Different Tonneau Cover Question (I Think)

MrLeadFoot · December 31, 2022

I'm coming across both real and potential issues that I must admit I hadn't anticipated prior to buying such an expensive first truck chock full of gadgets. One, in particular, is the electronic tailgate switch. Having no mechanical tailgate latch, I can't help but wonder what happens if my electronic tailgate switch fails and I have a "secure" tonneau cover installed that is in the closed position. Am I screwed at that point?

I want a sturdy cover that provides some level of security to at least deter a theft attempt (if someone really wants to get into my bed, I would think any cover could be broken into), so a soft roll-up cover is not in my sights. I anticipate at times needing full access to my bed while driving, so a one-piece hard cover is also not being considered at this time. But, if I have to break something because the tailgate switch or actuator goes out, maybe a sturdy cover is not such a good idea?

I noticed that almost all hard folding and hard-ish roll-up covers can only be opened after the tailgate has been opened. So, if I get one of these types, am I going to have to destroy the tonneau and or tailgate to get into the bed if the tailgate switch goes out?

I came across one of the retractible types that can be opened from the top with a key, but I really don't want a tonneau cover that eats up the already-small standard box bed space with a canister that's needed for the cover to retract into. Thus, I've been eyeballing the Bak Revolver but, like almost all the other covers on my radar, it doesn't look like it can be opened without the tailgate first being opened. I don't mind less security if it's possible to pry open such a cover enough to access to the releases in the event of a stuck-closed tailgate, because I sure wouldn't want to have to damage something just to be able to get into the bed if the switch goes out.

Have any of you experienced a stuck-closed tailgate with a tonneau cover installed? If so, what did you do get into the bed?

Are there any tonneau covers that can be opened while the tailgate is closed, aside from the retractible one I mentioned?

I know I said I'm not considering a soft roll-up or 1-piece hard cover, but I might reconsider if there's not a viable alternative pertaining to a stuck-closed tailgate scenario.

Thanks in advance for any shared experience, recommendations, or thoughts.

Edited December 31, 2022 by MrLeadFoot

ExYukon · January 1, 2023

Peregon is a different type of retracting cover that opens independently of the tailgate. It does cost you some bed space. It appears sturdy but I have not seen one in person.

MrLeadFoot · January 1, 2023

Nice find, but the way it opens means you can't have anything in the front of the bed, which is a bummer, otherwise it checks quite a few boxes.

Dirk13 · January 2, 2023

I’ve got an Undercover Ultra Flex. If by the rare chance the tailgate switch fails, you’d be able to open this cover by fishing something like a coat hanger in and grabbing the cord that opens the cover.

Hard trifold covers like this really are not at all secure. Don’t buy one thinking they provide you with any security beyond your stuff not being visible. Sure you can’t just slice it open like a soft cover but with very little (and I mean VERY little) effort they can be pried open.

Regardless, the chances that you’ll find yourself in your hypothetical “stuck-closed tailgate scenario” due to a switch failure are so unbelievably low it’s not even worth worrying about. Just because it’s electronic and you’re not used to that doesn’t mean it’s unreliable or that it will fail.

Just to give you another option to look at, Diamondback covers actually provide some security and can be opened without the tailgate being open. https://diamondbackcovers.com/products/diamondbackhd?variant=28732457161

Edited January 2, 2023 by Dirk13

MrLeadFoot · January 2, 2023

Thanks for the reply, Dirk. I've had quite a few electrical gremlins peak their heads since I got the truck new on November 11. In fact, my front camera is already being replaced, and other electrical issues, including dying in the middle of an intersection in the dark in the rain at less than 500 miles, could not be duplicated. Nor could sudden loss of audio, engine shutting off immediately after remote start multiple times, etc. To me, it's not a matter of if the switch will fail, or the actuators will get stuck, it's a matter of when. Hence my concern.

Turns out my brother in law has a Bakflip MX4. Ironically, this morning I asked him to try just what you just mentioned, and turns out it can be done, so that's good, as far as I'm concerned.

I understand tonneau covers are not super-secure, regardless of the marketing hype of how they're more secure than the cab of the truck. Puh-lease! I view them more as something to keep the honest people honest by keeping things out of sight. But, I wouldn't want to have to break a $1000 cover if my tailgate gets stuck closed.

Regarding the Diamondbacks, they're cool, but they don't look like you can use the bed to haul stuff very well, without removal of the entire cover, and being so bulky, and likely heavy, it would be unweidly. Unless I'm missing something, those covers defeat the purpose of having the open bed of a truck. When I researched them, I kept thinking my Suburban is better than having a truck with a Diamondback, especially since everything I carry in my Suburban has the additional benefit of being climate controlled.

