Let's discuss tonneau covers!

[ColoRockiesFan]

I had a Retrax on my Ford F150. Terrific cover. But, the cannister that the cover rolls up into takes up a lot of space in the bed next to the cab.

[padlin]

On the cheap end, the Extang Trifecta looks interesting. No mounting rails, removes completely, and it's cheap. I think this is the one my SIL put on my old GMC, he's very happy with it. Will have to check to see if you can leave it in the folded up mode while traveling.

[Brian B-P]

Which box length do you have, Donna? There are three: 5.5', 6.5' 8'.

[J Mac]

Extang has built in clips ment for driving while folded up. No bungee cords needed.

[Donna D.]

The truck has a 6.5 box. Looks huge without a canopy on it.

My truck isn't garaged. Sits out in the weather 365 days out of the year. So, it's important it be water tight, or as much as possible. And no sags or bags from water weight. Once the tonneau goes on, it will probably be like the canopy, never come off again. Easy on, easy off isn't important. Quality to price, use when towing the 5er and something that will last and look good for a number of years. I do know how to clean and wax/finish. I'm thinking something "vinyl" skinned may not be the best choice....

[dave macrae]

I had a retrax as well . A much better quality retractable cover than the roll and lock . But the canister at the front took up way to much of the box . I think if I had a cover again it would be a back flip

[captmath]

I have a RollBak. It leaks around the sides and back, but no leaks in the middle.

Dick

[davescape]

Donna, I've only had the fg lids but a friend has one that rolls up. There is a bit of problem with freeze thaw cycles, at least in our area. We get the slush and then it freezes. Probably similar to Portland. The lid gets frozen shut. Congrats on the new truck. Sounds like awesome towing capacity. I'll be eager to hear how your mileage works out.

[Donna D.]

Just so everyone knows, I've just fired off a request for information from ETI. I asked what the maximum size would be for a tri-fold tonneau from the front of the box to the hitch on a 6.5 box. Don't want to impede the hitch in any way!

Dave according to the electronics, I'm getting 5.1mpg Although I did get it up to 30mpg by going 35 mph, then coasting . I think I'm going to put black tape over the messenger

[Sandra L]

Congratulations on your new tug. Looks like the fun is continuing!

[Fox hunt]

I noticed with bak flip in the most open position it completely blocks the back window of the truck I know you can't see much when towing a gooseneck or a 5th wheel but it spooks me a little to completely block the window.

[Donna D.]

My "plan" is to leave the front 1/3 down on the rail. But, I'm used to not being able to seeing much out the back. Had a canopy with dark windows for years. I don't think the BakFlip is really designed to drive around with it entirely flipped up anyway.

I've also got a request in for info from BakFlip... wanting to know what that 1/3 measures. The box it comes in measures 68x23x8 (inches), so I'm thinking it's a bit smaller than 23". 1/3 of 77 inches is 25.6, which is more than the box it's delivered in. Hummm.

[mitsui]

Hi Donna,
Congrats on the new TUG! Could you post a few pixs of it? What model is it and did you get a 4X2? I am sure your average gas mileage will increase substantially after being driven for a while.
Jim

[davescape]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Dave according to the electronics, I'm getting 5.1mpg

That's what happens when you drag race in new truck

[Donna D.]

Jim, gotta find the camera. I'm not much of a picture taker. And I don't own a cellphone.

It's the Super Cab XLT and 4x4. I would have preferred a 4x2, but couldn't get one anywhere in the region that was white with the package I wanted. Plenty of ones in color, but I wanted WHITE.

Unless the mpg improves substantially, I'm going to need to figure out a way to always drive downhill and coast

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I now have a beautiful white, 2014 Ford F-150, 3.5L w/ecoboost sitting in my driveway. OMG.

Very nice. Congrats on the purchase, Donna.

[padlin]

Pretty much same truck as Donna except 8' and Heavy Duty package. 14-15 running around town, 17 commuting, 10-12 towing my 20' sticky.

[darrentoma]

Hi Donna. First post here.

Sounds like my truck is similar to yours. 2013 F150 w 6.5 foot box 4x4 ecoboost. I own a 22' 1996 frontier fifth made by peak manufacturing back in the day (seriously considering replacing with an escape when the time comes).

Bought my truck back in November and went through the thought process you are now in regarding the tonneau. I ended up going with the Truxedo roll up. Yes it is vinyl so only keeps the honest/lazy crooks out... but it seemed to suit my needs best. I didnt like the retrax/rollnlock setups because of the room they take up in the box and also they tend to freeze in winter (harsher here perhaps in Alberta than for you).

The ones that flip cover the window as mentioned. But, not only consider that while driving ... also consider you cant see anything while hooking up. As a long time owner of a couple 5ths this hooking up advantage is a plus vs bumper pulls. I have yet to use my fifth with this new tow vehicle... but I am pretty sure that even with the tonneau rolled up I will have difficulty seeing my hitch vs my prior vehicle with no cover. That extra 4" or so when rolled up seems enough to block out the hitch even when stretchin my head toward the top of the cab.

I bought a cheap hand mirror and also a wide angle rear window fresnel lense (8"×10") that adheres to the rear window and gives a wider angle of view. I am hopeful the later will be the solution with the mirror idea as a backup. As last resort this truxedo can be removed and reinstalled pretty quickly.

I do have a couple of friends with 5ers and truxedo rollup. Both really like it but admit they cant see anything while hitching so need to get in and out of the cab or have someone guide them, etc. This would seem to be a common problem with most tonneaus and maybe something you want to consider (they all block at different angles)

Good luck with your choice. I took a pic of my tonneau setup but couldnt figure how to attach here.

[3498hyt]

Donna,
Would you like Ellen and I to take a series of measurements and pictures of our BakFlip in its various configurations ? Be happy to. Also, fully folded up to the window works well with the provided locking braces. I installed ours in about 10 minutes after delivery from Mr. UPS. Its a bit heavy (so you'll need an assistant), but very do-able. Our bed stays bone-dry during rains.

Bret

[Zardoz]

Donna, I installed a Peragon (Peragon Retractable Aluminum Truck Bed Covers - Family Owned. American Made. cover on my Frontier a year ago and like it very much. Look at the videos on the website to see how it works (and can be removed fairly easily). Not cheap - mine was around $700