You have tied a load down with ratchet straps a hundred times, and you know the routine: thread the strap, crank the handle, check the tension, and find the strap has loosened by the next fuel stop. Straps work, but they fray, they tangle, and they need anchor points your truck bed may not have.
There is a simpler way to keep cargo from sliding. A ratcheting cargo bar braces between the bed walls in seconds, a load lock bar holds a full trailer wall to wall, and a cargo net throws over a loose load and hooks down in a minute, with no threading, no cranking and no knot to trust at highway speed.
This guide profiles five strap alternatives for securing truck cargo, explains what each one holds and where each one fails, and shows how to pick the right bar or net for a pickup bed, an SUV, a van or an enclosed trailer.
The 30-second answer
Buy the Keeper 05059 Ratcheting Cargo Bar Check Price for a pickup bed bar that braces wall to wall. Buy the Sparehand QSP-360 Steel Adjustable Cargo Bar Check Price for a heavy-duty steel bar with a self-locking ratchet. Buy the Keeper 05060 Ratcheting Cargo Bar with Storage Net Check Price for a bar and net in one kit. Buy the Heavy-Duty Cargo Net for Pickup Truck Bed, 4 ft x 6 ft Check Price for a stretch cargo net that covers a loose load. Buy the Keeper 05062B Extended Ratcheting Cargo Bar Check Price for an extended bar for wide beds, SUVs and vans.
How we researched this guide
We profiled five cargo securing products, checked Amazon listing data for each one through the Creators API, and reviewed maker pages, retailer guides and owner reports in forums about fit, load capacity, grip and where bars and nets slip. Where a bar listing gave no load rating, we recorded that plainly rather than guessing one.
Our quick picks
Best Overall
Keeper 05059 Ratcheting Cargo Bar
Best for a pickup bed bar that braces wall to wall, with large rubber grip pads and a ratchet that locks in seconds.
Best Heavy Duty Bar
Sparehand QSP-360 Steel Adjustable Cargo Bar
Best for a heavy-duty steel bar with a self-locking spring ratchet, rated to 175 pounds across SUVs, vans and trucks.
Best Bar and Net Combo
Keeper 05060 Ratcheting Cargo Bar with Storage Net
Best for a bar and net in one kit, with a 40 to 70 inch bar and a 60 by 24 inch storage net.
Best Cargo Net
Heavy-Duty Cargo Net for Pickup Truck Bed, 4 ft x 6 ft
Best for a stretch cargo net that covers a loose load, stretching from 4 by 6 feet to 8 by 12 feet with 12 metal carabiners.
Best Extended Bar
Keeper 05062B Extended Ratcheting Cargo Bar
Best for an extended bar for wide beds, SUVs and vans, adjusting from 44 to 74 inches with non-marring rubber feet.
Quick comparison
| Product | Reach | Use | Warranty | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keeper 05059 Ratcheting Cargo Bar | 40 to 70 in | Pickup bed bracing | Not published | Check Price |
| Sparehand QSP-360 Steel Adjustable Cargo Bar | 3.6 to 6 ft | Heavy loads in vans and SUVs | Not published | Check Price |
| Keeper 05060 Ratcheting Cargo Bar with Storage Net | 40 to 70 in plus net | Bar bracing and small-item storage | Not published | Check Price |
| Heavy-Duty Cargo Net for Pickup Truck Bed, 4 ft x 6 ft | 4×6 ft, stretches to 8×12 | Covering loose loads | Not published | Check Price |
| Keeper 05062B Extended Ratcheting Cargo Bar | 44 to 74 in | Wide beds and vans | Not published | Check Price |
How to choose cargo securing equipment
Bed width
Bed width decides the bar before anything else does. Measure the inside width where the bar will sit, because beds taper and the width at the floor is not the width at the rail. Buy a bar whose range covers your width near the middle, not at full extension, because a bar at full stretch holds less firmly than one with room to spare. Best All-Season Tires Under 100
Load weight
Load weight decides whether a bar, a net or a rated tie-down is the right tool. A bar rated to 165 or 175 pounds braces boxes and coolers, a net holds loose and light cargo down, and a heavy load still needs rated straps. Never treat a bracing bar as a crash restraint, because it is not rated for that job. Best All-Season Tires Under 200
