Best Inexpensive bed cover

This summer I plan on taking out the plastic bed liner and herculining my bed, and I will also be getting rid of my bed cap. I want to get something to cover the bed but don't want to get the absolute best, most expensive thing out there. I just need a basic bed cover that will keep the rain and snow out and that is easily rolled or folded for when I want to put something big in the back. I'd like to hear any and all suggestions you can give me, thank you ahead of time.

 

I bought a Lund Peel and Seal from Autoanything. It's on the cheaper end of tonneaus but it got the job done! I used it for 2 years and it was still in great condition so I could sell it off when I got my cap last fall. I'm in New England also and it help up to the elements very well. Quick to put on, no snaps to deal with and rolls up and out of the way. I also liked that it sat on top of the bed rails rather than flush so you get a little extra room underneath. Here's a picture of mine when I had it. I know, I'm a second gen but same idea...

 

Thanks for the suggestion, that looks pretty much like I was thinking of. How easy or not easy is it to take off or roll up? It keeps things dry in the rain? Have you noticed any difference in gas mileage between having that tonneau on versus having the cap on?

 

I actually get worse mileage with the cap vs the tonneau. I got a little better mileage with the tonneau vs the open bed. I'm only talking 1-2 mpg swings, nothing huge. I'm guessing the mileage was worse with the cap because it sticks up higher than the cab and also because I now keep more crap in there so it's heavier.

It's very easy to roll up, only takes a couple minutes tops. There are ties at the front of the bed to keep it rolled up. Takes about 5 minutes to unroll it and reseal it. It's not 100% water tight but it definitely keeps things dry. Water will slowly seep in at the corners, not it's not a spray or flood by any means. Most tonneaus aren't water tight and will let some water in at the corners. Using some well placed weather stripping can help minimize water seepage. The side and front rails stay in place at all times, and the cross members and rear rail get removed when you roll up the tonneau. Allen wrenches were required for the initial installation but rolling up and unrolling the tonneau does not require anything.

 

I got a Rugged Cover folding tonneau cover love it. have used it for 5 years now and works great. i bought it for my 98 single cab to get more dry storage and transferred it to my 01 ext. cab. it is pretty muck waterproof and thimgs stay dry.on and off in a couple min. you can even drive with it folded up. I think they are around 360.00 bucks and most places will ship it for free

 

i just got a tonno pro for my truck. it tri-folds and is good in the rain and snow...not 100% water tight but good enough for my needs. some people have added a small piece of weather stripping to make it water tight. they're pretty affordable as compared to other tonnaeu covers. just something for you to thing about.

www.tonnopro.com

 

I'm trying to read all the reviews I can about tonneaus, but the biggest thing I'm having trouble figuring out is which one's are lockable and which aren't. I know the basic snap-type don't lock, and I know there aren't any that are break-in proof. I want something that will at least make somebody think twice about trying to break in, I plan on getting a pop-n-lock to go with whatever I buy.
Do all the tri-folds lock?
Any of you have the Access Literider?

 

I think only three come with locks built in, Fold-a-cover, Undercover and Armor Lid.

 

The tonnopro doesn't have a lock built in but you have to open the tailgate to release the latches on each side in order to fold the cover. I'm going to get a pop and lock so it'll will be pretty secure. Like you said, hopefully someone will think twice before trying to break in, but if they want in, they will break in no matter what.

 

Thanks for the recommendation and vote of confidence on the Lund. I was looking at this one and seemed to be the best quality for the money. At least compared to the $1000 +tonneaus

 

I have it, I love it. It was 280.00 shipped from Truckalertations Tacomaworld pricing.

The crossbars roll up, I can still use the deck rails as well.

 

http://www.bakfliptonneaucover.com/

 

Tarp.

 

I'm thinking this is what I'm getting, unfortunately the low pricing is only for you 2nd gen guys.

 

Doh! Sorry to hear that.

I'll say that this and the weathertech mats have been my favorite upgrade so far.

 

From what I understand, the plastic bed is the bed. There is no metal bed , at least not in mine.

 

OP has a first gen.

 

Ah, got ya. Thanks.