SpringerPop - have you had any issues with it sagging in the center... the long bed just looks like it would droop... which is my concern with a "flat" top styles. I was concidering one of the brands (Leer & ARE) just because of that. But I must admit the SnugLid is a classy, clean look. Thanks for your input... I am looking at the "SL" as it's features are quite nice.

 

Y2K350 - What don't you like about the locking mechanism? I do see that they now all come with the twist "t" handle instead of the push button hook. Have you had any problems with the cable latches? One dealer of another brand said that they can work lose and not unlatch leaving you stuck with one side that opens and one that doesn't. Also does it cover completely the black factory bed protectors? One dealer (of another brand) said the Leer sets up so high that they have seal issues and the bed protectors are visible.

Do you have any pics of it? I am very interested... you can private mail them if you would rather.

 

I currently have the push button and it is a real pain in the you know what. You have to push extremly hard on the button to disengage the lock. The T handle is on my list of things to do this coming spring. I want to be able to open it with one hand. It does completely cover the factory bed rail protectors and seals very well. We get a very fine powdery snow here that likes to travel into everything and I get absolutely none in the bed. I don't have any pics of the 03 yet, also on my list of things to do.

Tony

 

05Blue,
I had the traditional I believe. The tailgate seal is a thick rubber seal kit (almost like a door seal) that glues to the bed between the gate and bed and seals it right up, I found that most topper places have it.

Never had any issue with front leakage and as for the locks, I thought that would be a problem as well. After a couple of snowy winters having to broom off my lid to open it I never had a lock freeze or jam. About the only thing I had happen was the screw that holds the lock tongue that swivels came loose and the lock cylander spun all the way around until I tightened it back up. Otherwise, the 3 bulb rubber seal that contacted my bed caps worked well ( I never found another top that had this) and the over the rail construction made water and whatever drop off, plus the color match was very close.

 

On my last truck I had the ARA and loved it. One of the selling points for me was that it had the highest swing of those that I found. I liked the latch system, it worked very well. The downside was that it was heavy. I put a regular canopy on my new SD and sort of miss the wide open view of the Tonneau cover. StevenG

 

It seems the push button was a ral pain for everyone... they no longer produce them! Everyone gets the twist t-handle. It is easy to use and I liked the flip up for the key lock as it helps protect it from the elements. Does the raised area of the top extend all the way to the back of the tailgate? I have not found a good pic of the top of the cover... and all models are different for each manufacturer body style. You are the first I have heard of as having it on a Ford SD long bed as well. Sorry for the questions!

 

I figured there must be a better solution than the push button and it doesn't look like it would be too difficult to convert it to a T handle. It is raised all the way to the back however it does slightly taper to the rear and the sides. I can't get any good pictures right now because of the snow we are currently getting but I should be able to get some this weekend.

Tony

 

BlueHog,
No sagging issues, at all. It's almost dead flat. I suspect the additional thickness indicates that it has honeycomb or something else rigid molded into it.

 

The lock on the top is a lock like on my 79 Ford Pickup. (actually uses a ford style key) It has a small metal cover piece inside that moves out of the way when you put the key in. I have not had any problems with it.

The dealer that installed it put a rubber seal on the bed, The snug lid has one on it. Between the 2 no moisture comes in the front. In fact I store some moving type quilts in the bed and they do not get wet at all. I do not have any sort of tailgate seal.

 

Just put an ARE on my 04. Perfect color match. Also has "e-lock", unlocks and locks with factory power door lock remote, very nice feature. The lid has exactly the same body lines as the trucks hood. Installed seal around tailgate and have no leaks! Great lid!!!! Had a "roll and lock" retractable on a chevy and it leaked pretty bad.

 

i have the are on mine and like it just fine,looks great and dosent leak.perfect color match and pretty durable,(i'm a little rough with the use of my truck)good luck with your choice deno