Bed Covers Hard vs. Soft

[ehart]

Greetings Group,

 

I have started to compile a list of addons that I would like to get for my new truck (Just ordered '03 2500HD/Crew/4x4/SB/Dmax).  Up till now I was planning on getting a hard bed cover until I ran across this retractable soft cover.

 

Does anybody know anything about this? RETRAX Roll Top Bed Cover

 

I have not seen or heard anything about this product and was wondering if anybody has any good/bad input.

 

My friend has a hard bed cover on his Chevy Z71 and calls me everytime he wants to remove it due to the weight.  I would like to avoid that if at all possible.  

 

Security is somewhat of an issue so a Vinyl like product is probably not going to work.

 

Thanks for any input...

 

Eric

[RyanbabZ71]

i wanted a hardcover originally.  I didnt want the inconvienience of having it stick up in the air when i hauled something tall.  I went with the gm soft rollup cover.  I really like it.  It has no security (can be rolled up easily) but i dont care.  I left some wood hanging out the back tonight at work and it didnt get stolen.  I also keep a jack and spare tire (chained up) in the back.  

 

Pics are in the link in my sig and also at http://www.picturetrail.com/ryanbab

 

Best thing it only cost $269

[gmcjoe]

I had the same thoughts as Ryan, I got a deal on the GM soft tonneau also.

 

I really like the roll-top setups, but for the price they cost, I'm more than happy with the soft tonneau.

 

Don't get the snap cover if you live in a cold climate and remove the cover frequently, it is a b*tch to put back on in cold weather.

[MarkD]

Expense is hard to justify.  Several companies make them, all are around $800-$1200.

 

Soft cover  $75-$200???

[Beechnut]

I have an Astro hard lid on my HD and also had one on my 95 K1500.  Have been very pleased with it but yes it does require help to take on and off.  A guy in MN sells a scissors type lift for the garage roof and likely I will go that route one of these days.  I reside in snow country for what that adds to the debate.  Yes it was about $1K but has that value for me.

[D-Max]

I live in snow country here in Maine and the soft covers just don't work down below 30 degrees. They start to get hard and are nearly impossible to get back on. I have one for the summer got it from local auto parts store(around $200 I think). Its by le bra. Simple to put on and take off. In the winter I have a ARE cap. Got the soft cover when I was waiting for the cap to come in.  If you are going to buy a hard cover don't buy LEER. Their products are just simply junk!!!!!!!

[Roofer]

I have an Access cover and I really like it. I had it on my Z71 for two Minnesota winters and now I have it on my HD. It still looks like the day I got it. The part I like, is that it rolls up for when I haul my ATV, but then it keeps my tools dry during the week. Price is a little steep, but it is a good cover.

[ehart]

Greetings group,

 

Does anybody have any input on the FOLD-A-COVER bed cover?

 

www.foldacover.com

 

Thanks,

 

Eric

[DMAX Daddy]

A friend of mine has a Retrax and they are all that they are advertised to be.  Im probably getting one of them.

 

I was looking at the Fold A Cover but if you divide the bed length by 4 (short bed for me), it will take up a minimum of  19 and 1/2 inches when fully open.  The Retrax takes up about 11 inches.

 

I was looking at Aerocovers too, but apparently they fall apart ( a thread on Diesel Page attests to this, as well seeing one in a local parking lot thats falling apart.  Owner said it was a waste of money)

 

I think Ill spend the extra for the Retrax.

 

No way I would have a soft cover in Southern Cal, cutting them to see what is inside is a local mall parking lot sport.  ???