and everything else they expect you to turn up with . . .

 

As far as keeping them rolled up, I cut “rubber bands” from old pu tire inner tubes.

 

I found ‘GRIFTI’ bands on Amazon, cheaper and more durable.

Plus, nothing says ‘manly flatbedder’ like pink and baby blue colored bands

Though not as cheap as inner tube. Need to get me some and try that.

 

Passenger side headache rack.

 

The photos are how one of the other drivers deals with it. Always complaining about how long it takes to get a load secured.