Fold Back Tonneaus in the Windy Midwest

Hello All,

I'm a middle aged NEWBIE here that just scored a 2002 TRD with only 56K miles on it. Thing is a peach!



Anyway, I have used the Pace Edwards Retractable tonneaus on my full size trucks in the past but was considering saving some bucks and some bed space on one of the [frankly pretty nice] fold back models. I am more than a little concerned though running one of these in the "folded back" position here in the Kansas wind.

Whether you believe climate change is real or a liberal conspiracy [let's not go there, OK?], I spent my first 17 years on the farm here and a "windy day" in Kansas used to be sustained 25-30 with gusts to 40-45 unless there was a storm nearing. Semi-retired now and back out in the country, we have had more than a dozen days in 9 months where the wind here is sustained 40 with gusts to 60. It WILL blow you down. Then there are still all the days of 25-30 with gusts to 40-45 that I remember. Anyway, I cannot imagine running down the road hauling something back from the Building Center with a back flip tonneau folded back against the cab held with just those 2 little rods? Worried about cross winds . . . and if I wait for the wind to die down I may never go to town !

Anyone have experience pro or con here in the wind with these covers?

I can always bite the bullet and throw in another retractable and also lose that valuable bed space but I actually like the look of these newer fold backs, like Undercover Flex, etc. And, $500 cheaper is nice too . . .

http://www.flex-cover.com/

Thanks a bunch,
Garth

 

Welcome to TW.

I personally don't think there is much airflow directly behind the cab, unless it is a crosswind you are worried about. I don't own one personally but there is one in my driveway and I think if the strength of the foldback feature was in question, we would hear about it somewhere on the internet. I would directly contact the manufacturer and ask about the winds specifically as well as what their warranty is.

Nice truck, great find and good luck!