Have you ever experienced that heart-stopping moment when you hit the brakes, and the cargo in your truck bed or SUV slides forward, potentially spilling or damaging valuable items? I certainly have. The frustration of arriving at your destination only to find a mess or worse, a broken item, is something no one wants. For me, it was often the struggle with securing liquids like pool chlorine or multiple gas cans that highlighted the need for a dependable solution. Without a reliable way to keep things stationary, you risk costly cleanups and potential damage. A product like the Reese Explore 1390600 40″ x 70″ Ratcheting Cargo Bar would have saved me a lot of grief.
The primary reason anyone seeks a cargo management solution is to prevent the dreaded shifting and tumbling of items during transit. Whether you’re hauling groceries, work equipment, camping gear, or even potentially hazardous liquids, ensuring everything stays put is crucial for safety and peace of mind. An ideal customer for a cargo bar is anyone who frequently transports goods in the back of an SUV, pickup truck, or van and is tired of the mess, potential damage, or constant re-arrangement of their items. This includes contractors, outdoor enthusiasts, busy parents, or even just someone who occasionally makes large shopping trips.
However, if your vehicle’s interior dimensions are significantly outside the common range for such devices – for instance, an exceptionally wide commercial truck bed that measures well over 70 inches – then a standard cargo bar might not be suitable. In such cases, you might need a specialized, heavy-duty commercial-grade bar or a custom solution. Before making a purchase, it’s essential to measure the internal width of your vehicle’s cargo area, paying attention to any wheel wells or indented sections. Consider the types of items you’ll be securing; while a bar is excellent for preventing large objects from sliding, smaller, loose items might still require additional bins or tie-downs. Also, think about ease of installation and removal, and whether you prefer a tool-free setup. Finally, evaluate the materials and the strength of the ratcheting mechanism – you want something durable that won’t slip under pressure.
Introducing the Reese Explore Ratcheting Cargo Bar
The Reese Explore 1390600 40″ x 70″ Ratcheting Cargo Bar is a robust, straightforward solution designed to secure cargo in your vehicle’s bed or trunk. Its core promise is to prevent items from shifting, offering peace of mind. You receive the single bar, ready for immediate use. Compared to simpler friction-based bars, this ratcheting version offers superior holding power and easier adjustments.
This specific Reese Explore cargo bar is ideal for anyone with an SUV, truck, or van whose cargo area falls within the 40 to 70-inch width. It’s perfect for quick, reliable, tool-free bracing. It may not be best for extremely wide commercial trucks (over 70 inches) or those needing micro-adjustments.
Pros:
* Strong Ratcheting Hold: Provides maximum holding power, keeping cargo firmly in place.
* Adjustable Fit: Expands easily from 40 to 70 inches to accommodate various vehicle interiors.
* Non-Slip Cushioned Pads: Soft end pads grip securely without causing scratches or damage.
* Tool-Free Installation: Quick and hassle-free setup, requiring no additional equipment.
* Durable Construction: Built with rigid tubes and a reliable ratchet mechanism.
Cons:
* Limited Max Extension: May be too short for some wider full-size truck beds.
* Difficult Ratchet Disengagement: The release tab can be small and challenging to operate.
* No Micro-Adjustments: Lacks fine-tuning capability, meaning clicks can be too loose or too tight for specific gaps.
* Potential for Misleading Marketing Images: Some users noted discrepancies between advertised features (like micro-adjustments) and the actual product.
Key Features and Their Practical Benefits
The Reese Explore 1390600 cargo bar offers a suite of features that work in concert to provide an effective and user-friendly cargo management solution. Having relied on this bar for a significant period, I can attest to how each aspect contributes to its overall utility and value.
Unwavering Cargo Security: The Core Benefit
At the heart of any effective cargo management system is the ability to keep your items exactly where you put them, regardless of road conditions. The Reese Explore 1390600 cargo bar excels here, designed specifically to prevent items from shifting during transport in SUVs, trucks, and vans. For years, I struggled with the chaos of my truck bed after a sharp turn or an unexpected brake. Groceries would tumble, tools would slide, and on one memorable occasion, a valuable antique piece nearly crashed into the tailgate. This product has fundamentally changed that experience. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your cargo is secure is invaluable. It minimizes distractions while driving, reduces the risk of damage to your goods and vehicle interior, and, most importantly, enhances safety by preventing projectiles in the event of sudden stops. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safeguarding your investment and ensuring a safer journey for everyone on the road. The robust design of this particular cargo bar means even heavy items are held firmly, unlike flimsy alternatives that might buckle under pressure.
The Power of the Ratchet: Strong and Reliable Hold
One of the defining features of the Reese Explore ratcheting cargo bar is its strong ratcheting hold. The easy-to-use ratchet mechanism provides maximum holding power, creating a tension-based barrier that truly locks your cargo in place. I’ve used simpler friction-fit bars in the past, and they often required considerable effort to get tight enough, only to loosen over rough roads. This ratchet system, however, clicks into place with satisfying precision, allowing you to achieve a remarkably firm grip with minimal effort. This translates into tangible benefits:
* Exceptional Stability: Once engaged, the bar applies consistent pressure against the walls of your cargo area, creating an unyielding barrier. I’ve transported everything from stacks of plywood to heavy-duty equipment and even several filled 6-gallon gas cans across varied terrain, and this bar has never failed to keep them perfectly stationary.
