Clamping boards for load securing - Trucks, trailers & vans

Areas of application and advantages of clamping boards

• Commercial transport: In the logistics industry, clamping boards are used to secure cargo in trucks, containers and on trailers. They are particularly useful for transporting palletised goods, crates or other packaged goods that need to be stabilised.
  
• Personal use: Clamping boards are also used in smaller vehicles such as vans or car trailers to transport personal items or moving boxes safely.
  
• Special vehicles and applications: Clamping boards are also important in special vehicles such as motorhomes or when transporting sensitive equipment, where they contribute to the stable and secure fixation of the load.
  

• Protection of the load: Clamping boards prevent cargo from shifting during transport, which could lead to damage or even loss.
  
• Quick and easy application: The simple handling and quick adaptability of the clamping boards saves time and increases efficiency in load securing.
  
• Adaptability: Due to the adjustable properties, they can be used in a variety of cargo area sizes, making them a universal tool in load securing.
  
• Increasing safety: By effectively securing the load, clamping boards also contribute to road safety by minimising the risk of accidents caused by shifting cargo.
  

Buying advice for clamping boards

• Aluminium vs. steel: Choose aluminium for a lightweight, corrosion-resistant option that is easy to handle. Steel offers more strength and is suitable for heavier loads.
  
• Rubber feet: Models with rubber feet provide additional grip and protect the cargo as well as the interior walls of the vehicle from damage.
  

• Take into account the size of the cargo area and the variety of cargo types you want to transport. Adjustable clamping boards that can be adapted in length offer flexibility for different cargo area sizes and cargo types.
  

• Consider the specific challenges your loading situations entail. For example, special clamping boards for airline tracks or those with a special coating for sensitive cargo might be required.
  

• Invest in high-quality clamping boards that are durable and reliable. Compare prices and check whether higher costs are justified by additional features or improved materials.
  

• Choose products from reputable manufacturers and suppliers who offer good warranty services and customer support. Check reviews and customer feedback to assess the reliability and service of the provider.
  

Frequently Asked Questions About Cargo Bars and Load Restraint Bars

Below you will find key questions and answers about cargo restraint bars, aluminium cargo bars, adjustable tension bars, and their use in mechanical load securing in trucks, vans, Sprinter vans, trailers, and box-body vehicles.

What is a cargo restraint bar?

A cargo restraint bar is a mechanical securing device that is braced between vehicle walls to block cargo in place. It helps prevent pallets, cartons, crates, furniture, and other packages from shifting, tipping over, or being damaged during transport.

What are cargo restraint bars used for in trucks or vans?

Cargo restraint bars are used to secure loads quickly and flexibly inside the cargo area. They are particularly useful for partial loads, changing cargo, parcel and general freight transport, moving services, tradespeople's vehicles, delivery vans, Sprinter vans, box-body vehicles, and trailers.

How does an aluminium cargo bar work?

An aluminium cargo bar is extended to the required length, positioned between two sturdy vehicle walls, and locked in place using a tensioning mechanism. Depending on the Sandax model, adjustment is achieved using a toothed rack, spring system, and lever. This firmly braces the bar across the cargo area, creating a stable barrier against cargo movement.

What does positive-fit load securing with cargo bars mean?

Positive-fit load securing means arranging the cargo with as few gaps as possible or blocking it with devices such as cargo restraint bars. The bar helps prevent cargo movement by supporting the load against a wall, another cargo unit, or a fixed section of the vehicle's cargo area.

What advantages do cargo bars offer over loose securing aids?

Cargo bars are quick to install, reusable, and can be operated without additional tools. They can be adjusted to different cargo-area widths, save time during load securing, and help prevent transport damage. They can also help organize the cargo space and separate partial loads.

What materials are Sandax cargo bars made from?

Sandax cargo bars are made of aluminium and fitted with durable end pieces or rubber feet. Aluminium provides low weight, easy handling, and good stability. The rubber feet improve grip and help protect vehicle walls and interior fittings from damage.

Why do cargo bars have rubber feet?

Rubber feet provide slip-resistant contact between the cargo bar and the vehicle wall. They improve grip, reduce the risk of slipping, and protect surfaces inside the cargo area. Rubber-coated ends are especially useful with frequent use, different vehicles, or delicate interior linings.

