Truck Tonneau Cover

CATI1835

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Looking for a tonneau cover for my F150. I am leaning toward a hard, fold up type, but could be persuaded some other direction. My main concern is moisture (rain) protection with security as secondary. Ease of installation and removal are also considerations. Anyone have any suggestions? I don't want to pay my monthly social security check for one, but will pay for quality. What say you?
 
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Last Fall when I bought my 2014 F150, I had the dealer install one of their Ford Custom Accessories tonneau covers. Don't know what brand it is but you can see an installation video at BAK Industries - Tonneau Covers - Truck Bed Accessories.

It is just as you described.....hard cover (will support 350 lbs), will fold back in sections and is basically waterproof. It did leak a little during a hard driving rain. They have an ingenious drain at the 4 corners. They installed it so I don't know the difficulty level of that.The release is inaccessible when the tailgate is locked.
I'm happy with it.
Dave
 
The last time I looked hard covers were as much as a cap. If you buy a cheapy fiberglass it will eventually sag in the center. Try a standard roll up cover with tension bows and see if it works for you. Just my opinion.
 
I had a really well made one that snap down and had support rods. Snaps like a boat canvas. It stayed completely dry in the bed.

Only issue is it was black and got HOT as HELL. Burn your fingers snapping it back on.

They make folders and sliders now.

Security is ZERO,ZILCH!
 
I’ve had 3 of the solid fiberglass covers. The first was bought so long ago I don’t remember who made it. I’ve had 2 A.R.E. brand covers – one in 1994 and one in 2006. I opted for them because they were lockable (but not really secure) and didn’t rattle like the sectional metal ones I had seen.

The clearcoat on the one I got in 1994 went bad and the dealer shipped it back to the manufacturer for repainting (no charge). The paint job was about the only thing that had a warranty; when the pneumatic lift struts went bad I had to pay for them.

The one I got in 2006 had a tendency to leak where it was hinged at the front of the bed when parked on flat surfaces but not while driving. The dealer “adjusted” it a couple of times but never resolved the problem fully.

The hard fiberglass covers worked for me because I needed something to protect my guns and equipment when going to and from weekend, Bullseye, Service Rifle and SASS matches. The design of the cover wouldn’t let you transport anything tall in the bed of the truck because the cover wouldn’t close. (That worked out well for me when people were looking for friends with pick-up trucks to help them move!)

That's my experience - good luck in your search!
 
Check the brand Undercover, had one on my Ram. Strong, light, secure and easy on/off.
 
There are variables that should be considered before making your choice.

Cab height tops are nice for hauling lots of stuff and keeping it dry, but they present blind spots and removing/replacing usually takes at least two people unless you go with an aluminum one. The fiberglass models come in different styles and window options, painted to match your truck, but are the most expensive route.

Bed height fiberglass caps are nice for storing stuff in the bed you don't want seen and are pretty secure. Their shortcoming is while the can raise up a bit to help carry something higher than the bed of the truck, they, like the full size cap have to be removed to haul something like a stove or refrigerator. These can either be black or painted to match the truck. They are cheaper than the full top, but still expensive.

The multi-piece folding or sliding offer the same advantages of the bed height fiberglass cap, and can easily be slid or folded back for large items. Their one disadvantage is you can't use an in bed tool box with most. They all seem to be easy to use and remove if necessary. All of these I've seen were black, which can make things in the bed pretty hot on a summer day. Prices vary from cheaper units to some pretty high priced ones.

Tonneau covers roll up, exposing almost all of the bed. The unroll to cover the bed and the sides are held in place by either velcro or snaps, though almost all use velcro now days. They also keep items hidden, but unless you have a locking tailgate, they aren't very secure. For that matter, a box cutter would make quick work of one, but I have to say I never heard of anyone having one cut by someone trying to steal something. Like the slider/folder, these usually come in black, though at least one company used to offer colors - but I don't know if they still do or not. This is your cheapest option, somewhere in the neighborhood of $500.

I have had nearly all, except the sliding/folding type. For the past 10 years, I've put a bed level tool box in the front of my box and the tonneau covers were the only ones I've seen that will cover the box, yet roll up far enough to allow access to tool box. Installation of any cover is pretty straight forward, although the cab high ones also need to be wired for the third stop light and inside lights if wanted. Also, any of these will wear on your truck's bed rails due to flexing, even with the foam tape, so it's best to have the bed rails coated with spray bed liner material.
 
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I've got the Access Tool-Box Cover. I've had other covers, but this Access is an engineering marvel. Excellent latching system and even comes with adjusters for the front support bar. Easy to roll up by myself. I highly recommend it.




 
Truxedo, if it ever rips, no matter how, you get a new one. Velcro holds it down on the sides and locks in the rear. Roll it back if you need the bed. Has adjustments as it ages to make it tighter, Larry
 
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