Lightweight tonneau cover?
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Elder User
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Lightweight tonneau cover?
I have the 04' 4x2 Lariat with 6 1/2' bed. I'll be traveling in a few weeks myself with 3 to 4 other passengers. It looks like I'll need to buy a tonneau cover for all our luggage. I really didn't want to buy one, but I also don't want to buy a camper shell. I do a lot of hauling in my truck so I want one that is very lightweight that I can put on or take off by myself. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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I have the same vehicle and I installed a Pace Edwards roll top cover about a year ago. I believe the model is called Jack Rabbit and it allows you to roll the top into a container right behind the cab (inside the bed) It does help with aerodynamics, it is lockable too. It keeps stuff fairly dry and is well built. It can be mounted without having to screw into the sheet metal. It cost about $900 +. It does not let you use the entire bed though, and you have to look out for it to avoid banging it if you carry a tall load.
If I were to do it all over again I'd look into a Fold a Cover. Check out their website.
I have no idea how good they might be and would like to hear from anyone that has one.
Have fun in your trip.
If I were to do it all over again I'd look into a Fold a Cover. Check out their website.
I have no idea how good they might be and would like to hear from anyone that has one.
Have fun in your trip.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 383
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From: Mililani, Hawaii
i got a Literider roll up cover....425 installed...works great, its got a locking mechanism which helps limit access and it seems to keep things pretty dry back their. however some water does get in. I have a drop in bed liner so the grooves channel the water that seeps in, out and keep it off my stuff. its definanly a nice cover.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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I have the Tonneau Master by Sportsmaster, and love it. Not very expensive (around $200), very high quality, lifetime warranty, lightweight, and easy installation. It's also easy to take off if you ever have to. I also have the Lariat Screw, and it really looks sharp, and is very functional. Go to their web site (do search for Tonneau Master) to view all their products.
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Originally Posted by wood4logs
I have the Tonneau Master by Sportsmaster, and love it. Not very expensive (around $200), very high quality, lifetime warranty, lightweight, and easy installation. It's also easy to take off if you ever have to. I also have the Lariat Screw, and it really looks sharp, and is very functional. Go to their web site (do search for Tonneau Master) to view all their products.
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Update
OK. I took the entire afternoon to do an indepth research project on my situation. I've decided the best option is the undercover or versacover (same product different name) tonneau cover. The vinyl snapons seem to be a pain to handle. The rollover vinyls have middle bars to support them and do not lock. The vinyls are the best prices however. The fiberglass are heavy and very expensive very hard to remove. The Kcover (folding type) were close but take an hour to install and may be hard to completely take off. Also Kcovers are aluminum and I suspect in summer will be blistering hot to touch. The Undercover/versacover fits all my needs. Easy to install and can easily be taken off by one person. It is light yet it is durable and lockable. The downside is it's also around $600. There are some local dealers so I'll give them a call and see if they can give a good price. I hope this information will help any out there that needs a brief description of the various types. It's amazing how many different models of these tonneau covers there are.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Raleigh NC
Toreador, Thanks for sharing ... great write-up. It is a nice looking coverbut 650 deliver certainly makes your think. Does anyone know for sure how hard it is to get the folding covers off? Does anyone know just how strong the folding covers are? The Fold-A-Cover: http://www.fold-a-cover.com/index.html sure looks nice.
Last edited by Aubrey3; Dec 30, 2004 at 08:35 PM.
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Junior User
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While the folding covers may look good on paper I am still a little weary on them keeping things dry. I have the undercover and I will tell you its the best thing I have done to my truck since buying it. It only weighs 55 lbs. and I can if need to take it off by myself. Looks stylish and blends in great with the truck lines. Even the wife likes it after pitching a fit when I told her I was buying one.
ViperFX4
ViperFX4
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: iowa
I have the Access roll up cover and really like it. Once rolled on, you snap the end shut and there are sliding clips that lock the cover on. With the locking tailgate, it is pretty much secure. I think I found it on the net for about $360/$380. It may be worth looking into. It rolls up and down in about 30 seconds. The middle bars just roll right up in the tonneau cover, they are never in the way.
steve
steve
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Cambridge, Ontario
I also have an Access roll top. I like it.
But I would also recommend Tonneau Masters, practically the same top, cheaper, and somewhat better designed.
I got the Access because they did not make one for my flareside.
But I would also recommend Tonneau Masters, practically the same top, cheaper, and somewhat better designed.
I got the Access because they did not make one for my flareside.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: near the home of the Mast
I have the 4 panel folding cover purchased from K-Cover delivered $650.00 It takes about 1 minute to fold and remove. It can be done by one person but it is a bit easier with the extra set of hands and it weighs about 35 lbs. Best part is it locks in the front and rear. Check out my photos in my signature link 
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I have the Fold-a-cover, paid 512.05 deliverd, but the prices might be higher.
Takes about 10 minutes to uninstall, but I only did that to see how it works. You usually can just fold it up, unless you need the entire bed.
adding power opening to it is cheap and easy.
On being waterproof, when you run it through a carwash, it leaks a little at the front. I could track that down and fix it, but we are talking a couple spoonfuls in a major wash. I honestly don't care enough to fix that.
I have used it during our rare rainstorm, driven and parked it for several hours, both days it rained and when I checked it, it was dry.
There is a neat three fold vinal tonneau that I thought about, but I'm glad that for the extra 175 bucks I got something you can lock.
Chris
Takes about 10 minutes to uninstall, but I only did that to see how it works. You usually can just fold it up, unless you need the entire bed.
adding power opening to it is cheap and easy.
On being waterproof, when you run it through a carwash, it leaks a little at the front. I could track that down and fix it, but we are talking a couple spoonfuls in a major wash. I honestly don't care enough to fix that.
I have used it during our rare rainstorm, driven and parked it for several hours, both days it rained and when I checked it, it was dry.
There is a neat three fold vinal tonneau that I thought about, but I'm glad that for the extra 175 bucks I got something you can lock.
Chris
Last edited by ChrisAdams; Dec 30, 2004 at 11:32 PM.