Hi All, new user and soon-to-be new Tundra owner. I've researched for hours now AND tried searching this forum first, but couldn't find the answer to this... Having a tough time deciding between two retractables (Roll-n-Lock M-series and Truck Covers USA) and three folding hard covers (Fold-a-Cover, Advance Cover and Extang Solid Fold). The main reason is I want the ability to haul my motocross bikes as well as any tall and moderately heavy load (appliances, etc.) right up against the front of the bed and tied down tight. Since we're looking at getting the CrewMax cab with the short box and bed extender, having a canister for a retractable cover taking up 8"-10" of space doesn't bother me so much as the amount of pressure you can tie-down loads against it. For this reason, the Extang solid fold seems easier to just completely remove and lay inside the bed. The Fold-a-Cover and Advance Cover only leave you with access to 75% of the bed when open and seem more like retractable covers with their rails, making complete removal a PITA - correct me if I'm wrong though PLEASE. Oh, and yes - I need it to be lockable, waterproof (as much as possible) and work with the OE bed extender and bed rail tie-down system. Am I asking too much? Thanks for any insight any of you may have on this.
Last edited by dantheman762; 10-20-2009 at 06:00 PM.
Well, I don't think any of those you mentioned are going to work very well for you. The Solid Fold is close, but it's not lockable. I think a retractable (those that have a canister) is not going to work well for you. The 5.8 ft bed is also a problem.
There's a cover that I think might work for you, I'm not sure if they make one for a Tundra, let me work on it and I'll get back with you.
For starters, you're gonna have to haul any 'tall' items against the tailgate, unless you just flat remove the retracting cover.
PS- I've got the Retrax.
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'06 Tundra StepSide
'07 Honda Pilot
'00 Isuzu Trooper
Red Adair- "If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur."
Thanks for your help guys. I was told by someone at Fold-a-Cover in their engineering dept. that their cover only needs 4 bolts to come off in about 5-7 minutes. Any truth to that for anyone who has it? This product seems to have the best combination of solid construction and functionality, along with ease of complete removal. It seems to be made by a reputable accessory company who have been around forever, so this is nice. Again, I need to confirm this "5-7 minutes" though, as I'll need to put my bike back there and then convert it right back to a "trunk" for my wife. No more than once every two weeks or so, as it is a dual-sport KTM EXC. I'm kind of old-school when it comes to hauling loads that have to be stood up, so I like them against the back of the cab, as I'd never trust any tailgate the same as the front of the bed, but who knows? Maybe I need to change my thinking here. Anyway, I'll see what other responses roll in and make my judgement. Thanks again for everyone's input.
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2010 CrewMax Limited - Hopefully soon to come.
Well, I don't think any of those you mentioned are going to work very well for you. The Solid Fold is close, but it's not lockable. I think a retractable (those that have a canister) is not going to work well for you. The 5.8 ft bed is also a problem.
There's a cover that I think might work for you, I'm not sure if they make one for a Tundra, let me work on it and I'll get back with you.
Wow! Neat idea! I guess if the company is relatively new, it makes sense for them to build some sales with one model, so it might as well be for the category sales leader. Give 'em time and they'll expand their model range. Great link - thanks for the info! This is my first time on TS and I'm stoked with how nice everyone seems to be. Glad I found this site. Thanks again guys!
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2010 CrewMax Limited - Hopefully soon to come.
Installed the Fold-A-Cover G4Elite on this Ford. The install was a bit more difficult. Typically, the cover uses stake pocket holes to attach the rails. The Ford has no stake pockets. Anyway, it's a good cover.
I suppose you could remove/install the cover at will. It's not made for that, but I guess you could do it.
Retractable covers & canister strength?
Linear Mode
