So - on my GMC I had both a soft tonneau and a fiberglass cover. During the summer the hard cover would come off so I could my use 5th wheel trailer. The hard cover really looked great, especially with a spolier and extra brake light. But I got that cover prior to owning a 5th wheel.

There are way too many choices now, but I am considering the Fold-a-cover G4 Elite.

Questions for someone that has one on an 8' bed, how many panels?
Can you open it part way to have access for the hitch or does it need to be opened and secured all the way?

If it is open all the way, what do you have to do to get in the forward section?
Realizing that the panels need to be unfolded can you unfold it far enough with a trailer hitched up to open the front section?


And if not a Fold-a-cover, what are good choices for using a 5th wheel with an 8' bed?
I would like to have access in the front for a toolbox.

 

Extang Trifold. I'm extremely pleased with this unit. I also installed a seal around the tailgate. I drove this through a carwash and got just a trickle of water in. It leaked at the four corners and where the unit hinges. I checked it after a rainstorm - no leaks. After it snowed, I intentionally let the snow stay on it and melt - no leaks. This unit was $800.00 plus I spent $59.00 on the tailgait seal. I could have done the seal cheaper, but I bought what was made for that purpose. I can sit on it. Stand on it. We put our guns on it and make lunch on it when hunting.

When it is folded to the front you can drive with it open like shown. 35.5" for them folded up. It's 33.5" from inside the bed allow for the overlap on top of the bed. I don't know if this will work with your fifth wheel or not. It does offer versatile secure storage. No tools are required to remove or install.

 

After looking up the Fold-a-cover G4 Elite, that looks like a better choice for a fifth wheel.
I like the way the front opens. Mine won't do that. The four piece makes it more versatile too. But, will it keep water and dust out?.

 

My 2011 should be here mid December and I have been looking for a cover that will work with my 5th wheel. I have narrowed it down to these two

BestRail™ System - Tops and Accessories for Jeep & GM, Ford, Dodge Trucks by Bestop
&
https://www.peragon.com/truck-bed-cover-retractable.php

I think you would have an issue with the Peragon with a tool box but the bestop should work.

 

I have the Fold-a-Cover G4 Elite and it has been pretty good to me. I like the option of opening by the cab as well as the back. I did not spend the extra money for the built in Caddy box as I use a cross bar to hold a rubbermaid in place (much cheaper than $500+ for the Caddy lol).

 

Also, I get a bit of water in typhoon conditions. I need to adjust the track a bit but it is not bugging me that much. It can wait till Spring. I also have a BedRug in the bed for the first time since I have used Line-X in every other truck I have owned. It feels good on the knees and I don't drop 3 tons of rocks into my 55K rig either lol.

 

For those who are using the BakFlip or Tuxedor, how have they been? My biggest concerns are leaks and security.

 

I have the "Access" roll up & its easy & fast to use. The box stays dry when the cover is on,you can lock it on too, Gigger

 

Join the Bakflip community on facebook...and enter contest the "I Love my Flippin' Bakflip" video contest to win $1000.

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and if you aren't on facebook you can enter the contest here:

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Seems our BackFlip sales force is working overtime!

 

bumping old threads with advertisements? This can't be "proper" behavior for a Platinum Sponsor... It has definitely turned me off of Backflip.

 

There are a few of these threads up (thank to the BackFlip people who resurfaced them). I was going through the same challenges of trying to figure out what to buy back in late November and into December. A lot depends on intended usage.

I hunt a lot and having a secured and DRY place for my hunting equipment was high on my list. Also wanted the ability to remove or move it out of the way when I needed to repurpose the truck.

What I found is that nothing out there is perfect. I elected to go with the Diamondback because it offered security, appears to be dry (we'll see when the Spring monsoons hit) and I should be able to get the hardware off within a reasonable amount of time.

Both of the doors can be removed, leaving just the center attachment point. The center attachment point is held on by 4 C clamps. In theory, if I mark the position of the center attachment point, I should be able to remove everything in less than 10 minutes. The repurposing of my truck usually involves me hauling tons of yard waster to the recycling depot. Another benefit is that the cover can hold up to 1,400 pounds. Which makes it great for me on those occassional lumber runs. Here are some pictures:













P.S. I AM NOT PAID BY DIAMONDBACK OR ANYONE FOR THIS TESTIMONIAL

 

I really dig the diamondback... the only problem is that I pull my fiver at least once per month. Maybe I could just remove it each time... if it's really 10 minutes off and on it might be an option. It sure is a good looking cover

 

I am still pulling tagalongs and probably will be for a while. The general disallowed any additional funding because of all the stuff I bought for this truck (not to mention the truck itself )!

Taking it off once a month may not be so bad. Taking it off more than that I would think would get old. With all of these covers, it is up to the intended mission.

One thing I will say about it; It's built like a tank. This is the HD model and is supposed to be able to handle up to 1400 pounds on top. With available options like a cab guard (have one, haven't installed it yet) and side rails, you could put a lot on top and secure it. For me, it had the right attributes and you're right, it just looks right for this truck!

 

If you want a lightweight very sturdy cover, there is the Undercover. It does not fold or open from the front, but can be taken off in under 2 minutes and weighs about 55 lbs. Super strong and I've never had a leak. My new truck doesn't have one yet as I have a tool box in the front. But they now have a solution for that too...good luck.