Strapping Coolers on OEM Tonneau?

It is possible for sure, but do you all think it is a good idea?

Going camping, need extra space in the bed. I want to strap the hard coolers (35 qt size) on top of the tonneau using ratchet straps.

GOOD OR BAD IDEA?

 

Do you plan to tow or have anything attached to the hitch? If it was me, I would pick up one of those hitch trailers and strap it down that way...it would even allow you some more storage

 

No towing, just camping gear in the bed and paddleboard on the roof.

But that hitch trailer is a good idea!

 

I wouldn't really trust putting any weight on a tonnue, they aren't that strong.

 

The OEM cover has a posted weight limit on it that I'm pretty sure is over 100lbs. I'll have to look next time I walk outside. OP are you just planning on running straps into the wheel wells?

 

I've stood on my OEM one before with no issues. I'd say if it's strapped down securely you shouldn't have any issues.

 

Yeah IIRC it is around 100lbs. I was going to run the straps on each side of the cooler, into the metal rings closest to the cab. It would be two 35 qt coolers.

 

If you do that, cut a few 2X4's the width of the cover, put the coolers on top. If you do that, the only tie downs are your wheel wells. Bad Idea.
Better solution... load bed, leave cover open, stack coolers on top of your other gear, tarp it up and use the tie downs inside your bed.

 

Just make sure once you get them strapped down that you give them a shake and say "that ain't goin' anywhere."

 

I think you could also make some loops with 550 cord to attach to the tie downs in the bed and run them out of the cover to catch with your ratchet straps.

 

Theres really no good tie downs to the tonneau anyways, esp if going at highway speeds and if the cooler is full, i wouldn't want to keep looking back checking to see if it still there!

 

As @hiPSI mentioned, I'd add supports, and even better, ditch the cover and pile high. You gotta remember, it's not the static weight, it's the weight bouncing on the cover, I don't how what that is, but it's a lot more than just the static weight.

 

I actually laughed really hard when I read this because I've said that exact line so many times.