First of all, I apologize if this has been covered in detail before. I tried to search. However, I guess I don't have sufficient access to search the forums. I would like to know if any of you have suggestions for bed covers. I think I'm most interested in a vinyl cover and rail system. Can you guys tell me the advantages and disadvantages of the different types (snaps vs. peel) and different manufacturers? I don't want anything that lifts like a trunk and I really don't want to spend a fortune if it's not necessary. Just something to keep stuff dry when it's in the bed.

Thanks,

JJ

 

I have a 2004 FX-4 and have been most pleased with my snap-on tonneau cover. I am lucky to live near a small company that custom builds them for $180.00 which is about the cheapist I found in my area. Keeps the bed nice and dry, and gauranteed for as long as I own the vehicle. A friend had problems with the zipper type, so I opted for the snap.

 

My truck is about 3 weeks old. I have some questions related to the "frame" mounting systems in regard to the 2004 F150 XLT with the 6.5 ft bed. Some manufacturers (I'm looking at Extang right now) use clamps to mount the "frame" and advertise no drilling installation. Will the clamp mounting system work with the bedside tops attached or would I have to remove these black nylon/plastic tops?

Do the clamps need periodic adjustment or do they pretty much stay put?

Any real world experience info would be appreciated.

 

The frame for the cover goes right on top of the plastic covers of the bed. In my experience, I never had to tighten up the clamps after I installed the frame. I put an Extang cover on my 04 FX4 and It looks good and was easy to install.

 

I had an '03 F-150 with the snap on tonneau. Works good for the most part but there are some downsides. A couple of issues I noticed were:

1) with the tonneau rolled back for loading the snaps moved on mine, not a big deal but it does take some time to move 'em back into place

2) when it is cool or cold and you un-snap the cover, it is dang hard to strech the cover back into place until it is warm again

3) can be a lil bit harder to clean

Other than these fairly minor issues the snap covers work good. I just re-upped and bought a 2004 F-150 but this time had a fiber glass, lifting cover on. So it more like a big trunk, painted to match. I got it for a 6.5 ft bed and it costs me around $600. I like it better than the snaps, but I have yet to try and pull it off for big loads.

Hope that helps.

Patrick

 

To each their own but I hated the snap-ons.

The bit about when it is cold and it is hard to get it snapped back on is exactly right. You can really pull on it and it is tough to get em snapped. I usually gave up and left the last 1 or 2 unsnapped.

My biggest complaint was the snap on and snap off time it takes. A real pain.

I opted for the Undercover hard cover. Lifts off within 5 minutes and installs just as fast. Supports 100s of pounds and looks great. It was only $500.

 

I have an Access Limited roll-up cover on my 5 1/2' FX4 bed. Assembly and installation took 90 minutes or so, and the instructions were well written. The Limited version has black anodized hardware (except the bright aluminum clamps) and each clamp includes a D-ring tie-down, which I find helpful for tying bikes down. The clamps are held very tightly if you install correctly. I doubt if they'll loosen over time. The rail system (one on each side of the bed) is held by the clamps, 4 on each side) to the inboard edge of the factory plastic/metal bed rails. Because it attaches on the inside, the open width of the bed is reduced by a few inches. This may be a concern if you carry large, tall boxy items that extend taller than the bed. The advantage of the Access rail system is that the original Ford plastic bed caps are still able to accept other accessories (tube rails, racks, tie-downs, etc). Access designed a near foolproof system of securing the bed cover in place. Velcro-type surfaces press down easily to hold the sides securely to the rails. The rear frame of the cover snaps into place with moderate hand pressure. When it snaps, the entire cover becomes drum-tight. When rolling the cover out of the way, the velcro releases automatically. On my cover, 2 crossbars are spaced apart to keep the cover flat. Because we often get tons of heavysnow, I may add another crossbar or two.
Does your truck have the bed extender? I found that the Access rails prevented my from using the extender that came with the truck, because the new narrower bed opening, caused by the rails, blocks the pivoting of the extender. Simple solution: I used a power jigsaw to trim a bit off the inside edge of each Access side rail at the back of the truck. I then had to also trim the black nylon Access latch seat the same amount (3/8 "). This entire operation took less than 1/2 hour, and both the extender and cover now work perfectly.
All bed covers have compromises. The hard ones look beautiful, and reputedly keep the bed dryer, but may be the wrong choice for the person that hauls tall objects often. The soft ones are easier to get out of the way for tall loads, but a rail system that narrows the bed may be a concern. A non-rail snap on cover may be a good choice, as long as you understand the limitations. Prices vary from $175.00-$1400.00+ for the top of the line motorized jobs. My Access Limited was about $390.00. The quality of materials and design are excellent, IMO. Hope this helps.
Larry

 

Vader716--where did you find the Undercover for $500?

