Trying to find the light at the end of my tonneau search

[Slappy McGee]

My F-150 is finally in transit so I'm trying to pull the trigger on a tonneau cover. This is my' first truck, and I've read all the threads and dozens of reviews but have mostly ended up just as indecisive as when I started. I'm the classic "subruban truck guy" that's going to do Lowes/HD runs for lumber, mulch, etc. Take the kids camping, drive out to mountain biking and hiking locations, and use it as a general purpose vehicle vs. a legit "working" truck.

I'd like something that:

• Still allows the auto open (and ideally close) to work with the tonneau closed
• Allows a rack to be installed on top/over it. I forsee some trailer camping in our future, so our current hitch rack won't work so I'd ideally have gear in the bed, covered by the tonneau, with a rack for bikes over it. I've seen some pictures of this type of setup but it's unclear what that actually requires
• Does a decent job keeping out moisture
• Can be removed by one person without undue complexity
• Is OK being on a "outside truck" in the hot southern sun

I'm leaning towards a trifold (Lomax?) or hard rolling cover (Bk x4S?) but then I see something like the Diamondback and wonder if that's a better option although a step up in price.

Thanks for any advice!

Sponsored

 

[LeadFoot-Lariat]

My F-150 is finally in transit so I'm trying to pull the trigger on a tonneau cover. This is my' first truck, and I've read all the threads and dozens of reviews but have mostly ended up just as indecisive as when I started. I'm the classic "subruban truck guy" that's going to do Lowes/HD runs for lumber, mulch, etc. Take the kids camping, drive out to mountain biking and hiking locations, and use it as a general purpose vehicle vs. a legit "working" truck.

I'd like something that:

• Still allows the auto open (and ideally close) to work with the tonneau closed
• Allows a rack to be installed on top/over it. I forsee some trailer camping in our future, so our current hitch rack won't work so I'd ideally have gear in the bed, covered by the tonneau, with a rack for bikes over it. I've seen some pictures of this type of setup but it's unclear what that actually requires
• Does a decent job keeping out moisture
• Can be removed by one person without undue complexity
• Is OK being on a "outside truck" in the hot southern sun

I'm leaning towards a trifold (Lomax?) or hard rolling cover (Bk x4S?) but then I see something like the Diamondback and wonder if that's a better option although a step up in price.

Thanks for any advice!

Hi there,I’ve had the hard tri-fold by bak flip on 3 trucks,they were great but always hated not being able to see through the window I’m going with the hard roll up this time

 

[Itsjustmd]

Following. My first truck as well, and I'm leaning towards the Renegade cover. I'm not sure yet though. So many choices.

 

[Merccat]

Hi there,I’ve had the hard tri-fold by bak flip on 3 trucks,they were great but always hated not being able to see through the window I’m going with the hard roll up this time

Also looking and the bak flip is one I have looked at. My thought is that if I ever needed full bed access for more than just around town I would remove it, how easy are they to remove? A use case for me would be Drive 300 miles, pick up big thing (remove cover and place in bed with thing), drive home.

Also I worry about security, realizing no cover is truly secure, but would at least want to not be a target of opportunity. How easy is the bak flip to open with a coat hanger? When researching I liked the extang exceed mech in that it was a twist knob to unlatch instead of a pull wire but it seems to have some serious quality control issues in the reviews which made me hesitant there.

 

[xtraman122]

My F-150 is finally in transit so I'm trying to pull the trigger on a tonneau cover. This is my' first truck, and I've read all the threads and dozens of reviews but have mostly ended up just as indecisive as when I started. I'm the classic "subruban truck guy" that's going to do Lowes/HD runs for lumber, mulch, etc. Take the kids camping, drive out to mountain biking and hiking locations, and use it as a general purpose vehicle vs. a legit "working" truck.

I'd like something that:

• Still allows the auto open (and ideally close) to work with the tonneau closed
• Allows a rack to be installed on top/over it. I forsee some trailer camping in our future, so our current hitch rack won't work so I'd ideally have gear in the bed, covered by the tonneau, with a rack for bikes over it. I've seen some pictures of this type of setup but it's unclear what that actually requires
• Does a decent job keeping out moisture
• Can be removed by one person without undue complexity
• Is OK being on a "outside truck" in the hot southern sun

I'm leaning towards a trifold (Lomax?) or hard rolling cover (Bk x4S?) but then I see something like the Diamondback and wonder if that's a better option although a step up in price.

Thanks for any advice!

I was in a somewhat similar search, and just ordered the Lomax trifold. The super easy removal of it is what sold me. Hopefully it doesn't take forever to get here now...

 

[dmac]

Extang Solid Fold for me. Lasted 6 years on my 15 and fits my 2021 as well. Secure, no drill install in minutes, keeps pretty much all weather out and looks good.

