I also have storage tubs under my frame. I don't use the batting roller for batting. After loading the backing, I pin the batting, then top to the leader. I have already rough cut the batting to size. I loosely coil the batting, thread it behind the batting roller & lay it on the storage tubs, then do the same with the top. The batting roller keeps the batting & top away from the front of the frame, but doesn't add any tension & the storage tubs keep them off the floor.