Yes, well that is for the PLASTIC Retrax. Why would you expect to get long life out of polycarbonate when your cover sits in the sun and all the elements. Buy the aluminum Retrax Pro MX and you will have something long lasting.

 

This is what makes the selection of a Tonneau cover so challenging. There is a large range - from Solid tops, to tri-fold, to roll-up and everything in between. There are all aluminum, vinyl/aluminum, soft top vinyl etc. Are you looking to keep for many years - then aluminum may be your best option, although buying 2-3 vinyl may work out best as the aluminum cost quite a bit more.
In deciding what is right its best to know how you will use the bed. Will you need full access to it? If so then the Tri-Fold/Peragon/Vinyl are likely your best bet as they can be removed quite easily. The Peragon should store inside the cab under the rear seat, but you will need to remove the storage bin under the seat. The dimensions allow for it
Do you need to store anything on-top of it? if so either one which offers a rail kit to accept bikes/skis etc works best or if looking to put an ATV on-top then a Diamond Back is your best deal
Do you need a tool-Box - Then Truck Covers may be a better option as it has a small canister and rolls up

Note that there are many others out there which offer options, so fortunately the world is our oyster when deciding. Unfortunately there are cost, and there is not a perfect solution out there, but some come pretty damn close.

 

Keep looking. Look for people who have reviewed them that have had them installed for awhile.
I am not looking for people who have just installed them, sure they are sweet when new, look for the reviews where people come back a year or two later and leave a review.

If I am going to shell out 2 grand on a cover, I want it to last more than a couple years.

I wish there was a place to go and try these things out. I am sure they are nice, but I would like to see the fit and finish of these in person.

Like you said, "If" I saw it in person I would understand why it costs so much.

As it is, I find myself checking out other peoples trucks in parking lots and looking for name brands on their covers.

 

The gatortrax and retrax are the same indentical covers, you tube installs on the both of them and you will see they are the same.

 

I've had great luck with Retrax bed covers. The poly unit on my F-150 is a 2004 model and still works like new after 13 years in Alaska.

I've sold friends and family on them after seeing how well mine works still, no issues and great quality!

 

Great to hear.

I will look harder at one of these.

 

Here's what I know. I want something lockable that will last 10 years, easy to remove and doesn't block the window when fully open. Also works with a 5th wheel hitch to some extent. I won't be putting anything on top and storing it in the cab isn't a big deal. Usually if it's taken off, then it will be for a few months but I'd still like it to be easy to take on and off.

 

I have the Truck Covers USA and also have the Toolbox Jr which is great for storing odds and ends and shotguns when we hunt birds.

I have had one on my 2013 SD since I got the truck new. Still looks great and works flawlessly. Great customer service as well. I am moving it to my '17 once it arrives. I have to get new rails since the bed has grown on the new models, but they said I can buy directly from them with new parts/hose/weatherstripping, etc thrown in.

I had a PE Full Metal Jacket on my '10 SD. It was ok, but a little sloppy. Much happier with the TC USA model.

 

Does the paragon cover flop around and make noise while driving in the open position or is there a way to tie it together tight when not in use?

 

Any idea of price for the new rails? I'm in a similar situation, as I have the TC USA on my 2013 and will be looking to move it to the 2017 I ordered. I have to make sure i spray lube the locking mechanism a couple times a year, other than that, it works well.

Thanks.

 

I don't see any reference to the BakFlip tri-fold or the Revolver X2 roll up hard cover. Do folks not like these. I have a G2 on my 2009 SD and use the truck 95% of the time to pull my camper. I store firewood in the front of the bed forward of the axle and like the fact that I can fold it all the way up against the window to easily load and remove wood. I rarely ever drive with it propped up unless I haul my ATV to hunting club but that is 1x/year. Other than that it stays closed while driving or if needed 1 or two panels are left open for things that are too tall for the cover to close.

 

Kim at TC quoted me $295 plus some shipping "direct price deal".

 

If my quick googling is accurate, the TC USA with the small toolbox is about $2500??? Is that correct?
Thats a pretty penny for a cover.

thx

ysgi

 

Might be worth calling around as they seem to have a MAP policy. Mine doesn't have the toolbox and although I bought it a few years ago, I paid quite a bit less than what was listed at all the websites.

 

I agree with calling around. Or even call or email Kim Tremelling at TC. I bought my cover first and then added the Work box Jr, which just bolts on replacing the canister cover, a few months later. I know I got the box direct from them. I honestly can't recall what those prices were at the time. I will try and check if I have the old email invoices though.