Click HERE

Well im slowly getting used to my new truck....we had some modifications done to the lift (rings welded on to attach hooks to for ratchet straps) because for some reason it didnt have them.....and I would never tow without strapping it down...but now since i got my new straps and ratchets from AW Im having a problem getting the ratchet to fully open when im done towing and getting ready to unhook....it will either have to scrape the fender (which I wont do)...or its inside the wheel well and i dont have enough room to open it...I get away with it on some vehicles but for the most part this has been causing a problem....any ideas?

If i didnt explain it right next tow Ill snap a few shots to show you guys what im talking about..
i couldnt see the back of your truck and never been around a self loader  do you have hooks on your L bars it might of used cage straps ive used them in the past they are quick and easy and you wouldnt have a rachet in the way just my thoughts maybe it will help.
We had a similar problem on one of our trucks. The ratchet and the lasso style loop just seemed to be too long.

We fixed it by changing from a lasso (slip loop) to a single loop that attaches at the bottom with the ratchet.

Words can't explain sop here's a picture:

This is how we originally did it.:

Posted image: Click to resize

This is how we did it to keep the ratchet lower and give us more clearance. This also allowed us to get the tie-down tighter since the ratchet was so darn long.

Posted image: Click to resize
I just noticed you have a self loader which doesn't even use this type of tie-down.  "D'oh!"

Ace has a good idea.  :thumb:
Thanks for the help....We'll figure something out:)
I had a similar problem when I did a new strap setup on my truck. It originally had a simple lasso strap that attached to the middle of the L-arm, and I really didn't like it. I went with a tow dolly type strap that attaches at the rear of the L-arm, wraps around the top of the tire kind of like a basket strap, and attaches to the actual wheel lift.

What I found was that I had to get the attachement as far forward and low as possible, this keep the ratchet agains the L-arm and away from the car. Next car I have hooked up I'll get a pic and post it.

BTW, I use 3/4" nuts welded to the wheel lift for strap attachment. They work great with "finger" type hooks.
Quote (Jason Elyria Auto @ Mar. 19 2007, 10:29 am)
I had a similar problem when I did a new strap setup on my truck. It originally had a simple lasso strap that attached to the middle of the L-arm, and I really didn't like it. I went with a tow dolly type strap that attaches at the rear of the L-arm, wraps around the top of the tire kind of like a basket strap, and attaches to the actual wheel lift.

What I found was that I had to get the attachement as far forward and low as possible, this keep the ratchet agains the L-arm and away from the car. Next car I have hooked up I'll get a pic and post it.

BTW, I use 3/4" nuts welded to the wheel lift for strap attachment. They work great with "finger" type hooks.

yeah...I think thats what we have to do....get shorter straps that attach to the actual ratchet...
i had that problem also,so i just moved the strap so the ratchet was in the middle of the tire instead of near the fender