Abstract: A vehicle load securing apparatus comprising a frame including opposite side walls and an end wall extending between the side walls, with the frame having open sides positioned in opposition to each other. A spool is rotatably mounted on the frame and includes a rotating shaft, and a length of an elongate member at least partially wrapped about the spool with a hook mounted thereon. A ratcheting structure may control rotation of the spool with engaged position in which the ratcheting structure resists rotation of the spool in an unwind direction and a disengaged position in which the ratcheting structure permits rotation of the spool in the unwind direction. The shaft may have a first end portion extending through one of the side walls of the frame, and a section of the first end portion having a substantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape for engagement by a tool.

Abstract: A vehicle load securing apparatus for securing a load to a vehicle, and including a housing substantially enclosing an interior and having a dispensing opening into the interior, and a spool rotatably mounted in the interior of the housing and including a rotating shaft. The apparatus may further include a length of an elongate member at least partially wrapped about the spool, and a ratcheting structure configured to control rotation of the spool, with the ratcheting structure having an engaged position in which the ratcheting structure resists rotation of the spool in an unwind direction of the spool and a disengaged position in which the ratcheting structure permits rotation of the spool in the unwind direction and a wind direction. The apparatus may also comprise a mounting structure on the housing that is configured to removably mount the housing on the vehicle.