19KFX4 -

Absolutely - we do offer a $25 discount and a free Tailgate Seal Kit to active or retired Military / Law Enforcement / Fire as our way of thanking them for their service. Just email us with a copy of your ID or other verification of status and we'll apply the discount in addition to any Group Buy discount level.

The finish on our aluminum is a baked-on satin black powder coat. That really looks sharp on every color truck. We don't recommend painting it, so we don't have a process we could suggest. However, we have had customers custom paint their covers on their own or at a body shop. You would have to determine the best method for your application and paint choice. There wouldn't be any warranty coverage on the finish if you painted it. One thing to consider, with the black plastic factory bed rail caps on the F150, our satin black cover blends in really well.

The thickness of aluminum we use is more dent resistant than the sheet metal on your truck. So hail large enough to dent the Peragon truck bed cover would also heavily damage your truck. At that point, the condition of your cover would be the least of your concerns.

 

What about those front lower brackets, how do they secure to the bed sides? I ask because I also have a DualLiner bedliner installed (the five piece one, plastic sides and rubber mat bottom). My cargo tie down straps are exposed, and I have access to those bolt holes.

I recently purchased an Extang Solid Fold for my truck, but I really don't like the fit and finish of the product, so it is getting returned (in the box as we speak). Thus, I am in the market for a different tonneau.

I am looking for ease of use, easily removed when I need full bed access (hauling a load of fire wood for starters), and something my wife can operate easily (she is shorter than me).

Also, how tough are the frame rails? I ask because I will likely be hauling some loads that could possible hit the rails. Since these rails seem to be attached using the drill method (which I don't like, but am willing to do in order to get the functionality I need), it doesn't appear that they are going to be easily removed without tools.

All in all, this looks to be a nicely designed product. I would truthfully like a solid tonneau (such as an Undercover), but even as light as they are, they are a pain to remove and store for me. Something that folds up and can be handled by one person is a must for me.

 

bskouby -

Thank you for your interest in a Peragon truck bed cover!

I believe the lower brackets you are referring to are the "ramps" that are tucked under our guide rails right behind the cab. The ball bearing rollers on our cover ride up and down these as the cover retracts. They do not attach to the sides of your truck bed - they just brace against the sides of the bed using an adjustable bolt with a rubber tip (to prevent scratching). So they wouldn't pose an issue with your bed liner.

Our design will give you the flexibility you're looking for - along with security and the durability of solid aluminum. With regard to ease of use for your wife, to open our cover you push down on the first two panels behind the cab. (They are self-latched with a gas strut.) For someone of average height and upper body strength, this is easy to do. My wife is 5' 4" and petite, so for her opening the cover while standing on the ground is challenging. She's found an easy way to overcome this is to stand on the rear tire so she is above the cover and can then open it without any trouble. If you happen to have side steps next to your truck bed, it's even easier still.

Our guide rails are robust extruded aluminum - not the least bit flimsy. However, if you're hauling firewood and are concerned, you can remove four nylock nuts and the entire guide rail frame lifts off as one piece in 5 minutes. Reinstallation would take 15-20 minutes. Reinstallation will be easier if you note the spacing used at each mounting point prior to removing the frame. (This description of removing the guide rails shouldn't be confused with our Quick Release feature for the cover, which takes 30 seconds and gives you access to the full length of your truck bed.)

Drilling would be nice to avoid and we've debated switching to clamps over the years. However, clamps aren't as robust and reliable as a grade 5 bolt and a nylock nut mounted right to your truck. You will have to drill four 1/4" holes on the inside lip of your truck bed, but when you're done you'll have a secure mounting platform that you won't be left wondering about.

Our design isn't perfect for everyone, but from what you've described as your priorities, I think you'd be impressed with what we have to offer. If I can answer any other questions, please let me know!

 

Heath,

thanks for the quick response. I'm glad to know that these are simply guide rails that are in the lower part of the bed.

And yes, I would likely remove the rails for the few times a year that I haul firewood. I would hate to bend something up just because I didn't invest an extra half-hour.

I really hate buying things sight unseen (hence my Extang experience), but I might be willing to pull the trigger on this. Group buy until the 18th huh? Gives me a bit of time to think about this.

 

bskouby,

Did you ever consider cutting out a couple of thin plywood templates for the sides of the truck bed when hauling firewood. I used to have an Explorer that I hauled a lot of wood with and that solution worked quite well.

Just a thought.

mac

 

bskouby -

It is nice to put your hands on something before buying. If it helps, over the past week we've had several other forum members purchase our cover, so you'll be able to follow their feedback shortly. The first one to arrive was installed yesterday morning with a review posted here.

 

Heath, can the ramps at the front be removed without removing the rails?
It seems from looking at it that might be possible but I haven't installed it yet to see.

That would get everything out of the bed and just leave the rails there, which do look like they can stand some mild abuse. I wouldn't beat on them with firewood though.

 

fordtruckman2003 -

Good point! Yes, the ramps could be removed and reinstalled in just a few minutes without removing the guide rails.

 

Heath,
This ought to be a good future project for one of your engineers. Come up with an aftermarket solution to protect the rails. I know that I'll come up with some sort of solution for this. But I won't know until I get the remaining pieces. I have the panels, still unopened in my foyer. I'll be hiding it tomorrow so my son doesn't realize he's getting one too. After I get it installed, I'll post pics as well. The soonest I'll install, depends on the amount of math homework.

 

Add me to the list Order placed just a few minutes ago.

Heath, if you could please make sure that my order be charged in full now so I may receive it as soon as possible and I'll wait for a credit later if and when we reach the right number of people. My order# is 75061 if that will make it easier.

Thanks!