Community Forums

Vermont_Darren · 06-08-2023, 06:13 PM

Just upgraded our toad to accommodate our larger TT, so I need a new cover.

My old 1500 had a three-flip fabric cover. I know I want a hard cover for our 2500HD, but don't know if I want to spend the extra for a rollup.

We need to be able to lock up the back to hold our inverter generator (so I can't sacrifice any depth or it won't fit), and we like running it from the bed of the truck, so a) I don't have to lift it up and down, and b) we can point the vent out the back for safety.

One disadvantage I see for the rollup is that we lose part of the front truck bed for the metal cabinet that holds the roller, where with a fold-up we even have the option of easily removing the entire cover on those occasions at home where I need access to the full length of the bed.

We've also seen folks install additional Thule-style carrying rigs atop their rollup covers (LOLOHO, guys!) and may want to have that option down the road.

What setups do you have that work great for your lifestyle? Looking for ideas before we make this decision. Thanks all!

Martian · 06-08-2023, 07:54 PM

Put a hard UnderCover on the 1500. Light, strong and water tight. Intrudes less than a half inch below the rail and can be fully removed with no tools.

Lantley · 06-08-2023, 08:09 PM

Bak flip MX4

4x4ord · 06-08-2023, 11:24 PM

I am very happy with my Retrax roll top cover. It can come off in about 5 minutes if for some reason you need the whole box space.

petrel · 06-09-2023, 02:40 AM

I’ve had two Diamondback tonneau covers. Not as attractive as other options, but it affords great security and versatility.

https://diamondbackcovers.com/

IC2 · 06-09-2023, 05:00 AM

Will something like this work: https://realtruck.com/p/bak-revolver-x4s-tonneau-cover/ They are a bit costly but so is everything else these days

I've just been using an inexpensive simple soft roll up but there is no real security plus used it with 5th wheels where a 3 piece flip wouldn't work

Marine359 · 06-09-2023, 06:45 AM

The Retrax with “T” slots allows you to mount crossbars, and have the flexibility to move them to any position fore/aft. Easy to mount bike rack and/or locking carrier to the crossbars to regain all the space lost by the cabinet. Our 2500w dual fuel generator will stow under the tonneau along with an upright extra 20# propane bottle in a milk carton. We like the setup, but the bikes do get dirty, and must be cleaned and sprayed with anti-rust often because you can’t use a bike cover while traveling. However, our stowage limited by payload, but shouldn’t be an issue on a 3/4 ton.

Sbad0cko · 06-09-2023, 08:18 AM

You've got a 2500, so unless your 2500 has the diesel engine in it I'll assume weight isn't an issue for you. Weight of the tonneau was the primary driver for my selection, but I'm in a 1/2 ton.

The second criteria I'd assume would be if you want any rails intruding on your bed space. This would dictate a cover resting ON the bed vs. one resting IN the bed.

If you have a gasser 2500 and you don't mind rails IN the bed, I'd throw the BAK Revolver X4s on it.

jacknife · 06-09-2023, 08:34 PM

I have an Extang Revolution . Been on for 3 years . No Velcro and a tight seal .

426smartin · 06-09-2023, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4ord

I am very happy with my Retrax roll top cover. It can come off in about 5 minutes if for some reason you need the whole box space.

I have had mine on a 2005 3500 dodge since it was new ---just starting to show its age. Quality product!!!!

Bigfin · 06-10-2023, 12:04 PM

Bakflip for me!...

Chargerman · 06-10-2023, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4ord

I am very happy with my Retrax roll top cover. It can come off in about 5 minutes if for some reason you need the whole box space.

X2. Love it. Have owned their covers on 5 trucks over the last 25 years

ToMang07 · 06-23-2023, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lantley

Bak flip MX4

^This. I have had this cover for a while now, it's on it's 3rd truck. Extremely durable, folds up all the way so you can use your whole bed, (And doubles as a headache rack if you don't have one) and their customer service has been great. I broke a clip (threw a log in without opening the cover in sub-zero temps, cracked the plastic) and they were quick to send out replacement parts at no cost.

Over here · 06-23-2023, 10:07 AM

My old (2007) Retrax was nice but after 7 years was showing its age, sun fading. The stowage box @ the front does interfere with some loads. And it was pricey.
In 2014 I purchased a Ram 1500 (6’3” bed) and put a Truxedo Truxport on it. It sits ON the rails so I had just enough room under it for small fridge to sit just inside the tailgate.
In 2017 my next truck was a Ram 2500 and the tonneau transferred over perfectly. I just traded that truck away with that original tonneau on it. It was 8 years old and the tarp needed replacing. Not bad for a $250 original investment

For my new Chevy I went with another Truxport, though the price has gone up $100, it’s still a good value.
I’ve never had an issue with theft or vandalism, even running the generator in the bed with the cover partially open. The Chevy has @ least 12 tie down points in the bed if I ever get paranoid about it.
As with everything else, it’s all about trade-offs.