Extang Solid Fold Tonneau - 6 Months Later

Thought I would wait for six months after purchase to do a review on my Extang Solid Fold Tonneau Cover to see if it was really a good purchase. I did a lot of research while still overseas on what I wanted to do with my DCLB before purchase in August 2012. A low-profile, hard tonneau cover was a certainty. It is not uncommon for me to travel across the US and I was looking for something with a low-profile, easy to remove, weatherproof, and provided security. Some of the low profiles had a wire latch in the rear that takes a hangar and literally minutes to open and remove. Not for me. It came down to the Fold-A-Cover G4 Elite and the Extang Solid Fold. They G4 provided better security with locking mechanisms in the front and rear and provided more bed space when secured open. The drawback was the removal process wasn't simple. It takes several minutes to remove and once the rails are in place you don't want to remove them. The Extang met all my criteria. The cheapest price I found online was with Truck Alterations. I called, ordered, and installed within a few days. I also ordered a Pop & Lock which Luke installed when I went to pickup the cover. If you don't get this with virtually any tonneau, the bed will still let down and leave your stuff unsecure. I do not know if the G4 requires this.

As you can see, the Extang is low profile. This is a big plus for me. I had a camper cover on my last Tacoma and didn't want that any longer.



There are no keys to secure the cover, but there are clamps at the front and rear of the cover. The clamps fit directly onto the rails. The front clamps are secured by easily screwing a handle. After initial install I bought five washers for each of the front clamps so it wouldn't take so long to secure (although it only takes approx 1 minute anyway). The rear clamps are spring loaded and a bit more difficult as the require you to pull and push to seed them onto the rail. I didn't mind this since the tighter the spring, the more difficult it would be to get into the bed of the truck.



After a few days and a washing, I realized there were gaps in the Extang and the bed. I put down weather stripping along the bed closest to the cab. There were still gaps, so I put another two inch piece of weather stripping in the front inside corners near the cab. Six months later, the cover is actually more waterproof than it was when I first bought it. Water does not come in at all when it rains and only a few drops when washing with a heavy spray. This has been better than I ever expected.



A big issue for many is whether you can use rails or not with the cover installed. You can use the rails except for where the clamps secure. I took a picture of a bed cleat to show they would fit. The front rail can be used in total since there are no clamps next to the cab.



Even when secured, the Extang can be folded open and secured to two clamps next to the cab. This allows use of approx 2/3 of the bed. This was a negative for me in comparison to the G4 that allows use of most of the bed. The positive is the cover doesn't block the field of view when secured open.



The Extang is lightweight and literally takes 2-3 minutes to install/uninstall with only one person. There are no additional rails. What you see, is what comes with it.

 

I have this solid fold tonneau cover...mine shifts A LOT, and I can't seem to get it to tighten all the way because the twist bracket on the screw that connects it at the rail hits the rail. Did you have this problem at all?

 

That's why I put the washers in the front clamps. No play at all and plenty of room.

 

Thanks for the review - nice write-up

 

Glad to be of help.

 

Awesome! Thanks for the write-up. Have you driven at all with the cover 2/3rds open and latched/clipped in? I just put mine on today and was wondering. I have warning labels all over the place saying not to do this....lol. I was curious if this was just a formality because Extang doesn't want to be held liable if it flew off

 

I love my Lund--I think the clamps on it are a better design than these Extangs and I've driven on the highway with mine folded forward and clipped with no problems also there is ZERO shift in all the time I've had it--almost 2 years now.

 

Wesley, never drove with the cover folded forward so I do not know if there are any issues.

 

Didn't realize Lund made a hard cover. Their product looked nice, but the lack of security with a soft cover was not something I could chance. No cover is perfect, but this hard cover takes more effort to get in.

 

Rgr that! I will not chance it...lol

 

I read the caution label on the inside of the cover today. Says before operation either secure all four clamps or secure the cover by the buckles; don't operate when partially open. It looks like you can drive as long as the buckles and two front clamps are secure. I would recommend calling Extang to clarify since it is a bit confusing.

 

Hmmm......worth a call

 

According to Extang website, you CAN drive with it open. Has to be completely folded up with both latches and rail latches secure. You cannot drive with only one flap folded up....,no brainer there.

 

That makes sense. No reason to have the clips if you couldn't drive with them secure.

 

So overall, was this a great purchase or would you have gotten somethng else? I am looking at getting a hard folding tonneau that I can remove in just a few mintues and not leave any tracks systems behind on the truck. I have narrowed my choices down to the Extang or the Rugged Cover. Main difference is Extang is made in US and A, while the RC is made in Chiner.

 

I love my Extang. I would make the same decision all over again. Go USA!

 

I haven't regretted my decision yet. Your last sentence would be a deal sealer for me.

 

That's what I want to hear. I'm going to bite the bullet and get one soon!

X2! I don't mind shelling out a little more for a product made in America. I'm a union man as it is.

 

Contact Truck Alterations. I usually go through Scott at TAO, but no one came close to their prices if you tell them you are a TW member.

 

10-4 thanks, I'll hit them up!