OEM Tonneau Cover- worth it or go aftermarket?

I'll 2nd that!

 

Thanks for that heads up. I just did some quick reading on it, and I think I'll have to do some more. You are right about 303 being a bit of a headache.

 

Glad to help.

Now don't get me wrong, 303 Aerospace Protectant is great on the interior surfaces. Their fabric guard is also a good product; just know it'll take a 32oz spray bottle to do the seats of a double cab, and plan for 6-12 hours for it to dry/cure with doors open.

 

I hate mine but for price cant beat it. But I do want a backflip bad. I had too many issues with mine and was really close to getting it removed and money back but instead I kept it. Kinda wished I had gone with backflip

 

Has anyone ever tried opening one of these with a hanger?
I feel it just being a cable would make it very easy to break into with a coat hanger.

Not that I'd be storing anything that valuable in there but still would like something a little more secure.

Midkknight, blackrifle JoeyDel, how hard is it to remove the factory one thought?
Around the city I'd rather have the cover but when I go camping I'll be running a full bed rack and I just wonder how easy it is to remove the factory one so if I'm out somewhere and suddenly need the space I can easily pop it up and take it off and throw it in the back seat or something.

Also how secure is it? From what I've heard it has a proper lock portion its not just a cable so it wouldn't be as easy to just pop open with a coat hanger.

Is it the same one as the 2nd gen? I would love to see some more info on it but toyota doesn't have any on the new 3rd gen.

EDIT: So just found a video on youtube about the factory one, it's bolted in? So if you're out and do not have a 12mm socket you can't take it off?

 

Yes I believe you need to have that socket to take off the one bolt in the front right hand corner (I would just keep one in the truck at all times). But other than the socket I believe it just lifts right out. As for security, you are correct, you open it with a form of handle (not the typical cable system). If you don't need it completely off there are clips to keep it from moving when it's folded all the way up.

 

I would never store anything of value in the bed (or the interior of the truck for that matter). The intent of the covers are to protect from the environment and maybe conceal/deter folks from stealing your stuff. Anyone who can curl 50lbs can probably pop your cover open.

 

ya I found a video from toyota walking through it.

The one thing I did notice from the OEM one verse most others is that you can't have it completely folded leaning against the cabin. Which given the Off road only has a 5 foot bed, from the looks of the size of the cover that would still be covering a good foot and half of the bed so kind of shitty if you have something up there or want to put something big.

The better security is a nicer feature. One thing making me look at the bakflip F1 was that tool box feature but turns out its not offered for taco so thats out.

Many say you can't get the tonneau after purchase it has to be from factory. Well I have the dealer looking into that for me. I would really rather not have the cover on my finance as its something I'd rather just pay for right out.

I likely would have tools anyways so I guess its not THAT bad, just would rather it be a quick disconnect.

 

Out of site... out of mind. That is why I bought the Lo Pro... and it was cheaper than the Undercover SE. Which I wanted badly.

 

pretty much what I was thinking.

I find having a bed mounted tool box just screams 'LOOK AT ME I HAVE TOOLS HERE FOR YOU TO STEEL. COME TAKE EVERYTHING'
At least with a cover anything in the bed is hidden. So people would need to break in with the hopes something actually is in there.
Plus I think of it as what if you go out do some shopping and stop at another store on the way home? Having stuff wide open in your bed is much more likely to get taken than someone trying to break into your bed in brod daylight to see if you have something in it.

 

I'm actually trying to sell my OEM cover now, for the short bed. I decided to go with a Softopper instead, but the cover did work well and was secure. Not sure how much of a PITA it would be to ship, but let me know if you're interested, I'd give you a better deal than $650.

 

you're in the four corners area? I'm going to guess it will be a bit of a pain and pretty expensive to ship all the way to Toronto Ontario haha.
Thanks for the offer though. After shipping and exchange rate it would probably be close to dealer price for me.
Our dollar is in the absolute fuckin shits man.
Hope it picks back up soon so mods don't kill me haha.
God the dual battery system from off grid engineering (which I priced out if I bought all components myself) is already going to cost me upwards of $1300 after exchange.

If you were in the NY area I'd say sure since I can just drive down easy.

 

The way I see it, there are 5 main considerations for tonneaus (no order)
1. Aesthetics
2. Security
3. Cost
4. Durability
5. Ease of use / install / removal

Security-- IMO Hard top tonneaus give a false sense of security. I could get into one of those almost as easily as a soft tri-fold tonneau. There are countless vids on getting into a hard fold cover. Honestly, most of these security concerns seem unfounded (I dont want to jinx myself), but how many people have had stuff stolen? These covers kind of provide that out-of-sight and locks keep-honest-people-honest type of security. IF someone wants in your truck they will get in (include the cab).

Durability--this is probably a wash. Most soft covers have much longer warranties and hold up/remain water tight for longer. But you can put stuff on top of a hard cover and you don't risk ripping a hard cover.

Aethetics--This is a personal preference. (As an owner of a soft top, I have to admit, a lot of these hard tri-fold covers look pretty sweet) Ultimately, this is up to the person.

Cost-- Hands down the soft tri-folds win here. You can get a great one for $300-350 (even less when you find a deal). Most of the hard covers run ~$1k+

Ease of use /install removal -- Most of the soft tri folds are super easy to install (<15 minutes) and are easy to remove with just one person by undoing clamps and hand loosening bolts. The hard tri folds are more difficult to install (or much more difficult in some cases). There are drainage tubes or extra hardware needed. Most would require two people to remove without risk of scratching your truck.


So with all of that in mind. I would say a soft tri-fold aftermarket is the way to go.

 

How do you order an OEM cover if your truck didn't come with one? Is through the dealership the only way?

 

Yea, and if you didnt get the $600 option from the factory its much more expensive. You can find guys around here selling their factory covers. Just make sure you get their bed rails (they have different bed rails than non-tonneau trucks) and hardware.

 

True, it does not flip up the last section. I've also heard people say that about the cover, but mine (in Canada) didn't come with one. I told them I wanted the cover, they ordered the vehicle in, then once they had the VIN they ordered the cover for it.

 

where abouts are you in canada?
I'm in Toronto.

 

Vancouver

 

Let me know how this turns out. I too am interested in a front and rear opening cover

 

I'm from CT and I will be selling
My OEM shortbed tonneau in November (once my truck comes in)