I have been reading several posts on bedcovers and have almost come to a decision, but wanted to get some additional input from current bedcover owners. I am very close to getting an Access rollup cover.

First, it looks like the Access Limited is a little dressier than the Access roll up cover; and with the exception of a few minor details, functions pretty much the same as the Access. Other than looks, price (a few bucks difference), and a maybe a bell and whistle, is there any major reason to go with the Access Limited over the Access, or vice versa?

Second, I realize that Truxedo and Extang make rollup covers that FTE posters have given high marks. Is you own a Truxedo or Extang rollup cover, is there any particular reason you went with them rather than Access. And for Access owners, is there any particular reason you went with them instead of a rollup cover from Truxedo or Extang?

 

I am in the same situation as anthony99, and have all the same questions. Plus, I would like to know--Can all of these covers be used with the factory installed bedrails? Thanks anthony99 for asking all of the right questions!!!

 

I need lockable tool storage as well as bed access. On my Ranger I had 3 toolboxes, the main box plus saddle boxes. I don't want that 'look' on my new truck but I'd still like something as functional. I might end up going with the roll-up type hard cover.

 

Here is a comparison of bed covers, from my point of view, and what led me to a soft rollup cover:

Painted hardtop fiberglass covers like the A.R.E - Look very nice, but pricey and too heavy to remove by one person at a moment's notice.

Hardtop covers like Undercover/Versacover - Very nice, very lightweight and very strong hard cover. But a little pricey, but not too bad. Mainly though, this does not allow me to carry something large if I have to do so on the fly when I am out somewhere. Lid has to come off and be set aside if I need to carry something tall. This is OK if you plan ahead and take it off in your garage, but not if you come across something unplanned. Not a big drawback, but enough to sway me.

Folding covers like Fold-a-Cover and K-cover - Very nice bed covers, except I don't like the "seams" that show at the fold joints when it is flat.

Snap covers - Forget it; don't want to hassle with the snaps.

Aluminum retractable covers like PE Jackrabbit, Retrax, Roll-n-Lock - Once again, very nice and VERY secure covers, but most are a little too expensive for me; plus it seems from some of the posts that some of these might not be as weatherproof as other covers.

Softcover Rollup covers like Access, Truxedo, Extang - Seems like a good balance between price, looks, strength, water tightness and convience of use. Even though it is lockable, possible downside is security due to soft vinyl (although tough vinyl) cover. Therefore seemed like a good choice for my needs.

The only question remaining is are there really any major differences in performance between the soft rollup covers from Access, Truxedo and Extang? It would be good to hear from any owners.

 

It really stinks having to use Google to find these websites since the FTE sponsored links do not work with the newest Windows XP service pack 2 and a decent firewall program such as Norton. Off I go to find websites for the three covers you mentioned.

OK I found Extang and Truxedo. I like the Extang combo thing with the toolbox and hinged soft cover. Where can I look at the Access? That is too generic of a name to Google.

 

http://www.rolltopcover.com/

The Retrax!

After reading all of your posts, I think this one would be most fitting.

Just promise me one thing, if you order, please tell him Dave H from Northern California sent you...

Seriously, this one looks great and is full function too... I am ordering one just as soon as I get the spare change!

Let me know what you think!

Dave

http://www.rolltopcover.com/

 

Anyone want to try to do a bulk buy on these????

Dave

The Retrax!


http://www.rolltopcover.com/

 

Where can I look at the Access? That is too generic of a name to Google.[/QUOTE]

You can find it at:
http://www.accesscover.com

 

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The Retrax looks like a great cover, and I have read very positive posts about it but it is a little more expensive than what I was looking for. Plus, does anyone know how well this one keeps out water?

 

I have the Truxedo but when I was looking, I looked at it and the Access. I was looking at these because I wanted a cover that mounted off the rails/sides of the truck and was a no drill installation. I ended up going with the Limited because I happened to find it on sale plus free shipping. The Access is nice, I was going to go with the regular Access because the only real difference was black rails and a slightly larger velcro strip. Wasn't really worth the difference in price in my opinion. All of the differences are pretty minor, but if you happen to get a good deal on the Limited then go for it.

 

I just got the access limited installed on my truck. Unfortunately I only noticed after they installed it that it was an older model that required drilling my bed rails. Other than that, it looks great.

 

Thanks for the info. So you have both a Truxedo and an Access Limited, or did I misunderstand you comment? If you have both, how do the two compare (i.e., which one would you go with if you had to do it all over again)? Where did you find the Access Limited on sale with free shipping?

 

I also forgot to mention that I was originally going to get the Tonneau Masters Roll Top due to a lower price and better design over the Access. But they do not offer one for the Flareside, they had a part number for it but decided not to produce it.

The Tonneau Masters is the same as the Access but with the Access you have to roll it to the front and make adjustments then roll it back and check. Not with the Tonneau Masters, the adjustment **** is located at the back so there is no need to roll it back and forth trying to check it.

The access was $100 (CAN) more than the tonneau masters.

http://www.sportmasters.com/tonneau.htm

 

No I dont work for them, I just think its cool. I hear that it keeps out water well. If you call the marketing guy, he will walk you through the site, pictures and tell you about all the engineering details. They had great customer service. That is rare these days! Cannot wait to hear from people who have them....

"The newly redesigned RETRAX ™ Generation III pickup truck bed covers are unique because they are “flat from front to back™,”* which allows water to flow off quickly without obstruction. This patented – one-piece (polycarbonate) – low-profile design is engineered tough and streamlines the overall appearance of the pickup truck bed covers. The RETRAX ™ roll top truck bed covers provide our customers with the “security” and “convenient cargo protection” they deserve. The RETRAX ™ tonneau covers are manufactured from polycarbonate, a virtually indestructible thermoplastic commonly known as LEXAN®. This rigid, one-piece sheet is engineered to retract without joints or hinges that can trap dust, wear out or freeze. Polycarbonate has excellent impact resistance and is unaffected by sun, moisture or temperatures from -50º to +200º. RETRAX ™ has a gloss black finish that adds a new dimension of beauty to your pickup truck. Our engineers took the same polymer technology used in fighter-jet windshields and designed pickup truck bed covers that withstand the most rugged use. "

 

Thanks BlueFX4 I went out to sportmaster website and looked at the tonneau, and love it! This cover fits all my criteria! While on the website I went to "dealer locater", and found 4 dealers close to me. My next day off I'm headed off to talk with them and see one upclose. If I buy it I'll let everyone know how it works out.