Short answer: A load on the vehicle roof is secured in three layers, and none can replace another: an eye bolt creates an anchor point, a Load Stop limits load movement, and a ratchet strap pulls the load down and wraps around it. Using all three together is standard for commercial use; securing a load with only a strap does not prevent it from shifting during braking, while using only a Load Stop does not prevent it from bouncing.
Three Parts, Three Separate Functions
- M6 aluminum eye bolt: It fits into the Roof Bars’ channel and creates a sturdy eye for a rope or ratchet strap hook. It is made from a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy; it is lightweight but can withstand tensile force. Without an eye bolt, the strap loops around the bar and slides sideways.
- Load Stop (stopping block): It sits in the T-slot of the Roof Bars profile and prevents the load from sliding side to side or forward and backward. It is made from 30% glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide (PA6), a material significantly more resistant to impacts, UV, and harsh weather than standard plastics.
- Ratchet Strap (tie-down strap): It consists of a high-strength woven polyester webbing strap and a metal locking mechanism. It is tightened by hand with a ratchet and stays tight throughout the trip. It is the only one of the three that presses the load down.
The Thunder Pro Securing Kit includes all three: 4 M6 aluminum eye bolts, 4 glass-fiber-reinforced Load Stops, and 2 two-meter ratchet straps.
The Correct Order
- Install the eye bolts. Fit them into the Roof Bars channels on either side of the load, positioning them with the direction of the strap pull in mind.
- Position the Load Stops. After placing the load on the Roof Bars, move the Load Stops to the front and back of the load and tighten them by hand. Use more than one at both the front and back for long loads such as ladders, pipes, profiles, or canoes.
- Cross the ratchet straps. Pass the strap over the load and attach it to the eye bolts. If possible, cross the straps rather than running them in only one direction — this presses the load down and limits sideways movement.
- Tighten and test. After tightening with the ratchet, push and pull the load by hand; it should not move in any direction.
- Stop and check within the first 50 km. The straps settle and loosen after you set off; retighten them at your first stop.
Common Mistakes
- Securing the load with only a strap. The strap presses the load down but does not prevent it from sliding forward; during braking, the load moves forward. That is what the Load Stop is for.
- Relying only on Load Stops. A Load Stop limits sliding but does not press the load down; the load can bounce over bumps in the road. A ratchet strap is essential.
- Looping the strap around the bar. Without an eye bolt, the strap slides sideways and loses tension.
- Leaving the strap end loose. A loose end whips in the wind, scratches the paint, and distracts the driver; gather and secure any excess.
- Over-tightening. The strap can crush the load; increase tension carefully, especially with thin-walled items such as pipes, profiles, and canoes.
For Camping Gear and Uncovered Loads
For multi-piece loads such as camping equipment, instead of securing each item separately, secure the load in a roof basket It is safer to gather the items together and secure them as one load. The basket walls already limit sideways movement; all that remains is to press the load down from above with a ratchet strap and support any protruding items with Load Stops. The basket and all of this equipment are mounted on the Roof Bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a commercial vehicle roof basket and a ratchet strap to secure a load?
Place the load in the basket, position and tighten Load Stops at the front and back, then pass a ratchet strap over the load and attach it — preferably crosswise — to the eye bolts fitted into the Roof Bars channel, and tighten it with the ratchet. Push and pull the load by hand to check that it does not move; retighten the straps after the first 50 km.
What is the difference between an eye bolt, a Load Stop, and a ratchet strap?
An eye bolt fits into the Roof Bars channel and creates a sturdy anchor point for the strap. A Load Stop fits into the T-slot and limits the load from sliding. A ratchet strap wraps around the load and pulls it down. Each has a different function and they cannot replace one another.
Isn’t using only a strap enough?
No. A strap presses the load down but does not prevent it from sliding forward during braking; that is the Load Stop’s job. The reverse is also true: a Load Stop limits sliding but does not prevent the load from bouncing over road bumps — that requires a ratchet strap.
How do I secure a multi-piece load such as camping equipment?
Instead of securing each item separately, gather the load in the roof basket and secure it as one unit. The basket walls already limit sideways movement; all that remains is to press the load down from above with a ratchet strap and support protruding items with Load Stops.
How tight should I make the ratchet strap?
Tight enough that the load does not move when pushed or pulled by hand. Overtightening can crush thin-walled items such as pipes, profiles, and canoes; increase tension carefully. Also gather and secure the loose end of the strap — it can whip in the wind and scratch the paint.
What is included in the Securing Kit?
The Thunder Pro product Securing Kit consists of 4 M6 aluminum eye bolts, 4 glass-fiber-reinforced (PA6) Load Stops, and 2 two-meter ratchet straps. The eye bolts are made from a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy; the ratchet straps are made from high-strength woven polyester webbing and have a metal locking mechanism.
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