Tonneau cover for truck

tprice · 07-04-2008, 12:19 PM

I am looking to add a tonneau cover to my truck.

I am looking at one of the fiberglass models that will match the color and is lockable.

Searching the net I have found a couple that fit the bill but curious if there are any that are better than others or what to look for in one of these.

Basically I am wanting something that is 1/2 secure for rods/reels/tackle or hunting equipment and to keep things dry when on a trip in my truck.
I realize nothing is theft proof but the out of sight out of mind theory does help

dtfan90 · 07-05-2008, 12:29 AM

I've seen and almost bought a lockable soft cover. It attaches below the rails and locks down in the rear. If you have a locking tailgate this may be a cheaper avenue and it also allows much easier removal (rolls up) if you need to transport something big. The hardshell covers are a PITA to remove and replace and you usually need at least 2 people to do it.

tprice · 07-05-2008, 06:09 AM

Thanks for the input but I am only looking at the hard cover

awscwi · 07-05-2008, 06:18 AM

I have an Undercover on my truck.

It is black hard plastic ( you can stand in the center if needed. ) I do not worry about any scratches like I would with the pretty fiber glass covers.

This cover weighs ~60 lbs and can be EASILY removed by the wife and I.

It is lockable, but locks are to keep honest people honest. If a thief wants it he will get it!

I have had it since 05 with no problems. I think it was 595.00 new.

Hope this helps.

Troy

tprice · 07-05-2008, 06:31 AM

Where did you buy it, locally or internet

awscwi · 07-05-2008, 06:38 AM

Chapin SC, A friend owns Auto Additions, he sells and installs all kinds of auto/ truck accessories. I can get you his # if you would like.

Troy

Tyme2fish · 07-05-2008, 10:35 AM

I just googled "Truck Covers" and got 616,000 hits. Surely you can find something there.

okletsfish · 07-05-2008, 10:48 AM

I have one that folds.
http://www.thehulltruth.com/photos/s...5&photoid=7966

tprice · 07-05-2008, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Tyme2fish - 7/5/2008 1:35 PM

I just googled "Truck Covers" and* got 616,000 hits. Surely you can find something there.

Just want to make sure I do not buy a POS, I found one that looks like a good top and it can be color coded to your trucks color code.

I just am not sure what to look for on these

PostOpus · 07-06-2008, 03:43 AM

Just make sure it's got a good, tight seal all the way around, particularly at the front (hinged) end. It should ideally have a rubber gasket (not foam) that will seal well and also not scratch the crap out of your bed rails or drive you crazy with vibration noise. Wipe the gasket occasionally with a wet cloth to remove dust that will also scratch the rails. A good latching system ~~ ideally one that you can lock ~~ goes without saying.

A good way to make sure you've got a tight seal is to climb into the bed and have someone close the tailgate and the cover on a bright sunny day and look for daylight, a sure sign that it's going to leak!

tprice · 07-06-2008, 04:54 AM

Thanks Ed, that was the information I was asking for

LI Sound Grunt · 07-06-2008, 11:37 AM

FYI

You probably all know this but you get best fuel economy with a cover (as much as one to 2 mpgs depending on speed). Aerodynamics are THAT important in a PU. Without the cover, Tailgate up down or off doesn't matter. And believe it or not the truck gets even better fuel economy with the forward 1/4 to 1/3 open and the rest closed...- not really practical information, but it was a suprise to me.

mgarrett · 07-07-2008, 08:06 AM

Quote:

awscwi - 7/5/2008 6:18 AM

I have an Undercover on my truck.

It is black hard plastic ( you can stand in the center if needed. ) I do not worry about any scratches like I would with the pretty fiber glass covers.

This cover weighs ~60 lbs and can be EASILY removed by the wife and I.

It is lockable, but locks are to keep honest people honest. If a thief wants it he will get it!

I have had it since 05 with no problems. I think it was 595.00 new.

Hope this helps.

Troy

Another vote for the Undercover. Easily the best money I have ever spent on a vehicle. You can paint it too if that is what you want. I got mine from Southern Car Customs in Savannah and would recommend them.

JollyRoger · 07-07-2008, 12:45 PM

I have a Leer hard tonneu that came with my truck. It was painted to match the vehicle. I was not crazy about having one and was going to take it off after purchasing the vehicle. After having it though, I decided to keep it. I trailer my boat and stay in hotels at the fishing grounds often. It's nice to lock up tackle and rods instead of hauling it into the hotel room and not worry about theft. (I have an alarm on the truck so if someone breaks the lock on the cover and opens the lid the alarm goes off). Have had no issues with leaking or any other issues. If you do not haul things regularly that are higher than the sides of the bed then I think you will enjoy the cover. Hope this helps

ken2 · 07-07-2008, 01:39 PM

I have this one.
http://www.peragon.com/truck-bed-cov...FQmdnAodhUiYfw

Its a piece of Shlt, don't bother. Good idea, but the hardware is horrible, so it doesn't open and shut as easy as it should.

However, a few friends of mine have them that roll out and lock. They've had pretty good luck with them, but they are more expensive.

I like the ones that retract, so you aren't limited to the height of whatever you carry.

Alternate CP · 07-07-2008, 02:50 PM

Another vote for the undercover. Have owned one for 3 years now and have no regrets. During my research, I didn't find any cover that ws totally secure. Like a car, if a thief wants in, he'll get in. As mentioned, it weighs about 60 lbs, can be removed by one man (big and awkward though) and can store out of the way. Mine has been 100% waterproof, granted I haven't been through a hurricane. Do some homework, find a great price and enjoy a good product. Believe I paid $600 - 650. Good luck.

A Few Dollars · 07-09-2008, 06:51 AM

IMO, the best hard tonneau covers are made by ARE. We had several different brands on our company trucks are the AREs fit, held up, and looked the best.

http://www.4are.com/

Tyme2fish · 07-09-2008, 05:00 PM

[quote]A Few Dollars - 7/9/2008 9:51 AM IMO, the best hard tonneau covers are made by ARE. We had several different brands on our company trucks are the AREs fit, held up, and looked the best. http://www.4are.com/[/QUOTE]

That's what came with my 2004 F-150 A.R.E. Very happy with it. Painted same color as truck.

frank1861 · 07-09-2008, 05:52 PM

If you are looking for the best check out gaylords lids. But beware they are really expensive, but you get what you pay for.

http://www.gaylordslids.com/

DogTired · 07-09-2008, 07:09 PM

I think the folding cover made by Advance might fit your needs. I have one installed on a '04 SD.

Only issue is rubber seals along the bed rails pull loose or wear out. The advantage is that you can flip and fold the cover front or rear.

I have a under rail toolbox by UWS in the front of my bed and have side access to it by flipping the front part of the cover back.

Also I can flip the rear parts of the cover forward over the toolbox , isnstall my fifth wheel hitch and go camping or haul whatever in the bed.

I wanted the ability to keep a tool box with necessities in the bed, put in a 5'er hitch without totally removing the cover and still haul a few pieces of 8' long lumber on the floor of the 8' bed.

Not looking back as far as function and plan is concerned for me ... but you will have to deal with seal issues if you want a water-tight cover over a few years.

I also put in a Speedliner bed spray and a gasket around the tail gate. It was dry as a bone back there in all conditions when the Advance cover was closed and new and seals were good.

I didn't have room for a retractable cover if adding my tool box and the fifth wheel hitch.

I did this cypher back in '04, things may have changed?