Retractable Vs Trifold

JB Z71 · January 21, 2011

Couldn't find a thread on this so thought I'd start one.

I already got a spray in over the rail liner. Will that be an issue?

Knowklew · January 21, 2011

biggest difference i think would be price. i plan to buy a retractable when i get some extra cash

chakis24 · January 21, 2011

my retractable cover i lose 6-8 (not sure the exact measurement) inches at the top of the bed at all times since this is where the cover rolls into- i dont really notice it with the 8 foot bed though. the spray in liner could be an issue since the whole cover is under the rail and the liner may affect how the tracks attach to the sides of the bed.

ATXSerria · January 21, 2011

Yea, I've been thinking about a tonneau cover, too. I did some research and the price is the most noticeable difference. The least expensive retractable is around $600 and is made by Peragon. But after I read this:

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?...&hl=Peragon

So I guess you get what you pay for... so plan on spending more than $800 for a good retractable tonneau cover.

I really don't like tri-fold covers. They look odd... they sit on top of the bed rails. I like to see a cover sit flush like part of the truck, not something you just put on top of the bed rails. IMHO

But if you really want the convenience of a tri-fold, Id look into the Bakflip cover. It is probably the best tri-fold cover on the market. But at that price its really a toss up between a good retractable cover.

JB Z71 · January 21, 2011

Good points. I like the flush look too. Are the back flips stronger? I like the idea you can stand on them? The retrac sounds like has 200lb limit and say they don't reccomend standing on it.

I had a flush tool box on my last truck and I loved that look. With the shortened bed size on these new crewcabs, I havn't found a flush one that will fit. The foot print in front of the rear wheel well is just too small to be of much usable value even if there was one and that got me thinking about the full cover.

I like the idea of covering the whole thing. I can keep more stuff back there like the kids sport bags etc that usually live in the cab.

I hope I didn't mess up getting a (over the rail) spray in already...

Mossyoakglock · January 21, 2011

I don't think you'll have a problem with any covers by getting the liner sprayed over-the-rail already. A lot of people have both retractables and tri-folds with the plastic bed rail covers with no problems which would be the same as getting a spray-in liner over the rails.

The worst case is that you might have to do some minor trimming at the corners and remove a little of the liner but it should be minimal. Most covers are designed with liners (both under and over the rails) in mind.

chakis24 · January 21, 2011

the one i have is a pace edwards and its been flawless- its never been in a garage either and its been on there since i bought it (was already on there when i bought the truck). its also aluminum- so unlike a soft cover you cant just knife through it. it also locks closed and closes every foot or so so you can close it in stages (say you have something in there thats only above the rails at the bottom of the bed- you can still close and lock 90% of the cover). with the pop lock on the tailgate the bed is a fully locked trunk.

AzDragonLord · January 22, 2011

Did someone mention Bakflip?? Love mine!

JB Z71 · January 22, 2011

That looks nice. Hard to tell from the pic , but it looks flush with the rails , is it?

Can you stand on it if you had to and did you consider the retractable?

AzDragonLord · January 22, 2011

It does sit flush...gives it a clean look. They say you can stand on it and use it like a scaffold, but I've never tried that yet. It is sturdy enough I believe. Combined with the aftermarket locking tailgate latch it's like an unpenetrable fortress! I almost purchased the retractable Rollbak, I waffled back and forth a long time before deciding, but ultimately chose the Bakflip because of cost and the fact that the Bakflip doubles as a headache-rack when fully open.

Have you seen their website yet?

http://www.bakfliptonneaucover.com/bakflip_g2

rearley · January 22, 2011

I have the BakFlip G2 and would buy another unit again. If you have the funds buy the BakFlip.

JB Z71 · January 22, 2011

I had not seen THEIR website. Thanks. THe install video was great. I went from thinking that was a job beyond me to looks like a piece of cake. No drilling etc. THe guys funny when he gives his 2 thumbs up after he makes a tailgating bench...

OKLAGMCRUISER · January 22, 2011

look into extang solid fold. it doesn't sit flush, but is more secure than the back flip and can be found onlin for $619 shipped.

99silveradoz71 · January 28, 2011

look into extang solid fold. it doesn't sit flush, but is more secure than the back flip and can be found onlin for $619 shipped.

I have a solid fold on my truck and have been quite happy with it. Good and secure, and it's easy off and back on when I'm moving bulky items.

ATXSerria · January 28, 2011

Did someone mention Bakflip?? Love mine!

Looks really good!!! The more I see the Bakflip, the more Im leaning towards buying one. lol It's very similar to what you see on Avalanche... I really like the stock appearance, something that looks like it belongs on there. I bet it will really look sharp on a black truck, too! Anyone have pictures of a black GM-900 with the Bakflip?