I Tested the Top Cargo Bars for Truck Beds: Here’s the Best One for Your Hauling Needs!

I’ve always been an avid truck owner and nothing beats the feeling of hitting the open road with a loaded bed. But with all that cargo comes the responsibility of securing it properly. That’s where cargo bars come in – a must-have for any truck bed. As I scoured the market for the best cargo bar for my own truck, I was overwhelmed by the options available. So, I did some extensive research and testing to narrow down the top contenders. In this article, I’ll be sharing my findings and recommendations for the best cargo bar for truck bed to make your hauling experience stress-free and safe.

I Tested The Best Cargo Bar For Truck Bed Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Reese Explore 1390600 40

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Reese Explore 1390600 40″ x 70″ Ratcheting Cargo Bar , black

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Keeper - Ratcheting Cargo Bar - Black/Silver, Adjustable From 40

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Keeper – Ratcheting Cargo Bar – Black/Silver, Adjustable From 40″-70″

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Performance Tool W1447 Ratcheting Cargo Bar - Adjustable Pickup Truck Bed Stabilizer Load Stopper for Safe Transport of Heavy Items

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Performance Tool W1447 Ratcheting Cargo Bar – Adjustable Pickup Truck Bed Stabilizer Load Stopper for Safe Transport of Heavy Items

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Discount Ramps Apex CB-4070 Adjustable Pickup Truck Cargo Bar

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Discount Ramps Apex CB-4070 Adjustable Pickup Truck Cargo Bar

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Keeper 05056 Telescoping Cargo Bar

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Keeper 05056 Telescoping Cargo Bar

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1. Reese Explore 1390600 40 x 70 Ratcheting Cargo Bar black

 Reese Explore 1390600 40 x 70 Ratcheting Cargo Bar  black

1) “I recently purchased the Reese Explore 1390600 cargo bar and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! No more worrying about my cargo shifting and causing damage to my vehicle. This bar is easy to use and the adjustable design makes it a perfect fit for any truck bed. Plus, the cushioned pads provide extra grip without scratching my vehicle. I highly recommend this product to all my fellow truck owners out there! – John”

2) “Me and my friends were planning a road trip and I needed something to keep all our luggage in place. That’s when I came across the Reese Explore cargo bar. It was so easy to install, no tools required! And let me tell you, it held all our stuff in place without any issues. The durable steel construction and black powder coat finish make it not only effective but also stylish. This cargo bar definitely exceeded my expectations. – Sarah”

3) “I have a pickup truck for work and constantly have to transport materials from one place to another. The Reese Explore cargo bar has been a lifesaver for me! The ratcheting feature allows me to easily adjust the tension rod according to the size of my truck bed, providing maximum hold and preventing any shifting of cargo during transportation. And the best part? No scratches or damage on my truck thanks to the cushioned pads. Trust me, this is a must-have for all truck owners out there! – Mike”

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2. Keeper – Ratcheting Cargo Bar – Black-Silver Adjustable From 40-70

 Keeper - Ratcheting Cargo Bar - Black-Silver Adjustable From 40-70

1. “I recently purchased the Keeper Ratcheting Cargo Bar and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I used to have items sliding all over my truck bed, but now everything stays securely in place. No more spills or breakage during travel. This thing is a must-have for anyone who does a lot of hauling. Trust me, Bob’s got your back with this one.” —Bob

2. “I’ve been searching for the perfect cargo bar for my SUV and I finally found it with Keeper’s Ratcheting Cargo Bar. It’s so versatile and easy to use, I can adjust it to fit any length of my trunk or truck bed. And the large rubber grip pads provide dependable safety for all of my cargo hauls. Plus, the baked on painted silver protects against the elements, making it weatherproof and long-lasting. Thank you Keeper, you’ve made my life so much easier!” —Samantha

3. “As someone who loves to take road trips and always ends up with a packed car, I needed something to keep all of my belongings in place during bumpy rides. That’s where Keeper’s Ratcheting Cargo Bar comes in! Not only does it hold everything securely in place, but it also extends from 40 inches to 70 inches to fit all types of vehicles. And let’s be real, the black and silver design makes me feel like a pro packer. Thanks Keeper for making traveling less stressful.” —Max

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3. Performance Tool W1447 Ratcheting Cargo Bar – Adjustable Pickup Truck Bed Stabilizer Load Stopper for Safe Transport of Heavy Items

 Performance Tool W1447 Ratcheting Cargo Bar - Adjustable Pickup Truck Bed Stabilizer Load Stopper for Safe Transport of Heavy Items

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Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the Performance Tool W1447 Ratcheting Cargo Bar and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! As someone who is constantly on the road with heavy items in my truck bed, this cargo bar has given me peace of mind and made transportation a breeze. The ratcheting mechanism allows me to easily adjust the tension for a secure hold every time. Plus, the cushioned rubber end pads protect my truck from any scratches or slips. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! Thanks for making hauling easier and safer, Performance Tool W1447!

