Need a Tonneau suggestion

toledosteel · June 25, 2003

Hello, This is my first post. I am in desperate need of a tonneau cover. I have a 1997 GMC 1500 ext cab with a short bed. I am moving and want a cover so I can secure my stuff when I am stopped over night. Their are a few things the cover must have. It must be a hard cover, lockable, removable, have gas struts (is that standard on all of them?), pretty high quality, money is not TOO much of a concern but the less the better. I would rather pay a little more than not enough. I am moving to Phoenix, so I don't know how the heat affects these things. Any recommendations are appreciated.

I really know close to nothing about these things, I did a search but everyone here is well versed in these things, so I was kinda lost. Thanks.

SinisterSS · June 25, 2003

Hard cover, lockable, high quality - easy - ARE LSII Lid

Cost is around $650 - 700 for paint to match your truck and installation.

96 Vortec · June 25, 2003

I had no idea they went for $700. For half that you can buy a real nice used topper.

miclri · June 25, 2003

I'm happy with my Fold-a-Cover.

DeezBlueZ · June 25, 2003

Check out access covers.

BlackSilver · June 25, 2003

Two words: ACCESS cover.

Best design, hard or soft.

Hans

QuinnyQuad · June 25, 2003

Another VOTE for Access covers. I've had two and would never buy anything else. Hard covers are impractical.

greyghost03 · June 25, 2003

Two words: ACCESS cover.

Best design, hard or soft.

Hans

It looks pretty good to me! + they are a preferred vendor!

SinisterSS · June 25, 2003

Had an ARE lid on my Z71, last month with the SS I purchased an Access Roll-Cover. For security, add a tailgate lock and you'll be set!

It's shown on my SS below.

Kevin zellweger · June 25, 2003

I have had my cover for a couple years. LoRider says that it can hold a quad on it, but i am not going to try but it holds me up there no sweat without any give I weigh about 220. it has gas shocks and a lock the only thing i don't like about it is the lock cover. the reason why it is junk may not apply with you moving to a warmer climate. the -30 celsuis we get up here once and a while proves how well something is made. I replaced the lock once because the cover wasn't on and i washed the truck when it was well below freezing and water got in and wrecked it (it was also under warrenty). when i had the lock out it is a corrugated structure with two layers of fiberglass and about an inch of tight cell corrogated cardboard. it helps gas mileage and i think the truck looks better with it. sorry for the long post, have fun on the move.

toledosteel · June 25, 2003

Why are hard covers not the best idea? Besides price they seem to be the best secure. And since many people have, or suggesed those Access covers, are they pretty secure? Or will a sharp knife be the only tool that theives need?

WEFs99 · June 25, 2003

I have a hard cover and never again. I think I would feel just as safe with some of the soft covers mentioned above and would not have the inconvenience of the hard model. Gaining access to the front of the bed is very difficult and it goes without saying that your hauling capacity is limited. During the winter I had to transport a 8.5 Meyers snow plow. It was a rush job so I had to remove the hard lid by myself. Disaster. Put some ugly scratches in the truck. I paid around $650 painted Onyx Black and installed. There is no doubt it is a real looker but is not practical. I have had to replace both gas shocks and repair all of the mounting hardware also. Never again!

It has a hilarious safety label attached to the rail.......DO NOT REACH INTO BED WITH LID OPEN.

That lid weighs a ton and when the gas shocks fail, it is a load to lift.

SinisterSS · June 25, 2003

Yes a hard cover is more secure but not practical for everyday use. For me, going from a hard lid to a soft cover was being able to use the entire bed again to haul a snowmobile, ATV, refrigerator, lawnmower, etc. I wanted a truck again, not a car with a really big trunk.

toledosteel · June 25, 2003

I am thinking of stearing clear of a one piece solid hard cover, I am trying to find something hard but flexible. Like a folding cover something along those lines. I am really trying to avoid any soft covers because I just won't feel comfortable leaving my truck.

btw: thanks for all the responses

JAF1 · June 25, 2003

I just got a Fold-A-Cover for my 2003. It folds out of the way without all those &$%* snaps (yes, I had a soft cover for 10 years). It locks up front and rear and as a bonus once folded down it locks your tailgate as well. If you want to totally remove it there are only 4 bolts to undo.