Are you planning a trip with your friends over the weekend? Is your primary concern keeping your luggage safe from harsh conditions
Truck beds are essential since they allow you to carry everything you need, from duffle bags, suitcases, and more. However, they are vulnerable to harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, etc.
What’s more? Packing your items incorrectly without considering their safety may blow up in your face as you travel to your destination. Therefore, it’s wise to find ways to keep your luggage safe before hitting the road.
We understand how frustrating the situation can be. That’s why we have compiled several effective ways to keep your luggage dry in the truck bed. Without further delay, let’s dive in.
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Easy Ways To Keep Your Luggage Dry In The Truck Bed
Irrespective of the fact that truck beds offer a good amount of space to keep your luggage, if you are not careful, your items could be affected by bad weather. Regardless, don’t fret—follow these easy steps to ensure your luggage remains dry in the truck bed.
1. Use A Truck Bag
The popularity of truck bags has increased throughout the years due to their array of beneficial uses.
What’s more? There’s a variety of truck bags to choose from in the vast market, allowing you to pick a bag that will meet your needs as you travel.
Truck bags ensure your luggage remains dry as you travel. In essence, truck bags are made of non-breathable PVC that’s completely airtight. These bags don’t allow any water in the bag, keeping your luggage dry throughout your journey.
Even though Truck beds are great at keeping your luggage dry, they can be hard to use since they are so airtight. However, you can still use some of our tips to ensure your truck bed works smoothly.
Its airtight feature can make it hard for you to load your luggage and zip it in the bag.
If you will have a hard time zipping a truck bag, it’s best to leave some space—don’t overfill the bag with your luggage since the zip can break.
Also, while it rains, paddles can form on your truck bag. Therefore, don’t open the zips immediately when you arrive at your destination. Instead, wipe the excess water with a dry cloth to avoid water spilling into your luggage.
2. Tonneau Cover
A Tonneau cover is a helpful tool while traveling since it allows you to keep your luggage safe, clean, and dry. What’s more? These covers have a safety lock, so when you need to buy some food at a gas station or go to the bathroom, you don’t have to worry about your luggage being stolen.
If you pack your luggage incorrectly, there are high chances that your items might move in the truck bed as you travel. However, once you use a Tonneau cover, this won’t happen.
Tonneau covers come in two types; Hard-shelled or soft covers. You can pick depending on your budget, needs, and length of your truck bed.
Hard Tonneau covers are expensive due to their make. They are made of fiberglass, aluminum, and hard plastic. They are the best option to choose, but if your budget doesn’t allow it, you can still opt for high-quality soft covers.
Lastly, it’s vital to ensure all your luggage fits in your truck bed without popping out.
3. Contractor Beds
Suppose you are on a budget and can’t afford a Tonneau cover or a high-quality truck bed that gets the job done. Or, perhaps you are in a hurry, and you can’t visit your nearest hardware store. Regardless of your situation, there’s still another simple alternative you can use to ensure your luggage remains dry throughout your journey.
Contractor trash bags are helpful since they can handle harsh weather such as rains or snow. These bags are made of polyethylene material and can effectively keep your luggage dry. All you have to use is duct tape and cable zip to secure the bag.
On the other hand, you can purchase 3 mm 55 gallon contractor bags at your local hardware. They are relatively cheap and only cost $30 for a bunch of rolls. These trash bags can fit at least two carry-on size bags.
It’s best to purchase the bags to ensure your luggage remains dry. If you have no other alternatives, you can use the free construction bags but beware since they are not entirely safe and can rip and leak.
4. Truck Bed Topper
Have you heard about a truck bed topper? Well, it’s an unconventional method that is rarely used, but we have decided to add it to ensure you have an array of choices to pick from.
A truck bed topper is a space added at the top of your truck, ensuring the area is closed from both sides.
You can purchase a bed topper from the market. There are various options to choose from. You can select a truck bed topper that is seamless, functional, and blends with your truck bed.
One of the disadvantages of truck beds is that it takes up a lot of space when you aren’t using them to travel and trying to haul items.
5. Tarp and Bungee Method
We’ve got you covered if you are interested in knowing more cheaper ways since the tarp and bungee method is efficient yet cost-effective.
If you don’t have a tarp in your garage, it’s best to purchase it at your local hardware store. Don’t worry; it’s not expensive.
Once you have your tarp, place it on the truck bed and add your luggage to the bed. Next, cover the bags with the leftover pieces of tarp.
To secure your luggage, use a bungee. This method is easy yet cost-effective and will ensure your luggage remains dry when unpredictable rain starts to fall.
6. Contact a Professional
If you are a regular camper or traveler, you can contact the nearest line X store, and they will provide a permanent solution to the problem.
Why You Should Protect Your Truck Bed
Without a doubt, a truck bed is prone to harsh and unpredictable conditions. Therefore, you should protect your truck bed to preserve your luggage and ensure the truck bed remains in good condition, serving your needs long-term.
Weather conditions such as hail can scratch the paint or metal of your vehicle, precipitation can cause rust, and heavy snow can crush your truck bed.
How To Pack Your Luggage Correctly
As much as covering your luggage is essential, you need to pack your luggage correctly to avoid accidents.
Also, some solutions such as using a truck bag, construction bag, tonneau cover, and the tarp and bungee method need you to pack your luggage well to work.
If you don’t, the luggage might be exposed to harsh weather conditions due to moving in transit.
Here’s how to pack your luggage:
- Gather all your luggage and packing supplies.
- If you are carrying furniture, it’s best to disassemble parts to ensure you load them smoothly in the truck.
- Begin by loading in the largest and heaviest items in the truck bed. Place them at the bottom of your truck bed to not damage other luggage or conspicuous items.
- If you are loading items such as tables or couches, ensure they are facing downward.
- Load the smallest luggage last. If you place them below the heavier luggage, they might get crushed.
- Ensure the weight is distributed evenly. This gives you control as your drive. Also, you will avoid several issues like luggage falling out.
- Use covers to ensure your luggage remains dry throughout the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Construction bags effective at keeping luggage dry throughout the journey?
3 mm 55 gallon contractor bags are pretty effective since they are well made. However, construction trash bags aren’t entirely practical, and you need to be careful throughout the journey to ensure they work out.
Are Tonneau Covers a Permanent Solution?
Yes, Tonneau covers will last for a while before you have to replace them, unlike using truck bags or construction bags.
What is the easiest method to keep your luggage dry?
The simplest method is the tap and bungee method. What’s more? It has been in use for decades, yet it never disappoints.
What is the cheapest way to keep your luggage dry?
The cheapest way is using construction trash bags. They cost about $30.
How Much Do Line X Stores cost?
If you want a permanent solution, you need to contact them so they can offer a solution and quote for the job.
Conclusion
Truck beds are helpful since they keep luggage safe from unpredictable weather. Regardless, you need to incorporate additional tips to ensure your luggage remains dry throughout your trip.
We hope that our tips have been helpful. You can choose the best method for you and try it to ensure you travel without worrying about harsh conditions affecting your luggage.
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