Tonneau Covers

[sld]

I am in the process of researching a new truck. I have used a topper on my trucks for the last 20 years or so. That is always a big expense with a new truck. This thread is not about trucks (I will be getting an F-150 with ecoboost or 5.0) so I am looking for information about alternatives to a topper.

The reasons for the topper are simple. Camping trips, tools, dogs, hunting stuff, etc.... I would like to go the route of pickup and tonneau cover just for something different. Visibililty is better, it is easier to remove, and it probably looks better.

What are some of your opinions on these covers? I am mainly interested in the hard covers. I like the fact that they are easily removable for hauling big stuff. I have removed my topper a few times to haul big stuff but really it is a pain.

What are some of the pros and cons of the tonneaus based on your experience?

 

[Diamondpilot]

I am not a cover or topper guy but the roll up ones seem pretty slick.

Chris

 

[buck12]

I will follow this thread as I have an f150 and have considered the Back Flip bed cover. I have talked to several people who use the Back Flip and they really like it. Years ago I had a fiberglass cover and it was just too much trouble to remove. With the flip up style covers you can haul over size items without removing the cover.

 

[sdkubota]

I have one on my Tundra and like it. Keeps everything out of the weather and opens or comes off super easy. In the past I have had toppers and hard caps but I like the tonneau cover the best for ease of use. The thing it fails at providing is security as a knife will go right through one. Mine is a Truxedo which is a very quality made cover.

 

[timswi]

I have an OEM on mine...Works great..Not fight to reinstall even in the coldest weather.

 

[sld]

I have one on my Tundra and like it. Keeps everything out of the weather and opens or comes off super easy. In the past I have had toppers and hard caps but I like the tonneau cover the best for ease of use. The thing it fails at providing is security as a knife will go right through one. Mine is a Truxedo which is a very quality made cover.

I wondered that about the soft covers. I think for that reason I will be looking at the hard covers.

The topper really excels in the security area except pretty much everything is visible. At least with the tonneau cover, stuff is hidden.

 

[sld]

I have an OEM on mine...Works great..Not fight to reinstall even in the coldest weather.

What brand is the OEM?

 

[Pixguy]

I've researched them as well and haven't decided on which one. I've seen the soft pleather ones rip after some time at the snaps and although the fiberglass painted ones are slick, they are a pain if you run to lumberyard and need the space.
The hard flip type appear to have the best of all worlds.

This opinion is worth what it cost you.

 

[sld]

Anybody haul dogs in dog boxes with a tonneau?

 

[timswi]

What brand is the OEM?

From GMC..Don't know who actually makes it but it is embossed with a GMC logo.

The bars stay in the cover, the sides are velcro and the back lock is mechanical...I like it...2 minute removal and reinstall.

Run the truck every day hitting speeds of 80mph and never had an issue (except when I forgot to lock the back...Kinda like a Porsche spoiler coming up)