 

[Merccat]

Extang Solid Fold for me. Lasted 6 years on my 15 and fits my 2021 as well. Secure, no drill install in minutes, keeps pretty much all weather out and looks good.

I like that one but also saw some people complaining in reviews about the spring loaded clamps allowing people to come by and partially lift the cover. Also that it would shift on the bed while driving. Is that really an issue or are they just being whiny and or didn’t secure it properly?

oh yeah, tailgate auto up/down work well with it?

Edit: I feel if these covers were half the price they are I would just get one and try it, but at nearly a grand for 3 panels, a few hinges and a couple latches… it makes me become much more cautious.

 

[snoshuu]

I like that one but also saw some people complaining in reviews about the spring loaded clamps allowing people to come by and partially lift the cover. Also that it would shift on the bed while driving. Is that really an issue or are they just being whiny and or didn’t secure it properly?

oh yeah, tailgate auto up/down work well with it?

Edit: I feel if these covers were half the price they are I would just get one and try it, but at nearly a grand for 3 panels, a few hinges and a couple latches… it makes me become much more cautious.

I installed the Extang Solid Fold 2.0 as soon as my truck arrived in January, and so far have been very satisfied with it. I especially appreciate the easy tool-free installation. I takes longer to get it out of the box than it does to install.

If the spring-loaded clamps are adjusted properly it would take a LOT of effort (and maybe a prybar) to lift it just a couple inches, which is not enough to gain access.

I've only removed and reinstalled it once since January, and did not notice any shifting from the original install. Others that complain about shifting probably didn't properly follow the instructions.

Tailgate opening/closing with cover closed has never been an issue for me.
After a few snow storms, rain downpours and car washes, I'm pleasantly surprised that it's more weather resistant than I expected, keeping everything dry inside.

Good luck with your search/decision. I was in the same boat as you during my search for the "perfect" cover. Everyone has different needs, so what works for some, may not work for others. The Extang Solid Fold 2.0 works just right for my needs.

 

[daemonic3]

My F-150 is finally in transit so I'm trying to pull the trigger on a tonneau cover. This is my' first truck, and I've read all the threads and dozens of reviews but have mostly ended up just as indecisive as when I started. I'm the classic "subruban truck guy" that's going to do Lowes/HD runs for lumber, mulch, etc. Take the kids camping, drive out to mountain biking and hiking locations, and use it as a general purpose vehicle vs. a legit "working" truck.

I'd like something that:

• Still allows the auto open (and ideally close) to work with the tonneau closed
• Allows a rack to be installed on top/over it. I forsee some trailer camping in our future, so our current hitch rack won't work so I'd ideally have gear in the bed, covered by the tonneau, with a rack for bikes over it. I've seen some pictures of this type of setup but it's unclear what that actually requires
• Does a decent job keeping out moisture
• Can be removed by one person without undue complexity
• Is OK being on a "outside truck" in the hot southern sun

I'm leaning towards a trifold (Lomax?) or hard rolling cover (Bk x4S?) but then I see something like the Diamondback and wonder if that's a better option although a step up in price.

Thanks for any advice!

Lomax owner here, what were you thinking as far as racks on top? I know it had some rating for distributed weight but I don't remember ever seeing it done. I can provide any pics or measurements if needed. FYI the power tailgate works just fine with it.

 

[Sentinel1201]

I have had 3 tonneau covers in various trucks over the years and here are my thoughts. I believe #1 is the most cost effective option while #2 and #3 are about the same (#3 may be just a few hundred more?)

1. Soft folding roll-up cover. Pros: easy to roll-up and does not obstruct rear view when rolled up. Cons: not safe as it can easily be slashed, usually not lockable either, and water/moisture prevention is not that great.
2. Accordian style hard folding (Peragon covers). Pros: safe, lockable, durable and do a good job keeping the bed dry. Cons: when folded, they take up a good 8 inches of bed space near the cab and also prevent you from storing tall things near the cab because of how they collapse and fold. This also keeps you from loading up a dirt bike in the back of a short bed as those 8" lost really bite you, meaning you have to remove the top cover each time (with peragon it wasn't that hard, however you have to disconnect the hydraulic struts and it was awkward). Biggest con: You have to go to the side of the truck to press down and open them, cannot be opened from the tailgate area. I would climb on the rear wheel to open it each time and have to walk back out to the tailgate.
3. Roll-up hard folding (new 2021 Ford OEM accessory). Pros: safe, lockable, durable, low profile, can be opened from the tailgate, don't take up any room from the bed when rolled up and don't hinder rear view. Its a hard cover that rolls up which is neat. Cons: Can't think of any right now.

I like #3 the best.

