(Newswire.net — June 23, 2020) — One of the biggest advantages of pickup trucks is all that extra storage space in the back. Whatever it is you’re transporting, the bed of a pickup is going to provide more space than any roof rack, hatchback, or trunk. The one drawback, of course, is that in a pickup your load is susceptible to the whims of nature and the vicissitudes of the environment. If it’s raining outside, then it’s also raining on the exposed bed, meaning everything you’re toting will get wet. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to rectify this situation.
Fasten a Tarp
This is the simplest method for keeping your load dry, and in many cases it can be largely effective. Once you’ve got your truck fully loaded, just lay the tarp over the top and securely fasten it to the walls of the bed. You’re going to want to secure it tightly with rope, which can be a bit time-consuming. This effort is worth your while, because it will ensure the tarp isn’t lifted by the wind on your journey. The major issue with this strategy is that it isn’t completely effective. In a total downpour, a fair bit of water can still leak into the sides. This might be a good technique if you only need to transport a single load, or if you’re carrying something that can afford to get a little wet. If you are in the habit of transporting fragile or valuable loads, you might want to consider one of the more secure methods described below.
Removable Cover
A removable cover offers more protection that a simple tarp, and is a lot more sturdy. There are many companies that sell covers, and you should bring your truck in to have the cover properly fitted. There are two main types of covers: hard and soft. The soft covers are fine for most uses, and they effectively protect a load from the wind and the rain. The downside to soft covers is that they can rip (or, even worse, be intentionally torn by a thief). If you need to leave valuables unattended in the truck, then you’re better off opting for a hard cover, which will offer more protection. The best thing about covers is that you can remove them if you ever need to carry a load that’s taller than the bed. This makes your truck more versatile than it would be with a cap. While covers are usually effective at keeping out the rain, moderate leaking is still possible.
Truck Cap
A truck cap is the best permanent solution for somebody who regularly carries a load that they don’t want to get wet. Once installed, a truck cap is firmly attached to the bed of the truck. The elements are usually kept out effectively, and the truck almost turns into a type of SUV. There are all sorts of styles of truck caps, meaning you can browse from those available and choose the style you prefer. Caps usually lock, making them more secure than other options. The major issue with truck caps is that they are not easily removed and limit the size of what you can carry. Anything that won’t fit beneath the cap becomes impossible to tote. This diminishes your pickup’s versatility.
Rubber Seals
Whichever of the above methods you ultimately choose, some level of leaking could still occur, especially in particularly heavy downpours. If water is seeping into the interior of your truck bed, consider using rubber seals to keep it out. With its pliability and waterproof nature, rubber is the perfect material for blocking rain.
You can use it wherever the cap or cover meets the bed of your truck.