Security for odd loads on your roof rack?

so I'm going to be taking my Tacoma on a pretty long road trip to Burning Man this year, and it will involve two nights of hotel/motel stays each way. she'll be packed to the brim and i'll be making full use of my roof racks to hold miscellaneous gear like tarp poles, tables, etc (stuff that's bulky or long, but not necessarily valuable).

does anybody have any tips & tricks for securing these things so they don't walk away in the night while my truck is parked? for some of the stuff i can drill holes through the gear and pass steel cable, but other loads just don't lend themselves to this. the only thing i can think of is making the tiedowns so complicated that it just isn't worth the effort to boost some random crap.

 

They do make locking tie down straps. Here's one example:

$96 Thule Locking Straps (13 Ft)

https://www.amazon.com/Thule-831-Lo...rd_wg=vXJ14&psc=1&refRID=CYH5E2S9HWCW0KX3W5EQ

 

also...

$12 Master Lock 6ft. x 3/16in. Python Adjustable Locking Cable, Black, 6' X 3/16", 8417D

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XTPNZK

 

I would rent a small U-Haul box trailer if you are worried about thieves.

 

Sleep in the cab with one of these on your lap:


Nah, in all reality just be smart, cover everything you can with a tarp and the like, if they can't tell what it is or if it's worth stealing it's less likely to be stolen.

Park in well lit areas, with camera's if you can, stay at reputable hotels (look for one in the part of town that has a barnes and nobles or a organic whole foods store) ask the desk clerk if you can park infront of the entrance for more foot traffic and security. If the desk is manned 24/7 there's always a witness or eye on your vehicle and most likely a cammera. Try to park in a way that makes your tag hard to see, theifs often look for out of state plates as people traveling long distances tend to bring more valuables. (guns money gifts etc)

Lastly the most secure, and most pain is to unload it all and bring it in with you every time you stop for the night.

Have fun at Burning man, be safe!

 

The locking straps work pretty well. Do you known anyone nearby who has a cargo box you can borrow? I've loaned mine out a couple of times for friends carrying skis.