Vacation Prep: How to Keep Your Luggage Dry in a Truck Bed

One of the best parts about owning a truck is how much space you have for luggage. It makes those spontaneous camping trips a breeze. But, figuring out how to keep luggage dry in truck beds can be difficult if the weather is bad. Not to mention keeping your cargo safe and secure when you’re away from your vehicle.

If you plan to hit the road any time soon, this handy guide will fill in all the blanks and give you some great ideas on the best luggage covers for trucks.

The Challenges of Keeping Luggage Dry in a Truck Bed 

If, like many avid road trippers, you’re wondering, “how do I keep my luggage dry in the truck bed,” you’re probably thinking mainly about the weather. After all, mother nature can be fickle, and there’s no telling when you might get caught in a rain or snow shower. However, there are a few other factors to consider too:

Roads and Tracks – The off-road capabilities of your truck allow you to cross rough terrains and handle bumpy roads and tracks filled with potholes. That means your luggage is at risk of getting splashed with dirt from muddy puddles. 

Truck Bed Size – By the time you’ve packed bags, tents, comfy folding chairs, fishing gear, and whatever other home comforts and accessories you want to take, you may end up with too much luggage for your truck bed, which makes keeping things dry a challenge. 

Liquid Luggage – If you’re carrying drinks or cooler boxes packed with ice, some may spill during transit. Even if it doesn’t cover your cargo initially, liquids tend to pool in the bottom of the truck bed and could soak through your luggage. 

4 Ways to Keep Luggage Dry in a Truck Bed 

Knowing how to keep luggage dry in the truck bed not only protects your belongings, it also saves you from unexpected stress on the road. These are the best ways to keep your cargo safe and dry. 

Truck Bags

Lightweight, non-breathable PVC truck bags offer an airtight and watertight solution. Simply stuff them with your luggage, zip them up, and you’re good to go. When you reach your destination, the bags are easy to fold up and store until your return journey. It’s not a foolproof option, though. You’ll need to:

• Watch out for puddles forming on the top of the bags when it rains. That water could leak inside when you unzip them.
• Dry your bags thoroughly before using them again or putting them into storage. 
• Be wary of overfilling to avoid breaking a zipper.
• Avoid underfilling so your journey isn’t punctuated by constant flapping fabric noises. 

Tonneau Cover 

A tonneau cover slides over your cargo at the same height as the sides of the vehicle. Some tonneau luggage covers for truck beds have locks, so they keep your belongings secure as well as dry. You can choose from hard or soft options in a range of styles:

Roll-up Tonneau Covers – Simply roll to open and close over the truck bed and secure against the vehicle frame when not in use.

Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers – As the name suggests, trifold covers fold back in sections, so you don’t have to remove the whole cover to retrieve items at the back of the truck. 

Retractable Tonneau Covers – Retractable covers are usually made of vinyl or aluminum. They are mechanical and operated by a push-button/remote. 

The beauty of tonneau solutions from Peragon is the addition of high-quality features like sealed lock caps, steel deadbolts, and rail lip seals. 

Tarp

Any cover is better than nothing, so a tarp and some bungees will do the job if all else fails. It’s not an ideal luggage cover for truck bed cargo though, because without an abundance of duct tape, there’s always a chance moisture can seep in. But, it works in a pinch. 

Truck Bed Topper

Also known as truck caps, truck bed toppers act as a hard shell roof, raising the level of your truck bed cover to the height of the cab. They are typically made from aluminum, fiberglass, or plastic, and are generally designed for permanent installation.  

Luggage Covers for Trucks: Determining What’s Best 

All of the options we listed above have advantages and disadvantages. So when it comes to keeping luggage dry in a truck bed, the right solution for you will depend on several variables:

• Typical size of cargo 
• Budget
• Security needs
• Durability
• Maintenance requirements
• Storage when not in use
• The make and model of your truck

For the ultimate in flexibility, security, and durability, all-aluminum retractable truck bed covers from Peragon are the best option for protecting your cargo from the elements and theft while enhancing the appearance and style of your truck.

Now you know how to keep luggage dry in truck beds, you can get planning your next trip! If you need more information or have questions about bed cover installation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today!