Load shape
Load shape decides between a bar and a net. A flat-sided load braces well against a bar, while an irregular load such as firewood or camping gear needs a net thrown over the top. A mixed load needs both: a bar behind it and a net over it, so the load cannot slide and cannot bounce out. Best Garage Security Cameras Under 100
Grip surfaces
Grip decides whether a bar holds or walks loose. Rubber pads need flat, clean bed walls to grip, and a dusty or muddy wall lets a bar slip on a rough road. Wipe the walls where the pads sit, set the bar square to the walls, and check it after the first few miles, because a bar that has moved needs resetting. Best Garage Storage Racks
Net stretch
Net stretch decides coverage. A net that stretches to double its size covers a small load or a full bed, but a net stretched to its limit holds less firmly than one with slack to spare. Buy a net a little larger than your usual load, and hook it to bed rails or tie points, never to itself. Best Hard Tonneau Cover Under 500
Storage
Storage decides whether the gear is in the truck when you need it. A bar stores behind a seat or along the bed wall, and a net folds flat under a seat. Keep the bar and the net in the truck at all times, because cargo securing equipment left in the garage cannot help a load picked up on the road. Best Mud Flaps to Protect Carpet
Cargo securing equipment by budget
| Tier | What you get | Example pick |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | A stretch cargo net for loose and light loads, plus a bed mat for grip. | Heavy-Duty Cargo Net for Pickup Truck Bed, 4 ft x 6 ft |
| Mid | A ratcheting cargo bar for pickup beds, with rubber grip pads and quick setup. | Keeper 05059 Ratcheting Cargo Bar |
| Top | A heavy-duty steel bar with a self-locking ratchet, for vans, SUVs and heavy loads. | Sparehand QSP-360 Steel Adjustable Cargo Bar |
Types of cargo securing equipment compared
| Type | How it works | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ratcheting cargo bar | Braces between bed walls with a ratchet. | Boxes and coolers in a pickup bed | Needs flat walls to grip |
| Steel load lock bar | Self-locking steel bar for heavy loads. | Vans, SUVs and trailers | Heavier than a light bar |
| Bar and net combo | Bar braces, net holds small items. | Mixed loads in a pickup | Net is for light items only |
| Stretch cargo net | Bungee net thrown over the load. | Loose and irregular loads | Not for heavy restraint |
| Extended cargo bar | Longer bar for wide beds and vans. | Full-size trucks and vans | Too long for small trunks |
Detailed reviews
Each product below covers a different way to secure cargo without straps: a standard ratcheting bar, a heavy-duty steel bar, a bar and net kit, a stretch net, and an extended bar for wide beds. Measure your bed first, because width decides the bar.
Best Overall: Keeper 05059 Ratcheting Cargo Bar
Best Overall
Why the Keeper 05059 is our pick
The Keeper 05059 is the overall pick because it solves the most common cargo problem with the least effort: it braces between the bed walls and stops a load from sliding, with no straps to thread and no anchor points to find. The listing describes a ratcheting cargo bar adjustable from 40 to 70 inches, with large rubber grip pads on the ends that hold the bar firmly in place and a load capacity of 165.4 pounds. Set it behind the load, pump the ratchet a few times, and the bar holds.
Keeper 05059 key specs
- Type: Ratcheting cargo bar
- Maker: Keeper
- Part number: 05059
- Adjusts: 40 to 70 inches
- Load capacity: 165.4 pounds per listing
- Grip: Large rubber grip pads
- Finish: Black and silver
- Use: Pickup truck bed, SUV, trunk
- Mounting: Truck bed mount, trunk mount
- Mechanism: Ratcheting
- Listing: Verified
- Material: Steel bar with rubber pads
Keeper 05059: fits and best for
This bar fits a pickup owner who hauls boxes, coolers and tools that slide around the bed, and an SUV owner who wants groceries and gear to stay put. It suits any load that needs a wall behind it rather than a strap over it, and it works in minutes with no tools.
