Thanks guys.
swampview, are you saying the FORD is made by Extang?

 

I can tell you which one not to buy and that is the retractable tonneau made by Peragon industries. The cover lets in more water than it stops. I can't believe this company is still in business. You might as well have a piece of plywood for a cover you will get the same effect. Do not buy a Peragon bed cover if you want to keep your gear dry.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JDF
. . . are you saying the FORD is made by Extang?

JDF,

Check out http://www.extang.com/tufftonno3index.html . . .

Couple of minor changes (my cover is now close to 18 months old) but basicly the same cover . . . !

Bob

PS: Just checked the site myself, I think mine is the Saber (the older model) it does not have the adjustable bows.

 

Tough to tell from the pictures swampview but it looks like the tuff tonneau III may have aluminum hardware and then I looked at their black max which would have the black hardware I would prefer.
Now I'm rethinking the snapless issue.

 

The Extang snapless is much different then the Ford one... If you live in a climate that sees any cold at all, the Ford one will begin to curl at the corners after about a year. My dad didn't believe me, but here it is at 7 months curling on him.

http://communities.msn.com/GIJoeCam/...to&PhotoID=355

I've got a TekStyle, and I love it. It's nice and tight, but not so tight it can't be stretched at all... they use a VERY high-quality fabric. I put it on the first time when it was about 45 degrees outside and didn't have a problem at all. (Most of them you have to wrestle with it, especially when it's new) Then, this summer, when it was better than 100 degrees, it was just fractionally easier to install, but still, the water ran right off, and it doesn't flap on the freeway.

Also, I was able to order mine in Gray with chrome plated stainless snaps (Why they insisted on chrome plating stainless, I'll never know?!). It matches the bed-rails and the liner quite well... Plus, it doesn't bake the contents of the bed like a black one.

http://communities.msn.com/GIJoeCam/...to&PhotoID=358

-Joe-

 

Well it certainly gets cold in Rhode Island.
I'm so confused
I know I want black hardware just to match the truck when the cover is off.
I thought I wanted snapless?
And, I thought I wanted FORD oem?

 

JDF,

I had my Ford 'Extang' cover on for more than a year, I've not noticed any curling or any other kind of problems!

But, in the end its your call! Too bad we can't try everything before we buy! With all the input we get here it seems that most everyone has different results!

I'm having the same problem figuring out what cat-back system to get . . . and if I should get a cat-back or true duels . . . and what's this Y pipe stuff all about . . . ?

Bob

 

Well, I might as well chime in here too. I have the Le Bra snap top soft tonneau and like very well so far. It's been on there for about 3 wks now and as of yet to leak a drop of water, tear or curl. The fabic seems top notch the frame and bows are excellent, the only thing I do not like is the snaps are some sort of plastic and the bows and frame are not black. But if you look close at the Extang black max the snaps on it are a plastic composite, which is what I say the Le Bra snaps are too. They claimed there was extra snaps but I either lost a couple or since mine was a long bed I used them all. I plan on calling Saddleman ( Le Bra maker) and seeing if they can't send me a few.

 

hey folks... I was checking out the prices for an Extang Snapless soft tonneau cover today at Speedshack in Norwood, MA, and while the price seems ok, ($220) and I like it better than the Ford snapless tonneau, the sales guy made me wonder..

He said that in New England winters, the cover is great until you remove it in snow/sleet, and then you can't put it back on because ice or whatever has got in the grooves and then it makes it a pain to get the cover back on..

I want to buy this one, but not if it's a big winter-time hassle. Any Thoughts?

I like this particular one, because the Extang has the frame system which allows no-drill installation, and it has a good rep on this board..

So, I guess my question is, will it really be a pain in the cold weather, or did the guy just want to sell another snap-type cover?


Thanks!


RJ

 

Hey 2001 F-150 Sport, I was looking at your picture in this post and wanted to make sure you said it is a Ford brand cover? It looks like it doesn't have snaps on it. Did you just order it straight from the dealer? That is probably the best looking cover I have seen. Definately the look I want. Just wanted to make sure I get the right one because my local dealer carries a few different brands and I want that one. How bad does it flap around? I know all soft covers flap some though. Thanks for any info.

 

Well, I'm a different Sport but I have the same tonneau.

The tonneau is a factory option and is snapless. In 2001 it only cost $150 from the factory, a real bargain. You should be able to order one from your dealer, just be sure to specify the factory tonneau. I've been told that a lot of dealers will push other brands that have a higher profit margin. Since I ordered my truck the dealer didn't have a chance to push another brand. My truck came off the transporter with the tonneau installed.

 

I say get the extang they been around for years and read many good things about them.

 

Thanks 01sport. It looks like a really great piece with a tight fit. I know all soft covers flap around but how bad is that one?

 

The flap is not bad at all but you can see it.

I had a tonneau on a previous truck that flapped so bad that you could hear it hitting the bows inside the cab while going down the highway.

The tonneau has straps attached to secure it when you need to roll it up. It also has spots to hook the bows and end piece at the front. It's real easy to remove as well.

There is a downside though. Since it's snapless then it is either on or rolled up/off. With a snap style you can just unsnap a section and leave the rest attached.

 

Speaking of soft tonneau covers, any security issues with them?

Obviously, I know it's not too hard to bring a knife and get into one, but I'm asking if anyone has actually HAD their soft tonneau cut open and something stolen from it...

I'm seriously looking at the Access roll-up cover (toolbox edition) for my truck.....

Pat