If you pride yourself on hard work and going the extra mile, you probably expect your truck to do the same. As a truck owner, you expect your truck to be strong, durable, and dependable. If your business involves heavy lifting and hauling, it is essential to keep your truck in good working condition so it can carry the heaviest loads with ease. However, no matter how strong your truck is, overloading it can be detrimental and lead to costly repairs.
Whether you’re using your personal pickup truck to haul building materials or heavy machinery, it is essential to make sure it is loaded correctly. If you decide that you don’t want to use your own personal pickup truck, you’ll want to consider renting a commercial pickup so your business can carry on uninterrupted and you can feel safe knowing you’re working with a sturdy and reliable truck capable of hauling heavy loads. Whether you run your own business or work for a construction company, here are 10 signs your work truck may be overloaded.
The Truck Looks Like It’s About to Fold
It may seem obvious, but sometimes just looking at your load can tell you if it is safe to haul or not. If your material is bulging over the sides or stacked over the top, you most likely over-packed your truck or trailer. Remember taking two successful trips is better than one uncompleted trip.
The Truck Exceeds its Payload Capacity
Some material yards have weighing stations when you leave. If you notice your truck is heavier than its limit, even by a little bit, it is too dangerous to drive. As stated above, there is no shame in making two trips.
The Back Of Your Truck Is Slouching
One of the telltale signs your truck is overloaded is if it is slouching in the back. If your load is so heavy that your truck hangs in the back, there is too much stress on your suspension which can lead to costly repairs.
There is No Bounce in Your Suspension
When you safely load your truck, the back of your truck’s bed should bounce as the suspension carries the weight. If your truck is stable, it may be a sign that your truck has been overloaded and has a problem with its suspension.
It is Hard To Speed Up and Slow Down
If you notice it is harder than usual for your truck to accelerate or slow down, odds are your truck is overloaded. Not only is this bad for the condition of your truck, but it can pose a significant threat to you and other drivers on the road.
Difficult to Control
Another sign that your truck is dangerously overloaded is if you find it difficult to maintain control. If it is hard to maintain a straight path or your truck feels unusually bumpy, your load is most likely too heavy.
Squeaking While Your Drive
If you load up your truck and start hearing strange unusual noises, it could be a sign that your truck is overloaded. If you hear noises you have never heard before after hauling a heavy load, consider checking your truck’s leaf springs to ensure everything is in good working condition.
Worn Out Tires
If you notice your truck’s tires are prematurely wearing down, then you may be overloading your truck. Along with the suspension, worn-out tires are one of the first signs you are carrying too much weight, and they’re also one of the top reasons accidents happen.
Your Truck Scrapes The Pavement
If you feel or hear your truck scraping the pavement as you drive over dips and bumps in the road, you may have exceeded your payload capacity. In order to ensure the condition of your truck, it is essential to pull over and lighten the load.
You Have a Strange Feeling Your Truck is Overloaded
Always trust your gut. If you have any inclination that your truck is overloaded, play it safe and take two trips. It is not worth it to damage your truck and risk the safety of yourself and other drivers on the road.
Always Inspect Your Truck Before You Hit The Road
The best way to ensure the safety of yourself, your truck, and others is to do a thorough inspection before hitting the road. If you notice any of the signs above, remove some weight and take two trips.