Keeper 05059 pros and watch-outs
- Braces wall to wall in seconds
- Adjusts from 40 to 70 inches
- Large rubber grip pads hold firmly
- No straps or anchor points needed
- Works in pickups, SUVs and trunks
- 165 pound capacity limits heavy loads
- Needs flat bed walls to grip
- Can slip if the pads sit on a dirty surface
Keeper 05059: what owners report
Owner reports in retailer reviews commonly note that the Keeper bar stops boxes and coolers from sliding in a pickup bed, and that the ratchet locks firmly with a few pumps. The Top5Best truck bed bars guide lists the Keeper 05059 among its top load bars for stopping cargo from sliding.
Owners also report that measuring the bed first matters: a bar shorter than the bed width cannot grip, and a bar at full extension holds less firmly than one near the middle of its range. The RackReveal truck bed guide notes the same point, advising buyers to check bed width before ordering a bar.
Keeper 05059: who should not buy
Do not buy this to restrain a heavy load in a crash. It is a bracing bar for keeping cargo from sliding, not a rated tie-down, and a heavy load still needs rated straps or a proper load lock system.
Keeper 05059: pair it with
Pair it with a non-slip bed mat under the load, so the cargo grips the bed floor as well as the bar behind it.
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Wipe the bed walls where the pads sit: dust and mud under a rubber pad is the most common cause of a bar slipping. Best Performance Monitors Under 100
Best Heavy Duty Bar: Sparehand QSP-360 Steel Adjustable Cargo Bar
Best Heavy Duty Bar
Why the Sparehand QSP-360 is our pick
The Sparehand QSP-360 is the heavy-duty pick because it pairs a steel bar with a self-locking spring ratchet that holds tension without a separate lock. The listing describes an adjustable steel cargo bar extending from 3.6 to 6 feet, with a maximum weight capacity of 175 pounds, made to fit across the back of a van or SUV and keep cargo from sliding during transport. Twist the spring ratchet in one direction and the bar fits almost any SUV or truck, which is why it suits drivers who move the same bar between vehicles.
Sparehand QSP-360 key specs
- Type: Steel adjustable cargo bar
- Maker: Sparehand
- Model: QSP-360
- Extends: 3.6 to 6 feet
- Load capacity: 175 pounds
- Mechanism: Self-locking spring ratchet
- Use: Van, SUV, truck, car
- Colour: Red
- Material: Steel
- Mounting: Braces between walls
- Listing: Verified
- Grip: Rubber ends per listing
Sparehand QSP-360: fits and best for
This bar fits a van or SUV owner hauling heavy boxes, tools or equipment, and a driver who moves one bar between vehicles. It suits loads up to 175 pounds that need a steel bar rather than a light-duty one, and it works wherever two flat walls face each other.
Sparehand QSP-360 pros and watch-outs
- Steel bar with 175 pound capacity
- Self-locking spring ratchet
- Extends from 3.6 to 6 feet
- Fits vans, SUVs and trucks
- No tools needed to set it
- Heavier than a light-duty bar
- Needs flat walls to grip
- Red finish shows scuffs over time
Sparehand QSP-360: what owners report
Owner reports in retailer reviews commonly note that the QSP-360 holds heavy loads in vans and SUVs without slipping, and that the self-locking ratchet is easier to set than a pump ratchet. The Top5Best load bar guide lists the Sparehand bar among its top load bars for enclosed trailers and trucks.
Owners also report that the bar works best when the walls are flat and clean, and that a bar set at an angle can walk loose on a rough road. The Cherry Picks cargo management guide covers the same bar among its verified cargo management products.
Sparehand QSP-360: who should not buy
Do not buy this for a pickup bed wider than 6 feet. It extends to 6 feet at most, and a full-size long bed needs the extended Keeper bar from this guide instead.
Sparehand QSP-360: pair it with
Pair it with a cargo net thrown over the load, so the bar holds the load back and the net holds it down.
