I've been looking fairly hard into buying one of the bed covers that rolls back into a box. I've seen that a few different people make them (Pace Edwards, Retrax, Access, maybe more?). Does anyone have any experience with these? Is there anything in particular I should be looking at? Do you recommend one brand over the other? Where's the best place to buy? I think those are all the questions I can think of, any comments are greatly appreciated.
Bryon
Well there are many out there and it all depends on several factors: How much do you want to spend? Obviously, there are better quality products out there than others. Do you have an over-the-rail bedliner? If so, your options decrease severely. I have an over-the-rail bedliner and got a Truck Tec cover and it fits fine, but took some coercion to get on there and the bows "bow" a little more than usual. But overall I am satisfied with it. For pics, go into the "Cosmetic, Show, and Detailing" forum. I have a post there with pictures.
CBRbUrR
Thanks, I have a under the rail spray in liner. I also have the caps that come with the Tundra still on, but I'm willing to part with them if I need to. I'm looking for good quality and good looks, so I'm prepared to spend a little more for the good stuff. I've decided I dont want a soft top, too many problems in the past.
Bryon
I have the pace edwards with a spray on uner the rail to. I love it. It is perfect for what I use it for. Almost completely waterproof. A little sluggish in winter with snow and ice problems. But has never failed me yet. Way better, in my opinion, than any kind of snap on deal.
JP
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Bryon, I have the Pace Edwards Trac Top with Bedrug and I have but one regret, that I didn't get the Bedlocker. Remote control would have been . The Trac Top sits flush with the bed so you can't see that it's there unless you are standing right over it. I don't really haul anything but my surfboards so it fits my needs very well. The fit is perfect and I get nothing but compliments. One thing to remember if you're thinking of installing it yourself is the bed of our trucks are narrower at the cab than at the tailgate. I used to have pics in "my photos" on the previous TS but........oh well.
Wow, I didn't realize that. Was the install complicated by this? I think I have it narrowed down to the Pace Edwards ($659), the Roll-N-Lock ($745), or the Retrax ($889). I'd like to get the bedlocker, but the price tag is a little too much for me ($1340). These are the best prices I've seen so far on the net. I haven't asked any of the local dealers, but I doubt they get any better than this. Anyone know any better places to buy (the figures I got were from http://www.davestonneaucovers.com
Dave's Tonneau Covers, thanks KLS)?
Bryon
Pace Edwards supplies shims in their kits, so you don't have to buy any other materials for the install. It took a few hours to install and that was with a Pace distributor/technician. Apparently I was the first Trac Top on the island so he wasn't too familiar with the clamps used in this particular cover. Save the money and do it yourself.
I'd like to hear from all of you on your preference for a truck bed cover. I thought we could get a good discussion goings regarding truck bed covers so others could use it for future reference. Please include make and style with your opinion. Possibly a link to the maker.
I have a 2003 Access cab. I am trying to decide between a shell, or one of the many tonneau covers on the market.
The Snug Super Sport shell looks good, is very utilitarian and expensive. One big down side seems to be visibility. The rear window on my truck cab is tinted (clear window is not available) as is the rear window of the shell. My understanding is that looking through 2 pieces of tinted glass + 1 clear glass (front of shell) is going to make visibility nearly impossible. I’ve had shells in the past (no tinted glass) and liked to be able to just toss junk in the back and lock it up.
I’ve never had a tonneau cover, but it looks like a good way to go. The roll up tonneau covers look easy to use, give good vertical access to the bed and are cheaper than most shells. In particular the Truxedo and Access look to be good quality - any preference between the two? Any one had experience with tonneau covers in general?
After some research I am considering buying this low profile, roll-up tonneau. It's a new cover from Truxedo, just released in October, 03. Rails are less than 1" above bed at a 29 degree angle. Also comes in colors. What do you think of it? http://www.tonneau-covers-etc.com/truxedo_lo_pro.htm
I'd like to hear your opinions on shells and tonneau covers, good and bad.
