Keeping stuff dry in truck bed

[Cdash]

We are going to Disney in a week and a half, staying at a Vacation Club room for a week.

For some reason my wife picked this week to take her car in for collision work. She made them swear up and down that it would be done in time, but I'm guessing there is a chance that I'll be tasked with trying to figure out how to haul luggage in the bed of my 350 without anything getting wet or dirty the day before we leave.

I don't have a cap or tonneau cover. Nor do know anyone that I could borrow one from. Nor do I want to spend big $$$ on anything since I'll probably rarely use it.

Any ideas on reasonable things I could get to accomplish this? Thinking a tough, giant waterproof bag or something. Any suggestions are welcome!

[Camper_bob]

If you don't mind your luggage being in trash bags, go down to your local home improvement store and get some "Contractor Bags". They're BIG trash bags that are VERY thick. If you want an extra layer of protection for each piece, you can put the luggage in one bag, then turn it around and put it in another bag. Twist the open ends of both bags closed, double it over and slip a stout rubber band around it and you're golden. Toss them in the back and you're good to go. Downside is the black bag will absorb heat, so if it's sunny, those bags will get hot. An exploded bottle of shampoo is not a pleasant surprise when you open everything up...

That's how we used to water proof stuff back in the day when we were canoeing and couldn't afford proper "wet" bags.

[Fairenatic]

I haul all the time with my stake bed. A good tarp and some strapping will do.

I would salvage some pallets to place everything on to avoid getting soaked from the bottom.

This approach works well if you have to pull things in and out. If not, Camper Bob has the right idea.

[Camper_bob]

Forgot to mention that those contractor bags will EASILY fit a large rolling suit case (with enough extra room to throw in a second, smaller bag). I use them in my outside trash cans at the house, but I'm pretty sure they'll fit a 50G drum as a liner. So, yeah, they're big. We use "Husky" brand from Home Depot.

[charles_cincy]

I've used a couple of these: Rubbermaid 54 gal. 42-1/2 in. x 21-1/2 in. x 18-3/5 in. Hi-Top Storage Tote-FG3A05H2MICBL - The Home Depot

With a bungee cord or strap to make sure the lid stay's tight.

[robkelly]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

If you don't mind your luggage being in trash bags, go down to your local home improvement store and get some "Contractor Bags". They're BIG trash bags that are VERY thick. If you want an extra layer of protection for each piece, you can put the luggage in one bag, then turn it around and put it in another bag. Twist the open ends of both bags closed, double it over and slip a stout rubber band around it and you're golden. Toss them in the back and you're good to go. Downside is the black bag will absorb heat, so if it's sunny, those bags will get hot. An exploded bottle of shampoo is not a pleasant surprise when you open everything up...

That's how we used to water proof stuff back in the day when we were canoeing and couldn't afford proper "wet" bags.

X2 - do this all the time...

[3'senough]

Yeah the 4 mil and up contractor bags work well. Zip tie them closed and elevate to keep the sloshing water away from them. I would also ratchet strap them in place under a heavy tarp or 4 mil and up plastic for safe measure.

If your stopping keep one packed with just that nights needs separate.

Another option is the waterproof car toppers you can buy off Amazon.

[jal0710]

You have a crew-cab, why not put the stuff in the back seats? Unless, there are more than you and your wife.

[don648]

We got a zip up roof top carrier that is made to strap down to the luggage rack on a SUV. Just put it in the pickup bed put your luggage in and zip it up. Worked good for medium sized suitcases and 2 backpacks. Held enough for four people for three nights. DW got it on Amazon for a trip to Disneyland when it was supposed to rain. It didn't rain but we were ready.

[Jagiven]

I've done a few things over the years. Try to keep the luggage off the bed floor, I've used 2x4 across the bed to set things on. Put things in plastic bags, then place those items in a heavy plastic tarp, and wrap it up, almost like a burrito, with the edges tucked under. Then a few straps to keep it from flapping. I like to keep it all up near the cab.

I do not like the green fiber tarps, they tend not to be waterproof like good old plastic.

[jloco]

Originally Posted by charles_cincy

I've used a couple of these: Rubbermaid 54 gal. 42-1/2 in. x 21-1/2 in. x 18-3/5 in. Hi-Top Storage Tote-FG3A05H2MICBL - The Home Depot

With a bungee cord or strap to make sure the lid stay's tight.

x2

I would definitely use these over bags.