Bed Covers For A First Timer

Hey TW! Wanted to crowdsource some recommendations for bed covers - ideally looking for a tri-fold, hard top Tonneau style cover but a cursory google search just left me more confused.

What are some tried and true covers that you folks have put through the paces and would buy again?

 

Maybe through in your budget if that's a factor. Haven't pulled the trigger on one personally, but they're lots of decent options from my searches. Bakflip, Diamondback, a used OEM one seem to be popular brands. Could also go cheap route via Amazon like my buddy did with his Tyger, he loves it.

 

7 months in very happy with my BakFlip MX4.

 

I have a BakFlip G2. Took 4 days to get it here (Texas). Installed it yesterday. Seems very solid.
BakFlip seem to be a favorite here at TW.
auto accessories garage. They seemed to match other retailers prices and then add a 10% coupon (popup).

It was easy to install, took a few hours. Here is a video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL1YNoYdrMo

 

Wannab - thank you for the list, I’m looking to replace the color matched snug top I’ve got now, which I’ll probably sell, so for this particular mod i figure I’ll reinvest bed cover funds into the bed cover fund.

2021SR5 + SSMTRDOR - sounds like we’re getting some consensus around the BakFlip, I’ll do some digging!

 

I've seen your video on the BakFlip website...very good commentary...you're a natural in front of the camera.

I still haven't decided if I want a bed-cover for my Sport.

Ed

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Do you ever need to take the cover off to load dirt bikes, kayaks, or anything else that takes up the entire bed? If so, do you need to remove it often?

 

Not me in the video. Just thought it would helpful when making a decision.

 

Oh, right?

Hahahaha!

Thanks for the video. Here's the same dude from the site:



Ed

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Another vote for the Bakflip here. I have the G2 version. Basically the same as the MX4 but with a gloss finish and a few bucks cheaper. And we know it's your first time. Don't worry, we'll be gentle

 

not often at all, the main functionality I’ll get is making sure my surfboards don’t get snagged in the parking lot when grabbing things, etc.

 

The Bakflip seems to be the favorite on TW.
I'm 90% sure when I pull the trigger on something it's going to the the Lomax. @truckalter on TW seems to be a popular place to get them from.

 

Seems that’s the consensus here, I’m glad I asked.

 

If extang ever fixes the design of the Solid Fold 2.0 cover I would recommend it. However, the front panel and clamp materials will deform the cover too easily as is. Maybe the Solid Fold of the future will fix that.

 

I have a Lomax trifold and I love it. The matte black slightly textured finish complements the truck well and I dig that it folds up easily to allow for 3/4 open bed, and is easily removed for a fully open bed.

I watched the video on the Bakflip and it looks slightly more complicated to install but for the most part they're basically the same thing. It does look like the Bakflip might seal slightly better than the Lomax. Also, I see that the Bakflip can be opened completely but rests against the back window. Personally, I would never use it like that since I would want the use of my rear window. 3/4 bed with the Lomax securely opened, is more than enough for my needs and again when I need a full bed the entire cover comes off.

Also, and this is just me, I only have the Lomax on in the winter time. In the spring/summer I remove the trifold panel (leaving the rails in place) and install my HD bed rack.

 

Opie I had a Tyger T5 aluminum trifold for awhile before I got a cap. I was happy with for the $400 I paid. I think many of the aluminum Tri folds from China are the same. It did the job. If I was going to use it forever it would be hard to beat the diamondback though.

 

I had an Extang Encore for 6 months because of the cab-side access. Ended up going with a topper for hauling the dogs around though

 

If you use your bedrails to hold significant stuff, I’d suggest steering clear of any that force you to relocate the rails. The relocation will add leverage to the mounting making them a lot weaker. Plus IMO any company the makes a “generic fit all” cover and rather than redesign the mounting system for the Tacoma rails decided to move the rails is not a company I’d personally want to deal with. Again just my opinion.
There are plenty of good options out there that work without moving the rails or encroaching on bed space.

 

With this in mind, I tried to scour CL for an OEM cover for a month or two first. I was never able to find one but probably would have preferred it due to this reason. Rails stayed put and the cover was only designed with the Tacoma in mind.

 

leer/lear (what ever the name), had a really well designed one for the Tacoma, at one point they stopped making them, and not sure if they ever resumed. There are others that use the rails in the OEM location, but ultimately none are as well designed from a mounting perspective as the OEM. (But the OEM does have other issues). If took about 6 months to find a CL one for me that was at a price I was willing to pay, and had all the hardware.