Rolltop cover and bed rails

ClawSS · December 18, 2001

Big question here. I want a Pace-Edwards Bedlocker for my HD. It is our primary vehicle and the wife has a hard time reaching in the bed as it is, so I made the case to get the automatic one so she wouldn't have to work too hard to get it open or closed. As you can tell, I want it for its trunk-like ability.

Anyway, I thought that arguement was pretty slick, but the question is...Since I have a set of the Putco rails,can I use this type of cover? How much of the stake pockets are covered up by the box? Can I notch the cover rails?

HELP!?! I have the go-ahead, but am now worried that I have to give up the pretty rails just to get it...

chevy4x4trucks · December 18, 2001

I think they make some bed covers that sit between the bed rails, that would be what you want. Also, if you live in an area where it snows I wouldn't get an electric rolling one. I've heard that peole get all ice and snow in them and they won't work.

ClawSS · December 18, 2001

Any idea on the brands that carry a "between the rails" style? Kentucky does get freezing weather...usually follows rain so I am sure I would run into that situation quite a bit.

I wonder if those hard top sectionals like ont he AV go over the rail?

chevy4x4trucks · December 18, 2001

what about a hinged one that sits between the rails, i think i've seen those in jc whitney.

2002-Z71 · December 18, 2001

Claw what part of Kentucky are you from?

ClawSS · December 18, 2001

I think that the hinged one may be a bit of a literal "stretch" for my wife to open, but that may be an option if she can see one and try it out. We are due our first child in March, and she drives this in the winter if needed. The Impala isn't much of a snow-bunny.

2002---I live in Lexington, but am from and have a farm in Lincoln Co. around the Stanford area.

chevy4x4trucks · December 18, 2001

how tall is your wife, I believe the hinged one has a lever you pull from the inside of the bed and it tilts up in the back about 2-3', I imagine you could adjust it's height level by moving the shock assist front to back.

ClawSS · December 18, 2001

She's about 5'4. Heck, I'm just 5'7". The truck is an HD with 285's and cranked TB's so it is a bit taller than she is used to.

I guess that I have to remove the hinged top to hook up the gooseneck though, right? And find a place to store it?

chevy4x4trucks · December 18, 2001

Yeah you would, I guess your best bet would be an electric retracting one then, but make sure you keep it clear of ice when you use it.

ClawSS · December 18, 2001

I can justify about any one of them if I put my mind to it...as you know you can play your cards regardless of what hand your are dealt...

Anyway, I honestly don't want to get the most expensive (and coolest in my opinion) bed cover out there. With this new HD baby and my other new baby, I'm taxed for cash. The usage of more $$$ was not my intention at all when I started out.

My criteria were:

1) Trunk-like security

2) My short (5'4"), pregnant wife can open fully or close easily from the ground

3) Able to use with gooseneck trailer

4) (kinda goes with 3) Uncover the most bed area with least effort

5) All-weather capability...and last, but not least

6) Its got to look cool!!!

#'s 3 & 4 go together because you never know when you have to hook to the tralier and haul a calf from one area to another...just do not want the hassle of storage. Heck, if it wasn't for that and the looks of a "grandpa" truck, I would get a fullsize cap.

chevy4x4trucks · December 18, 2001

well maybe the hinged would work for a gooseneck. I believe the first 6" or so is stationary and the rest swings upward, you should be able to tow w/ it, but you would have to secure it so the winds not blowing it around.