I carry dirtbikes in the back of my truck and needed a light weight lockable cover for my truck that was easy to put on and take off. After a lot of reasearch, I ended up going with and Advanced Cover. I can remove it in 90 seconds, it's light, lockable, and folds in half either for storage or bed access. I've had it for ~ 3 years now and it's been great, no problems at all. You can see it here: Advanced Cover

 

Well to throw my vote in the hat, I've been fairly pleased w/my ReTrax as well. While not as easy to remove as some of the lids (I'm assuming they're just a matter of disconnecting some lift shocks and unhooking from the front), it too offers a drill-less option (installed w/a variatey of clamps) and provides a very seemless look and style w/o robbing too much of your rear view from the window. Removal and installation is a 2 man job.

As for performance, I've had mine for about a year now w/o much trouble. The roller bearings are sealed so they don't require any maintenance. The rails are made from aluminum and the rolling cover has guide wheels on sides and top/bottom (like a roller coaster) so the operation is very smooth. I've WOW'ed a few folks who have "lids" when they see me load up at the local home improvement store (ability to roll and lock the cover at any point along the rail is a big plus!)

As for your concern w/ the dirt and dust, I wouldn't think it would be a big problem unless you got a big chunk of wood stuck up in the rail, then it would be pretty obvious

As for some of the negatives, the canister that sits in the front of the cab, has about 6" or so of clearance. Enought to load up a few sheets of plywood w/o much problem. On the occasion though, you'll run into problem carrying fatter items like boxed merchandise (treadmills, assembly furniture) etc.

The ReTrax is also not 100% watertight. It tends to leak a little bit at the rear corners (in my application). Also, installation wasn't quite as forward as I had hoped. I had several calls into tech support for fit-n-finish issues. ReTrax holds their manufacturing tolerance's pretty good so some tweek time is necessary for a proper install (a little nudge here and a lift there).

All in all, if I had to do it again, I probably would get another before I considered a lid.

Tony

 

Thanks, Tony for your objective and insightful post. Like a lot of things in life, my choice of covers will probably end up as a compromise, as it must perform a variety of duties easily.

At this late stage in our lives, quality, not price is important. Throughout my life, I have learned the hard way one usually gets what he/she pays for.

My wife and I are also looking at the King Ranch. Having knee replacements, the stepboards on the King Ranch might work out better for her.

In summary, I truly want to thank everyone for their suggestions and help. This board has a lot of helpful and well intended participants.

Mike

 

I have an ARE LSII on my truck and love it. Removal definitely takes two people because the thing is pretty darn heavy. There is no drilling required as it is held on by four simple clamps. One person noted that he didn't like the styling of it but that's one of the resons I like it better than the others. On the downside, it's higher profile can make backing up a little more nervewracking, but I just learned to use my mirrors more. I'm not sure exactly what the open dimension is, but it raises up pretty high off the bed. The only time I've had to take it off is to haul my quad. I can't speak for other brands, but ARE has an option that allows you to lock and unlock the tonneau cover with the factory keyless entry system, which is pretty nice. With the ARE, I think looks will be your deciding factor. I'm willing to give up a one-man removal for better styling, but some people on this board aren't. Check out my gallery and see what you think.

-Craig

 

I know you are looking at fiberglass, but... I installed an Extang Full-tilt a couple weeks ago and I love it. The cover can be simply rolled up behind the cap, or the whole thing can be lifted off. It is very light - my wife can remove and install it herself. I paid about $320 for it.

 

I have a Jason Hugger lid that I bought from ebay (it was the right color and everything!) and I love it. It fits tight, and is easy to use. It takes 4 wingnuts and 2 clips to get it loose. I haven't removed it yet - I imagine it will take two people to lift it off.

 

....color match is terrific, and I think the lid looks great...but....I have learned a couple of things. First...DO NOT lift the lid a few inches and then let it go. Where "it will go" is right across the backs of your hands, assuming they are still there! Smarts too! Second, I got the Leer with the built-in spoiler....I can't get over how high it looks (and is) when I'm trying to look to the rear for backing up. I also wish (too late now), that I would have looked for a lid that could remain down when opening the tailgate. Ford actually made one (or a vendor did) for the Sport Trac, and I'm sure someone does for the F-150. Anyhow....my two cents.