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Set the bar square to the walls, not at an angle: a square bar grips, an angled bar walks loose. Best Storage Bins Stackable
Best Bar and Net Combo: Keeper 05060 Ratcheting Cargo Bar with Storage Net
Best Bar and Net Combo
Why the Keeper 05060 is our pick
The Keeper 05060 is the combo pick because it covers two jobs in one box: the ratcheting bar braces the load, and the storage net holds small items that would otherwise roll around the bed. The listing describes a Keeper ratcheting cargo bar adjustable from 40 to 70 inches, supplied with a 60 by 24 inch storage net. The net hangs from the bar and keeps groceries, tools and small gear off the bed floor, which is the part of cargo securing most drivers forget until something rolls under a seat.
Keeper 05060 key specs
- Type: Cargo bar with storage net
- Maker: Keeper
- Part number: 05060
- Bar adjusts: 40 to 70 inches
- Net size: 60 by 24 inches
- Colour: Black and silver bar, black net
- Use: Pickup truck bed
- Mounting: Truck bed mount
- Mechanism: Ratcheting
- Listing: Verified
- Material: Steel bar, net fabric
- Includes: Bar and net
Keeper 05060: fits and best for
This kit fits a pickup owner who hauls a mix of big boxes and small loose items, and anyone who is tired of groceries rolling around the bed. It suits daily use where the bar stays in the truck and the net comes out when the load is small.
Keeper 05060 pros and watch-outs
- Bar and net in one kit
- Net holds small items off the bed floor
- Bar adjusts from 40 to 70 inches
- Sets up in minutes
- Net stores flat when not needed
- Net is for light items, not heavy cargo
- Bar capacity not stated on the listing
- Net hooks need a place to catch
Keeper 05060: what owners report
Owner reports in retailer reviews commonly note that the net is the part they use most, holding groceries and small tools that a bar alone cannot. The Top Ten Reviewed cargo nets guide covers Keeper nets among its durable cargo net picks, with notes on stretch and fit.
Owners also report that the bar works the same as the standalone Keeper 05059, and that the kit is good value for a driver who needs both pieces. The Do it Best Keeper ZipNet page describes the same adjustable-net idea for securing sizable and irregular cargo in pickup trucks.
Keeper 05060: who should not buy
Do not buy this expecting the net to restrain heavy cargo. The net holds small and light items, and a heavy load still needs the bar behind it and, for real restraint, rated tie-downs.
Keeper 05060: pair it with
Pair it with a bed mat under the load, so small items stay put even when the net is not in use.
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Hook the net low and tight: a loose net lets small items bounce out on the first bump. Best Tool Storage Brand
Best Cargo Net: Heavy-Duty Cargo Net for Pickup Truck Bed, 4 ft x 6 ft
Best Cargo Net
Why the Cargo Net 4×6 is our pick
The Heavy-Duty Cargo Net is the net pick because it does what a bar cannot: it covers the top of a loose load and holds it down. The listing describes a cargo net for a pickup truck bed, 4 by 6 feet, stretching to 8 by 12 feet, with double thick bungee mesh and 12 metal carabiners. The tight 4 by 4 inch mesh keeps small items from falling out, and the stretch lets one net cover a small load or a full bed, which is why a net is the most versatile strap alternative in this guide.
Cargo Net 4×6 key specs
- Type: Stretch cargo net
- Size: 4 by 6 feet, stretches to 8 by 12 feet
- Mesh: 4 by 4 inch, double thick
- Hooks: 12 metal carabiners
- Material: Bungee mesh
- Use: Pickup truck bed, ATV, SUV, UTV, trailer
- Colour: Per listing
- Listing: Verified
- Brand: Per listing
- Stretch: Doubles in size
- Storage: Folds flat
- Includes: Net with carabiners
Cargo Net 4×6: fits and best for
This net fits a pickup owner hauling loose or irregular loads such as firewood, yard waste, camping gear or moving boxes, and anyone whose load has no flat side for a bar to brace against. It suits loads that need covering from above rather than bracing from behind.
