When renting an open luggage trailer, you might find yourself unprepared for sudden weather changes, especially at this time of the year, when we are in the full swing of summer. If you’re considering trailer hire in Centurion, it’s important to keep in mind that rain, snow, or even dust can damage your belongings, depending on what you are transporting. This can make your trip less enjoyable and a lot more stressful.
Rain, snow, or even dust can damage your belongings, depending on what you are transporting, and that will certainly make your trip less enjoyable and a lot more stressful.
Fortunately, there are several temporary and easy ways of waterproofing a rented open trailer that you can use to protect your precious cargo, without making permanent modifications to the trailer.
Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to waterproofing your rented open trailer quickly and effectively.
Assess the Cargo and Trailer Setup
If you are moving fragile electronics, clothing, and paper items, you will obviously need to give them extra care compared to items like camping gear or tools, which can get wet. As for the trailer, those with high sidewalls may require different coverage compared to flatbed styles.
When you understand these finer details it will help you choose the most suitable and practical waterproofing method.
Use a Heavy-Duty Tarp
A heavy-duty tarp is a renter’s best friend for temporary waterproofing. Tarps are affordable, easy to set up, and available at most hardware or camping stores. You should choose a tarp made of polyethylene or vinyl for maximum water resistance.
If you have never secured a tarp before, here’s how you can do it:
- Lay the Tarp – Spread the tarp over your cargo, making sure that it fully covers the trailer’s edges. If the tarp is too large, you can fold it to size rather than cutting it.
- Tie It Down – Next, you can use bungee cords, ratchet straps, or rope to secure the tarp to the trailer frame or tie-down points. You will want to make sure that it’s tightly fastened so that you can prevent flapping or water pooling during transit.
- Overlap Edges – Finally, allow some overhang on all sides to redirect the rainwater away from the cargo. You can use clamps or weighted objects to keep the tarp in place.
Invest in Waterproof Bags or Containers
For smaller or particularly sensitive items, place them in waterproof bags or containers before loading them into the trailer. Dry bags, often used for kayaking or camping, are perfect for this purpose. Alternatively, you can use plastic storage bins with tight-sealing lids that can protect your items from water and dust.
You will want to stack these containers strategically to create a stable base for the tarp. If the trailer has tie-down points, you can secure the bins to prevent shifting during travel.
Add Temporary Weather Stripping
If your rented trailer has a lid or side panels, you can use temporary weather stripping, which is adhesive foam strips which can seal gaps where water might seep through, such as between the trailer sides and the lid or between panels. This solution is particularly effective for trailers with hinged lids or folding sections.
Use Shrink Wrap or Stretch Film
Another quick and effective way to protect your belongings is to use industrial shrink wrap or stretch film. This method involves wrapping your cargo tightly, creating a watertight barrier. Shrink wrap is especially useful for irregularly shaped items that may not fit well under a tarp.
This is how you can use this type of wrap:
- Wrap individual items or clusters of items securely.
- Add a layer of stretch film over the entire load once it’s packed.
- Ensure that the wrap extends slightly over the edges of the trailer to block water entry.
Inspect and Double-Check
After setting up your waterproofing solution, you should take a few moments to test its effectiveness. You can do this by using a hose or water bottle to simulate rain and then checking for leaks or weak spots. You can then adjust and tighten any loose areas to ensure maximum protection during your journey.
Temporary waterproofing for a rented open luggage trailer doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. And by using any of these solutions, you’ll be ready for any weather without the worry about compromising the rental agreement.
Need a trailer? At Newlands Trailers, we have a wide variety of some of the best and most affordable trailers for hire in Pretoria. Contact us today for more information.
