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If you use a pickup truck for work or play, secure cargo is essential. But, how safe do you need to be? We all know that cargo flying out of loose tie-downs is one of the most common causes of pickup truck accidents. So why do so many drivers still not secure their items? There are some easy ways to ensure your items stay put and ensure your cargo remains safe!

This part covers how to keep your belongings safe during a move in your truck and what else you should think about while driving an SUV.

RIGHT TYPES OF EQUIPMENT

The first step is to make sure you have suitable types of equipment. You will need secure tie-downs, heavy-duty straps, and a good cargo net.

TIE-DOWNS AND BUNGEE CORDS

Everyone has a few of these in their garage, so no need to go shopping! Check them regularly to make sure they’re secure – add them to your routine when checking tire pressure or changing the oil. Keep an eye on how loose they are and retighten as needed.

TRUCK BED COVERS

If you have a truck bed cover, it is essential to ensure security. Many covers have built-in straps, which makes securing cargo much more accessible.

NETTING

That is an excellent option for securing large items that might not fit well into tie-downs or bungee cords. Nets can be found at most hardware stores, and they are easy to use – secure them around the item you want to keep in place.

CLAMPS

These particular items are easy, but you need to ensure they are secure before driving off. If the clamp is not secure around your item, it will cause a hazard on the road!

HEAVY DUTY RATCHET STRAPS

These are perfect for securing odd-shaped items, and they can be found at most trucking stores. Make sure the straps are tight – you don’t want anything flying out while you’re driving!

PICKUP TRUCK CARGO AREA MATTING

That provides extra protection for cargo and ensures that everything stays put while in transit. Some mats also offer a softer surface for any bumps during transportation and better traction when moving from one location to another.

Many of them come with special compartments or pouches, which is fantastic if you want somewhere to keep those stray belongings! Make sure that whatever matting product you choose has been custom designed for your make/model truck, so it fits appropriately without slipping underfoot – this may require some research on your part.

SECURING THE LOAD

Once you have the proper equipment, it’s time to secure the load. First, put your heaviest items in the back of the truck bed. That will help keep the truck’s front down and minimize bouncing around. Next, use your secure tie-downs to attach each item individually to the truck bed. Ensure that everything is tightly secured – if an object can move more than an inch or two in any direction, it isn’t secure enough! Finally, use a cargo net over the top of everything to secure things in place.

CHECK YOUR TRUCK LOAD CAPACITY

It is also essential to be aware of your truck’s load capacity. You don’t want to overload your vehicle and risk losing control while driving. Consult your owner’s manual or online resources to determine how much weight your truck can safely carry.

EXTRA PRECAUTION FOR LONG LOADS

If you are transporting a long load (e.g., lumber, a roofing panel), secure it by using tie-downs and ropes to span the entire length of the truck bed. That will help keep everything in place during those unexpected bumps or turns.

FLAGS ARE NEEDED FOR THINGS THAT OVERHANG

If you have a load extending over the tailgate, secure it with flags or triangles. That can be purchased from most trucking stores and requires no additional equipment – attach it to your cargo!

TAKE NOTICE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND OTHER DRIVERS

Finally, make sure you know anything around you when loading items into your pickup truck bed. Watch out for pedestrians on footpaths, cars coming up behind you at traffic lights, etc. Give yourself plenty of room, so there’s ample time to stop if needed without having someone crash into the back of your vehicle! Also, be mindful of other drivers who might not notice what’s in their path until too late (e.g., cyclists). Make sure they’re far away from your truck before opening the back of it!

DRIVING ON RURAL ROADS AND HIGHWAYS REQUIRES EXTRA PRECAUTIONS TOO

When traveling on rural roads or highways with long open stretches, be extra careful about securing loads, so there is no danger to yourself or other drivers if anything shifts around during travel. You don’t want to be injured by anything that flies out of your truck bed and collides with a car or a biker!

DOUBLE CHECKING

It’s a good idea to double-check your work, especially if you’ll be gone for an extended period of time. Stop occasionally along the way and make sure that everything is still secure. If you see any signs that things have shifted, pull over and fix them before continuing.

You can quickly secure items in your pickup truck by following these simple steps! And knowing that your cargo is safe will give you peace of mind while driving.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Builtright Truck Outfitters has provided just the right accessories for pickup trucks for many years. And if you want to secure your cargo, we have got you covered with a wide selection of equipment that will keep everything safely in place.

So, if you want to secure your cargo or keep everything safe in your truck bed, call or visit us today!