What adjustment ranges are available for Sandax cargo bars?

Sandax offers continuously adjustable cargo bars in several extension ranges, including 1,680–2,050 mm, 2,260–2,630 mm, 2,350–2,720 mm, and 2,650–3,020 mm. This allows you to choose a suitable bar for different cargo-area widths in vans, Sprinter vans, trucks, box-body vehicles, or trailers.

What blocking capacities do cargo bars have?

Blocking capacity depends on the specific model. The Sandax product range includes cargo bars with blocking capacities of approximately 150 daN and 200 daN. The required blocking capacity should match the cargo, vehicle, coefficient of friction, and overall securing method.

When is a cargo bar with a 150 daN blocking capacity sufficient?

A cargo bar rated at approximately 150 daN may be suitable for many light- to medium-duty securing tasks, such as restraining cartons, furniture, smaller packages, or organized partial loads. However, the complete load must always be adequately secured against movement in all directions of travel.

When should I choose a cargo bar with a 200 daN blocking capacity?

A cargo bar rated at approximately 200 daN may be appropriate when greater blocking capacity is needed or additional restraint against shifting is required. These models are particularly useful for professional transport, freight operators, more demanding loading situations, and larger cargo-area widths.

Which vehicles are cargo bars suitable for?

Cargo bars are suitable for box-body trucks, vans, Sprinter vans, box trailers, delivery vehicles, other trailers, and specialized vehicles. Stable contact surfaces must be available, and the bar's adjustment range must match the vehicle's interior width or height.

Can a cargo bar also be installed vertically?

Yes, depending on the vehicle, securing arrangement, and manufacturer's instructions, a cargo bar may be installed horizontally or vertically between suitable vehicle surfaces. The contact points must be stable, the rubber feet must sit securely, and the bar must not be able to slip due to vibrations, cornering, or braking.

What is the difference between a cargo bar and a cargo partition lock?

A cargo bar is usually a round or profiled tensioning bar braced between vehicle walls or within certain securing systems. A cargo partition lock is more like an adjustable restraint board and is often secured against wooden slats or between side walls. Both products provide mechanical cargo securing but differ in design, contact surface, and typical application.

What is the difference between a cargo bar and a load beam?

Cargo bars are commonly tensioned directly between vehicle walls. Load beams or round shoring bars, by contrast, are often used with lashing rails or anchor tracks. If a vehicle is already equipped with compatible tracks, a load beam may be suitable; for flexible wall-to-wall securing, a cargo bar is often the simpler option.

Can a cargo bar replace tie-down straps?

In certain situations, a cargo bar can supplement or partially replace tie-down straps if the load is adequately restrained through positive blocking. For heavy goods, high dynamic forces during transport, or insufficient positive restraint, additional tie-down straps, anti-slip mats, or edge protection may be required.

How do you install a cargo bar correctly?

First, select a suitable position in the cargo area. Then adjust the cargo bar to the vehicle's interior width, position it between the walls, and lock it using the tensioning mechanism. Finally, check that the bar is secure, cannot slip, and reliably blocks the cargo.

What mistakes should be avoided when using cargo bars?

Common mistakes include incorrect length adjustment, unsuitable or unstable contact surfaces, damaged rubber feet, insufficient tension, or using a bar with inadequate blocking capacity. Installing the bar at an angle or failing to fully engage the locking mechanism can also reduce its securing effectiveness.

How should I inspect a cargo bar before use?

Before each use, inspect the aluminium profile, rubber feet, spring system, toothed rack, lever, and locking mechanism for damage. Deformation, severe wear, missing rubber, corrosion, or a stiff tensioning mechanism are warning signs. Damaged cargo bars must not be used for load securing.

Can I buy cargo bars directly from Sandax?

Yes, you can buy aluminium cargo bars with rubber feet directly from the Sandax online shop. Various continuously adjustable lengths and blocking capacities are available. If you cannot find a suitable cargo bar in the standard product range, Sandax can provide advice and customized product solutions for mechanical load securing.

Conclusion on clamping boards