 

[PungoteagueDave]

Retrax, also sold as the new Ford OEM retractable is the best option, works with Yakima slot rack system perfectly.

https://yakima.com/products/tonneau-cover-skyline-rack-kit-full-size

 

[Slappy McGee]

Retrax, also sold as the new Ford OEM retractable is the best option, works with Yakima slot rack system perfectly.

https://yakima.com/products/tonneau-cover-skyline-rack-kit-full-size

That looks pretty cool! It's hard to tell in the video, but it's one of the "hard rollers" that goes into a "box" in the front of the bed, right? So you lose that ~8-10" of bed space by the cab?

 

[BLoflin]

So, yes the in-bed hard retractables take up room in the bed right behind the cab. (But so do the trifolds and rollups, but perhaps not as much). However, for all 3 kinds you can still have the full floor length for long flatter items (plywood, lumber, poles, etc.).

The reality is if you have a full open/empty bed, you need to be careful when you put things in (whether couch, grills, bikes, etc) that they are secured well, or you risk pushing into your rear window on a hard brake maneuver.

For any of the covers, you need to make sure the load doesn't shift into the front part of the cover where it is installed and crush it, or if you REALLY plan on removing the cover each time (this will get old fast), then you are back to protecting the rear window.

I solved this by using the Bed Divider at the front install point, when moving large, heavy, tall items. Protects the back window and the cover when it's folded/retracted. Yes you lose a few more inches, but much easier than worrying about triple tiedowns to prevent forward movement.

The downside on the tri-folds (besides being pretty easy to pop open along the edge with just a screw driver) is the blocking of rear-view when folding up.

I'm going with hard retractable this time.

 

[dmac]

I like that one but also saw some people complaining in reviews about the spring loaded clamps allowing people to come by and partially lift the cover. Also that it would shift on the bed while driving. Is that really an issue or are they just being whiny and or didn’t secure it properly?

oh yeah, tailgate auto up/down work well with it?

Edit: I feel if these covers were half the price they are I would just get one and try it, but at nearly a grand for 3 panels, a few hinges and a couple latches… it makes me become much more cautious.

Like Paul said, I don't think it's an issue, even if you could pull really hard and slip a piece of paper in, you still couldn't pull anything out, much less unlatch the cover.

They're good covers.

 

[jfritzke26]

My F-150 is finally in transit so I'm trying to pull the trigger on a tonneau cover. This is my' first truck, and I've read all the threads and dozens of reviews but have mostly ended up just as indecisive as when I started. I'm the classic "subruban truck guy" that's going to do Lowes/HD runs for lumber, mulch, etc. Take the kids camping, drive out to mountain biking and hiking locations, and use it as a general purpose vehicle vs. a legit "working" truck.

I'd like something that:

• Still allows the auto open (and ideally close) to work with the tonneau closed
• Allows a rack to be installed on top/over it. I forsee some trailer camping in our future, so our current hitch rack won't work so I'd ideally have gear in the bed, covered by the tonneau, with a rack for bikes over it. I've seen some pictures of this type of setup but it's unclear what that actually requires
• Does a decent job keeping out moisture
• Can be removed by one person without undue complexity
• Is OK being on a "outside truck" in the hot southern sun

I'm leaning towards a trifold (Lomax?) or hard rolling cover (Bk x4S?) but then I see something like the Diamondback and wonder if that's a better option although a step up in price.

Thanks for any advice!

I have a Diamondback HD, but an SE is pretty much the same thing.

• The auto open and close work with the cover closed. There's adjustability on how tight the cover is when closed, and on mine the tailgate just skims the gasket when opening and closing.
• Diamondback sells a couple rack systems, and you can load around 400 lbs directly on the SE cover and 1600 lbs on the HD cover. https://diamondbackcovers.com/colle...oducts/front-runner-x-diamondback-rack-system or https://diamondbackcovers.com/collections/cover-accessories/products/cover-mount-rack or https://diamondbackcovers.com/collections/cover-accessories/products/ikamper-skycamp-mini
• I haven't had any water in the bed yet, but the truck hasn't been in a hurricane. It's been watertight on the freeway so far. Since the tailgate just skims the rear gasket, strong wind directly towards the rear of the truck might squeeze in some water, but it hasn't happened to me.
• The Diamondback HD (and SE) is in three parts - two large panels in front and back (each about 35 lbs) and the center section at maybe 20 lbs. It's easily removable with one person, but initial install is easier with two people so you can compress the gasket and adjust the tightness. I think disassembly would take me about 10 minutes with a socket wrench.
• The top of the cover has a coating similar to LineX, so it's just fine in the sun and weather. I think the inside of the bed gets pretty warm though since it's close to airtight.

I think this cover is perfect for your listed needs, and the only downsides are price and the overall weight of the system. It's up there.

Here's some photos on my 2021: