OK, so I have read all the threads discussing the various tonneau covers available for the 04 F150. Obviously each cover has its pros and cons.

I want to know what is the most popular brand/type of cover among owners. In other words, what did you chose for your 04?

 

Extang RT - fits my needs perfectly.

 

Tonneau Masters Full Tilt, very easy to us because of the tilt for everyday use, then roll up for big items.

 

Soft, hard, or both?

 

On my old truck I had a Berlin Soft-hinged.

Nice because you could remove just the tarp (snaps), the entire thing (sat on a frame with just 2 c-clamps on the bedtrails), or tilt it up using the gas-struts. (Very cheap too).

Right now I have on order an Extang Tough Tonno III. I don't need the hinges as much as I thought I would use them on the old truck, and got a great deal on the Extang ($150/shipped ). A little nicer security than snapped because of how the Tonno III attaches, easily fully removable, or easy to just plain roll up.

I actually use my bed so hard tonneaus are out for me.

 

Truxedo for my '04 FX4 SCrew. Easy to use and seals out the weather very well.

 

Retrax (retractable tonneau cover) - it's secure, functional, and looks sharp. There are a couple of pics in my gallery.

www.rolltopcover.com

 

I should be getting the Undercover at the end of this week but I really like the Retrax.

JohnAndDar,

How waterproof is that Retrax? If I knew it was 100% waterproof under the most extreme "real world" conditions I would have to get it. That thing looks so sharp on the 04.

Scott

 

I am interested in your choice of cover, regardless of whether it is hard or soft....

Thanks for all the replies.

 

It is very waterproof, except for the following situations:
1) If the top is wet and you open it, some water will likely roll of the back of the cover into your truck bed when you open it. I don't see how this can be avoided by design.
2) We had one night when we had a rain, then a freeze and the truck was covered in a layer of ice in the morning. I didn't clear off all of the ice before opening the Retrax and some "shot" into the bed when I opened it up. Otherwise, the drain system in place does a great job of collecting the water when you roll it up while wet.

The only negative experience I have with the Retrax so far is that the lock/handle mechanism is recessed and has a button you push down for the handle to pop up to open and close. Water collects in this spot, so the night we had the rain then the freeze, the handle was frozen when I went to open it, which was a pain. However, we had snow and ice this past weekend, and I cleared off the cover and was able to open the handle without issue (water didn't get in and freeze the handle up).

 

eXtang soft cover. Fits perfectly, holds up to snow, less than $200.

 

I have rcently purchased a low profile truxedo snapless tonneau. Easy to install, great fit, great looks and seal to keep out unwanted elements.

 

I just installed an Undercover this afternoon (see post below) and will post pics to my gallery this week. Love it!

WOLF

 

Another very happy Retrax owner here.

Pics are in my gallery.

 

I went with the new SnugLid SL for the SuperCrew.