Boxes, items, etc while away from vehicle (hiking, biking,etc)

[jimbofoxman]

Do you all worry about your stuff while away from your parked vehicles? Thinking more for stops along the trail, route. Like stopping at some popular landmark where lots of people stop. Or stopping at a trail head for a day walk. Etc, etc, etc.

WORRY in the sense of how much do you secure your stuff in the back of your truck, on top of jeep, etc. Right now since it's me I just keep a lot of stuff in the extended cab of my truck and simple things like wood, chairs, shovel, table, etc in the back of the truck. But I and my two daughters are more than likely taking a trip to the Upper Peninsula in early June, so I will have more stuff. Sleeping gear, clothes, etc will still be stored inside, but now I will have to store more stuff in the truck bed. I don't have a tonneau cover or a cap as they just get in the way.

Granted I could put some important things in the cab while we do whatever, like the high dollar Otterbox cooler. But that could be a hassle at every stop and if it were sprinkling or something it's all wet and dirty. Granted I could get some seat covers.

Just curious what everyone else does, or thoughts. Normally it's just me, so no big deal. If it became a more common thing to have other people then I might do something else.

 

[Viking1204]

I know you said you a tonneau cover gets in the way but I lock everything in my bed under my Diamondback cover. Nice thing about that cover is I can also build a RTT rack on top of it. If you don't want a covered bed then I would suggest cable locks like bike locks to secure your valuable stuff. Maybe get containers you can put stuff and can lock shut and then secure those to your truck bed with bike stick locking cables.

 

[jimbofoxman]

I know you said you a tonneau cover gets in the way but I lock everything in my bed under my Diamondback cover. Nice thing about that cover is I can also build a RTT rack on top of it. If you don't want a covered bed then I would suggest cable locks like bike locks to secure your valuable stuff. Maybe get containers you can put stuff and can lock shut and then secure those to your truck bed with bike stick locking cables.

Thanks, that was my thinking as well. New boxes have been on my list, just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

[Lindenwood]

Honestly, I'd say packing less stuff is the most reliable solution. The less gear you have strappes outside the vehicle, the less you have to stress about.

 

[Desert Runner]

Thanks, that was my thinking as well. New boxes have been on my list, just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

After following the above suggestions, you might think of going with the "out of sight, out of mind" direction. By that I mean use a cheap blue or green plastic Harbor Freight tarp, along with one of those elastic cargo bed webs. Use the tarp over your secured bed items, then tuck the tarp over them. The elastic cargo web will keep the tarp in place. This way people walking by are less likely to grab your stuff on a whim. They most likely will not want to be seen rummaging thru your gear in a populated public parking area. A deterrent, that's all it would be, unless you decide to upgrade to a more secure arrangement.

 

[jimbofoxman]

Honestly, I'd say packing less stuff is the most reliable solution. The less gear you have strappes outside the vehicle, the less you have to stress about.

Not to be snarky, but that's not going to leave much with 3 people in the truck.

So I'll have to secure the stuff somehow in order to venture on. Since I hate the idea of a tonneau cover or cap then I have to come up with another solution. I've seen one tonneau cover that looks good, my buddy put one on his 2014. But anyone with a knife could slice it open if they really wanted. But they would also be the true criminal not some random person walking by. Those fiberglass tonneu covers that lift up are just silly. The Velcro ones are a joke and the tri fold are also silly.

So I understand that since I am not willing to do a tonneau cover I have to figure out a way to secure my stuff in this one instance. Down the road if more people traveling with me in the vehicle becomes common, then I'll have to deal with it then.

Yes I got Tonneu Cover issues!

 

[Migu]

Not to be snarky, but that's not going to leave much with 3 people in the truck.

So I'll have to secure the stuff somehow in order to venture on. Since I hate the idea of a tonneau cover or cap then I have to come up with another solution. I've seen one tonneau cover that looks good, my buddy put one on his 2014. But anyone with a knife could slice it open if they really wanted. But they would also be the true criminal not some random person walking by. Those fiberglass tonneu covers that lift up are just silly. The Velcro ones are a joke and the tri fold are also silly.

So I understand that since I am not willing to do a tonneau cover I have to figure out a way to secure my stuff in this one instance. Down the road if more people traveling with me in the vehicle becomes common, then I'll have to deal with it then.

Yes I got Tonneu Cover issues!

Aluminum rollup tonneau?

If you hate caps and tonneaus then best bet is lockable metal boxes, as you raised the concern of cutting through tonneau, same can be done with plastic box. Perhaps install a couple diy rails into the bed that you can bolt the boxes to (bike cable locks are too easy to cut). If really want to get creative, get old mechanics tool chests off Craiglist/Kijiji.

The other option is to just throw expensive gear into the cab, since you're not going to be in it at the time anyways.

Edit: what about installing a couple bars into the top of your bed (and could set them up with a hinge and a latch with proper padlock) that are spaced just wide-enough apart to block anyone from nabbing a box out of the bed?

 

[Rocksylvania]

My bed rack and locking tailgate are my primary deterrant. I keep my items in 3 or four cases in the bed that are too large to fit through any of the gaps of the bedrack. Started with action packers which were water resistant after I fashioned a gasket. Presently, alu-boxes.

 

[jimbofoxman]

The other option is to just throw expensive gear into the cab, since you're not going to be in it at the time anyways.

Think that is what I am going to do for now, since it is a one time issue. Get something to help cover the seats to help keep them clean. I use an old bed sheet now, good for dirt, not for moisture. And I need new boxes anyway, the ones I have now are fine for dry conditions but not it rain. And if I have to just lock in a few that won't fit. It's honestly not going to be a lot of extras other than another tent, sleeping gear for two more people, their clothes and a few odds and ends.

Guess I was more curious if people secure all their stuff or let it ride? Unfortunately in this day and age you gotta secure stuff.

 

[jimbofoxman]

My bed rack and locking tailgate are my primary deterrant. I keep my items in 3 or four cases in the bed that are too large to fit through any of the gaps of the bedrack. Started with action packers which were water resistant after I fashioned a gasket. Presently, alu-boxes.

Ultimately if/when I do a RTT (leaning towards it more and more) I will have the same sort of deal. Shorter rack and my locking tailgate will make it hard to get stuff out.