I want a cover to protect the type of stuff I might carry in the trunk of a car from prying eyes and weather. But, I don't want to add something that would potentially cause added problems. Electronic retractibles, and spring loaded retractibles scare me, so those are not on my radar. Neither are those that I will not be able to open without damaging something because my tailgate is stuck closed.

It seems I can't have my cake and eat it, too. For example, the Retrax One looks good but takes up too much room. I thought I had a winner with the Pace Edwards Jackrabbit retractibles because their canisters are small, but they are self retracting, and I can't imagine the elements won't be hard on those mechanics after awhile.

Such issues now have me also contemplating the more simple designs of the folding covers, and the Bakflip seems to have the best construction of the panel hinges from what I can tell, because I can't imagine vinyl covered panels and hinges of its competitors lasting very long. But, I'm open to more recommendations and thoughts, so please keep them coming!

MrLeadFoot · January 2, 2023

2 hours ago, Dirk13 said:

I’ve got an Undercover Ultra Flex.

I've been considering this cover too. How secure is the cover in the straight up position with the prop rods. Can you really drive 75 mph down the freeway with it in that position?

Also, what made you decide on that model over all the other tri-folds?

seamus2154 · January 3, 2023

I love the Bakflip MX4. Had it since new, and it is pretty secure, great warranty.

Dirk13 · January 3, 2023

22 hours ago, MrLeadFoot said:

I've been considering this cover too. How secure is the cover in the straight up position with the prop rods. Can you really drive 75 mph down the freeway with it in that position?

Also, what made you decide on that model over all the other tri-folds?

The two prop rods are pretty solid. Yes, you can drive normal freeway speeds with it propped up. I have done it, the only negative is there’s a very noticeable amount of additional wind noise at highway speeds.

I knew I wanted a lo pro hard tri fold, I think they look the best, they don’t take up bed space like a hard roll up, and they are really easy to totally remove when needed.

I had it narrowed down to the Ultraflex and the bakflip MX4. I chose the Undercover over the bakflip because the under cover props straight up when fully open and does not rest against the cab like the MX4. Also, the forward most portion of the cover ( the section that does not fold) is narrower on the undercover so you have more of the bed open when the cover is fully open.

I think the MX4 is a better looking cover though. The fit and finish doesn’t look as cheap. The rubber trim pieces/seals that run on top of the bed rails were really disappointing looking on the undercover and the factory cut the ends like crap, one side was way short. I had to request a new one so at least the CS is good.

MrLeadFoot · January 4, 2023

21 hours ago, Dirk13 said:

The two prop rods are pretty solid. Yes, you can drive normal freeway speeds with it propped up. I have done it, the only negative is there’s a very noticeable amount of additional wind noise at highway speeds.

I knew I wanted a lo pro hard tri fold, I think they look the best, they don’t take up bed space like a hard roll up, and they are really easy to totally remove when needed.

I had it narrowed down to the Ultraflex and the bakflip MX4. I chose the Undercover over the bakflip because the under cover props straight up when fully open and does not rest against the cab like the MX4. Also, the forward most portion of the cover ( the section that does not fold) is narrower on the undercover so you have more of the bed open when the cover is fully open.

I think the MX4 is a better looking cover though. The fit and finish doesn’t look as cheap. The rubber trim pieces/seals that run on top of the bed rails were really disappointing looking on the undercover and the factory cut the ends like crap, one side was way short. I had to request a new one so at least the CS is good.

Thanks so much for the feedback. The little details make all the difference. I, too, was leaning towards the undercover because it doesn't lean on the cab. But does it then block the rear cameras but on the 3rd brake light?

MrLeadFoot · January 4, 2023

23 hours ago, seamus2154 said:

I love the Bakflip MX4. Had it since new, and it is pretty secure, great warranty.

When open and leaning on the cab, does it block either of the rear or bed cameras? And, how is driving in that position, regarding wind and possible rubbing on the window?

seamus2154 · January 4, 2023

It comes with 3 large rubber blocks that when folded up they ride on the window, so no issue there. I have only had to drive with it folded up a few times and didnt see any issue with wind. It is important to lock the sliders so its locked in that position. Folded up against the cab the bed camera is mostly blocked. But if folded into second position it straps down and the camera obviously works at that point.

MrLeadFoot · January 4, 2023

What about the rearview mirror camera. Does that get blocked, too?

Dirk13 · January 4, 2023

11 hours ago, MrLeadFoot said:

Thanks so much for the feedback. The little details make all the difference. I, too, was leaning towards the undercover because it doesn't lean on the cab. But does it then block the rear cameras but on the 3rd brake light?

I have Bed view but I don’t have the rear view camera mirror. It does block the bed view so I would suspect it would block the rear cam mirror as well as they are both housed in the third brake like.

Edited January 4, 2023 by Dirk13