Cargo Net 4×6 pros and watch-outs
- Stretches to double its size
- Tight mesh keeps small items in
- 12 metal carabiners included
- Covers irregular loads
- Folds flat for storage
- Bungee stretch limits heavy-load restraint
- Hooks need bed rails or tie points
- Mesh can snag on sharp edges
Cargo Net 4×6: what owners report
Owner reports in retailer reviews and buying guides commonly note that a stretch net holds irregular loads that straps cannot, and that the carabiners make hooking down fast. The Save With Reviews cargo net guide lists stretch nets among the best truck cargo nets for secure hauling, with notes on fit and mesh size.
Owners also report that measuring the bed first matters, because a net stretched to its limit holds less firmly than one with slack to spare. The Farmstand cargo nets guide covers the same stretch-net idea for light hauling and tarp hold-down.
Cargo Net 4×6: who should not buy
Do not buy this to restrain a heavy load on its own. A bungee net holds loose and light cargo down, and a heavy load still needs a bar or rated tie-downs behind it.
Cargo Net 4×6: pair it with
Pair it with a ratcheting cargo bar behind the load, so the bar braces and the net covers.
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Hook the carabiners to bed rails or tie points, not to the net itself: hooks on hooks slip off on a rough road. Best Tow Ropes Under 100
Best Extended Bar: Keeper 05062B Extended Ratcheting Cargo Bar
Best Extended Bar
Why the Keeper 05062B is our pick
The Keeper 05062B is the extended pick because it covers the beds the standard 40 to 70 inch bars cannot reach. The listing describes an extended ratcheting cargo bar adjustable from 44 to 74 inches, for SUVs, full-size trucks and trunks, with a silver vein powder-coated finish and non-marring rubber feet. The extra reach suits a full-size truck bed, a wide van interior or a large SUV cargo area, where a shorter bar would sit at full extension and hold weakly.
Keeper 05062B key specs
- Type: Extended ratcheting cargo bar
- Maker: Keeper
- Part number: 05062B
- Adjusts: 44 to 74 inches
- Finish: Silver vein powder-coated
- Feet: Non-marring rubber feet
- Use: SUVs, full-size trucks, vans, trunks
- Mounting: Truck bed mount, trunk mount
- Mechanism: Ratcheting
- Listing: Verified
- Material: Steel bar
- Includes: Cargo bar
Keeper 05062B: fits and best for
This bar fits a full-size truck owner, a van driver, or an SUV owner with a wide cargo area, and anyone whose bed is wider than a standard bar can reach. It suits wide loads that need a bar near the middle of its range, not at full stretch.
Keeper 05062B pros and watch-outs
- Reaches 74 inches for wide beds
- Non-marring rubber feet
- Powder-coated finish resists rust
- Fits trucks, vans and SUVs
- Ratchets tight in seconds
- Too long for small trunks at minimum length
- Heavier than the standard Keeper bar
- Load capacity not stated on the listing
Keeper 05062B: what owners report
Owner reports in retailer reviews commonly note that the extended bar fits full-size trucks where the standard bar falls short, and that the rubber feet protect bed walls from scuffs. The Top5Best box truck load bars guide lists extended load bars among its picks for box trucks and wide trailers.
Owners also report that the bar is worth the extra length only when the bed is truly wide, and that a standard bar is lighter and easier to store in a smaller truck. The Stine Keeper cargo net page covers the same Keeper range for pickup beds, with notes on adjustable fit.
Keeper 05062B: who should not buy
Do not buy this for a small trunk or a compact SUV. At 44 inches minimum it is too long for small spaces, and the standard Keeper 05059 from this guide fits those better.
Keeper 05062B: pair it with
Pair it with a bed extender or a tailgate net when the load runs long, so the bar and the tailgate share the job.
