Pickup Cargo Bars Make Sense for Contractors Hauling Materials

Pickup truck cargo bars are an ideal accessory for anyone who finds themselves doing a lot of hauling—especially contractors who frequently transport construction materials from place to place.

The purpose of a cargo bar is to prevent cargo from shifting in the bed of the pickup. Most of these bars are adjustable to fit a variety of vehicle types and widths—usually 40” to 70”. Their grip pads keep the cargo in place and prevent it from slipping.

Why is this important? Well, one of the most common causes of damaged materials or goods is poor loading, resulting in shifting during transport. When items aren’t properly packed into the truck bed they can slide and shift around during transport, and those sudden jerks can cause damage.

Contractors hauling materials to job sites need to make sure those materials arrive in one piece and in good condition, otherwise that will result in wasted money due to replacement and some unsatisfied customers who will be displeased that you set back the job by delivering damaged materials. When it’s your business’s reputation on the line, it’s important you take whatever precautions you can to ensure you’re delivering high-quality materials in good condition.

As far as truck accessories go, cargo bars fall on the cheaper end of the spectrum, but the amount of money they can save you in lost or damaged materials is significant. This makes them an outstanding investment for your contracting company.

Using a cargo bar

Installation for a cargo bar is relatively simple. You may need a wrench to be able to adjust and secure the bar during installation. You can place the bar between the sidewalls from the door, or vertically to the ceiling if you have the top on.

Most cargo bars are steel tubes that have rubber, gripping feet at each end to keep the bar in place. Simply adjust the bar to the desired length and lock in place to secure it. It’s recommended that you also use a cargo strap to create an even tighter fit. Cargo bars offer additional space for you to use tie-down straps in the back of your truck, so you have more options for how you’ll secure your cargo.

Pickup load bars

There are a variety of styles of cargo bars available on the market. Any bar you select should be easy to mount and should not cause any damage to your truck bed.

Discount Ramps offers several cargo bar options:

The Apex Adjustable Pickup Truck Cargo Bar is made out of a durable, powder-coated steel to ensure a long lifespan and to keep it sturdy during use. It will fit any truck bed from 40” to 70” wide, and provides a tie down area for added stability. The pivoting, grooved rubber ends grip on to the truck bed to prevent slipping or cargo shifting. At just five pounds, the bar is lightweight and easy to install but highly reliable and durable for years of use. It comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The Apex Ratcheting Pickup Truck Cargo Bar has a secure ratcheting handle that makes adjustments even easier, allowing the bar to be tightened after being extended to tighten the grip. Not only is it easy to use, but the soft grip handle makes it more comfortable during usage. It includes four pre-drilled holes on either end if you wish to permanently mount the bar in your truck bed, and the same grooved grip pads on each end to keep the bar in place while preventing damage to your truck bed.