Cover Security: Doesn't canister/hinge allow easy breach?

[MrLoganRoss]

I am looking at covers, and security water ingress control are key for me (as well as convenience for accessing the entire bed). Contenders are:

1) Diamond Back or Renegade
2) Stowe Cargo
3) Retrax or Pace Edwards Jacckrabbit

What I don't understand is how these are secure if the are external screws on the canisters and hinges.

Any thoughts would really be appreciated.

Thanks!

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[Runaway Tractor]

I have a Diamondback SE. The hinges have exposed bolts. But you'll never get them undone since the nylon locknuts on the inside will just spin. I have no concerns.

I think you have to consider what you're securing from who. If thieves are willing to come at your truck with power tools to disassemble and cut into things, does it matter what cover you have? Just like your doors have windows that are easily smashed out. The vast majority of junkies stealing shit are looking to quickly open something, grab what's there, and be gone. Any of those locking tonneau covers are going to protect you from that majority of shitheads.

 

[RickLightning]

I am looking at covers, and security water ingress control are key for me (as well as convenience for accessing the entire bed). Contenders are:

1) Diamond Back or Renegade
2) Stowe Cargo
3) Retrax or Pace Edwards Jacckrabbit

What I don't understand is how these are secure if the are external screws on the canisters and hinges.

Any thoughts would really be appreciated.

Thanks!

If only the manufacturers would provide answers to these questions... Diamondback's website.

• Are the hinges vulnerable to tampering due to them being on top of the cover w/ the bolts exposed?
  Not as vulnerable as you may think. We utilize flat-head machine screws and nylon lock-nuts to fasten our hinges to the cover. The nylon lock-nuts make it very difficult to loosen the screw from the topside of the cover only.

https://diamondbackcovers.com/pages/faq

Don't know whether the other companies have answers on their sites, you can go look.

 

[MrLoganRoss]

Generally they do not have this info, which is why I am asking here.

 

[Adventureboy]

I have a Diamondback SE. The hinges have exposed bolts. But you'll never get them undone since the nylon locknuts on the inside will just spin. I have no concerns.

I also have had the SE and currently have the HD. Even if you could get the bolts out (really challenging with the Nylocks), there are 1/2" bars of steel on both sides holding the lids in place. While not impossible, it would be quite a time-consuming chore to break into the Diamonbacks.

 

[MrLoganRoss]

What are people thoughts on the retractables? Sometimes the locks like on the Retrax pro xr seem a little wimpy and I wonder if I am better off with the Pace Edwards or an electric since neither offer a lock on top to pick.

 

[Realtruck]

The locks on a Retrax retractable cover can be deterrents for would-be break-ins, like the lock on your door handle. As long as your tailgate is closed and locked, and the cover is also locked, there isn't going to be any easy access to the cargo in your truck bed.

 

[RickLightning]

What are people thoughts on the retractables? Sometimes the locks like on the Retrax pro xr seem a little wimpy and I wonder if I am better off with the Pace Edwards or an electric since neither offer a lock on top to pick.

In my research, I didn't include them for two reasons.

First, it's pouring ran. You open the cover, and fill the canister with water. Sure, it has a drain, but ...

Second, it's very cold. Cover is covered with a sheet of ice. Won't open.

I initially got a Peragon, returned it, and went with the Diamondback HD.

 

[MrLoganRoss]

Thanks for all the input. Isn’t there the same rain-time issue for Diamondback?

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