Seven Mistakes To Avoid When Securing Items in Your Truck
Have you ever passed another pickup truck on a highway or busy road and thought to yourself, “Well THAT’s scary”. If so, the likely reason why you experienced that reaction is because the other driver had a load that appeared to be secured incorrectly.
At BACKRACK™, we are in the business of providing products that help you secure and transport items safely. So in that spirit we would like to share some of the biggest mistakes truck owners make when securing items.
The following are a things NOT to do:
1. Not Preparing Your Truck Ahead Of Time
With all the options out there for truck owners transporting various types of goods, there is no reason why you should not make provisions ahead of time to ensure that items can be anchored securely. Depending on the types of loads you usually carry, investments in truck racks, side rails and rear bars are well worth it to protect your truck and others around you.
You might also want to consider other types of products such as a bed rail, non-skid bed liner, toolbox or Tonneau cover.
2. Using The Wrong Size Cargo Net Or Tarp
For lighter loads, a cargo net or tarp can be the ideal tool to keep items from flying out of your vehicle while you are on the move. This will only be effective however, if the net or tarp covers the entire load. Pickup trucks can be either long or short wheel based so make sure the net or tarp is the correct size.
3. Using Any Old Rope You Can Find
While it may be tempting to pick up that old nylon rope lying on the work bench and use it to tie down your load, this isn’t your best option. Make sure you invest in some good bungee cords or ratchet straps. When not in use, you should store these properly so that the fabric does not become deteriorated by dirt, oil or sunlight. Using the wrong restraints or damaged restraints could send your cargo flying out of your pickup and onto the road.
4. Only Tying Down Cargo From One Side
At minimum, you should always try to tie down your cargo at two sides. If possible, cross straps over the top of the item in an X pattern to prevent movement. Improper tying techniques could lead to damaged cargo.
5. Not Knowing The Load Capacity Of Your Truck
You may have the toughest truck on the block – but it still has its limits. The factory sticker on the inside of the driver’s side door will tell you what this limit – or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is. DO NOT EVER exceed this limit.
6. Not Flagging Long Loads
If you are carrying a load that is sticks out the back of your truck, make sure you attach a flag (any red piece of cloth will do) at the end of it to alert other drivers that it is there.
7. Positioning Heavy Loads Near The Back
When arranging items in your truck bed, try to keep very heavy items as close to the front as possible. This will help to prevent you from becoming back-weighted which can make steering and control difficult.
Remember to take the extra time and secure loads properly so that you and your cargo can arrive safely at your destination.
If you need a tool that's designed specifically to help you carry more with your truck then check out our wide range of BACKRACK™ Products. Our headache racks are designed to perfectly fit most makes and models such as the Ford F150, Chevy Silverado, Dodge Ram or the Toyota Tundra.