I am considering putting a hard trifold cover on my new 2011 Screw. The ones I have been looking at are the Backflip F1, Extang-Solid Fold, and even the Rugged Liner brand (there may be other good brands out there that I am unaware of so let me know if there is something better than these!). I know I don't want a soft top because I need more durability. I know I don't want a one piece hard top because of it being a pain in the *** to use your bed...

One thing I am worried about all of them is heat. Really the main reason I want one would be for when I take a road trip and need to throw luggage and other more heat sensative items back there and forget about it. I am worried that on my black truck with a black hard tri fold top there would be a tremendous amount of heat build up in the summer (I am usually around Oklahoma and Texas).

I am hoping those of you with hard tri-folds can give me some ideas of how hot your bed gets. Also, I understand the benefits of the Backflip, (especially the lower profile) but I don't like the look of the rails left in when you take the top off completely. Does anyone know if you can get a dirt bike in against the bed whith the the backflip folded all the way or does the top of the tire hit it? I like how the Extang and others can come out completely and easily without leaving rails. Thoughts...

 

I can put my CBR motorcycle in my truck with the backflip and no probs. I love that cover!!! I went all the way from Michigan to Daytona and back with luggage and I don't think there was a prob with heat, but I wasn't looking for it.

 

There was a post a few days back titled "Let's see those toneau covers" that had thoughts and pictures from a bunch of different people.m I would have linked it, but having some iPad related issues with forum app.

I can tell you the extang will make the bed warm. I got some snow back there a few days ago and the following day it hit the mid 70's. When I opened the bed up to air it out it felt a touch "muggy." I will be driving back to SoCal in a few days with luggage in the back and except to see temps in the high 90s. If you want I can tell you if I ended up with issues once we get home.

I can tell you I'm a huge fan of the solid trifold so far.

 

I saw that post and have read through several of the other posts but most of them seem to be more about which brand to buy than the specific issues with covers in general. That would be awesome if you could let me know how your stuff in the back fares. My wife is worried about things like makeup, toothpaste, and other toiletries... I am also wanting to bring my acoustic guitar on trips. It has a good case, but I am still worried about heat and warping. If the bed gets 20 or 30 degrees hotter than it is outside that would be no bueno!

 

I have had the extang on all 3 of my trucks since 2000. There are no cons for me using it. Easy to take off, keeps things hidden.. makes the truck look nicer IMO...

Even on 100+ days, inside the bed it wasnt that hot. Even with line-x bedliner..

You wont be disappointed.

 

I looked at the backflip and my boss has the backflip. I went with the Roll n Lock and I am very pleased with it. It sits flush to my bed rails, rolls right out of the way and I can make it stop at two foot intervals. Locks nice and easy too. Picture attached... doesn't show a close up but shows that it is virtually invisible unless you are over the truck.

 

a couple more...

 

I don't think the bed of your black truck with a black cover would be any hotter than the trunk of a black car. The truck may actually be a little cooler since the truck bed isn't sealed as well as a car trunk so you'd get some ventilation while you're driving.
And if it's a really hot day, you could always open the cover while you're driving and close when you stop, which would keep your stuff cooler than a car trunk. So I recommend you get a cover, and then do some performance mods so you can drive faster and improve ventilation.

 

I have an Xtang Trifecta, and we put luggage and other stuff in the box and drive from NorCal all the way down to Mexico; never had an issue with stuff I place in the box.

 

Has anyone noticed the covers effect on mpg? I think mythbusters noted it was actually worse. But I'm also posting this without looking it up, so send the flames if you feel the need. I see the benefit of having one, but most of the time I wouldn't "need"it. I prefer an open bed except for what the op mentioned luggage on road trips and what not.