Winter roads are dangerous. It never hurts to be a little more careful, right?
You’ve already done some work installing your winter tires and double-checking your brakes. You make sure to turn down alcohol before stepping behind the wheel and don’t hesitate to scrape off stubborn ice from your windows. When it comes to owning a truck you need to go the extra mile — literally and figuratively — with your cargo. Stake pocket tie downs ensure your cargo stays exactly where it needs to be, no matter how bumpy the road gets. Failing to do so can put many people’s holiday season in jeopardy.
Pick up a few tips on your retractable anchors so everyone can enjoy their winter as safely as possible.
Pickup Trucks Are Quite Common
The pickup truck remains so popular it’s practically a symbol of modern America. It’s estimated nearly 20% of all vehicles sold in the country are some form of truck! Stake pocket tie downs aren’t just a common addition, they’re a necessity to compliment the function of a truck and keep everyone safe. Alongside stocking up your emergency kit and adjusting your tire rotation you should ensure your retractable truck tie downs are the proper fit. The more careful you are now, the less you’ll have to pay off in the future.
Light Vehicles Are Rising In Popularity
Light vehicles in general are seeing an incredible volume in sales and redistribution. The American auto market sold nearly 18 million light vehicles just the year prior, the fourth highest mark in sales history. Light trucks — which includes pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans — outsold general single-passenger vehicles for the fifth straight year, to boot. You’re in a good spot to start rethinking your car accessories and how they affect your driving experience. Truck debris remains one of today’s most disastrous hazards.
Dangerous Debris Is A Major Hazard
You’re well aware of the dangers of the road when stepping behind the wheel. Winter alone brings early nights, black ice, and heavy storms. AAA conducted a lengthy four-year study that found errant debris to be the cause of more than 200,000 crashes in the country. Two-thirds of these crashes were the result of improperly secured cargo. A simple tweak on your stake pocket tie downs will mean the difference between a smooth ride and an expensive crash.
The Weakest Link Theory Is A Great Resource
If you’re not sure how heavy your bull ring tie downs should be, just look to the weakest link theory. The weakest link theory is related to the Working Load Limit (or WLL) — if you’re using a 4,000 pound chain with a 3,000 pound hook, for example, the system is only as strong as its weakest link. Unmarked webbed cargo straps in very good condition are usually rated at a minimum of 1,000 WLL per inch of width, for future reference. It never hurts to be a little extra careful during winter’s icy streets and cold nights.
Retractable Truck Anchors Should Be Checked Regularly
Your truck is a big responsibility. You need to ensure it’s strong enough to carry a heavy load and sturdy enough to hold fast against all the road throws at it. Over that same four-year study conducted by AAA hundreds of people were either killed or injured from these loose debris. Keeping people safe is as simple as double-checking your Working Load Limit and replacing your truck tie downs once they start getting old. Stake pocket tie downs are easy to find and even easier to install.
It’s only getting colder from here. Stay safe out there with stake pocket tie downs that hold fast all day long.