A retaining system in which straps are provided with hooks that remain engaged with retaining loops even when tension on the straps is released and in which the tightening mechanism includes rods which are located partially below a rib surface on which the straps are placed such that the ends of the rods are near the plane of the strap ends, thereby greatly reducing the bending moment applied to the strap ends and threaded rods. The hook preferably includes a cavity opposite the hook end that will engage the retaining loop when no tension is on the line. In some embodiments, the hook includes a spring-loaded retaining clip to further ensure that the hook does not become disengaged from the retaining loop. The tightening mechanism includes two rods, each of which is positioned to one side of a rib on which the straps rest.