Roll-up / Fold-up "Hard" Bed Cover

[MMcClane]

Well after lots of research and the seeing the link for www.paragon.com in this thread I found the perfect folding bed cover for me.



A friend of mine just spent about $1200. 00 on a roll n lock but the vinyl covering just did not do it for me. I worry about someone cutting it. Plus I just did not like the can next to the cab which would be in the way and not easily moved.



I liked the fact that the paragon folds up and stores against the cab in a space of about 5 inches. Plus, if that is still out of the way it can be removed by removed in about one minuted according to the manufacturer. This was perfect for me. It is made of aluminum and only adds about 40 lbs to the truck. Another great benefit in my opinion.



I placed the order yesterday. It should be shipped within the next week. This will be perfect for my needs. I am just beginning to sub-contract my new house and will constantly be hauling things that need to be secure in the bed. I will let you know how the install goes.



Now, I need to get those new Weathertech floor mats to protect the carpet!

 

[BSkinner]

I have this cover:



http://www.advancecover.com/ purchased from: http://www.kcovers.com/





Fold a cover (which looks identical to Advance cover. They're even made in the same town, I believe. ): http://www.foldacover.com/





I'm satisfied with my Advance cover and would buy this product or FoldACover again.



There's some pics of the cover in my "Reader's rigs".



Bob

 

[jshumate]

I had the Roll-n-Lock on my '97 for 9 years and it worked O. K. for me. The vinyl surface required regular treatment to keep it looking good and it still got dull over time. Also the rails required lubrication to make it retract properly.



I'm now looking for a top for my '06 and think I'll try something different. The Retrax looks good to me, but I'm not sure about the painted surface and how it would stand up to the harsh SoCal heat. Anybody have tips on how to keep the Retrax looking good?



Thanks,

 

[E2360]

Had the roll n Lock for 3 years now, works great. No real fading but I keep it dressed pretty well. Traded the 2003 for an 06. Trade would NOT increase in value if the cover stayed. 15 minutes and its in the garage ready to install in the new one.

 

[ssanders60]

I have the Roll-N-Lock which is secure, people with experience

say that is is quiet a problem to break into it when securely locked,

and if you don't have it securely latched it is very noticeable. It

costs about $1100 as opposed to apprx. $600 for the folding model

which might serve your purpose. The folding model was not out

at the time mine was installed or else I might have chosen it. Since

I plan on keeping my '03 it is easily justified. Although not water proof,

it doesn't leak, except you might get a few tablespoons of water inside

when you open it with water standing on the sheet.



'03 SLT H/O 4x4

 

[MMcClane]

Don't get me wrong. I am not running down any particular model of cover. They all have their good points and bad. It is a good thing there are so many to choose from. One thing that did not affect me here in Houston TX was the snow/ice problem It is my understanding that the rolling covers have a problem opening when loaded with snow. The folding covers are supposed to work better under those conditions. Just something to consider if you have snow.

 

[jshumate]

Nope. Snow and ice are not my problem here in SoCal. Its heat, smog, burning my fingers trying to open/close the thing and and trying to keep it looking as good as the truck.

 

[PWitteveen]

Well after lots of research and the seeing the link for www.paragon.com in this thread I found the perfect folding bed cover for me.



A friend of mine just spent about $1200. 00 on a roll n lock but the vinyl covering just did not do it for me. I worry about someone cutting it. Plus I just did not like the can next to the cab which would be in the way and not easily moved.



I liked the fact that the paragon folds up and stores against the cab in a space of about 5 inches. Plus, if that is still out of the way it can be removed by removed in about one minuted according to the manufacturer. This was perfect for me. It is made of aluminum and only adds about 40 lbs to the truck. Another great benefit in my opinion.



I placed the order yesterday. It should be shipped within the next week. This will be perfect for my needs. I am just beginning to sub-contract my new house and will constantly be hauling things that need to be secure in the bed. I will let you know how the install goes.



Now, I need to get those new Weathertech floor mats to protect the carpet!

I would be interested in how you like the way you have to close the cover. It looks like you have to pull some kind of cord to pull the cover closed. I was ready to order one, but then I noticed this and wanted to ask someone about it before I ordered one.

 

[E2360]

closes easily. There is a pull strap that allows you to close it while standing on the ground instead of getting into the bed. Only problem I had with it was that once I forgot to secure the strap while driving with the cover fully opened and towing my 5th wheel. (when closed it is on the inside of the bed).



Thing flew in between the bed and cab, went down wrapped around the drive shaft and BAM. Snapped the nylon strap. NO damage to the cover, odor eventually left the cab, and I was glad that the bam was the strap and not the trailer separating from the hitch!

 

[MMcClane]

If you have not looked at the paragon website lately you should check it out. They updated the pictures today. You can clearly see how the cover folds and what it looks like when it is fully open, half open and fully closed. They also have a short movie showing the operation with the pull strap. The pull strap does not seem to be a big deal, the rolling covers that go in a can also have them.



