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Retractable Bed Covers

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Old Jan 25, 2015 | 09:51 PM
  #1  
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Retractable Bed Covers

I just got my new F-350 King Ranch (standard bed with crew cab). I am looking for a bed cover. I want it to be retractable so I don't lose full function of the bed. But, I also need it to be fairly waterproof so I can put clothes and other items in the back when we go traveling in it.

Who makes the best retractable bed covers out there? I would be interested in hearing people's thoughts and experiences. Also, I don't mind paying top dollar if I am getting a prime product so even if the best one is pricey, please let me know about it.

Thanks!
 
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Old Jan 25, 2015 | 09:57 PM
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Originally Posted by SMLWinds
I just got my new F-350 King Ranch (standard bed with crew cab). I am looking for a bed cover. I want it to be retractable so I don't lose full function of the bed. But, I also need it to be fairly waterproof so I can put clothes and other items in the back when we go traveling in it.

Who makes the best retractable bed covers out there? I would be interested in hearing people's thoughts and experiences. Also, I don't mind paying top dollar if I am getting a prime product so even if the best one is pricey, please let me know about it.

Thanks!
Look at Pace-Edwards, either their JackRabbit or BedLocker.
 
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Old Jan 25, 2015 | 10:53 PM
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Not sure what you mean by "retractable so I don't lose full function of the bed." If you mean a roll-up style, you're going to lose some bed space.

I've got a Bakflip VP on my truck. Only had it for a few months, but so far it seems to make it pretty water tight, and it folds up against the back of the cab if I need the full bed. Pretty happy with it so far.
 
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Old Jan 25, 2015 | 11:53 PM
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i have a Pace Edwards (electric retractable) and really like it as its fits flush to the rail so from the side you don't even see it and the electric function is very useful. pretty water tight but some still gets in

i would think an over the rail style would be more water proof as the water will bel diverted off over the sides rather than have to be sealed out
 
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Old Jan 26, 2015 | 12:35 AM
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Thanks for the responses. I have been checking out the Pace Edwards tops. They look pretty nice. I have also been looking at Retrax...anyone know anything about those?

And, yes, I realize a roll up will take up some bed space. What I didn't want was a hard cover (the ones that pop up like a hood) since that can't be rolled up and thus would limit would I could carry even more.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2015 | 06:46 AM
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I had the BAK retractable on my 02' F350. Didn't like the fact that debris could easily accumulate in the canister over time...and light snow and ice would easily hamper its operation. I went with the BAKFlip F1 on my 2015 F350 L/B and love the full bed access when I need it...as opposed to a canister taking up space...and occasionally jamming up. Any water that enters the rails drains nicely with the double drainage tubes routed to outside of bed. Bed stays dry! Love the BAK F1!
 
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Old Jan 26, 2015 | 08:09 AM
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I had not seen that BAK F1....pretty nifty! I assume when you say "cannister" you are talking about the reel at the front of the bed for retractable covers? I guess while that probably doesn't take up a ton of space, since I have a crew cab with standard bed my space is much more critical.

I am interested in people's thoughts on the BAKFlip vs. the undercover flex?

Clearly Undercover copied BAKFlip, but did they improve on it? The biggest thing I see looking at them is that the BAKFlip is aluminum vs. a fiberglass for the Undercover Flex.

Which has a better locking mechanism?

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions--please keep them coming!
 
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Old Jan 26, 2015 | 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by SMLWinds
I had not seen that BAK F1....pretty nifty! I assume when you say "cannister" you are talking about the reel at the front of the bed for retractable covers? I guess while that probably doesn't take up a ton of space, since I have a crew cab with standard bed my space is much more critical.

I am interested in people's thoughts on the BAKFlip vs. the undercover flex?

Clearly Undercover copied BAKFlip, but did they improve on it? The biggest thing I see looking at them is that the BAKFlip is aluminum vs. a fiberglass for the Undercover Flex.

Which has a better locking mechanism?

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions--please keep them coming!
I have the rolbak on my 350 with 8ft bed and can vouch for the debris and jamming occasionally. I convinced my old man to get the flipbak because of this. Hands down the best top I've seen in use! He has the short bed and folds it twice and can still hitch up to the camper. One man, five minutes and it's completely off if need be!

Sent from my SM-G900V using IB AutoGroup
 
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Old Mar 3, 2015 | 08:35 AM
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Bedlocker

I have the PE Bedlocker on my F350 longbed. I love it. With the touch of a button, the cover retracts into a fairly small canister. It doesn't take up much space at all. I like the fact that I don't need to have a hard cover tilted up if I want to carry something in the bed. I also like how it secures the bed. I SCUBA and camp occasionally, and I can leave all the gear in the bed while I eat at a restaurant on the way without worrying about somebody seeing my cargo and taking it. If I lock the tailgate, it's pretty secure.
 
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Old Mar 3, 2015 | 08:39 AM
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Bedlocker

Forgot to mention the coolness factor. People really love the cover, and I think it looks really sharp. I may switch to the Explorer rails so I can add a rack system to carry my kayak and canoe. The Explorer rails are wider and will cover more of my bed rails making the bed more water-proof. Currently, my gear doesn't get wet. If water does leak in, it's minimal. Also, if I add the Powerlock to the tailgate, I can lock/unlock the tailgate with my truck's remote fob.
 
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Old Mar 3, 2015 | 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by bbaudoin
Forgot to mention the coolness factor. People really love the cover, and I think it looks really sharp. I may switch to the Explorer rails so I can add a rack system to carry my kayak and canoe. The Explorer rails are wider and will cover more of my bed rails making the bed more water-proof. Currently, my gear doesn't get wet. If water does leak in, it's minimal. Also, if I add the Powerlock to the tailgate, I can lock/unlock the tailgate with my truck's remote fob.
Haha! Lolol! Yup, I have people tell me "That just ain't right!" When they see me push the remote and open the cover just like a garage door!
 
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Old Mar 3, 2015 | 03:27 PM
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I have a Retrax that has to be 15 years old. Looks great, works well, fairly watertight. Surprised that it has lasted as long as it has. I like the roll-up cover for the reasons you stated - you can put tall stuff in the bed with the cover open. I would never buy a hard-shell tonneau cover again!
 
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