This is what I have learned on the three covers: Hopefully this is helpful

Truck Covers

Pace Edwards

Retrax

Manufacture Truck Covers
Model American Roll Cover
Canister 8w x 8d
locking interval every 12"
Finish textured powder coat
Weight support 500 lbs
Lock center, allows for keyless quick release entry
pull strap yes
Tool Box comp. Option to include toolbox with cover from Truck Covers
Warranty 2 year
Side rail intrusion n/a
Drain 4 (2 near cab, 2 near tailgate)
est price $1649

Manufacture Pace Edwards
Model Full Metal JackRabbit
Canister 9.75w x 9.25d
locking interval every 12"
Finish powder-coated aluminum deck
Weight support not weight rated
Lock drivers side
pull strap yes
Tool Box comp. use to have a ToolTop box, unable to find now
Warranty 3 year
Side rail intrusion n/a
Drain 2 (near cab)
est price $1601

Manufacture Retrax
Model Pro MX
Canister 11w x 11d
locking interval any position
Finish textured powder coat
Weight support 500 lbs
Lock drivers side
pull strap none
Tool Box comp. unable to find if it works
Warranty Limited Lifetime Warranty
Side rail intrusion n/a
Drain 2 (near cab)
est price $1699

 

I had the switch blade by pace Edward's on my last two super duties and they both made it just over 3 years here in Wisconsin and then fell apart. I will not recommend this model maybe the better models will last longer?

 

It also depends on how you use your truck. I've had the same Extang Trifecta since I bought my 2009 F250 SB and it's now on my 12 6.7. Guys who run heavy miles and leave their trucks outside get a year or two out of this cover. Mine is perfect after 7.

 

What about sun exposure with these covers? I can't be the only guy living in the south who has to store the truck outside. Harsh summers and sunny days year around...how do these covers hold up over time?

 

The retrax is an aluminum cover and I park it outside all day long year round at the office. I keep a wax coat on it like the pickup and it looks new after 2-3 years. I live in Iowa so darn cold in the winter and like today darn hot in the summer.

 

Also might want to check out Roll-N-Lock.

Their comparisons have me curious.

Roll-N-Lock Catalog & Brochures | Downloadable Content

 

I've been EXTREMELY happy with my Fold-A-Cover G4 Elite. Folds from tailgate, or opens from cab side to access items near cab. Or open both sides one panel. Very flush and sleek but sits on top of bedrails so you don't lose any bed space. Slam latch for easy open / close and it's lockable.

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Hijacking the thread a bit - how do you like those ultralites?

Been looking for a couple for the missus and me but she's pretty risk averse and doesn't really want to "work" to fly.

 

If you're in Arizona, it's a great place for paramotoring. And Phoenix happens to have the best school and instructor in the country. Paradrenalin.com - Ryan Shaw. He flies and teaches out at Lake Pleasant airport NW of Phoenix. Give them a call and you can take a tandem and check it out.

 

I wish I was still in AZ - had to move for work.

 

Can you take all the panels off easily if wanted, and does it keep the bed contents pretty dry in the rain?

 

The bed stays dry. During a very hard rain storm, you might get a few DROPS of water on a corner or two but I keep sensitive items in the bed all the time without a second thought. The panels themselves don't leak at all.

The panels remove very easily with just 4 bolts. The rails that sit on top of the bedrails would remain and you would have 100% of your bed. I would say it would take about 2-3 minutes. Otherwise you have 75% of your bed by simply folding them towards the cab.

The best thing about it is you simply slam the panel shut to close it unlike most out there that have latches underneath. And you don't have to open the tailgate to access the bed since the open latch is on top of the panel.

 

Hard tops are nice but they all have to be removed to use 100% of the box space. I much prefer a soft cover which can roll all the way forward and smoosh against the window in order to load my camper, UTV or any other large object I want all the way forward against the front of the box. I understand the hardtop can be removed but then it has to be stowed away separately if you want to re-install it at the destination.

 

Tis true Rasalas but I find that with the Retrax retractable top that I get much more use out of it covering the bed for the vast majority of the time I am not hauling stuff. Locking it up for security. Keeping rain and snow out. Looks better than non hard top IMO. Retracts compactly with 90% of bed use in 5 seconds time. Half of bed covered with 5th wheel towing. Taking a cover off and folding it having to put it back on means for me it almost always stayed off once it was off.

 

They were still offering a factory roll-up cover on the 16's, but noticed they don't offer any covers yet on the 17' build and price.