How to load up your bakkie properly and safely
Whether you are moving home or going away for a long weekend, what you use and how you pack can make all the difference. Moving bigger items such as couches, tables and desks can be difficult but these easy loading tips for bakkies will help keep everything as stable and secure as possible. In this article, we take a look at some bakkie accessories along with expert advice on keeping you and your cargo safe.
The Best Bakkie Accessories
Increase Your Payload With Load Box Rails
One of the most important loading tips for bakkies is to add load box racks as they can significantly increase the payload ability. These are especially handy when transporting longer items such as ladders, pipes and wood. These rails and rail caps will also help protect your bakkie from dings and dents which means maintaining a good resale value.
Tie-Down Anchors For Fastening Of Cargo
While you can tie your cargo to the load box rails and racks, you may also need special tie-down anchors that are secured to the floor of the load box. Just remember, if you drill into the original metal of your bakkie it could reduce its resale value and promote the build-up of rust.
Load Box Slides, Bed Extenders, Mats And Liners
The addition of bakkie bed slides can make transporting cargo much easier and more convenient where you simply slide the cargo out instead of getting inside to retrieve something. They also increase the carrying capacity of your bakkie as you can leave the tailgate down without losing cargo.
One of our favourite loading tips for bakkies is the addition of mats and liners. They can help maintain the factory finish while preventing scrapes, scratches and dings to the paint and metal of your load box. It will also prevent rust and other issues associated with exposed metal.
Cargo Nets, Covers And Tool Storage Boxes
We all know how useful ratchet straps and bungee cords are but it’s even better when you combine it with a cargo net. They work exceptionally well and very easy to install and uninstall.
Lockable tool storage boxes for bakkies are ideal for storing tools long-term or if you need extra space for groceries. While cargo nets and covers are good for protecting and tying down items if you are looking for more protection and permanent storage, get lockable boxes fitted.
Loading Tips For Bakkies
Modern-day bakkies are more versatile than before as they are still excellent workhorses but with the benefits of a comfortable passenger vehicle. With the addition of these useful accessories, your bakkie can become the perfect cargo carrier but you have to pack and load items properly.
Check The Payload Capacity Of Your Bakkie
When transporting large and heavy items, make sure you check the weight (“payload”) limits of your bakkie. It’s important to make sure that it can handle the weight safely and without impacting your driving ability.
You can find the maximum payload or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the factory label which is normally on the inside driver’s door sill. In some cars, you will also find the information in cubby-hole and, of course, the owner’s manual.
If you cannot transport everything in one load, making multiple trips will ensure you don’t have a tyre blow out or accident while avoiding expensive damage to your shocks and suspension. It’s easy to feel when your bakkie is overloaded as the steering wheel becomes heavier when turning.
Loading Tips For Bakkies With Heavier Cargo
When moving heavier items, such as boxes of books or construction material, for example, put it toward the back of the load box, closer to the cab. If you put too much weight on the rear axle, there may not be enough weight on the front axle to make solid contact with the road.
When moving heavier items to the middle of the load box, the weight will be more evenly distributed which takes the weight off of the rear axle. This way you avoid causing poor handling and potential damage to the drivetrain and suspension.
How To Pack And Load Fragile Items
You should always try to pack large pieces of furniture and other heavier items on their sides. Make sure you securely wrap any fragile materials and remember to load your largest items near the bed rails, away from the middle.
To protect glass and other fragile items, do the following:
- Use packing paper and secure them with tape before wrapping the glass with bubble wrap
- Use a wide and thin box if possible otherwise create your own using cardboard from smaller boxes
- Bend the cardboard around your glass and tape it together
- Don’t forget to label all sides of the box as “Fragile” and drive extra carefully
- Securely wrap and pack each item in such a way that they cannot move around during transit
Pack Smaller Items Between Larger Ones
Once you’ve packed all the heavier and biggest items, you should load smaller boxes and items in between. It may seem obvious but always stack larger, heavier ones at the bottom with smaller and lighter items on top. By placing larger items on both sides of the load bed with boxes in the middle you are maintaining a good weight balance while protecting your cargo.
Securely Tie Your Cargo
Even with a bakkie cargo net or cover, you should always use quality ratchet straps to tie down larger items from at least two sides. For added safety during transit, you can also use the X-shape to tie items down.
Once the items are secured with ratchet straps or bungee cords, use a cargo net or special cover to keep everything in place. The last thing you want is valuable belongings falling off the back while driving on the highway. You will often see cargo nets and covers for light materials, such as landscaping rubbish and materials.
How To Prevent Theft
Anything left in the open will be vulnerable to theft so it’s important to do whatever you can to minimise the risk. Limiting theft is one of the most important loading tips for bakkies regardless of where you live or what you are transporting. Here are a few ideas you should keep in mind:
- Keep valuable tools and items in locked load boxes or inside the cab to keep items as safe as possible
- If you can, keep items covered with tarpaulins, covers or inside containers
- Try to park in a safe, well-lit public area
- Don’t stop unnecessarily and try to go directly to your destination
Choose The Best Route
Lastly, you should always choose the smoothest route possible when transporting goods. Try to avoid high winds, rough roads and sharp turns and when driving on the highway, keep to the left so other motorists can easily overtake you.
We hope you liked reading these loading tips for bakkies as we strive to bring our readers useful information on vehicle maintenance, road safety tips and motoring news from around the world. For all the latest updates, follow our blog and visit our Online Showroom if you are in the market for a quality pre-owned vehicle or demo model.