I was just attracted to the way this folds and goes inside the bed instead of a can. Plus, being able to remove the whole cover in less than a minute to get it totally out of the way was a deal maker to me.



I was surprised that this unit is a internet only item and cannot be ordered from a regular truck accessories place. I think if they would get this product out there in stores where people can see it they would fill many needs.

 

[PWitteveen]

Only problem I had with it was that once I forgot to secure the strap while driving with the cover fully opened and towing my 5th wheel.

Where do you secure the strap when the cover is open?

 

[jshumate]

On the one I had before, they attached velcro (about 1 in sq) on the side towards the tailgate and the strap was supposed to stick to that. I my case, it didn't and flipped up and down between the bed and cab and snapped off when it hit the drive shaft. I kept using it at the shorter length and it worked fine - just had to grab it from the side of the bed.

 

[E2360]

I either roll it up and tie it to itself in a "ball" or I tie it off to one of the tie down cleats

 

[Jeremiah]

TOP Tonneau

I've had the Agricover Roll-up since 2003 and it has served me very well. Geno's sells one version. I bought the more expensive version from somebody else (didn't know Geno's carried it). I also wipe it down once a month or so with PPC Formula 2 Protector/Cleaner. The tonneau is guaranteed for the life of the truck. (original owner, that is). Buy it and you won't be sorry.

 

[10-9jc]

Winner is -

For me it was a toss-up between Peragon and Advance.



I ended up going with the Advance cover (see BSkiner's post for a link -

think it was #22).



I have a short bed, and felt that the roll up covers would eat up some of

my space. I should add - 5th wheel hitch (sometimes) in the bed - and

plan to have a generator sitting all the way forward. It wouldn't clear

the roll-up "canisters".



Peragon folds (accordion) but not sure if I would have to move things

at the very front of the bed, back a bit every time - as it must go

(accordion) into the bed.



Advance works as advertised - requires some patience to install -

no drilling req'd. [Although I might drill/bolt a couple of the brackets

in the future - no big deal].



Four sections for a short bed.

Choices are: 1. Fold rear panel back, (or) 2. fold front cover back

[you can have both open at the same time]

(or) 3. fold all panels to the rear of the cab (front of the bed) -

can be removed if desired - must loosen two bolts, one at each

side of bed.



You can drive with all panels folded forward (for towing).

When in that configuration the "stack" is about 6 inches high.



Weight is about 45 pounds.



Advance is pretty much the same as "fold-a-cover". Has some improved

features over the F-a-C. [or so they say!]



We have been having a decent amount of rain - has kept the bed dry

[although that wasn't a major consideration]

Main thing was "some" security - and whatever in the bed "out of sight,

out of mind". Works out with the "V" style tailgate I use.



Thanks to all who contributed to this thread - hope all the input helps

others too.

There ARE a LOT of choices out there! Wish I could try 3 or 4 of them.

JC

 

[MMcClane]

10/9



I did lots of research and also called Paragon before ordering their product. What did it for me was the fact that it folds out of the way into the bed and against the back of the bed. However, anything that is against the bed does not have to be moved if it is something small such as a few boards stacked up. The cover hangs above the bed. If you check their website you will see from some of the pictures on their example trucks you can see the space above the bottom of the bed.



But the main reason it was the best to me was the fact that I do not have to unbolt anything to remove the cover. It can be removed in less than a minute without tools and then placed flat in the bed if needed. Seemed like it is the best of both worlds.



My cover is supposed to arrive on Thursday. I will report on the installation and quality when I put it on my truck.

 

[bkroupa]

I have an Advance Folda cover that I really liked, but had to go to a camper shell to accomodate my wife's wishes for our dog

Great tool access front or rear & I get my best fuel economy with it on.



http://www.truckaddons.com/Catalog/...olda cover&OVKEY=advance cover&OVMTC=advanced

 

[MMcClane]

OK,

I have lived with this for long enough. I would never recommend the Paragon cover to anyone. This thing has been nothing but trouble. A friend of mine leaned on the frame at the back of the truck and instantly the cover was frozen open. It is a bad design with the way the unit folds into the front of the bed. The whole folding system is constantly in the way and needs constant adjustment when something hits it.



For sale, one Paragon bed cover for 05 Dodge Ram. Make a very low offer and it is yours! I am currently looking for something a little better.

 

[PWitteveen]

MMcClane,



Didn't Peragon stand behind their product?



Sorry you posted this so late, I ordered my cover 12/28 and it is supposed to get here on Friday.

 

[69RoadRunner]

I have the Pace Edwards Bedlocker on my Mega Cab. It works great, but I'd like to replace it with a lightweight bed cover like Armor Lid.



The box that stores the retractable top takes up more space in the bed than I like.