Pulled the trigger and ordered a RollBak

Should be here late this week or next. I just like the ability to open the back up for spontaneous purchases - don't like the soft tonneaus at all, and the hard tops - where do you put it when you need the bed??

 

I like the rollback too! the only downside would be (on the ones I looked at) that you loose your rails, and they are not cheap.

 

I'm going to look real hard to see if I can mount it some other way, and move the rails down to just above the fenders.

 

That would be a cool mod....My concern is what if I buy a new washer and dryer or some other crap I want to use my rails and cleats. Also spending 800 bucks is not in my wifes agenda I have been attempting to talk her into the TRD exhaust for 2 months......some day my balls will drop and I will just buy it.

 

Yeah, but at $800 it's the cheapest hard cover available!!

 

Called the dealer yesterday - about $170 for all rails and bolts/nuts.

 

are the roll baks water proof for when it rains hard? I agree with you about the soft tonneaus, those wont benefit me considering i mainly wnat a cover for security. i was going to get the Fold a Cover, since they just came out with one specifically for the 08 tacoma model (dont loose rails) until i asked the dealer and they said its only about 97% rain resistant. i'm still considering it but not being rain proof is a big downside. So where did you order yours from?

 

http://www.rollbaktonneaucover.com/

Got a special, free shipping and no tax.

They claim they are relatively waterproof - torrential downpour might be an issue, but for me it is the best compromise between waterproof/security and functionality.

If I can't figure out an alternative mounting scheme, I'm going to buy a new set of rails and mount them right above the wheel wells. I think lower would be better anyway.

 

thanks for the link.

 

Whenever I need my bed for whatever, I just leave my hard cover up. Its not that bad driving with it up.

 

I Squeezeed a trigger and got results.

 

Came in yesterday - will be evaluating the install this weekend.

 

Well, got it installed Sunday minus one part that was the wrong one. I will post hints/gotchas later, as there are a few, and if they would just put these in the darn manual it would only be about a 1.5hr install.

 

OK - here's the tips scoop on this most excellent top.

1. Drill the drain holes FIRST - you can't get your drill under the canister, and you can't reach the bed from the bottom (I had to loosen the rails, slide them back, and remove the canister to drill the holes!) Also, if you drill out the two existing drain holes (3/4 wood bit worked fine), don't forget to drill some more small drain holes.

2. The bed is fiberglass reinforced plastic - once you drill the holes, WASH THE BED OUT VERY WELL - I was itching for a week!

4. The rail mounting system is a rectangular piece of aluminum that fits in the Taco rails. It has a hole in it, that you run a large screw through, then put a fiber nut on, then the rail bolts on to this - put locktite on the nut because the fiber nut does not hold tight enough, and they will come loose when you try to bolt the rail to it.

3. You don't use the flat felt piece.

4. The rubber piece on the plastic trim thingy goes on the end of the cover where it fits up against the tailgate.

5. The round rubber piece with the adhesive on one side goes on top of the bed up next to the cab to keep water from getting in there.

6. When you mount the piece that trips the latch when you open it fully, do not put it on the bolts with the nuts on there already - it must fit up against the bottom of the rails. In other words, no nut between the rail and the latch tripper thingy.



They sent me the wrong canister cover - a Tundra one. I called them and they immediately sent out the correct one.

I will be investigating getting some aluminum blocks that I can use to replace the deck rail mounting scheme, freeing up my deck rails to move them down to the top of the wheel covers so they are functional again. I asked them why they didn't have a kit like that, and they replied they had looked into it, but didn't think people would want to drill holes in their bed - hey, it's only 5 ea. 1/4" holes per side and they are covered up by the system! And it isn't like the bed will rust where the holes are drilled!

I absolutely love this top - it is there when I need it, but out of the way when I don't. It is like a large trunk! Also, the design makes it very waterproof. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase it again.

I saw a GMC Canyon with a RollNLock on it, very similar, but the actual cover is not as strong, and is covered with vinyl, which will deteriorate rapidly in the Texas sun. The RollBak is powder coated aluminum. Plus, the RollNLock is $300 more!

 

Let's see some pics! I'm also curious how much this will improve gas mileage if any. Keep us informed if possible.

 

Well, I'm heading to Austin Thursday, so will report MPG after that. I'll get some pics when I get back. I'm also putting it through the car wash today, so I'll also report on water proof ability.

 

OK - coming back from Austin, I got 22mpg doing 70-80mph. Also, here's pics as promised.