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Difference between cheap and expensive Tonneu cover?

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Old 02-09-2019, 09:09 PM
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Default Difference between cheap and expensive Tonneu cover?

Yes there are tons of threads on covers, but I'm having a hard time with one thing in particular. There are 180.00 roll covers, and there are 500, 750, 1000+ roll covers. They are look the same to me! They all seem to use the same installation where you bolt down the hardware along the rails, and velcro the sides down. Can someone shed some light on the actual differences between lower tier and higher tier?

My biggest fear on any cover has always been it flying off while driving down the highway. I really like the roll type covers where I roll it up and latch it at back window for easy bed access. Any recommendations for something in the 200-400 range?
Old 02-10-2019, 09:21 AM
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Default Roll up bed covers.

Have a 2013 XLT Super Cab w/6.5 bed. Purchased in 2014 as a CPO. Dealer installed a Ford OEM roll-up cover gratis at the time of purchase.

This cover works well, easy to use, low maintenance. Has retained a tight fit over the years.

The only caveat is a poorly-designed securing system when the cover is rolled up behind the cab. It's a velcro strap that attaches to matching tabs on the bed between the bed top and cab. Tabs are forever falling down between the bed and cab and are difficult to reach.

I'd suspect this is a potential issue with a lot of roll-up style covers. Just make sure the securing system is an easy-to-use.

Have never had the cover come loose during use but it's certainly something that could be improved upon.

Similar type covers are available for $150.00-$250.00 range.
Old 02-10-2019, 09:44 AM
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Generally the more you pay the better quality you receive. I have a roll up cover that looks soft but is actually hard and secures bed contents fairly well. Also keeps things dry. I seem to recall paying around $700 for it back in 2013. BAK Roll-X. Their new models are called the Revolver. https://bakindustries.com/revolver-x4

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Old 02-10-2019, 07:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Rnlcomp
Generally the more you pay the better quality you receive. I have a roll up cover that looks soft but is actually hard and secures bed contents fairly well. Also keeps things dry. I seem to recall paying around $700 for it back in 2013. BAK Roll-X. Their new models are called the Revolver. https://bakindustries.com/revolver-x4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxx5roOjRcU
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Thats a hard pill for me to swallow but I also understand the buy once cry once mentality. As to the other poster above, my old roll up had a buckle near the rear window I would just clamp the two pieces and sinch it down, kept it secure no problem.
Old 02-10-2019, 11:11 PM
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I have a cheap soft roll up ($200). Had it for just over 6 years, looks and functions just like new.
Old 02-11-2019, 12:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Ryan_2020
I have a cheap soft roll up ($200). Had it for just over 6 years, looks and functions just like new.
That was my experience with my last one as well, is there really any concern with this style flying off at high speeds? I’ve read a few reviews where this allegedly happens.
Old 02-11-2019, 04:22 AM
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Hi, I have the Retrax Pro cover for security, ease of use, durability, and most of all because it can be locked in any position. I bought it for the purpose of being able open it up about 18"s so I can run my generator in the bed of my truck while covering everything else. This cover will cost about $1,000.00 more than you want to spend. But for my purpose, it was worth it.
Old 02-11-2019, 08:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Rnlcomp
Generally the more you pay the better quality you receive. I have a roll up cover that looks soft but is actually hard and secures bed contents fairly well. Also keeps things dry. I seem to recall paying around $700 for it back in 2013. BAK Roll-X. Their new models are called the Revolver. https://bakindustries.com/revolver-x4.
I also have this cover. Main advantage is thieves cant just cut through it with a basic knife. Seems well built, haven't had any problems with it other than the tangs that look it in at the end got a little bent hauling stuff one time but I got them mostly straightened out.
If I was going new I would probably go with a three panel hard cover but that's just me
Old 02-11-2019, 04:18 PM
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Build quality, material quality, and overall security will increase as you go up in price. If you’re for a particular cover to fit your budget, let me know and we can help go over options with you.
Old 02-11-2019, 05:59 PM
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Truxedo Pro X15.. They've now made this with a waterproof fabric that wicks water away instead of it just sitting there. They run 500 and another 40 or 50 if you have it installed but it really is one of the best looking and functioning roll up covers in my opinion. I had the older non fabric model on my 11 and this one on my 18 is really quite nice. It's more pricey but the build quality is hurdles above others I have seen. Its low profile too so there is little angular lift on the side rails.

Last edited by baddceo; 02-11-2019 at 06:11 PM.


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