5 Different Types Of Load Bars And How To Use Them

Every driver carrying a specific load wants to ensure the load is firmly secured during the trip. This is also the primary interest of whoever owns the cargo, especially in the case of commercial shipping services.

Understandably, both entities approach their need for secured cargo during a trip from different angles since the driver focuses on safety while the owner focuses on protecting the investment.

But this is not to say that they can’t achieve their different objectives in the same way.

The best way for drivers and cargo owners to keep their luggage secure when in transit is by using load bars.

Load bars come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the needs of whoever is using them, and each has its use instructions.

This article explores five common types of load bars and how you would use them for enhanced safety.

1. The Standard Pickup Bed Load Bar

Starting a conversation on load bars without mentioning the standard pickup bed load bar would certainly be a mistake. Have you ever seen a pickup truck with bars running over the bed? Those were probably the standard pickup bed load bar.

Pickup bed load bars serve as some sort of roof rack for the back of the truck’s bed. They support heavy goods you might want to carry on your truck. They also provide a surface for you to firmly secure your items when in transit.

Using the standard pickup bar is quite simple. All you need to do is firmly install it using the screw mechanism that the load bar comes with. Once you are sure it is completely secure on the bed, you can use different kinds of straps to keep your luggage in position.

2. E-Track Load Bars

E-track load bars are special kinds of load bars manufactured to work with the e-track system. If you are not conversant with e-track, it is a kind of luggage control system which helps keep heavy goods in position.

The system involves a series of racks with special slots in them to fit any support mechanisms for the luggage. This luggage control system is quite popular in different industries in the world, but mostly in the shipping sector.

E-track load bars conveniently fit into the slots of the e-track system, which may be installed on the floor, roof, or walls of the track. When using e-track load bars, all you should do is fit the edges of the bars into the slots and wriggle the bar until it clicks into position.

3. Hoop Load Bars

Hoop load bars are another special kind of load bar with hoops across the surface of the main bar. The main purpose of hoop load bars is to keep the luggage in position instead of just carrying the weight of the load.

The hoop of the load bar helps provide a large surface area to hold bulky weights when in transit, thus ensuring that the luggage does not move about.

Since the hoops of the hoop load bar come preinstalled, you can install these bars on your truck just as you would for the other types of load bars.

4. Ratcheting Load Bars

As the name suggests, ratcheting load bars use a special ratchet to keep in position. Unlike the e-track bar and the standard pickup bar, the only special mechanism in ratcheting load bars is the edges. These edges affect how you can fit them in position when in use.

With a ratcheting load bar, you need to place the bar in between the walls of the truck. Then, elongate the edges of the load bar using the ratchets until they reach the adjacent walls of the truck.

Once this is done, you need to continue adjusting the ratchets until the load bar is firmly secure and can hold luggage without support.

Always remember to ensure that the load bar is straight and parallel to the floor of the truck before the final adjustment. Also, it is a good idea to confirm the weight of the load you are carrying since ratcheting load bars might not be ideal for extreme weights.

5. Jack Load Bars

Jack load bars have similar features and serve the same purpose as ratcheting load bars. The only distinction between these two types of bars is the tightening mechanism. While ratcheting load bars use a ratchet, jack load bars feature a form of telescoping design.

You can increase the tension of jack load bars by screwing the telescoping mechanism until the bars elongate to the wall of the truck. Adjust the bar until you are confident that it is completely secure.

Final Thoughts

While the different types of load bars have their unique advantages and disadvantages, they all achieve a similar purpose. Therefore, your choice of load bar wholly depends on your preferences and financial capabilities at that specific point. This is because some specialized load bars, like the e-track and the ratcheting load bars, tend to be pricier than their ordinary counterparts.

All the same, the important thing is to know how to use any type of load bar to get the best service from it.

Hopefully, at this point in this discussion, you have gained all the insight you need on using load bars. Next time you get a new type of load bar on a truck, you will certainly not be confused!