Truck Tonneau Covers

Looking to put a truck tonneau cover on my GMC Sierra. I don't typically carry tall items, but do routinely to use it to haul rock and mulch. Reasonable security is the primary reason for the cover, plus the modest gas mileage improvement. Would like the cover to be something I can install and remove by myself.

Not particularly interested in the lift up hard shell tonneau covers, even though they do look nice but have been looking at the folding and rolling tonneau covers. Brands like Retrax, Bak, Pace Edwards and Peragon are a few that I've seen.

Anyone have any experience with the folding or rolling tonneau covers? Interested in reliability of the track system, ease of opening/closing, road noise/rattling while driving, finish durability.

I have a new truck Silverado 2500 and bought the BakFlip. You can put 400#'s on it it flips forward and and it can lock up against the cab. also bought the BakBox folds out of the way when not in use.
installed in less than 30 minutes using 1 wrench.

The Bakflip is pretty solid. Dealer that did my Line-X had a demo in their shop. Which one did you pick up? I've been looking at so many, they are all running together. Didn't realize Bak has one with a separate lock. Thought they used the locking tailgate to secure it.

I also liked the Extang Encore, that allows you to open up from the tailgate or cab. Nice feature if you have a tool box installed for the small items or for getting to the stuff that always slides to the front of the bed.

I have the Undercover Lux color matched one. Super light and nice. I would recommend against getting a metal one after having one on my old truck - hot as shit in the summer trying to open it or take it off.

I got a folder on my 2014 2500. It came as part of a package deal from the dealership.

http://www.foldacoverfactorystore.com/G4-Chevrolet-GMC/

I put it on myself and I think it's pretty nice.

Extang EMax.
http://www.extang.com/docs-ss/eMax.html

I've got one of the Tonno Pro hard tri fold covers, vinyl covering over epoxy coated aluminum panels. Easy open and stores on the forward 1/3 in place and easy to completely remove if needed.

What year is your truck ?

http://www.realtruck.com/tonnopro-ha...tonneau-cover/

Roll-n-Lock for the win.. Much much love for mine. Been on for awhile and it still looks brand new. Sounds great. Works perfect every time.

Best part is that on a Tacoma it allows you to lock the tailgate (Toyota forgot about that part on the new Tacomas).

I had a bakflip on my 01 silverado for 4 years before i sold it and it was great. Loved it. It kept all sorts of weather out.

I often thought about getting one of the roll up kind.. They look pretty convenient and good for security.

Undercover Flex. Love mine.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...psd853d0dc.jpg

Look up Retrax. Best rollback cover I have owned.

I now have a Pace Edwards Full Metal Jack Rabbit roll back on my new truck and hate it. Having to deal with the strap to release it and pull it back is a pain in the ass. It's always getting in the way. Wish I would have bought another Retrax instead.

One of the great things about the Retrax is you can lock it in any position. So if you have something sticking out you can open it 5 inches and lock it. Or 16 inches and lock it. Where ever you want. Good for holding something from moving around.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SideShow Bob

I've got one of the Tonno Pro hard tri fold covers, vinyl covering over epoxy coated aluminum panels. Easy open and stores on the forward 1/3 in place and easy to completely remove if needed.

What year is your truck ?

http://www.realtruck.com/tonnopro-ha...tonneau-cover/

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I have the TonnoPro vinyl tri-fold on my truck. For the $200 I paid for it, it's a great cover. It won't hold hardly any weight on top of it but the ability to quickly get it out of the way without tools is awesome.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tim K

I got a folder on my 2014 2500. It came as part of a package deal from the dealership.

http://www.foldacoverfactorystore.com/G4-Chevrolet-GMC/

I put it on myself and I think it's pretty nice.

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I like the design of this model since you can access stuff from the cab end without having to unfold the entire cover

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mtnrider

Look up Retrax. Best rollback cover I have owned.

I now have a Pace Edwards Full Metal Jack Rabbit roll back on my new truck and hate it. Having to deal with the strap to release it and pull it back is a pain in the ass. It's always getting in the way. Wish I would have bought another Retrax instead.

One of the great things about the Retrax is you can lock it in any position. So if you have something sticking out you can open it 5 inches and lock it. Or 16 inches and lock it. Where ever you want. Good for holding something from moving around.

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Mtnrider: How is the road noise? Any rattle/flex in the roll top?

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Originally Posted by Marine24

Mtnrider: How is the road noise? Any rattle/flex in the roll top?

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There can be a little rattle but not much. I can only hear it if I have my back window open but it's nothing annoying and depends on road conditions. They are pretty strong and can support a couple hundred pounds I believe. Would have to look up the specs to be sure.

That is about right. Retrax One can handle 200 lbs and Retrax Pro up to 500lbs evenly distributed. The aluminum slats on the Pro model definitely appear more solid than the poly carbonate slats on their entry level, but like the flexibility of being able to partially open it anywhere on the track.

How does it do keeping the rain out? Don't expect most tonneau covers to be completely water proof.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marine24

That is about right. Retrax One can handle 200 lbs and Retrax Pro up to 500lbs evenly distributed. The aluminum slats on the Pro model definitely appear more solid than the poly carbonate slats on their entry level, but like the flexibility of being able to partially open it anywhere on the track.

How does it do keeping the rain out? Don't expect most tonneau covers to be completely water proof.

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The Retrax I had on my F150 was very waterproof. Maybe a few drops here or there but next to nothing really. My Pace Edwards I have now on my Ram 2500 leaks a lot more. It may be due to the design of the bed itself so it may not be a good comparison?

I had some rust / corrosion issues with my Retrax (Ram 3500). I got it in 2004 or so, though. Replaced the top sliding part - NOT under warranty. Some discount.

Like:
Lockable any position (at least while new or if you replace the bolt/screw that "grabs)
Can support weight on top
More or less waterproof
Sort of quiet, as noted
But #1 reason: Reasonable security.

Edit: It does slide easily too. So, grabbing things at the front of the bed, even on a 1 ton is easy. Granted, I'm 6'5", but the cover isn't the limit here.



Dislike:
Does take up a bunch of front of bed space.
The box at the front where it rolls into can get dented pretty good
Corrosion which dripped onto bed-liner
Wear on the rails / locking mechanism


I guess I'd do it again. I did when I had too much corrosion, but mostly because a topper would've been several grand vs. $200 or $300 for a replacement slider when I complained enough.

Appreciate the info. How easy is it to remove? From the install videos, looks like it is a complete unit with the rails attached to the cannister and requires two people to lift it off.