Load bars (also known as shoring bars or cargo bars) are used to create a rigid mechanical divide within a box van to prevent the vehicle's load from moving around. They are typically used to secure heavy, wheeled loads such as supermarket roll cages and stillages containing liquids.
Load bars are inserted into anchor track, which will be preinstalled in one or more horizontal strips along the vehicle's interior walls. Standard sections of anchor track have a series of 25mm diameter round holes along their length. The spigot end of a spring-loaded shoring pole locates into a single hole, while heavy-duty load bar cups use two holes in the track for extra security (as pictured above).
E-type track is another popular fitment. E track has a wider section than the standard anchor track described above, featuring a keyhole shape with a 25mm round hole in the centre. Our decking beams are designed to fit this keyhole shape.
Important things to remember when using a load bar
- Make sure the load is evenly distributed across the length of the bar to prevent a point load.
- Bars / poles should be fitted as close to the load as possible so as to leave minimal room for movement.
- Box van lashing straps can be used together with load bars to provide additional security.
Spring-loaded shoring poles
We offer a couple of different spring-loaded shoring poles here at Tensys Direct. The round profile version comes in five different sizes to suit a range of track-to-track dimensions.
A heavy-duty square version is also available as an upgrade from the round version. For ease of handling and installation, this version is fitted with two handles.
To determine what size you need, carefully measure the length from the face of the track on one side to the other. Record this measurement and select the closest available size.
Each shoring pole has a series of holes in 50mm increments so that you can adjust the length as needed. Adjustment can be by push button or by knocking out and replacing a roll pin when the desired length is set. Some versions may feature a nut and bolt for adjustment.
To allow for the compression in the spring, we recommend setting the pole around 100mm wider than the recorded track-to-track width.
Load bars and cups
If you need something more substantial than a spring-loaded pole, we recommend our heavy-duty load bars and cups. These consist of a pair of cups plus a rigid beam that can be a 40 x 40mm or a 60 x 40mm section.
The cups have a bar on one side and a clip on the other. On the backs of the cups, there are forged studs which locate into the holes in the anchor track. There are two types: one fits 25mm round hole anchor track, the other fits E track and comes in 3 different pitches to suit the different keyhole spacings. To determine which of these options is best, measure from the centre of one hole to the other.
Load bar cups are installed in-line on opposing sides of the vehicle; the rigid load bar slides under the bar on one side, then drops into position on the other, with the clip preventing the bar from being released. To remove the bar, simply lift the clip and reverse the process used for installation.
Click the link below to browse our range of shoring poles, load bar cups and beams...
Shoring Bars from TensysDirect
...and for extra security, load bars can be used in conjunction with our lashing straps to add an extra layer of protection inside your box van.