I want to install a tonneau cover - hard covers are N.G. as I want to be able to carry larger cargo as necessary. The rolltops are slick, but too expensive - so I'm settling for a soft cover. I've read a lot of the threads that talk about brand preference, but I'm having a hard time finding those brands up here. Is anyone familiar with the le Bra cover? It seems to use a slotted rail as opposed to snaps or velcro - any thoughts?

 

Slotted? You mean like a JEEP soft top? I had a le Bra nose mask for my car and I hated it. But that was because the fabric scratched the hood. Where this doesn't touch the paint it shouldn't be a problem.

 

my extang tuff tonno 3 fasten likes you describe the lebra cover. I havent had any problems with it. I have had it since the begining of the year. i gained about 3 mpg with it. Good luck in your search. you might want to check out http://www.quadratec.com/
chuck

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Stock Stuff!
1999 XL, 2WD, standard cab, short bed, sport package, nascar package, bright red, V-6, 5 speed.
MODS.
Rockford Fosgate CD player
Pioneer 6x8
Class 3 hitch
fog lights
Black Rhino Lining
K&N filter
General Grabber ST tires size p245/70/R16
Uniden Pro510xl cb
Extang Tuff Tonno 3
***CUSTOM MADE TACH***
http://www.geocities.com/bassbuster/truck.html
For more info about my custom tach visit http://www.geocities.com/old_circuit/tach1.html

 

I am quite satisfied with the factory Ford soft tonneau on my truck. It is snapless, plastic strips sewed on the tonneau that hook into slots in the rails, and seems to be well constructed. Best of all it was only a $150 option.

 

Cooltrucks -

Are you serious about the MPG gain? I think that is a pretty drastic savings! If so, that will be my first bolt on.

Thanks!

 

yeah the 3mpg is right. thats on a all highway tank. normal is maybe 1-2 mpg gained over with out it. thats a mix of town and highway driving.
Chuck

 

I've got a Downey SST. It is like you describe. No metal snaps or velcro. It has been on since I picked the truck up from the dealer a year and a half ago. Now 2 winters and 41K miles later it is in perfect condition. Best of all you can order from the online store here if you like.

-jeff b

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2000 F150 4x4 SC/SB 5.4 Auto, Tow Package, ORP (with the sticker for 2000), Cab Steps, Lariet.
Oxford White/Harvest Gold 2 tone.

 

Agree with Farmboy. Downey has a good product, too. But this place:
http://www.tpcarguy.com/default.asp
has it a LOT cheaper.

 

I just got a grey TekStyle for $250. Picked it up yesterday and I put it on in about 20 minutes. It was pretty cool outside (low 50s at the time) but it snapped right on with hardly any tugging at all, and it stays very taut at freeway speeds. I didn't use the double-sided tape to stick the side rails to the bed, just the clamps. (I hate the thought of sticking those down... then I can't remove them without destroying the tape. The grey looks real nice on the truck... it's a little bit lighter than the bed rail caps, but it still looks good and won't bake the frozen turkey on the way home from the supermarket in the summer. Plus, it'll match the grey line-x going in later this month.

-Joe-


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98 Explorer (Lemon Law Case in Progress)

'00 F-150, X-cab, 4x4, Lariat, Off-road, Trailer Tow, Holandia Sunroof, built 11/99 picked up 10/00!Clear Corners, Manik Stainless Steel 1-piece brush guard, Custom CB wiring, Uniden PC76-XLW CB radio with K-40 Magna-Mount antenna (for now), 1 set of 165 watt KC Daylighters (for now... more on the way) Custom switch mounting plate and overhead console, Bully Stainless Steel Trailer hitch drawbarw/ 2" stainless steel ball.
List of planned mods: Clear tails, torsion bar tweak, bug deflector, spray in liner, and a tonneau of some sort...

93 Probe GT teal, OE rims painted to match, bone stock drivetrain.

 

Do these covers leak in the rain? I am looking for a cover that will keep things pretty dry in the bed too. Plus I want to spend as little as possible

dunn_sammy@hotmail.com

 

My Downey SST does not leak as far as I know. It's been through 2 Michigan winters with Lots of snow and slush. I never sweep it off. It still looks good too.

-jeff b.


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2000 F150 4x4 SC/SB 5.4 Auto, Tow Package, ORP (with the sticker for 2000), Cab Steps, Lariet.
Oxford White/Harvest Gold 2 tone.

 

Does anyone have any experience with the "hugger" tonneau by Jason. I've priced it at a local shop for around $750. it's a hard tonneau (fiberglass with matching paint), gas shocks, and is lockable. I'm planning on putting it on my:

2001 F-150 XLT Flareside Off-Road
5.4 L Triton V8
Bright Red
Dark Graphite Interior

 

Hi Guys thanks for all of your input and help - part of the problem I had was finding the brands that you were recomending up here in the Great White North! I took a look at the LeBra again, it doesn't look like it would hold up too well in the winter - I was able to find an Extang dealer locally, so I am getting their classic - picking it up today! Thanks for all of your help!