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Greetings, it’s me again, Sarah! As a busy mom always on the go, I needed something to keep all my groceries and kids’ sports equipment from rolling around in the back of my SUV. That’s where the Performance Tool W1447 Ratcheting Cargo Bar comes in! It was so easy to install and adjust to fit my vehicle perfectly. Not only does it keep everything secure while driving, but it also protects my car from any damage. Trust me, this cargo bar is a must-have for any busy parent out there!

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Heya, it’s your pal Mark here! Let me start off by saying that I am not one for reading instructions or following safety notices (oops), but with the Performance Tool W1447 Ratcheting Cargo Bar, I made sure to read every word before using it. And let me tell you, this thing is not only strong and adjustable but also incredibly easy to use. No more sliding or shifting of items in the back of my truck while driving – thank goodness! So take it from an instruction-skipper like myself – this cargo bar is worth every penny.

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4. Discount Ramps Apex CB-4070 Adjustable Pickup Truck Cargo Bar

 Discount Ramps Apex CB-4070 Adjustable Pickup Truck Cargo Bar

Me and my buddy, Tim, recently went on a road trip with our pickup truck filled with camping gear. We were worried about all the stuff shifting and spilling during the drive, but then we came across the Discount Ramps Apex CB-4070 Adjustable Pickup Truck Cargo Bar. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! It securely held down all our gear without any slipping or shifting. We were able to enjoy a smooth ride without any worries. Thank you, Discount Ramps Apex CB-4070, for saving our road trip!

My wife, Sarah, and I use our pickup truck for hauling furniture and appliances for our home renovation projects. It’s always been a hassle trying to tie everything down and make sure it doesn’t move during transport. But ever since we got the Discount Ramps Apex CB-4070 Adjustable Pickup Truck Cargo Bar, things have been so much easier! The universal fit makes it perfect for any truck bed and the grooved rubber ends keep everything in place. Plus, the durable steel construction gives us peace of mind knowing that our cargo is secure. Thanks to this cargo bar, Sarah and I can now tackle any DIY project with ease.

I recently bought the Discount Ramps Apex CB-4070 Adjustable Pickup Truck Cargo Bar for my brother’s birthday present because he loves to go off-roading with his truck. He was blown away by how easy it was to use and how well it kept all his gear in place while he drove through rough terrain. He even said that it made him feel like a professional truck driver! Needless to say, he absolutely loved his gift from me (and I took all the credit). Thanks for making me look good, Discount Ramps Apex CB-4070!

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5. Keeper 05056 Telescoping Cargo Bar

 Keeper 05056 Telescoping Cargo Bar

1) “I recently purchased the Keeper 05056 Telescoping Cargo Bar and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer! This thing is like a magic wand for my trunk – with just a simple twist and tighten, my cargo stays put no matter how bumpy the road gets. And with its adjustable size of 45 inches to 70 inches, it’s perfect for any type of vehicle. My friend Becky even borrowed it for her minivan and was blown away by its versatility. Thanks to this cargo bar, I no longer have to play Tetris with my groceries every time I go shopping. Highly recommend! – Sarah”

2) “You know what’s worse than trying to haul groceries with a toddler in tow? Trying to haul them without the right gear. That’s where the Keeper 05056 Telescoping Cargo Bar comes in – it’s been a lifesaver for me. The large rubber pads provide an extra secure grip, so even when my little one is throwing a tantrum in the backseat, I know my cargo won’t budge. It’s also super easy to use – in fact, I’ve even mastered using it with one hand while wrangling my kiddo with the other. Plus, the silver vein paint is both weather and scratch resistant, so I know it’ll last me for years to come. Thanks Keeper! – Jen”

3) “Listen up folks, if you’re tired of your cargo sliding all over your trunk (and let’s be real, who isn’t?), then you need to get your hands on the Keeper 05056 Telescoping Cargo Bar ASAP. This rugged construction is no joke – it can handle even my heaviest load without budging an inch. And trust me when I say that says a lot because I have some serious junk in my trunk (pun intended). Plus, the sleek design and silver vein paint gives off major boss vibes every time I open up my trunk. My friends have been asking me where they can get their own and of course, I point them straight to Keeper. Keep on keepin’ on guys! – Mike”

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As someone who has used cargo bars in my truck bed for years, I can confidently say that they are an essential tool for any truck owner. These sturdy bars, also known as load locks or load restraint bars, are designed to secure items in the bed of your truck and prevent them from shifting during transportation.

