Salvage County treats your truck as a real working vehicle, not a magic inventory box. Cargo physically sits in the bed, weight changes how you drive, and a careless corner can undo a great run. This guide covers the systems that matter and the habits that turn them to your advantage.
The truck bed
The bed is your capacity, and it's finite on purpose. The game detects cargo that is actually inside the bed — items resting in the cargo area, not perched on the tailgate or leaning on a wheel well. Because space is limited, packing is a skill:
- Build a base layer of flat, heavy pieces so nothing rolls.
- Fit smaller items into the gaps rather than stacking tall and unstable.
- Keep the load below the rails where you can — high loads bounce out first.
Physics-based loading
Because loading is physical, two beds with the same items can behave differently depending on how they're arranged. A tidy, low, centered load stays put. A tall, lopsided pile shifts under braking and cornering and starts shedding pieces. Spend the extra few seconds to place items deliberately — it pays for itself the moment you hit a bump at speed.
Weight and handling
A loaded truck is not the same machine as an empty one. As weight goes up, expect longer stopping distances, slower acceleration, and more body roll in corners. This is a feature, not a bug — it's what makes a big haul feel earned. Adjust by braking earlier, entering corners slower, and accelerating smoothly out of them.
| Load state | Braking distance | Cornering | Best driving approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empty | Short | Nimble | Drive freely; prioritize speed between pickups. |
| Half loaded | Moderate | Slight roll | Start braking earlier; smooth inputs. |
| Full / heavy | Long | Noticeable roll | Slow and steady; protect the load over lap time. |
| Overloaded / tall | Long & unstable | Sheds cargo | Avoid — repack lower or sell sooner. |
Choosing and using your truck
The starter truck is deliberately modest. Learn its limits before chasing anything bigger — a player who packs a small bed perfectly out-earns a player who half-fills a large one. As more vehicles and upgrades arrive during beta, the same principles apply: capacity is only useful if you can deliver it safely.
Driving habits that protect your haul
- Look ahead. Read the road so you brake for turns instead of at them.
- Smooth beats fast. Gentle inputs keep cargo seated; jerky ones launch it.
- Respect the weight. The heavier the load, the earlier every decision has to happen.
- Know your exit. Plan the route to the scrapyard before you're full, not after.
Next steps
Pair this with the Economy Guide to decide what deserves the space you're now protecting, or revisit the Beginner Guide for the full loop.