Transporting items in a vehicle requires more than just placing them in a trunk or truck bed. Whether you are moving furniture, hauling construction materials, or taking camping gear on a road trip, you need a cargo securement device to keep everything in place. Proper securement prevents damage to your belongings, protects your vehicle, and ensures the safety of everyone on the road.
A cargo securement device is any tool or piece of equipment designed to hold a load steady while a vehicle is in motion. Without these tools, items can shift, slide, or even fly out of a vehicle, creating dangerous hazards. This guide will walk you through the different types of securement devices, how to choose the right one for your needs, and the best practices for using them effectively.
Common Types of Cargo Securement Devices
There are several types of devices available, each suited for different weights and shapes of cargo. Understanding the strengths of each will help you make the safest choice for your specific task.
Ratchet Straps
Ratchet straps are among the most popular and versatile securement tools. They consist of heavy-duty webbing and a mechanical ratcheting handle that allows you to tighten the strap with significant force. These are ideal for heavy items like appliances, motorcycles, or large pieces of furniture.
Cam Buckle Straps
Cam buckle straps are similar to ratchet straps but use a simpler thumb-release mechanism. They are generally easier to use but cannot be tightened as firmly as ratchet straps. They are best for fragile items or lighter loads, such as kayaks or bicycles, where over-tightening could cause damage.
Cargo Nets
Cargo nets are designed to cover a wide area and are perfect for securing multiple small or lightweight items. They are commonly used in the beds of pickup trucks or the trunks of SUVs. A cargo net keeps loose items from bouncing around or blowing out of the vehicle at high speeds.
Cargo Bars and Load Bars
Cargo bars are adjustable metal poles that expand to fit between the walls of a truck bed or a van’s interior. They create a physical barrier that prevents items from sliding forward or backward. These are often used in conjunction with straps for maximum stability.
Bungee Cords
While widely available, bungee cords should be used with caution. They are elastic, meaning they can stretch and allow a load to shift. Bungee cords are best used for securing lightweight tarps or keeping a lid closed, rather than holding down heavy cargo during a high-speed trip.
Understanding Load Limits and Ratings
When shopping for a cargo securement device, you will encounter two important terms: Break Strength and Working Load Limit (WLL). It is vital to understand these to ensure your equipment can handle the weight of your load.
- Break Strength: This is the point at which the device will fail or snap under pressure.
- Working Load Limit (WLL): This is the maximum weight the manufacturer recommends for safe, everyday use. The WLL is typically one-third of the break strength.
Always choose a device based on the Working Load Limit, not the break strength. If you are securing a 300-pound item, your combined securement devices should have a WLL that meets or exceeds that weight. Using multiple straps distributes the weight and increases the overall safety of the securement.
How to Secure Cargo: A Step-by-Step Guide
Securing a load properly takes a few extra minutes, but it is a critical step for safety. Follow these steps every time you transport items outside of an enclosed trunk.
1. Inspect Your Equipment
Before you begin, check your straps, nets, and bars for any signs of wear. Look for frays in the webbing, rust on the metal buckles, or cracks in the plastic. If a strap is damaged, it is no longer reliable and should be replaced immediately.
2. Distribute the Weight
Place the heaviest items at the bottom and toward the center of the vehicle or trailer. This keeps the center of gravity low and prevents the vehicle from becoming unstable during turns. Ensure the load is balanced from side to side to prevent the vehicle from pulling in one direction.
3. Identify Anchor Points
Most trucks and trailers have built-in anchor points, such as D-rings or metal loops. Ensure you are attaching your securement devices to these designated points rather than thin plastic trim or bumpers, which can break under tension.
4. Apply Tension
Hook your straps to the anchor points and pull them tight across the cargo. If using ratchet straps, use the handle to crank the tension until the load is snug. The cargo should not move when you push against it. However, be careful not to over-tighten on fragile items, as this can cause structural damage.
5. Secure the Loose Ends
Once the cargo is tight, you will often have extra strap material flapping in the wind. Tie these ends down or tuck them away. Loose straps can whip against your vehicle, causing paint damage, or they could become tangled in the wheels.
Best Practices for Road Safety
Even with the best cargo securement device, driving with a load requires extra attention. The added weight changes how your vehicle handles, brakes, and accelerates.
- Double-Check After a Few Miles: After driving for about 10 to 15 minutes, pull over in a safe location to check your load. Vibrations from the road can cause items to settle and straps to loosen.
- Cover Your Load: If you are hauling loose materials like mulch, gravel, or light boxes, use a tarp in addition to your straps. This prevents debris from flying into the windshields of drivers behind you.
- Mind the Height: Be aware of the total height of your load. Ensure you have enough clearance for bridges, parking garages, and low-hanging tree branches.
- Drive Smoothly: Avoid sudden lane changes, hard braking, or rapid acceleration. Smooth movements keep the tension on your securement devices consistent.
Maintaining Your Securement Devices
To ensure your tools last for years, proper maintenance is key. After use, clean off any dirt or road salt, which can degrade the fabric and corrode metal parts over time. Store your straps and nets in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken synthetic webbing.
If your straps get wet, allow them to air dry completely before rolling them up for storage. This prevents mold and mildew from weakening the fibers. Regularly lubricating the moving parts of ratchet handles with a light oil can also keep them operating smoothly.
Conclusion
Using the right cargo securement device is a fundamental part of responsible driving and DIY projects. By selecting the appropriate straps or nets for your load and following a consistent securement routine, you can transport almost anything with confidence. Remember to always check the Working Load Limit and inspect your gear before every trip to ensure maximum safety.
For more tips on vehicle maintenance and home projects, explore our other articles on SearchAndHelp.com to find practical solutions for your everyday needs.