Cargo barriers & drawers keep things in their place on the bumpiest drives.
A cargo barrier is an essential off road accessory if you carry more than your phone and your keys in your vehicle. Providing both superb convenience and critical safety, a cargo barrier is crucial if you are driving with luggage, cargo loads or pets - they are also referred to as guards, partitions or grills.
What you need to know about cargo barriers & drawers.
Cargo barriers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, but most are made of metal and mesh. They provide a barrier between the boot and passenger area and are manufactured for most types of vehicles, including cars, 4x4s, MPVs, SUVs and commercial vehicles.
The cargo barrier stops loads or pets from entering the passenger area, particularly when off road or in a collision. Then additional fitted drawers can be purchased to add a degree of organisation and maximise the storage space available.
Off road drivers, taxi drivers, keen campers and regular fishers love cargo barriers.
Will you be OK with a universal fit, or do you need a custom build?
Cargo barriers and drawers are available in a universal "off the shelf" designs, or there are plenty of suppliers who can build you a custom design. Of course the big benefit of a universal design is that you can transfer the cargo barrier between different vehicles, but a significant thing to think about in today's modern times is the installation of safety airbags, which are no longer just for the driver... as each year passes more and more vehicles are constructed with passenger and side airbags and protection systems, which can cause issues with the useability of cargo barriers. So in many cases a custom build is required to ensure a higher degree rigidity, safety and security.
What to look for in cargo barriers & drawers.
A top shelf quality cargo barrier must have a rigid fabricated steel frame, with welded in mesh and a strong coated finish like nylon powder. You should also look for supports which are affixed to your vehicle C posts or main frame - because this ensures any impact from the load you're carrying is transferred to the vehicle frame as opposed to the back seats, and it also makes sure installation and removal will be simple and pain free. In general universal cargo barriers are a poorer fit and tougher to install, which is the trade off for the cheaper price and the ability you'll have to transfer between vehicles. Custom cargo barriers overall will be a much better quality, a better fit, an easier installation and better long term peace of mind.
TOP TIP
Cargo barriers are not constructed to act as a roll bar, however they do by design help ensure the vehicle does not crush inwards in the event of a roll.