 

I put an Undercover lid on right before spring break. It isn't the prettiest cover out there by far, but with my truck being black and a lot of the plastic trim being matte or satin black, it fits right in. I do wish it had a central locking system instead of two locks, but other than that I am very happy with it. Fairly cheap too, got it for $526 + tax.

Some have commented about their cover (other brands) not covering the bed rail protectors. The Undercover conceals both the bed rail and tail gate protectors completely. Very clean looking installation.

According to the Undercover rep I spoke with prior to purchasing, it is NOT waterproof, merely water resistant. Let me tell you folks, I drove from Orlando to just above Georgia line trying to outrun a raging downpour, and didn't notice a drop of water in the bed when I stopped to say hello to Mother Nature.

For Spring break, I drove down to sunny Florida. My gas mileage on this trip (Northern Virginia to Orlando and back) was considerably higher than any highway driving I have ever done in the past. I normally get about 16-17 MPG on the highway. This trip I got just a tick over 20. I don't know how or why, nor do I care, but you couldn't have wiped the smile off my face with a leather strap when I gassed up after logging 472 miles on a tank of gas.

SL

 

The undercover is nice. We put one on my dad's 03 Harley a couple weeks ago and he is very happy with it. His is black so it looks nice. It took about 20 minutes to install. If you look at the design, it is just about impossible for water to get in. Now if you took it to a car wash and sprayed up under it, then sure, you will get water in it, but rain isn't going to get in.

 

look at extang rt cost is small and able to be roll ed up and its sets flush.

 

Thanks so much for the great information. This a really great forum of helpful folks.

Based on the responses, looks like the RETRAX or Undercover are the two main choices. Thanks again!

Mike

 

Mike,
I'd like to give you yet another option, if it's not too late. I have a Truxedo. It's a roll up tonneau cover.
Like you, I wanted a cover that would protect cargo in the bed, but still needed to use my bed to haul large items (a big Black Lab, for one!). The Truxedo installs in about 25 minutes, and works very well.
I considered a"hard" top cover, but didn't want to give up the bed for hauling stuff. There's been many times when I'd need to roll the cover up in order to haul stuff on the spur of the moment, and a hard top wouldn't work for me.
The Truxedo fastens on the sides with industrial velcro (which is replaceable) and fastens at the tailgate. So if you have a lockable tailgate, you'd have to unlock the gate before you can get into the back.

I hate to throw another idea at you, but just wanted you to know it was out there.

Check out their website www.truxedo.com
Good luck with whatever you get!
DC

 

"Fairly cheap too, got it for $526 + tax."

Snappylips, Where did you find the Undercover for this price? Inquiring minds want to know...

(Not sure how to quote properly)

 

Just click on the quote button on the bottom right of the post box.

I work at a jobber auto parts store, so I got it from there. My supplier is Keystone Automotive in Exeter, PA. Regular jobber is $675.00 and they gave me 22% off jobber to make it $526.50.

Too bad you're not local, I could hook you up. Shipping didn't cost me a thing since we get daily deliveries from them, but I would guess that this thing would cost a s-load due to it's actual size in the shipping box-something like 6-1/2' X 7' X 6 or 7". If you can find an outfit that sells it for </= $600 including shipping, you're getting a pretty good deal IMO.

Good luck with it!

SL

 

One more vote for the Undercover.

Yes it can be painted but they don't recommend it and I would imagine because of the type of material and the finish. Getting the paint to hold would be a problem with scuffing the finish to get some adhesion. My take anyhow.

Regardless I love my Undercover. I use my truck and I like the fact that in 2 minutes the cover is off and the truck is ready to work. I must say that while I can remove it alone it is alot easier to have someone help. Not the weight just the sheer size.

www.undercoverinfo.com

I got mine for $450 installed.

Oh and they don't claim it to be waterproof but I've never had a drop in mine even when washing the truck.