10 tips to get down the mountain with the truck loaded

Driving with a loaded truck requires extra care in both steering and securing cargo. This is because the danger is aggravated by steep descents, as in the mountains. In this case, the chances of the loads loosening and having their integrity compromised are greatly increased, and can also cause accidents.

Due to the steep and winding paths of the mountains, drivers need to be very cautious, attentive, and skillful at the wheel. Since the total weight of the load increases on the descents, it is necessary to follow some extra measures to reach the destination safely and calmly.

See what care is needed before descending the mountain

1. It is essential to check the state of the truck’s brake system on routes that have mountain sections. If it fails in a very steep and steep location, the consequences can be fatal.

2. Besides, it is essential that the driver does not accept carrying an excess load. The weight limit provided for by the legislation must always be observed. This is because vehicle overweight increases significantly, increasing the risk of accidents and wear and tear on the vehicle. Furthermore, you still risk being sued on the highways.

3. Another essential measure is to respect the speed indicated on the signposts. This is a driver’s obligation on any highway, but when descending the mountain, it gains even more relevance. If the vehicle is loaded with cargo, the recommendation is to run below the indicated speed. After all, the heavier the car, the greater the braking distance required to stop it.

4. In addition, if the truck is heavy, holding the speed down the mountains only by applying the brake can force the vehicle a lot, leading to overheating of the barrels and causing the mechanism to lock up. To prevent this from happening, use the engine brake, keeping the vehicle’s clutch in low gear, without forcing the brake system as much.

5. During the trip, periodically maintain the cargo lashing and tighten the lashing straps to the vehicle again. If you notice any problem, try to solve it as soon as possible, so that the situation does not get worse.

Learn how to transport cargo safely

Loose cargo on the truck can fall or move, with the risk of damaging the vehicle or impairing driveability, especially in the saws. For this reason, the cargo lashing must always be well fixed and positioned so that it can withstand the forces that will act on it during transport.

Here are some points to note:

6. To avoid accidents, the truck’s cargo must be firmly attached so that the products transported do not swing, are not thrown from the vehicle, and do not tip over.

7. The load must be well distributed in the body in order to reach a balance point and not overload any side of the vehicle.

8. If different materials are transported, arrange them so that they can be unloaded in the right order, in order to preserve the balance of the weight in the dump-cart.

9. Lashing straps, steel cables, or other equipment with the total tensile strength of at least twice the weight of the load must be used.

10. When transporting liquid loads, you must pay attention to the tank level. If it is not full, the movement of the liquid will greatly affect the stability of the truck, especially in curves.

Learn about the legislation on cargo lashing

The cargo lashing assemblies composed of hand winch, strap, and hook provide greater safety and efficiency in transport. The equipment used must be resistant and obey the current legislation.

Since the beginning of 2017, cargo ropes have been banned by Resolution 552 of the National Traffic Council (Contran). The purpose of the measure is to improve security requirements.

Another Contran measure, resolution 588, prohibits the use of fixing hooks attached directly to the wooden crossbar of the truck body, which must have chassis and metal crossbars. The recommended metal fastener has three screws – one vertically and two horizontally – so that its base has more support.

Learn more about lashing straps

Robustec lashing straps guarantee practicality and safety for your cargo, avoiding tipping during transport. They offer several options for assembly and capacity, according to the application and the specific load securing needs of each customer.

With more than 30 different items, the complete line of Robustec lashing straps includes models with hooks in the flat, “J,” triangle, “Moto,” claw and swivel formats, all with or without a hand winch. These products offer different assembly and capacity options, according to your application and the specific load securing needs of each customer.

The lashing straps are 100% polyester and chemically treated for less water absorption, and also receive heat treatment, according to the requirements of safety standards. Some materials undergo heat treatment, and the hooks and hand winches are made of bichromatic steel.

This equipment is also under the Regulatory Norm NR 11 of the Ministry of Labor, which establishes safety standards for the transportation, movement, storage, and handling of materials.

As we have seen, in order to descend the mountain with a loaded truck, it is necessary to redouble the care and attention with the safety and direction of the vehicle. In this way, you will be able to make a smooth journey without incident, and at the same time preserve the integrity of your truck components.

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