When using any type of vehicle or trailer to haul material or other items, it’s always a good idea to take a few minutes to secure your load. Making sure your load is secured will prevent the loss of valuable items you may have difficulty replacing and will avoid creating a hazard that could endanger the lives of others who may be traveling the highways with you.
Tips for Securing Loads
1. Secure your cargo or load by using rope, bungee cords, netting, or straps.
2. Cover your load with a sturdy tarp or cargo net. This will help prevent items from being lost if your load shifts when traveling down the highway.
3. Securely tie down heavy items directly to your vehicle or trailer to prevent shifting when stopping or turning. Make sure your load is well balanced.
4. Make sure to load lightweight items at the bottom of your load or inside the vehicle if possible. The wind can easily catch lightweight items which will cause them go sailing off like a kite.
5. Make sure your tie downs, rope, bungee cords, etc. are in good shape and are not damaged or frayed. A broken rope or over-stretched bungee cord will be of little or no help in securing your load.
6. Frequently check your load to make sure all items are secure. Stop as often as possible and double check to make sure everything is still tied down properly and that nothing has come loose.
7. Avoid overloading your vehicle or trailer. Try to keep items being hauled level with the bed of your truck or the sides of your trailer.
8. Make sure your trailer is properly secured to your vehicle with safety chains. You don’t want to risk losing your whole load all of sudden if your trailer should break loose from your vehicle.
9. Make sure the tires on your vehicle and trailers are in good shape and properly inflated. A heavy load will put increased demands on your tires.
10. Become familiar with local and state laws concerning loads on vehicles and trailers. Many cities and towns have laws making it illegal to haul loads that aren’t covered even though they may be securely tied down.
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4 comments:
...i got some bungee netting(only thing i can call it)is kinda cool,8x8 squared,6'x6',stretches to cover twice that...good quality too,can't remember where i bought them,hooks are ingenious too...
...got bungee...
To: Ken
I mainly use rope and bungee cords...with a heavy duty tarp for good measure. Hate to see part of my load sailing off into the sunset. lol
Thanks Ken.
RW
Stop every 100 miles and check the tires. Put your hands on then and feel how hot they are. Put your hand on the hub and make sure it isn't overheating. Push the tire back and forth with your foot or hands to check for loose bearings.
To: anonymous 11:34
Great point about checking the bearings...especially important if you have a heavy load. The last thing you need when bugging out is to be stranded due to a blown tire or a set of wheel bearings going out.
Thanks anon.
RW
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