 

I looked at soft and hard covers and found I didn't like the soft covers because of the lack of security. I also don't like the idea of messing with snaps or zippers in the rain or snow. Or in the sun when it's 117 in the shade and a good deal hotter in the parking lot. I considered the three fold canvas top, fairly easy to open, easy to get out of the way for large loads, but no security. Also it's about 300-350 net cost. For something anyone can steal in two minutes, that's a lot.

Fiberglass covers look totally cool. But it takes two hands to open them, two strong hands. I walk with a cane, and usually only have one hand free. and my wife doesn't have a huge amount of upper torso streangth to manhandle the top open or closed. The 600-800 dollar ones were tended to be hard to manipulate. also, to carry anything big takes two or three people to remove, store the top. Ouch.
So I looked at the peragon aluminum top, 500 bucks. I didn't like the amout of labor to install, I also didn't like the loss of the front of the bed where the top 'accordian's' when closed. Then found my wife couldn't pull the cord to bring it back to coverd.
Finally found the Fold-a-cover. it's like the K-cover and I think another one. It's four solid panels that you can fold up or open at the front or back. I installed it with my wife's help in about an hour. Instructions could be better. if I was doing it again two people could do it from scratch in 30 minutes.
It cost 512 dollars to my door. It looks pretty good, at least on a silver truck with black trim. The more I use it the better I like it. you can unlock and flip up just the front panel. This is where I keep things I would keep in the cab or in a trunk. I use a cheap plastic box, secured to a bed tie to keep my stuff together. At the back I usually just drop the tailgate and toss groceries etc. straight in under the cover. If you want to raise the cover you can do it with one strong hand, or easily with two. You open just as much as you need to, or fold the back three panels onto the front one for really big stuff. With our deep beds most things toss underneath.
My wife was a little worried about high winds affecting it, so we took it to 99 mph for three or four miles the other day. Best excuse I've ever had...
No problem with the tonneau, and it definatly improves the wind flow. That trip we went 111.8 miles on 5.3 gallons of gas, including at least twenty miles at over 80.
Any way, that's my 83 cents worth (2 cents, adjusted for inflation)
Chris

 

I've had the Access on my 04 6 1/2 foot bed for 11 months. No problems except for operator caused errors - (Hint, read the directions). I like the roll-up - it keeps stuff out of sight, and I can roll it up to put bikes in whenever I have the need. The thing keeps the bed mostly dry except in a total downpour, but I would never put something in there that has to stay totally dry. I had 12 inches of damp snow on it last February, and it didn't flinch. Kudos to the guys in South Dakota for making a good product.

 

I've got a Truxedo Lo-Profile rollup cover on my FX4 flareside. It's got nice wide velcro and integral bars that automatically roll up with the cover. The lo-pro design looks great with the flareside bed, too. I didn't catch if yours is a styleside or a flareside but just to let you know, as of the last couple months, the flareside no longer requires drilling to mount. Just clamps on. And when you lock the tailgate, the whole cover is locked in place.

 

im thinking about the lund genesis hinged cover. waiting for the search option to come back so i can see if anyone else has it. seems pretty nice. auto locks when shut and its a vinyl cover on a clampon frame.

 

I also have a Truxedo Lo-Pro and like it a lot. It has built in tensioners which was the main reason I bought it 'cause it gets real cold up here. Installation was super easy and combined with the tail gate seals, it appears to be water tight.

 

MWH,

I got the cover from a local dealer here in Maryland. I went to undercover's site and searched local dealers. The price range some $150. Glad I looked around.

Don't pay for the install, it took 10 minutes and a wrench.

 

I purchased a xtang from truckaddons.com for my F150 Lariat for $217.90 shipped to my door in about 8 days. Its the platinum model. They offer them in different colors now use to be just black. Like the snaps and can roll up to carry large loads. Its water tight and real simple to install in about an hour or less. No drilling holes clamps on. They send you every thing you need to install it. Had one for 10 years on my old F150 and it's still going strong. Winters in the north east are harsh but extang takes it in stride and still looks good.