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Measure the inside width of the bed at the height the bar will sit: beds taper, and the width at the floor is not the width at the rail. Battery Tender Junior vs NOCO Genius1
Spec comparison
| Spec | Keeper 05059 | Sparehand QSP-360 | Keeper 05060 | Cargo Net 4×6 | Keeper 05062B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Ratcheting bar | Steel bar | Bar and net | Stretch net | Extended bar |
| Maker | Keeper | Sparehand | Keeper | Per listing | Keeper |
| Reach | 40 to 70 in | 3.6 to 6 ft | 40 to 70 in plus net | 4×6 ft to 8×12 ft | 44 to 74 in |
| Capacity | 165.4 pounds | 175 pounds | Not stated | Light loads | Not stated |
| Mechanism | Ratchet | Self-locking ratchet | Ratchet | Bungee stretch | Ratchet |
| Grip | Rubber pads | Rubber ends | Rubber pads | 12 carabiners | Rubber feet |
| Best for | Pickup beds | Vans and SUVs | Mixed loads | Loose loads | Wide beds |
| Storage | Behind seat | Along bed wall | Folds flat | Folds flat | Along bed wall |
| Amazon listing | Verified | Verified | Verified | Verified | Verified |
| Model | 05059 | QSP-360 | 05060 | 4×6 net | 05062B |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Using cargo bars and nets
Measure the bed first, then set the bar. Put the load in place, set the bar behind it, pump or twist the ratchet until the pads grip, and push the bar to check it holds. The US Cargo Control maker site covers load bars for enclosed trailers and pickup beds, and the same measure-first rule applies to every bar in this guide.
Throw the net over the load, hook the carabiners to bed rails or tie points, and pull the net tight so it cannot flap. Check the bar and the net after the first few miles, because a load settles on the road and a bar that has moved needs resetting before it walks loose. The O Trucking load lock guide puts the bar at about two-thirds of the cargo height, and says to re-check it at every stop. Warning Lights Reviews
Safety essentials
- Measure the bed and the load before you set a bar, because a bar set near the middle of its range holds better than one stretched to its limit.
- Re-check the bar after the first few miles, because loads settle and pads can shift on the road.
- Never load a bar past its rated hold, because an overloaded bar can slip without warning.
- Keep hands and fingers clear of the ratchet and the bar ends, because a slipping ratchet can snap back.
- Tie off or tuck loose strap ends, because a loose end can flap, snag, or come free on the road.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the vehicle, because a shifted load can damage wiring and start a fire.
Three accessories worth adding before you start: Mechanix Wear Original work gloves, DEWALT DPG82-11 Concealer safety goggles, and a Kidde FA110 multi-purpose fire extinguisher. Each carries its own verified button below.
Mechanix Wear Original Work Gloves, Large, Black, for grip and hand protection while handling adhesives, fasteners and trim.
DEWALT DPG82-11 Concealer Clear Anti-Fog Safety Goggles, for eye protection from adhesive splashes, dust and debris.
Kidde FA110 Multi-Purpose Fire Extinguisher, 1-A:10-B:C, for the garage or workshop shelf.
Troubleshooting
Most cargo securing failures trace to one of the causes below, and the fix is usually a measurement rather than a different product.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Bar slips on the road | Pads sit on a dirty or angled wall | Wipe the walls, set the bar square, and re-check after a few miles |
| Load slides past the bar | Bar is too short or set too low | Measure the bed and use a bar that fits near the middle of its range |
| Net will not reach | Net is too small for the load | Buy a net a little larger than your usual load |
| Small items roll out | Net mesh is too open or hooks are loose | Use a tight-mesh net and hook it low and tight |
| Bar will not fit the bed | Bed is wider than the bar range | Use the extended bar for wide beds and vans |
| Cargo bounces out | Net is loose and the load has no bar behind it | Add a bar behind the load and tighten the net |
Who should NOT buy these
Do not use a bracing bar as a crash restraint. A cargo bar keeps a load from sliding in normal driving, but it is not a rated tie-down and it will not hold a heavy load in a crash. A heavy load needs rated straps or a proper load lock system, and a bar is a complement to those, not a replacement. ABS Scan Tools vs OBDII
Do not buy a bar without measuring. Beds taper, vans vary, and a bar that is too short cannot grip at all. Measure the inside width where the bar will sit, and buy a bar whose range covers that width near the middle. AGM Batteries Review for Cars
Do not trust a net alone for a heavy load. A bungee net holds loose and light cargo down, but a heavy load needs a bar behind it and rated tie-downs over it. A net is a cover, not a restraint. AGM Batteries Cost
Do not set a bar and forget it. A load settles on the road, and a bar that held at the start can walk loose by the first fuel stop. Check the bar after the first few miles and reset it if it has moved. AGM Batteries vs Flooded
Final verdict
Best Overall: Keeper 05059 Check Price — a pickup bed bar that braces wall to wall.
