I've just purchased a 2001 Ford 250 with a long box. I've narrowed my choice of tonneau covers down to either the "Access Roll-up Cover"
or the "Extang RX".

Any advice on the comparative merits or drawbacks of these covers will be appreciated.

TIA

Bob

 

I am not familiar with the Extang RX cover, but have the Access on my truck. I know the previous Extang covers I have seen are hard to snap down, and hard to roll up. With the Access cover, you can roll the cover up from one side, and the bows stay with the cover. I also locks when rolled out so that you cannot just reach into the bed. I took the hidden **** off, so that if the tailgate is locked, you can't get in without a saw. The Access cover also has a ripstop material built in, so a regular knife won't cut it easily.

Bluehawk

 

I did some research and decided to go with the Extang RX cover. Have not recived it yet. Hope to get it any day now and will ket you know. Comes with a Lifetime warranty on the cover.

 

Extang RX cover?? Sure that is RX and not RT?

 

Purchased the Truxedo low profile cover that came out recently. I looked at several others and decided that this to me seemed to be the best option for my truck. It was priced about the same as the others at the top (just under $400) but I like the single release lever on it (don't have to do both sides separately). Also doesn't have the plastic buckles on the outside up next to the cab, just a loop to hook the elastic strap hanging on the inside of the bed to.

 

You'll like the Extang. It has a latch release underneath, rolls up from one side. can stand a foot of snow. I got it so I could put a cab protector on that used the first stake hole.

 

Still waiting to get my Extang and yes that is RT cover. Called Truck Xpressions this morning and the said it was drop shipped from manufacture in Michigan....Should recieve in a couple days.

 

I have one fore top for you to consider. I looked at allot of products before opting for the RETRAX. IMHO it is the best product out there. You can find more info at http://www.rolltopcover.com/

The one piece top is gloss black Lexon (the same stuff they make aircraft windshields from. It is hard and durable. Under that is aluminum slats which run on sealed ball bearing rollers. No greasing of rails, no gumming up with dirt or grit. The rails are aluminum that clamp to the bed rail - so no drilling.

Now to the GOOD part. The top is easily rollable and rolls up in a special drum that keeps the cover from touching any other part of the cover. The drum has two drains that drain any water out of the drum and to the outside of the box. Very little water gets into the bed. I have yet to find any tops that keep all water out.

The top is lockable with a key. You can also lock the top anywhere along the track. Most others I saw only allow you to lock it every foot or two.

I replaced a soft tonneau cover with the RETRAX. The soft tonneau cover was a pain as you had to secure the bows and you either had it snapped all the way around - or rolled up. Nothing in between.

I put the RETRAX on my 2001 F-250 long bed and when I bought my 2004 King Ranch, there was NO WAY I was going to let it go. I just transferred it to my 2004. As such it is now about 3 years old and looks as good today and the first day I installed it. (Installation was easy by the way).

No, I don't own stock in RETRAX - it's just the best out there IMHO.

I have a picture or two in my gallery if interested. Take a look!!!

 

How much did you pay for your retrax?

 

I Got Lucky, current truck had a Pace Edwards roll top when I bought it .
I never want to deal with snaps and velcro covers again.
It takes a lot less time to pull it back and lock it in place, and I had a tendency to put it off and fix the cover at home. (probably cost me in fuel)

 

I'd love to have a roll top cover... the problem is, I have a WeatherGuard chest in the bed that is about 1/4" lower than the top of the rails and is fairly close to the cab. While I've not actually seen one rolled up, I would imagine that the roll itself must be next to the cab too and I don't think there would be enough clearance due to the chest.

Most of the other tops make getting to the chest hard as well. The section foldup one looks like it might be the best since you can open the cab side also. But they are also a lot of $$$

Right now, I am leaning towards a Extang FullTilt.

 

I have seen roll ups mounted up against tool box and auxilary fuel tanks.
I keep a medium tool trunk under the cover. It can be a pain to get to in a hurry.
I think the box for the roll up goes about 8 inchs into the bed. There is just enuff room for my little tool boxes.

I have seen the fold ups also, I realy liked one I saw that someone was standing on to video at one of my wifes horse shows, law chair and all.
Wish I knew more which one they had.

 

I ordered a Retrax for $798 shipped, with a tail gate ruber seal.

Anyone else want this deal contact:


Randy
RETRAX Sales & Service Manager
800-206-4070

Tell him your from FTE and you want the deal I got.