Finding the Right Equipmemt to Secure Truckbed Cargo
As your Dad and everyone else’s Dad has always said, you need the right tools for the job. Especially when it comes to hauling cargo on the road, they’re absolutely correct. You need to have the right equipment to make sure that any cargo you have, whether it’s kayaks or off-terrain vehicles or a load of lumber, is securely tied and will not fly loose on the road. Truck tie down straps and stake pocket tie downs make sure that your cargo is secure and can help to prevent deadly accidents.
Unsecured cargo can be dangerous
Hauling heavy cargo on the road at highway speeds is an art form. Even before you hit the road, you have to make sure that the cargo is secure and balanced. When a cargo is not properly secured with the right equipment, such as truck tie downs and truck bed anchors, it’s a danger to yourself and others on the road. A four year study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) found that the majority, or two thirds of the 200,000 traffic accidents studied, were caused by unsecured truck loads. In these accidents, 500 people lost their lives and 39,000 suffered injuries.
It doesn’t stop there, however. Accidents leave debris on the roadway which can cause further damage. Clearly, having the right equipment to secure loads can save lives. Most truck manufacturers realize this, and truck beds come with oval holes in the side beds and front bulkhead to fit truck tie down anchors for cargo.
The right equipment for your truck
Nearly a fifth or 18% of all motor vehicles sold in the U.S. are pickup trucks. This means that truck safety and their ability to carry cargo safely are important for overall highway safety. Truck manufacturers like Chevy, Dodge, GMC, Ford, Toyota and Nissan all understand the importance of anchor points and their role in highway safety.
These trucks, among others, come ready to add truck bed hooks and stake pocket tie downs. To find the right stake pocket tie downs, it is important to look at the weight rating. Truck bed tie downs should match the weight of the cargo that is being secured. Many stake pocket tie downs are also retractable, to leave the truck bed free and clear when they are not being used.
Unsecured cargo can be a traffic hazard and is in fact responsible for tens of thousands of highway accidents each year. The right equipment to secure loads, such as stake pocket tie downs and straps can help to prevent accidents and ensure a safe journey for you and others on the road. And the safe arrival of your precious cargo.
