Summary: The “Bloomin’ Onion” hose loading method flattens supply lines in the hose bed, eliminates trapped air, and creates a cleaner, neater hose lay. Starting with a donut roll, pull slack from the top layer, fold to alternating sides, and repeat. This simple alternating fold technique prevents the lumpy, uneven hose bed caused by trapped air and makes your rig look squared away.
When your supply line in the bed looks like a rattlesnake under a blanket, it’s not just ugly—it can also slow you down. Bubba Steele of Rutherford County (TN) Fire shows an easy fix: the “Bloomin’ Onion” method. This fold-and-alternate loading style lays your hose flatter, keeps the air out, and makes your hose bed look inspection-ready every time.
Complete a full donut roll of your supply line. This sets you up for the cleanest lay possible.
Grab the top layer of hose and pull just enough slack to work with.
Fold the hose to the left, then the right, alternating each time. This helps the hose settle evenly in the bed.
Avoid pulling one end all the way back across the load, which can trap air in the hose. The alternating folds naturally push air out, keeping your supply line tight and ready.
The alternating folds spread the hose weight evenly, which stops bulging and lumping. With the air pushed out, your hose rides flatter and deploys more predictably when it matters.
A tidy hose bed isn’t just about looks—it’s about performance. With the “Bloomin’ Onion” method, you’ll have a supply line that’s ready to work without the mess or the fight.
For more tips on overcoming hydrant water supply issues, watch our “Hydrant Water Supply” series and learn proven techniques to keep water flowing no matter the challenge.