If you think the topic of this article a rather superfluous one, and that driving a car with cargo is much the same thing as driving one with none, then you cannot have ever sat behind the wheel of a fully encumbered vehicle.
Yet, it might be worth setting out what we mean by driving a car with cargo. To be clear, we are not talking about driving a car with only some items in the trunk; nor are we talking about driving a vehicle – such as a truck – which is designed to hold cargo. Rather, we are talking about an ordinary family car with the trunk, the back seats, and other available spaces stuffed with items (and a few attached to the roof with cam straps).
How do you go about driving such an encumbered vehicle? Well, the answer might be less to do with driving and more to do with loading your car properly. The ultimate goal is to keep your car as stable as possible when it is out on the road. It does not mean the lots of heavy items simply be stuffed haphazardly into the car. Do that, and you can be sure the driving part will not only become difficult, but downright dangerous.
Loading Tips
The first thing to get right when traveling with a lot of cargo is to load that cargo properly. A car relies on having a low and centralized center of gravity, and that requires a specific loading process. Roller cam, a company specializing in cam straps, says that haphazardly sticking stuff on the roof is a sure way to have an accident the moment you drive through a low bridge at speed. Loading is all-important, so here follows some tips:
Find Out the Maximum Load Weight
Yes, every vehicle does have this value stated somewhere. Normally, it will be found on the tire pressure placard on the driver’s side B-pillar. Generally speaking, modern vehicles fall into these weight categories:
- Family Sedans – 850lbs
- Minivans – 1150lbs
- Two-seat Sports Car – 450lbs
- Small Vans and Trucks – 1500lbs
- Light Pickup Truck – 2000lbs
It is especially important to note here that these weight limits can, in each case, be pretty quickly reached if you’re getting to the point where you are loading items onto the back seats. And once you go beyond the weight limit, your car will soon suffer serious impairments in braking and handling.
Load in The Right Order and Place
There are a few hard and fast rules which apply across the board where car loading is concerned. For example, you should completely avoid the parcel shelf from anything heavier than the lightest of parcels. If you brake suddenly, you and the passengers of the car will be in peril. Another rule is always to load the heaviest items first, as failing to do so is a sure way to raise the center of gravity.
Using Roof Racks or Tie Downs
When it comes to affixing things to the roof of your car, there are two dangers to avoid. The first is raising that aforementioned center of gravity too high and the second is to avoid increasing the height to an unmanageable degree, which causes obvious perils.
Driving Tips
It’s worth finishing off with a few tips for driving a car that is fully loaded. Generally speaking, it is braking and handling which is compromised. Your car will be able to handle it so long as you have kept it within the weight limit but nevertheless, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Slow down, take corners carefully, allow other vehicles to pass you, and, above all, be careful.
