How to Store Wet or Muddy Gear Under a Tonneau Cover Without Ruining It
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By PAGE Editor
Off-roading, camping, or even a spontaneous beach run can leave your gear looking like it survived a monsoon. You get back to your ute, open the tray, and now you’ve got muddy boots, soaked straps, maybe even a wet swag—and no good place to put them without messing everything else up.
If you’ve got a tonneau cover, it’s even trickier. Keep that stuff in there the wrong way and you’ll end up with mould, rust, or a smell you won’t forget any time soon. Plus, the question, ‘are tonneau covers waterproof?’ could be lingering inside your head as you drive home.
But here’s the good news: there’s a smart way to stash wet or muddy gear without trashing your tray—or your cover.
Don’t Just Toss It In
No matter how tired you are, try not to throw everything straight into the tray. Especially under a sealed tonneau cover. That’s just locking in all the moisture, mud, and stink.
Think ahead before you even head out. Pack a couple of cheap plastic crates with lids. Or use dry bags—those heavy-duty waterproof ones that kayakers swear by. They’re perfect for muddy recovery gear, sandy towels, or soggy tarps. You chuck your dirty gear into one of those, seal it up, and boom—your tray stays clean.
Keep It Off the Tray Floor
Your tray might have a liner, but it’s not a forcefield. Water and dirt still sneak underneath, and before long you’ll see rust creeping in.
Lay down a barrier. Even something as simple as a folded tarp or thick rubber mat will do the trick. That gives you a bit of protection between the mess and the metal, making clean-up heaps easier too.
Think Like a Tetris Master
Packing matters more than most people think. Just because your gear fits doesn’t mean it’s packed right.
The key is to stack it smart. Keep wet stuff low and sealed, and try not to squash things together—airflow is your friend here. Also, don’t pile clean stuff on top of soaked gear. That’s a rookie mistake. Here’s a rough packing guide to make things simple:
Bottom: tarp or mat
Middle: sealed bins with wet or dirty gear
Top: dry bags, lighter stuff
Sides: things you might need quick, like gloves or wipes
Give It Air When You Can
Tonneau covers are great at keeping rain out—but they also trap moisture in. Not ideal when your gear's wet.
Once you're parked up safe, crack the cover, even for a few minutes. Let some air circulate. If it's been a humid day, you'll be surprised how much moisture builds up underneath. If the sun’s out, even better. Pop the cover open and let things dry out a bit while you’re unpacking.
Wipe Things Down Now and Then
You’d be surprised how much condensation builds up inside a closed tray, especially overnight or after a rainy drive. Keep a cloth handy and give the underside of the tonneau a quick wipe from time to time. You’ll cut down on mould and that musty smell gear can pick up if it stays damp too long.
Have a Quick-Access Clean-Up Kit
Gear gets messy, right? That’s half the fun. But if you’ve got a little kit ready, you won’t be stuck figuring things out with muddy hands. Chuck a small tub in the tray with these basics:
A couple of rags or microfibre towels
Folded tarp or plastic sheet
Nitrile gloves
Zip-lock bags for little wet stuff
A moisture absorber or two
Cable ties or spare rope
A clean plastic bin for the worst gear
Don’t Let It Sit
This one’s simple: Wet gear plus time equals smell, mould, and damage, right? It’s best to unload sooner rather than later. Don’t leave it for the next morning. Rinse off what needs rinsing, and hang up what needs drying. Wipe out the tray if there’s standing water. It might feel like a hassle after a long day, but your future self will thank you—especially when your tray doesn’t smell like wet socks.
Covers Work Best With Good Habits
A tonneau cover's there to protect your gear, sure—but it's not a magic fix for bad storage. If water keeps pooling or it smells off every trip, something’s not right. Could be the seals. Could be the way things are packed.
Your goal is to stay on top of it. Use good gear. Get into a post-trip routine. Even a couple of minutes spent sorting out your tray can save you hours of clean-up later.
Remember that wet gear happens, and muddy boots are part of the fun. But how that gear’s stored makes all the difference between a clean rig and a tray full of regret. Treat your ute like it’s going on the next trip with you—because odds are, it will.
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