FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about RAD Truck Straps — the original US-patented mounted ratchet strap system, hand-assembled in the USA. If your question is not here, email us at support@radtruckstraps.com.

The Product

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 permanently mounted ratchet strap for pickup trucks. Copies exist in the market. None hold this patent.

Where are RAD Truck Straps made?

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 before it ships.

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 carries US Patent No. 12594871 and is hand-assembled in the USA.

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

RAD holds a granted US patent (No. 12594871) on the mounting plate system. That means RAD is the original. Every other mounted strap in the category came after. On top of the patent, RAD straps are CNC-machined from solid steel, hand-assembled in the United States, and built by the family that invented the product. Generic alternatives use stamped or cast components and carry no patent protection.

What are the specs on RAD Truck Straps?

  • Strap size: 1" x 9' auto-retracting
  • Assembly break strength: 1,200 lb
  • Working load limit: 400 lb per strap
  • 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
  • Patent: US Patent No. 12594871 (granted)
  • Available colors: Gold, Black Out

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 build.

How long will RAD Truck Straps last?

RAD straps are built to stay installed for the life of the truck. The CNC-machined steel mounting plates do not degrade under normal use. The strap housing is designed for repeated extension and retraction across years of hauling. The phosphate-coated hardware resists corrosion. RAD customers commonly report years of use without replacement. If something fails, contact support@radtruckstraps.com — the RAD team stands behind every product.

What is the RAD 2.0 and what is the 360 swivel?

The RAD 2.0 is the current generation of RAD Truck Straps featuring a 360-degree swivel mechanism on the strap housing. The swivel allows the strap to rotate freely in any direction, eliminating twist when securing cargo from different angles. This is particularly useful when running straps across a load diagonally or when the anchor point is not directly below the cargo tie point.

Can I buy just the strap without the mounting plate?

The RAD system is designed as a complete unit. The strap housing and mounting plate are engineered to work together. Replacement straps and individual components are available — contact support@radtruckstraps.com for current availability on individual parts.

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 installation instructions and videos on Instagram at @rad_straps.

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

BoxLink is Ford's factory-installed anchor point system found in the beds of F-150 and Super Duty trucks from 2015 and newer. It consists of anchor plates on the bed rail used for Ford's own BoxLink accessories. RAD Truck Straps replace these anchor plates directly with the RAD mounting plate system — 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 at @rad_straps. If you need help determining placement for your specific truck, email support@radtruckstraps.com before drilling.

I have a 2014 F-150. Do RAD Straps fit pre-2015 trucks?

The direct BoxLink replacement fit starts with 2015 model year F-150s, which is when Ford introduced the BoxLink anchor system. For a 2014 or older F-150, the Universal Plate is the correct option. It requires drilling into the bed wall but installs on any truck. Contact support@radtruckstraps.com if you want help confirming placement for an older model.

Do RAD Truck Straps work with a tonneau cover?

RAD Truck Straps mount to the bed rail or bed wall, not the tonneau cover itself. In most cases the two systems are independent and compatible. The strap housing sits below the rail line on many installs. For roll-up or folding covers, the strap simply pulls out from under or around the cover when needed. If you have a hard one-piece cover with tight clearances, contact support@radtruckstraps.com with your cover model and RAD can advise on positioning.

Do RAD Truck Straps work with a bed rack or overland setup?

Yes. Many RAD customers run the strap system alongside bed racks, drawers, and overland platforms. The mounting points are on the bed wall and do not interfere with most rack systems. Because RAD straps are permanently mounted and retract flush, they stay out of the way of rack legs and accessories when not in use. For specific rack compatibility questions, email support@radtruckstraps.com with your rack brand and model.

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?

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 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, confirm the included hardware length against your liner depth before tightening. If you have questions about your specific liner, email support@radtruckstraps.com before installing.

Where exactly do the straps mount in the truck bed?

On Ford trucks with BoxLink, the straps mount at the factory BoxLink anchor locations on the upper bed rail — typically one position on each side toward the front of the bed and one on each side toward the tailgate. This puts the straps at the four corners of the bed, which is the optimal configuration for most loads. On non-Ford trucks using the Universal Plate, you choose the mounting location and drill accordingly. RAD recommends mirroring the four-corner layout where possible.

How tight should I torque the mounting bolts?

The included hardware should be tightened firmly with a 10mm socket — snug with no play, but do not overtorque. The CNC-machined steel plates are designed for the thread engagement of the factory BoxLink holes. If you are installing with the Universal Plate and drilling your own holes, follow the hardware torque spec included in the kit or contact support@radtruckstraps.com for guidance.

Price & Value

Why do RAD Truck Straps cost $175?

The RAD Deal at $175 includes two mounted ratchet straps, two CNC-machined solid steel mounting plates, and all installation hardware. The price reflects US manufacturing, hand assembly by the team that designed the product, CNC-machined steel construction, and a granted US patent (No. 12594871) that no competitor in this category holds. Generic mounted straps use stamped components and carry 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 a permanent discount for current and veteran members of the US Military, National Guard, Law Enforcement, and First Responders. Use code RADHEROES20 at checkout. RAD is a faith-forward, family-run American brand and this discount is a standing commitment, not a seasonal promotion.

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.

Is $175 worth it compared to just buying ratchet straps at Home Depot?

The comparison is not accurate because the products solve different problems. Loose ratchet straps require you to store them, find them, feed them, and thread them every single time you haul. They fall out of the bed, get left at job sites, and need to be replaced when the spring or teeth wear out. RAD straps are permanently installed in your truck bed, ready the moment you need them, and retract automatically when you are done. The real comparison is time and reliability across hundreds of hauls over years of use. On that math, $175 is not expensive.

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 working load limit and 1,200 lb break strength per strap, two straps across a load provide substantial holding force.

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 flapping. The auto-retracting housing keeps slack managed during transport. For heavier bikes, running straps from all four anchor positions provides maximum security.

Can RAD Truck Straps be used for commercial hauling?

RAD Truck Straps are used by contractors, landscapers, and fleet operators who need reliable, permanent cargo securement across daily use. The CNC-machined steel construction and rated working load limit make them a durable choice for commercial applications. For specific commercial compliance requirements, contact support@radtruckstraps.com.

Are RAD Truck Straps good for hunting season?

Yes. Hunters hauling ATVs, UTVs, 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 rated break strength and working load limit reflect tested performance, not just a manufacturer's claim.

Can I use RAD Truck Straps to haul a side-by-side or UTV?

Yes. Side-by-sides and UTVs are a common use case. Running straps from all four anchor positions is recommended for vehicles of that size and weight. The 400 lb working load limit per strap means four straps provide up to 1,600 lb of combined working load capacity. If your UTV is at the upper end of your truck's payload, confirm your total load against the truck's rated payload before hauling regardless of strap capacity.

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 @radstraps on 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.

My strap hook is not latching securely. What should I check?

First confirm the hook is fully seated against the anchor point and that the locking mechanism has clicked into place. On the RAD 2.0, the 360 swivel adds rotation so confirm the hook is not twisted in a way that prevents full engagement. If the hook feels loose or fails to hold under tension, stop use immediately and contact support@radtruckstraps.com. Do not haul cargo with a hook that is not positively latched.

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 Stay RAD community is active and posts regularly. RAD Truck Straps are also discussed in Ford F-150 forums and truck enthusiast communities across the web.

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