* User-Friendly Operation: The ratcheting mechanism is intuitive. You simply extend the bar manually close to the desired length, then use the lever to ratchet it until it’s snug. It’s a process that takes mere seconds, making loading and unloading much more efficient.
* Durability and Confidence: The quality of the ratchet itself is solid. While some users have noted the disengagement tab can be a bit stiff or small (requiring a firm pull or push to release), its core function of securing cargo is undeniably robust. This minor inconvenience is far outweighed by the confidence it instills knowing your valuable cargo isn’t going anywhere. It’s constructed with adequately thick tubes that resist flexing, ensuring the bar maintains its rigidity even when under considerable load. This is a significant improvement over thinner-walled bars that can bend or lose tension.
Adjustable Fit: Versatility for Various Vehicles
The versatility of the Reese Explore cargo bar truly shines in its adjustable fit, expanding from 40 to 70 inches. This wide range means it can seamlessly adapt to a vast array of vehicle interiors, from compact SUVs to most full-size pickup truck beds and vans. This adaptability is crucial because not all cargo areas are created equal. I appreciate that I can use this single bar across different vehicles in my household, or even reconfigure my truck bed space depending on the load.
For example, whether I’m using it to brace items right behind the cab, or partitioning off a section closer to the tailgate, the adjustability allows for precise placement. This feature provides flexibility that fixed-length solutions simply cannot match. While the 70-inch maximum might be a tad short for some of the widest, older full-size truck beds (a detail worth measuring for your specific vehicle), it covers the vast majority of modern consumer trucks and SUVs. Its ability to extend and retract smoothly makes it a truly versatile tool, minimizing the need for multiple, specialized cargo solutions. The quick adjustment means you spend less time fussing with setup and more time driving confidently.
Non-Slip Cushioned Pads: Protection and Grip
A critical, yet often overlooked, feature of any good cargo bar is how it interacts with your vehicle’s interior surfaces. The Reese Explore 1390600 ratcheting cargo bar incorporates non-slip cushioned pads on its ends. These soft, robust pads are designed to grip securely without scratching or marring your vehicle’s paint, bed liner, or interior panels. I’ve seen cheaper bars with hard plastic or thin rubber ends that leave unsightly scuffs or fail to provide adequate grip, leading to slippage.
With this bar, the cushioned pads distribute pressure evenly, creating a strong friction hold that works in conjunction with the ratcheting mechanism. This means you can confidently install the bar without fear of damaging your vehicle’s finish, which is a major concern for anyone who values their investment. The non-slip nature ensures that even on slick surfaces like plastic bed liners – which can be notoriously prone to cargo sliding – the bar stays firmly anchored. This detail alone saves you from potential repair costs and maintains your vehicle’s aesthetic integrity, adding significant long-term value.
No Tools Needed: Hassle-Free Installation
The promise of “No Tools Needed” for installation is not just a convenience; it’s a game-changer for regular users. The Reese Explore cargo bar truly delivers on this. Its quick, hassle-free installation means you don’t need to rummage for wrenches, screwdrivers, or any additional equipment. You simply extend the bar, position it, and ratchet it into place. This ease of use encourages frequent use, rather than relegating the bar to the garage because setup is too cumbersome.
I often find myself needing to secure odd-sized loads on short notice, and the ability to deploy this bar in less than a minute is incredibly beneficial. When not in use, it breaks down compactly enough to store under a seat or against the side of the bed, ready for the next trip. This tool-free design is particularly appealing for those who aren’t mechanically inclined or simply prefer a straightforward solution. It eliminates barriers to effective cargo management, making it accessible to virtually anyone. The immediacy of its functionality truly makes it a practical and indispensable accessory for any vehicle owner who transports goods.
What Others Are Saying: User Experiences
After extensively using this product myself, I also took the time to explore what other users were saying online, and the feedback largely mirrors my own positive experience. Many drivers expressed immense relief at finally finding a reliable solution for shifting cargo, particularly for tricky items like hazardous liquids or gas cans. Users consistently praise the bar’s sturdy build and the effectiveness of its ratcheting mechanism, noting how it firmly secures items, even on bumpy roads or during sudden stops. While a few noted it might be a tight fit or slightly short for the widest of truck beds, and some found the release tab a bit stiff, the overwhelming consensus points to a highly practical, durable, and beneficial tool that simplifies cargo transport and enhances safety for everyday hauls.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
The constant worry of shifting cargo, leading to spills, damage, and dangerous distractions, is a problem that every vehicle owner who hauls goods eventually faces. It’s not just an inconvenience; it’s a safety concern that absolutely needs addressing. The Reese Explore 1390600 40″ x 70″ Ratcheting Cargo Bar is an exceptional fit for this challenge because of its strong, reliable ratcheting hold, its versatile adjustable fit for most vehicles, and its incredibly simple, tool-free installation. It provides unwavering peace of mind, transforming chaotic cargo areas into organized, secure spaces. Don’t let your valuable items slide around any longer; take control of your cargo. To learn more and check the product out for yourself, click here.