Tonneau covers.

Hey all! I've been pretty busy so I haven't been very active lately. I've missed you guys/girls!

I have a job where I am transporting not only my own tools, but sometimes other people's too. There is enough room in my access cab for mine, I put them on the passenger side so I can have my seat all the way back. When it comes to taking apprentices around and their tools is where I can run into issues. I don't really like the look of the bulky tonneau covers. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good one that MUST LOCK. It was raining all day today, and being able to throw my wet bag in the bed and lock the top would have been nice.

Also, I know Mythbusters did a test on this but I have a hard time believing it. Has anyone noticed a difference in gas mileage with a cover? Thanks in advance for your input!

 

I put one on my truck. Really have not noticed any change yet. Going to make a road trip soon. But sure is nice to keep everything covered up an secure.

 

What brand is it?

 

I originally tried the Extang Solid Fold and it leaked. Replaced it with the Undercover SE and have had no problems. It locks and I've not had a single drop of water through carwashes or rain.

 

I have only had soft covers, so can't help you with the locking thing, but I have had soft covers on my last two trucks and have noticed no difference in mpgs. Newer trucks aero works to pass the air over the open bed/box. I might think that a hard cover would actually negatively affect mpgs due to the added weight.

 

I have the Undercover. I love it for what it does ... keeps the bed dry and clean. It's easy to open and locks. I particularly like that it is molded ABS plastic; the upkeep is simple and the finsh is durable.
The only drawback is if you need to carry something large ... you have to plan ahead and remove the top.
I have some shots of it in my pictures if you care to look.

 

I have a soft cover. Don't think it makes a difference mileage wise.

 

I have a Bakflip VP and really like it. It looks like a vinyl cover but there are hard panels underneath so it's secure (as long as you have a tail gate lock). It also allows you full use of your bed without removing the cover if you need to move something oversized. It's very low profile and looks great in my opinion. Mine is on an F150 though, I hear the con to this cover on a Tacoma is it covers the side rails.

I did have a soft rolling tonneau on my Tacoma before I went to a shell and I didn't notice any difference in fuel economy from an open bed to the tonneau. I did pick up a little with the shell though.

 

I have an Armor Lid - it has been discontinued, but I am quite pleased with it. Hard ABS uv-protected plastic. I can walk on it, mostly to wash the cab roof, plus strong enough to carry excess cargo on top. Remove 2 split rings at the front hinges, unclip the struts, and 2 people can easily remove it. It has 2 locks and rear edge prevents tailgate from being opened. Available only in black, and no fading after 4 years, never garaged.

There may still be some new old stock available at really discount prices. New, installed was about $600. Light enough that there's no change in mpg. Was available for both bed lengths.

 

I have the Access low profile tonneau that allows use of the bed rail. It's lockable from the inside and lays perfectly flat. Tight like a drum.

I had this in my last truck and noticed a slight increase in mpgs. I was originally getting something like 310 miles to a tank. After I installed I was getting around 340 or so. It's been a while, so I don't remember the exact mileage.

I put the tonneau on right away on my new truck, so I don't know if it had any affect. I guess I could roll it up and see if my mileage decreases.

 

Question about your Tonneau cover, I had a 2009 Tacoma, and had to remove the bed rails, install the cover, then put the rails back in again. I just purchased a 2014 and want to install a new cover, the cover you purchased did you have to remove the rail system, install the cover, then put the rail system back in again? Or were you able to leave the bed rail system where it was?

 

Yes, you take the bed rails off, then put the tonneau side rails on, and then put the bed rails back on.

 

I have the undercover lux. I love it. here is some pics.





https://www.dropbox.com/s/pt524x2g5y22d28/2014-01-04 15.49.17.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/nz99bv9heclgax7/2014-01-04 15.48.50.jpg

 

That's what I thought. Trying to find a cover where I don't have to do that. Thanks

 

That is nice, but want to have the option to carry larger items.

 

I have the Leer 550 with carpet on the underneath side, light an remote. I think my mileage increased maybe a little. But it did not get any worse.

http://www.leer.com/Truck-Tonneaus#

 

Thanks a lot for all your responses! Soft top is clean but since it cannot lock it is too much of a liability. The ones that lift up on struts are alright, I don't like how you can't carry large items like you said. I will let you know which one I go with!

 

The access locks on both sides. Plus you can't open it without opening the tailgate first anyway.

I bought the electric lock for my tailgate and keep my tools in the bed.

 

Keep in mind that if you don't have to remove the rails, more then likely you will have mounts that go over, or on, the rails which means that the hold downs can only slide between the mounts, not over the entire rail.

 

I've got a Leer 700 that came with my truck. For a tonneau it's really nice; good fit and finish and it looks good on the truck. I have no use for the thing though and it's been sitting in my folk's back yard for a while now- if you were closer I'd say make me an offer and come get the thing.