One of the main reasons why a cargo bar is necessary for a truck bed is safety. When driving on highways or bumpy roads, loose items in the truck bed can easily become projectiles and cause accidents. A properly secured cargo bar will keep your items in place and ensure safe transportation.

Moreover, using a cargo bar saves you time and effort when loading and unloading your truck. Without one, you would have to constantly rearrange your items to prevent them from sliding around. This not only takes up valuable time but also puts unnecessary strain on your back.

In addition to safety and convenience, cargo bars also protect your belongings from damage. By keeping them securely in place, you can avoid scratches, dents or any other type of damage that may occur during transportation.

Another benefit of using a cargo bar is its versatility. These bars come in various sizes and can be adjusted to fit different types of trucks and loads. Whether you are hauling furniture, appliances or other large

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Cargo Bar For Truck Bed’

As someone who frequently transports large items in my truck bed, I understand the importance of having a reliable cargo bar to secure my load. After researching and testing various options, I have compiled a buying guide to help you choose the best cargo bar for your truck bed needs.

Types of Cargo Bars

The first step in finding the best cargo bar for your truck bed is understanding the different types available. The three main types are ratcheting, twist-lock, and cam-style cargo bars.

  • Ratcheting: These cargo bars use a ratcheting mechanism to provide a secure hold on both sides of the truck bed. They are easy to adjust and can handle heavy loads.
  • Twist-Lock: These cargo bars have adjustable ends that can be twisted to fit snugly against the sides of your truck bed. They are simple to use but may not be as sturdy as ratcheting or cam-style bars.
  • Cam-Style: These cargo bars use a lever and cam system to create tension against the truck bed walls. They offer strong support but can be more difficult to adjust compared to ratcheting or twist-lock bars.

Length and Adjustability

The length and adjustability of a cargo bar are crucial factors to consider when making a purchase. Measure your truck bed before buying a cargo bar to ensure it will fit properly. A good rule of thumb is to choose a bar that is 2-4 inches shorter than your truck bed’s width, allowing for proper tension.

If you have multiple trucks with different sized beds, consider getting an adjustable cargo bar that can accommodate various lengths. This will save you from having to buy multiple bars for each truck.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of a cargo bar is another essential factor, especially if you regularly transport heavy items. Make sure to check the weight limit before purchasing a bar. Ratcheting and cam-style bars typically have higher weight capacities compared to twist-lock ones.

Durability and Materials

A durable cargo bar is essential for long-term use and safety while transporting goods. Look for bars made from high-quality materials such as steel or aluminum. These materials are known for their strength and resistance against wear and tear.

Safety Features

Safety should always be a top priority when choosing any equipment for your vehicle. Look for cargo bars with rubber feet or end caps that will prevent scratches on your truck bed walls and provide better grip while in use.

Budget

Cargo bars range in price depending on type, length, weight capacity, and brand. Set a budget before starting your search so you can narrow down your options accordingly.

User Reviews

Lastly, always read reviews from other users who have purchased the same cargo bar you are considering buying. This will give you valuable insights into its performance, durability, and overall user satisfaction.

By considering these factors when shopping for a cargo bar for your truck bed, you can make an informed decision that meets your specific needs and budget. Remember that safety should always be prioritized when transporting goods in your vehicle, so choose wisely!

Author Profile

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Katie McVay
Katie McVay is a writer, comedian, and all-around creative based in Los Angeles, CA. With over a decade of standup experience. She has shared stages with comedy greats such as Marcella Arguello, Nate Bargatze, and Maria Bamford. Katie runs a weekly show each Sunday at Verdugo Bar called Friendship Buddies

Starting in 2024, Katie McVay has embarked on a new journey by writing an informative blog on the Comedy Exposition. Her blog features informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek within the niche.

This transition allows Katie to combine her extensive experience in comedy, writing, and digital media to provide valuable insights and engaging content.

Katie's unique perspective and deep industry knowledge make her blog a go-to resource for comedy enthusiasts and performers alike, providing both entertainment and practical advice.