securing Items in the Bed - Road trip

Every year I drive 2000 miles one way from Washington DC to Santa Fe, NM for Christmas then drive 2000 miles back after new year's. Usually I use the tuff truck bag (http://www.tufftruckbag.com/black-waterproof-tuff-truck-bag/) to keep our luggage out of the elements and it has worked flawlessly.

This year on the drive back from Santa Fe to DC, I may need to haul more stuff than just the usual suitcases and was wondering what options are there for securing larger items in the bed but out of the elements.

I do not want to buy a bed cover since i'd only need it for this one week.

Do you guys have any suggestions?

 

I just sprang for a tonneau cover. I did it for looks but wound up using the dry storage almost every day. One of the better investments I've made for my truck.

 

Get a locking tailgate handle and a tonneau cover.

 

I will go on off-roading trips and need to keep our stuff from getting dirty. I have a lot of stuff in the back (way more than could ever fit in that truck bag you use). So far, what we have done is take one of those bungee style cargo nets and use that in conjunction with a tarp to cover everything. It's not perfect, stuff at the bottom of the bed can get wet, but if you have anything to slightly elevate, or something to go on the bottom that you don't mind getting wet, then it'll work just fine.

 

This. Never underestimate the good old fashioned tarp. If you don't have a cargo net, lots of bungies and straps work fine. I usually keep a roll of duct tape handy to "fix" flapping areas on long road trips.

 

Build your own top out of plywood the size you need.

 

I'd go tarp and bungies, but if you can get one of these:

$111 TOYOTA Genuine Accessories PT347-35051 Bed Net

http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Toyota-Accessories-PT347-35051-Bed/dp/B0068R5GYY

it'll make it a little easier to secure

 

http://www.uhaul.com/Trailers/4x8-Cargo-Trailer-Rental/UV/

 

I had the same issue on an 1100 mile trip to CO before I got my cap.

I bought a couple of these:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_91573-230-L3725-4_0__?productId=3734569&Ntt=contico&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dcontico&facetInfo=

Depending on the size of the items, those might work. They lock, and have attachment points for padlocks on either side of the lid. Very well made, and keep out the elements well. I ran a cable through a padlock on each lid and then locked it to the tiedowns in the bed. While it would still be pretty easy to steal - smash the box with a hammer - it keeps people from walking by and grabbing something while you are in a rest stop, gas station, etc.

 

I used to have the old fashion tarp for the hilux.... I used bungles to fix the flap.

My only concern with the tarp is when we stop at a hotel. I don't want anyone making off with stuff...

 

Was trying to avoid a uhaul trailer as this would slow me down

I usually cover 1000 miles a day sticking to the speed limit (+/- 5mph).

 

I have this. Its pretty good, however I might look into getting a bungee version as well.

 

Has anyone used this soft topper?

http://www.realtruck.com/bestop-supertop-truck-topper/R181378P2011Y608MA.html

 

Yup, I have one:

 

Looks good.

How water/weatherproof is it?

 

sweet i like some of these ideas

 

I have a soft topper and love it. Just like you, a few times a year I have a long trip and need to haul valuables and not water friendly items in the bed. I got the soft topper and it works perfect for that. Last time I used it it rained the whole week. I even left my bags in the back during my stay. Everything stayed high and dry. Maybe a drop or two here and there, but that's it.

 

I moved 800 mls, driving 90% in rain. I used plastic boxes and a $5 tarp, than threw that over it for $8