Temporary bed cover?

Hey guys, I just got my first Tacoma, a 2008 TRD Off-Road double cab short bed.

I want to drive without a cover the vast majority of the time, but when I drive home to visit the folks (about five hours on the highway), I put my dog's cage and plastic liner in the bed. I'd like a cheap, temporary way to cover the bed just for those trips to keep the wind out and keep the liner from blowing around.

Does anyone have any ideas of anything that is simple and quick to install/remove that would do the trick? Thanks so much!

 

Subbed for responses. I'm in the same boat. Bought a roll up but it still is not what I would like. Almost thinking of making my own cover

 

Years back on my old truck I cut Plywood In two sections to cover a 6' bed.
I trimmed the under side with 2x4 to make it stiff, just framing it out.
the framing under the plywood would hold each section in place, just put the first 4' wide +- by 3' and then the next. IT was framed so ther was a gap about 3-4" around the bed. for the most part it would keep water out other then the split in left to right about over the axle.
Only had a little water in other then big storms setting still.
The top for the most part would stay in place, had enough weigh to hold it down.
But what I did is use eye bolts in the corners and add some tie downs to it.
Used several, if I was leaving it on longer I use a Atv tie down strap, or turn buckle and section of web strap.
Short use I use a heavy ruber strap with s hooks.
If you work it correct you can lay the first section in then hook the straps, then the next and have the final tie point at the rear, you never need to be in the truck or lay down to get to them. Just hook it up and push the rest of the cover in place then pull the straps at the back and shut the tail gate.
After you get all the fitting you can use a heavy house or boat paint to cover and coat the wood it will last for years and look good.

For smaller beds it can be done with lighter wood and one piece, just more weight to move and I had a bad back so mine was smaller. Plus would section out and fit in the bed if needing to carry something bigger on a return trip.

Think of a back flip bed cover or a under cover..
Min cost me about 25$ to make at the time.
3/4" ply and you could stand or sit on top plus set gear on top when camping.

 

This is a great idea, but I'm thinking of something smaller, more compact when it's not on the truck. I live in an apartment, so I'm thinking something that I can either roll or fold up and throw in my outdoor storage closet when I'm not using it. Maybe making a three-piece cover out of plywood with hinges so it collapses down?

 

yeah, try one of the soft truck caps, like Softopper or Supertop.

http://www.softopper.com/

http://www.soft-top.com/

 

Hey I don't know if this will work or not. But here goes, Get a blue plastic tarp, cut it to fit, Use industrial strength velcro on the edges and give it a whirl. If it holds cool. If not, not much lost... Good luck.

 

Brilliant. Giving that a shot this weekend.

 

If you make it as one it will be too heavy to move easy.

You could make it in 3 sections.
Use a door hinge so you can pull the pins out to move or store yet you can folt the back part over on the center section to hold a taller cooler or larger item.
It would also fit better if you wanted to take it apart and lay in the bottom of the bed to carry larger items.
Other then the cost of a few hinges and screws you could build it light weight 1/2" ply and 3/4" x1.5" trim strips, still be strong yet light.

The first one I ever built had a layer of foam then vinyl wraped over it.
It was heavy for one person but strong.

 

I have a TonnoPro cover that folds in three sections. Takes about two minutes to put on or take off. Would be lighter than a plywood cover and would certainly look a lot better.

 

Yep the soft toppers look nice and are lighter...

But is you only want to use it once in a blue moon then it is a lot to pay and have the mounting brackets on there all the time.
WHat they run now, 300$ +

 

FYI, keep an eye on Craigslist and the BST section here. I think I got my trifold cover off CL for something like $50 and an hour drive. Sold my soft topper on this site for what I paid for it (also bought used).

 

PVC frame covered with a tarp? I might try this, all i really need is to keep my camping gear dry when i hit a rainstorm on the road.

 

Was wondering if it worked?