FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about RAD Truck Straps — the original US-patented, DOT-certified mounted ratchet strap system. If your question isn't here, email us at support@radtruckstraps.com.

The Product

What are RAD Truck Straps?

RAD Truck Straps are a permanently mounted, auto-retracting ratchet strap system for pickup trucks. They bolt directly into your truck bed using CNC-machined steel mounting plates, replacing or supplementing your factory tie-down points. When not in use, the strap retracts automatically into the housing. No loose straps, no tangles, no searching the cab. The system is US-patented (US Patent No. 12594871), DOT-certified, and hand-assembled in the USA.

What makes RAD Truck Straps different from other mounted ratchet straps?

RAD Truck Straps are the only mounted ratchet strap system carrying DOT certification in the category. No other mounted strap brand currently claims this. Additionally, RAD straps carry a granted US patent (No. 12594871), are CNC-machined from solid steel, and are hand-assembled in the United States. Generic alternatives use stamped or cast components and carry no DOT certification or patent protection.

Are RAD Truck Straps patented?

Yes. RAD Truck Straps hold US Patent No. 12594871. This is a granted US patent, not pending. The patent covers the mounting plate system that makes RAD the original mounted ratchet strap. Copies exist in the market. None hold this patent.

Are RAD Truck Straps DOT certified?

Yes. RAD Truck Straps carry DOT certification under FMCSA cargo securement standards (49 CFR Part 393). This means the straps meet the cargo securing requirements established by the US Department of Transportation and enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. For recreational users, it means your straps have been tested to a federal standard. For commercial users, DOT certification is a procurement requirement — RAD satisfies it. No other brand in the mounted ratchet strap category is currently claiming DOT certification.

What are the specs on RAD Truck Straps?

  • Strap length: 1" x 9'
  • Break strength: 1,200 lb assembly break strength
  • Workload limit: 400 lb
  • Mounting hardware: 10mm hex head bolts with washer, phosphate-coated for corrosion resistance
  • Mounting plates: CNC-machined solid steel
  • Assembly: Hand-assembled in the USA
  • Certification: DOT certified, FMCSA compliant
  • Patent: US Patent No. 12594871
  • Available colors: Gold, Black Out

Are RAD Truck Straps made in the USA?

Yes. RAD Truck Straps are hand-assembled in the United States by the team that designed them. The CNC-machined steel mounting plates are precision manufactured and inspected before assembly. This is a family-run operation, not a drop-ship business. Every order is assembled and packaged by the RAD team.

What colors are available?

RAD Truck Straps are available in Gold and Black Out. The Gold colorway features the signature RAD gold hardware that has become the most recognized look in the category. Black Out is the all-black setup for a clean, blacked-out truck build.

Compatibility & Fitment

Do RAD Truck Straps fit the Ford F-150?

Yes. RAD Truck Straps include a direct BoxLink replacement mounting plate for Ford F-150 trucks from 2015 to current, including the F-150 Lightning, Raptor, and Tremor. The CNC-machined steel plates bolt directly into the existing BoxLink anchor points in the truck bed. No drilling required. Installation takes approximately 15 minutes.

Do RAD Truck Straps fit the Ford F-250 or Super Duty?

Yes. RAD Truck Straps are compatible with Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, and Super Duty trucks from 2017 to current, including Tremor models. The same BoxLink replacement mounting system applies. No drilling required for trucks equipped with factory BoxLink anchor points.

Do RAD Truck Straps fit the Ford F-150 Lightning?

Yes. The Ford F-150 Lightning is included in the Ford F-150 compatibility range (2015 to current). The BoxLink mounting system on the Lightning is compatible with RAD's direct-replacement mounting plates.

Do RAD Truck Straps fit Chevy, RAM, GMC, Toyota, or other trucks?

Yes. RAD Truck Straps fit virtually any truck using the Universal Plate system. Compatible trucks include Chevrolet Silverado, RAM 1500, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Frontier, Nissan Titan, and vintage trucks. The Universal Plate requires drilling into the truck bed for installation. RAD provides instructions and installation videos on Instagram (@rad_straps).

What is a BoxLink mount and does my truck have one?

BoxLink is Ford's factory-installed anchor point system in the beds of F-150 and Super Duty trucks (2015 and newer). It consists of two anchor plates on the bed rail, typically used for Ford's own BoxLink accessories. RAD Truck Straps replace these anchor plates directly with the RAD mounting plate system, which is a direct fit with no drilling or modification required. If your truck is a 2015 or newer Ford F-150 or a 2017 or newer F-250, you almost certainly have BoxLink. Check the bed rail on each side for the factory anchor slots.

My truck does not have BoxLink. Can I still install RAD Straps?

Yes. The RAD Universal Plate allows installation on any truck bed without BoxLink. This requires drilling into the truck bed wall at your chosen location. RAD provides installation instructions and video support via Instagram (@rad_straps). If you need help determining placement or have questions about your specific truck, email support@radtruckstraps.com.

Installation

How do I install RAD Truck Straps on a Ford F-150?

For Ford F-150 trucks with factory BoxLink anchor points (2015 and newer), installation is straightforward. Remove the factory BoxLink anchor plates from the bed rail. Position the RAD mounting plate in the same location. Secure with the included 10mm hex head bolts and washers. Attach the strap housing to the mounting plate. The entire install takes approximately 15 minutes with basic hand tools. No drilling required.

