Those Aussies...they've got to go one better haven't they? No sooner do I do a story on the Quickloader new improved auto reel-in ratchet strap than I get an e-mail from 'Atki Pete' Lynch from Oz this morning (well it's evening where he is now) to say: "G'day Brian, regarding your Load binders, truck winchs, whatever you call them. The type you show is an imnprovement over the two piece type but we have a better way of doing it. (See my amateur drawing). [Actually it's rather good Pete but don't let it go to your head] A tie rail runs along either side of the tray [that's Aussie truck talk for load-bed or trailer deck] and this is used to tie off ropes, curtainsider straps etc."
Pete goes on to say: " Slide on winches sit on this ( can be padlocked on ) and you tighten them with a bar. Don't have to put them into a toolbox or get your hands dirty, just keep the bar in the cab. The rail is fine for ropes etc but when using dogs and chains you go around by the nearest cross bearer (other wise you will bend the rail). They have done it this way for years and it works well. Cheers Peter."
Interestingly enough you can find similar system on some of the older continental trailers, although strangely it never really caught on in the UK with British trailer makers and bodybuilders. not sure why..maybe other BLB readers have an idea?
Meanwhile, if you're still trying to work out the identity of the mystery vintage truck Pete recently sent to me I can see he's getting a bit exasperated as he says: "You should be handing out reading glasses to your lot, not pies. No one has figured out the big Leyland, I even sent a personal email to the Brochure King!" Fighting talk! So come on what is it?.
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