__________________ 2003 Tundra SR5 Desert Sand Access Cab
2X4, LSD, Tow Package
Mods: Anti-Sway Bar, OEM Fog Lights, Alarm, Bed Rug, Aux. Back-Up Lights, Truxedo Tonneau
I am poor and dont really like to cover my truck So when I need to put stuff in the back, I have a big rubbermaid tub that I just bungee down. That way I can remove it and have the full bed wide open all the time. Im sure this is not what you had in mind, but it is an option
I have a SnugTop XV w/ a BedRug and Yakima Rack. I also have the 12V light and boot seal instead of the front window. Perfect color match and the fit is great. The only time it is hard to see out the windows is at night. One solution is to get some aux. lights and wire them to your reverse lights. Cheaper solution, just open the slider at night. My only complaint is that the boot sometimes leaks a little, but only when I am washing it.
__________________
'01 Color-Keyed Limited Tundra TRD 4x4
JBA Headers, TRD Exhaust, IS Grill, IS Bilsteins, Hellwig Sway Bar, AR-23 wheels w/ 265/75 Yokohama AT's, SnugTop XV Shell, BedRug, Yakima Rack
I have a boot seal instead of the front window. The only time it is hard to see out the windows is at night. One solution is to get some aux. lights and wire them to your reverse lights.
Great idea with the reverse lights. My previous truck shell also had a boot, which worked well. It was an old truck, so I did'nt care about the tape they put on the cab for the boot. With a brand new truck I hesitate to have the tape put on that new shiny paint. I am told the installers suggest to replace the tape every two years ...
My rear cab window is tinted, Is yours?
What is your visibility to the rear, driving down the road at night?
__________________ 2003 Tundra SR5 Desert Sand Access Cab
2X4, LSD, Tow Package
Mods: Anti-Sway Bar, OEM Fog Lights, Alarm, Bed Rug, Aux. Back-Up Lights, Truxedo Tonneau
I am poor and dont really like to cover my truck So when I need to put stuff in the back, I have a big rubbermaid tub that I just bungee down.
Sorry, as far as poor goes, no sympathy for a guy with a shiny new 2003 Tundra. I think the tub is brillant. I'm going to use one until I decide on a cover.
__________________ 2003 Tundra SR5 Desert Sand Access Cab
2X4, LSD, Tow Package
Mods: Anti-Sway Bar, OEM Fog Lights, Alarm, Bed Rug, Aux. Back-Up Lights, Truxedo Tonneau
Great idea with the reverse lights. My previous truck shell also had a boot, which worked well. It was an old truck, so I did'nt care about the tape they put on the cab for the boot. With a brand new truck I hesitate to have the tape put on that new shiny paint. I am told the installers suggest to replace the tape every two years ...
My rear cab window is tinted, Is yours?
What is your visibility to the rear, driving down the road at night?
The boot of the SnugTop does not touch the paint of the cab so no need for the tape. Yes, my rear cab window is tinted so I have to look thru 2 tinted windows as well. Visibility out the back while driving isn't that bad at all. Only time it get's a little difficult is when I'm backing up at night, but then I just open up the slider and problem solved.
__________________
'01 Color-Keyed Limited Tundra TRD 4x4
JBA Headers, TRD Exhaust, IS Grill, IS Bilsteins, Hellwig Sway Bar, AR-23 wheels w/ 265/75 Yokohama AT's, SnugTop XV Shell, BedRug, Yakima Rack
Best roll top cover?
. The Trac Top sits flush with the bed so you can't see that it's there unless you are standing right over it. I don't really haul anything but my surfboards so it fits my needs very well. The fit is perfect and I get nothing but compliments. One thing to remember if you're thinking of installing it yourself is the bed of our trucks are narrower at the cab than at the tailgate. I used to have pics in "my photos" on the previous TS but........oh well.
So when I need to put stuff in the back, I have a big rubbermaid tub that I just bungee down. That way I can remove it and have the full bed wide open all the time. Im sure this is not what you had in mind, but it is an option 
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