Simply having a truck doesn't automatically mean you're ready to haul a load. There is a wrong and a right way to go about this process. When hauling, a mistake doesn't just put the security of your load at risk, it also puts the safety of other motorists on the road at risk. Make sure you know what mistakes to avoid when hauling loads in your truck.

Choosing The Wrong Tarp

Make sure you're choosing your tarp wisely. Start by comparing the different material options that will be best suited for your load needs. Take polyethylene and duck canvas, for instance. While polyethylene is naturally water-resistant, it's also naturally thin.

If you were to haul sharp objects, the tarp could easily get punctured. While duck canvas is generally not naturally water-resistant, it can be treated with chemicals to add this feature. Additionally, it's a thicker, more durable material, making it less likely to rip. What you're hauling should be the first consideration when choosing a tarp.

Failing To Flag

Don't make the mistake of failing to flag your load. Flagging isn't only for very long, or oversized, loads. As a general rule of thumb, if your load extends at all past the bed of your truck, you need to place a bright colored flag at the end as a safety precaution. In many areas, should you be caught without this type of safety feature, you could receive a citation.

However, more importantly, an unaware driver could easily run into the rear of your vehicle without this marking, especially when you are hauling loads at night.

Improper Loading

Ensure you're loading your truck properly. It's always best to load the heaviest objects in first and then reserve the lightest items for the rear of the truck. When you fail to follow this step, this causes a problem known as back-weighting, meaning the bulk of the weight is at the rear of the truck. A back-weighted truck is more challenging to control and steer.

This type of maneuvering issue only puts your safety and the safety of other motorists on the road at risk. In addition to driving difficulties, this can also increase the risk of damage to your truck because it can cause your motor and transmission to work harder.

The more dedicated you are to avoiding these mistakes, the lower the risk of a safety concern. Make sure you are taking your time to ensure you are hauling your loads correctly for the best results.

For truck tarps, contact a business such as Lehman Awning Co.