Best Heavy Duty Bar: Sparehand QSP-360 Check Price — a heavy-duty steel bar with a self-locking ratchet.
Best Bar and Net Combo: Keeper 05060 Check Price — a bar and net in one kit.
Best Cargo Net: Cargo Net 4×6 Check Price — a stretch cargo net that covers a loose load.
Best Extended Bar: Keeper 05062B Check Price — an extended bar for wide beds, SUVs and vans.
FAQ
What is the best alternative to ratchet straps?
It depends on the load. A ratcheting cargo bar suits boxes and coolers in a pickup bed, a stretch net suits loose and irregular loads, and a heavy-duty steel bar suits vans and SUVs. For a heavy load, rated straps are still the right tool, and a bar or net complements them rather than replacing them.
How do I measure for a cargo bar?
Measure the inside width of the bed or cargo area at the height the bar will sit, because beds taper and the width at the floor is not the width at the rail. Buy a bar whose range covers that width near the middle, not at full extension, so it holds firmly.
Can a cargo bar hold a heavy load?
A bar rated to 165 or 175 pounds can brace boxes, coolers and tools, but it is not a rated tie-down and it will not hold a heavy load in a crash. For heavy cargo, use rated straps or a proper load lock system, with the bar as a complement.
Do cargo nets work for truck beds?
Yes, for loose and light loads. A stretch net thrown over firewood, yard waste or camping gear holds it down and keeps small items from falling out. A net is not a restraint for heavy cargo, and a heavy load still needs a bar behind it and rated tie-downs.
What is the difference between a cargo bar and a load lock?
A cargo bar is a light to medium bar for pickup beds, SUVs and vans, while a load lock is a heavier bar for enclosed trailers and box trucks, often used in sets across a full trailer wall. Both brace between walls, but a load lock is built for heavier freight and longer spans.
Can I use a cargo bar in an SUV?
Yes, if the cargo area has two flat walls for the pads to grip. The Keeper 05059 and the Sparehand QSP-360 both suit SUVs, and the extended Keeper bar suits larger SUVs with a wide cargo area. Measure the width first, and check that the pads sit flat.
How do I stop a cargo bar from slipping?
Wipe the walls where the pads sit, set the bar square to the walls, and check it after the first few miles. Dust, mud and an angled set are the most common causes of slipping, and a clean flat wall with a square bar holds far better.
Are cargo nets legal for highway use?
A net is legal as a cargo cover, but it does not replace the tie-downs a heavy load needs. Check your state rules for load securement, because a loose load that falls off a truck can bring a fine, and a heavy load needs rated straps no matter what covers it.
Where should I store a cargo bar?
Keep the bar in the truck, behind a seat or along the bed wall, and keep the net folded under a seat. Cargo securing equipment left in the garage cannot help a load picked up on the road, so the truck is the right place for it.
Sources
- Top5Best, load bar guide
- Top5Best, truck bed bars guide
- RackReveal, truck bed guide
- Cherry Picks, cargo management guide
- Top5Best, box truck load bars guide
- Top Ten Reviewed, durable cargo nets guide
- Farmstand, truck bed cargo nets guide
- Save With Reviews, truck cargo net guide
- Do it Best, Keeper ZipNet page
- Stine, Keeper cargo net page
- US Cargo Control, maker site
- O Trucking, load lock bar guide
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo researches winches and automotive accessories from maker documents, listing evidence and owner reports, and writes every guide so a first-time buyer can choose with confidence.
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Keeper 05059 Ratcheting Cargo Bar