Do I need to drill to install RAD Truck Straps?

For Ford F-150 and F-250 trucks with factory BoxLink anchor points, no drilling is required. The RAD mounting plate uses the existing threaded holes. For all other trucks using the Universal Plate, drilling is required to create mounting points in the truck bed wall. RAD recommends an M6x1.0 tap if the holes are not pre-threaded. Contact support@radtruckstraps.com if you need guidance before drilling.

What tools do I need to install RAD Truck Straps?

For the Ford BoxLink install, you need a 10mm socket or wrench. That is all. For the Universal Plate install on non-Ford trucks, you will additionally need a drill, appropriate drill bit for your bed material, and an M6x1.0 tap if the holes are not pre-threaded. All mounting hardware is included in the RAD Deal kit.

Will RAD Truck Straps work with a spray-in bed liner?

Yes. The RAD mounting system is designed to work with spray-in bed liners. The mounting plates sit on the bed rail, and the hardware passes through. For trucks with a thick drop-in liner, the included hardware length should be confirmed against your liner depth. If you have questions about fitment with your specific liner, email support@radtruckstraps.com before installing.

Price & Value

Why do RAD Truck Straps cost $175?

The RAD Deal at $175 includes two DOT-certified mounted ratchet straps, two CNC-machined solid steel mounting plates, and all installation hardware. The price reflects US manufacturing, hand assembly, CNC-machined steel construction, a granted US patent, and DOT certification that no competitor in the category carries. Generic mounted straps on Amazon use stamped components, carry no DOT certification, and hold no patent. They also need to be replaced. RAD straps are installed once and used for the life of the truck.

What is included in the RAD Deal kit?

  • 2 auto-retracting RAD Straps with orange tabs (your choice of Gold or Black Out)
  • 2 CNC-machined solid steel mounting plates (Hook Plates)
  • 10mm hex head mounting bolts with washers — phosphate-coated for corrosion resistance
  • Stainless steel hardware option if holes are pre-threaded
  • Mini Retro RAD Sticker

Do you offer a military or first responder discount?

Yes. RAD Truck Straps offers discounts for current and veteran members of the US Military, National Guard, Law Enforcement, and First Responders. Email support@radtruckstraps.com to verify eligibility and receive your discount code. RAD is a faith-forward, family-run American brand and this discount reflects genuine appreciation, not a marketing tactic.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes. Use promo code RADSHIP at checkout for free shipping.

What is your return and refund policy?

RAD Truck Straps stands behind every product that leaves the warehouse. For return and refund details, visit the Refund & Return page on this site or email support@radtruckstraps.com. Every order is hand-assembled and inspected before shipping.

Use Cases

What can I secure with RAD Truck Straps?

RAD Truck Straps are built for any cargo that needs a secure, reliable hold. Common uses include motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, kayaks and canoes, hunting gear, job site equipment and toolboxes, lumber and building materials, camping and overlanding gear, furniture, and general cargo. With a 400 lb workload limit and 1,200 lb break strength per strap, two straps running across a load provide substantial holding force.

Can RAD Truck Straps be used for commercial hauling?

Yes. RAD Truck Straps are DOT certified under FMCSA cargo securement standards (49 CFR Part 393), which makes them suitable for commercial cargo securement applications. This is the certification required for regulated commercial hauling. No other brand in the mounted ratchet strap category is currently claiming this certification. Contractors, landscapers, fleet operators, and commercial drivers who need documented compliance use RAD.

Can RAD Truck Straps secure a motorcycle?

Yes. RAD Truck Straps are a popular choice for securing motorcycles in truck beds. The permanently mounted system means the straps are ready the moment you back up to load. No digging through the cab, no loose strap ends. The auto-retracting housing keeps slack managed during transport. For heavy motorcycles, using all four strap positions (two per side) provides additional security.

Are RAD Truck Straps good for hunting season?

Yes. Hunters hauling ATVs, UTVs, deer, and gear across rough terrain need straps that stay secure without constant adjustment. RAD's permanently mounted system means the straps are always in position and ready. The auto-retract keeps them clean and contained between uses. The DOT-certified rating means the holding force meets a tested federal standard, not just a manufacturer's claim.

Support & Contact

How do I contact RAD Truck Straps?

Email the RAD team directly at support@radtruckstraps.com. This is a family-run operation and you will get a real response from the team that builds the product. For installation videos and community content, follow @rad_straps on Instagram and TikTok.

My straps are not retracting correctly. What should I do?

If your RAD Straps are not auto-retracting as expected, the most common cause is slack that has built up in the housing during the first few uses. Pull the strap out to full extension, then allow it to retract slowly without forcing it. If the issue persists, email support@radtruckstraps.com with your order number. The RAD team handles every support request directly and will make it right.

Where can I see RAD Truck Straps in action?

The best place to see real RAD installs, use cases, and community content is Instagram at @rad_straps and TikTok at @radstraps. The RAD community — Stay RAD — is active and posts regularly. You can also find RAD Truck Straps discussed in Ford F-150 forums and truck enthusiast communities across the web.

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