Let's discuss tonneau covers!

**Donna D.** · 04-20-2014, 07:23 AM

For those that want to talk about canopys.. start your own thread.

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

I already miss the canopy. Sigh. But, with towing a 5er, a canopy won't work. So... it's tonneau cover time.

I plan on leaving the 5er hitch in the bed all the time. No safe place to store it, no strength to take it in and out. I'm looking for a lockable weather proof/resistent tonneau that I can leave on and tow the 5er. I've already got a couple of good suggestions (thanks Alf and Dan). Anyone else care to join in? I need the help.

Please tell me the brand/model and price. What you like about it, if you have any regrets and what you may have purchased if you would have known.

All set.. go!

TIA.

lefttee · 04-20-2014, 07:58 AM

Good morning, Donna. I put one of these (Solid Fold) on my Silverado about two months ago. Many of the covers I looked at rolled up into a rather compact bundle but struck me a "fragile." They could be cut very easily with a knife and didn't seem very secure. Problem I may have with this one is that it folds in thirds and I'm not sure it can remain in place and not partially block the hitch. Other than that, it's very well made, quite water tight, and about as secure as one could be. It would be easy to remove when towing but I'm not sure where I would stow it. I will need Reece to get his tape measure out if and when the time comes for the TA. It was around $950 plus tax.

cpaharley2008 · 04-20-2014, 08:35 AM

Donna, do you know you spec's on the new Ford, specifically it's GCWR? The amount of "stuff" it can carry, both inside and outside.

**Donna D.** · 04-20-2014, 08:45 AM

7,200# GVWR Package
3.55 electronic lock RR axle, GCWR 15,200

More than I'd ever want to tow.

3498hyt · 04-20-2014, 09:01 AM

Congrats Donna on your choice ! and your "bun in the oven". We are so looking forward to the OG, and a chance to view your future retirement nest eggs.

Our hard-lid tonneau is the BAKFlip Bakflip Tonneau Covers | The Official Bakflip Site - Bakflip.com (like Dan's), and we have had no regrets or issues with it. The only concern you may have with a folding style (such as the BAKFlip) is that in the folded position against the back window, that it may not provide the clearance you need to the loft portion of your trailer during turns (but I'm sure you have that covered with Reace).

As quoted from a frequent and gracious poster on fiberglass forums, YMMV.

Bret

padlin · 04-20-2014, 09:08 AM

Hi Donna, I too am looking for a cover for use with the 5.0. A roll up was suggested at the cover dealer but I think I'd like it to be a trifold so I can at least have a few things covered while towing. The roll ups can't be just partially rolled, it's all or nothing. I'd be interested in what Alf and Dan suggested too.

Thought you were going the 5L route with the truck, what changed your mind? Welcome to the EB club.

J Mac · 04-20-2014, 09:17 AM

Extang tri-fold tonneau covers are lockable and good looking. I've got one on my Ford Ranger.

**Donna D.** · 04-20-2014, 09:25 AM

Dan (Brett&Ellen too) have the BakTrip G2. I've seen these on both trucks. The sticking point maybe close to the cab. I'm going to need ETIs input.

Alf has a Nissan optioned tonneau, he isn't sure what brand. But mentioned Trifecta which is similar

I guess it gets down to price, what fits, if it's lockable and availablity. I hate paying for shipping! And, I need to be able to install it myself.

Keep it coming!

J Mac · 04-20-2014, 09:29 AM

Extang installs in 5 min. Comes off just as fast. If your tailgate locks, your truck beds contents will be secure and dry.

**Donna D.** · 04-20-2014, 09:47 AM

Humm, tri-fold? I see the BakFlip G2 is four fold. That may make a difference depending on bed length and where the hitch is installed. Humm

Bakflip G2 Tonneau Cover | BakFactoryDirect.com

Oh wait, I guess that IS for the 8' beds. D'oh!

dbailey · 04-20-2014, 09:56 AM

I can't contribute anything emperical, but I was considering a cover and did a bit of research. I liked what I saw with the Bak products, in terms of quality, flexibility, and feature set.

One consideration for me was that Bak industries was one of the few that provide an integrated solution for simultaneous cover and racks, which I wanted so I could carry kayaks. (that went by the wayside when I decided I also wanted to carry bikes in the box, and the bikes wouldn't fit under a cover, so I didn't need the cover.)

Mike Lewis · 04-20-2014, 10:04 AM

Donna-

I have an Undercover SE on my Tacoma. It is a one-piece polycarbonate cover hinged at the front. With a locking tailgate (which can be retrofitted) it is secure. It's strong enough to stand upon, weighs about 70 pounds I think, and it cost $800. The only issue is that it is unwieldy for one person to put on and remove due to its size, and you can forget about it if a wind is blowing. See undercoverinfo.com.

Mike Lewis

**Donna D.** · 04-20-2014, 10:17 AM

I know the BakFlip comes with a rail system, some other brands do and some don't. On the Ford forum, in checking there too, some are saying the rails may interfer with the 5th wheel. This may be worth checking out.

However, the rails can also serve a purpose for water drainage with opening, etc. And heaven knows we get tons of rain in PDX.

J Mac · 04-20-2014, 10:18 AM

Does the Bakflip G2 require the installation of rails? The Extang doesn't. Is it easy to remove and install the Bakflip when not required? the Extang tri fold is. Cap-it sells both I think, check them out.

**Donna D.** · 04-20-2014, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

Donna-

I have an Undercover SE on my Tacoma. It is a one-piece polycarbonate cover hinged at the front.

Thanks Mike. But, I really want something I can leave on while towing the 5er. And then use, when unhitched.

If I was getting a bumper pull, for me, this would be something worth looking into!