Tonneau cover advice needed.

Hey guys.
Got my new Tacoma about a week ago and am trying to figure out which will be the best cover for me. I’m going to drive across the country, so I need some security, but once I’m settled I mostly use the bed to hangout with the girlfriend in remote locations, camp (was thinking tent before I get a shell) , and transport fitness equipment.

My main concern is I love how the truck bed feels right now with a soft quilt laid out and be able to see a sunset or hang out under the stars very comfortably.

I worry once I put a cover on, this comfort will be hindered a lot due to rail systems sticking out , or lost room at the bulkhead.

First I was looking at the BAKFlip F1 or MX4 because I figured I could fold it all up and use a larger tent while keeping the cover on. Then I was looking at the extant 2.0 for how easy it is to take on / off and how you don’t need a new rail system that sticks out too much, but saw there was some durability issues in the hot sun. I will drive from NY and end up in Southern California so that’s a big issue.

I wonder if anyone has been in my situation. I just love being able to pull up somewhere remote and hop in the back with some blankets and enjoy an evening in random places but then I know I need a cover for the full security needed for when I have to transport various more expensive things ( suitcases, barbells, misc things I own etc) hence why began looking at things that can be removed easily with minimal trace of them ever being there.

If anyone has some input please help me !

 

RTT and a trailer.

 

Most tri folds are pretty quick and easy to take off. I have the Rugged Cover 2. It's not perfect, but it's nearly waterproof even in storm conditions and I can take it off in a couple of minutes.

 

yea my concern is that once off the rail system might be jamming into your side if hanging out in the back. And ideally I wouldn’t NEED to take it off. Feels like I’m asking for too much maybe lol.

 

The rail system definitely won't be jamming into your side. It's very minimal. Don't all Tacos have rail systems? Maybe not, but both of 3rd gens have had them.

 

I can take some pics for you if that's helpful.

 

Yea I have a 3rd gen but the existing rails sit pretty flush. I’ve seen a lot of the tonneau covers that extend a lip a bit into the bed is what I was referring to. Which is why I even started to consider the extang.

pics always helpful!

 

Try to trade someone for the OEM Tonneau cover. You get to keep your side rails and it is extremely sturdy and easy to take off.

 

Any cover can be broken in to, so get the one that limits yalls hangout positions the least when in remote locations you know what I’m saying.

 

My situation is deciding between a Gator Tailback hard tri-fold tonneau for a better level of security or a Softopper for the extra height. A friend of mine got a Gator Tailback a few weeks ago, he really likes it, did well in the rain on a long trip with no leaks so far (most tonneau's are subject to a little leak at the tailgate, he has it on a Silverado), and not hard to remove. Sits on top, not a low rail system and I like that, it shouldn't interfere with the rails in my Tacoma. It must be fairly new though, think this model came out last year, only found one thread in the forum of someone who has it on a Tacoma:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/gator-tailback-tonneau-bed-cover.641459/

Here's the link to the Gator Tailback:
https://gatorcovers.com/p/gator-tailback-tonneau-cover/
By the way you can get a better price in chat or calling them than on the web page, they gave me a quote less than the website shows.

And to my Softopper option (also relatively easy to fold up or remove, not secure at all but oh that height is nice):
https://www.softopper.com/softopper

 

I like my Peregon. The only had part about installing it was figuring out how many washers were needed.

 

Ok, I see what you're saying. Both covers I've had sit on top and just clamp in to the existing rail system. I would imagine that's what most tri folds do.

 

do you have an extang? What cover do you have? I’m leaning towards extang 2.0 For ease of taking in and out / minimal alterations to the bed but if they really have a bunch of heat and leaking issues It keeps me torn. Lol

 

I have a Rugged Cover 2. There is no alteration to the bed. It has almost no leaks even in storm conditions.

 

OP,

have you considered the roll n lock tonneau cover? I just picked up my truck 3 weeks ago and been considering similar options. Or is it better to get a camper shell?

 

I have an Undercover Armor Flex trifold. Aluminum panels coated with Line-X matte finish to take on those uv ray's. All three panels fold up and secure with struts. 5 year warranty. And since Toyota didn't put locking tailgates on my year model I replaced the handle with a pop and lock model. Not the cheapest out there it measures up.

 

I have a rigid Undercover tonneau with struts. It is affordable and I don’t camp out in the back. But it is also not so difficult to remove. But it does have the pivot bolt on each side for the struts, and they do stick out a bit from the rails.
I would expect that all the rigid one piece tonneaus are similar.

 

4x4x09,

thanks for your input, much appreciated. Been researching retrax but I think its a bit much.. dont know if its worth the $1200 tag. Been looking at the undercover cover and the Paragon. Going thru the indecisive phase right now

 

thanks for the input. I’ve been researching the Undercover trifolds since you mentioned it

 

I could shoot you some pictures of any particulars if it would help.