What would cause bent floor cross-members?

Overloading is the primary cause of bent floor cross-members because cross-members are structural components that help support the weight of the load being carried by the truck or trailer. When a vehicle is loaded beyond its designed weight capacity, the excessive force exerted can lead to deformation or bending of these cross-members. This structural compromise can negatively affect the integrity and performance of the entire vehicle, potentially resulting in further damage over time.

While factors such as corroded side rails, broken floor boards, and hauling over rough terrain can contribute to issues affecting the overall structural integrity of a vehicle, they do not directly lead to bent cross-members in the same way that overloading does. Corrosion can weaken the side rails but typically does not cause bending directly. Broken floor boards might create other issues but are not likely to cause cross-members to bend. Hauling over rough terrain can lead to stress and wear, but it's the added weight from overloading that most directly impacts the cross-members.