I just bought an 04 SXT reg cab. The truck came with that spray on rhino liner stuff, but I need a bed cover since I only have the regular cab. Anybody have any suggestions? I'm looking for a soft cover. I'd like to get one that raises up, but I don't want to spend a fortune.

BTW I have the 3.7. Are there any common mods that are done to these motors? Thanks

 

Check out my sig. It basically includes everything that can be done for the 3.7. Also check out this thread:

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ir-intake.html

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ons-ideas.html

 

i love the Truxedo covers and the Access covers. both are the velcro roll up style and not the snaps. not sure where you live but they both do real well in the cold weather. i normally get around $475 installed for them. they do make cheaper ones as well. my truxedo cover lasted me well over 100k miles before i sold it for my cap.

 

Look on ebay for a extang cover they have many different types thats where I got the one for our ram. We had a snap on extang on our f150 for 4 years still looked new and we now have a extang on our ram its been on for a couple months. We never had any problems with ours and it held up all the snow we got this winter plus they come with a pretty good warranty.

 

McNasy,

What are your opinions on hard retractable bed covers in your line of work? I won't get one that has an unsightly canister that it reels up in. I am looking at some like the BakFlip or Peragon. Any others? Opinions?

 

I have the extang fulltilt on my quadcab and love it. It's a vinyl cover w/ snaps but lifts like a hard cover and can be very easily removed by popping the shocks lose and lifting the cover straigt up and off.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'm gonna check out the extang covers. Hey Rantz, did you notice any difference in power and/or fuel mileage with the air intake and throttle body mods?

 

Do a intake and fastman throttle body and you will notice a big difference I wish I had the money to get one.

 

Yes I did. There was a big tone difference in my exhaust from doing them. The engine revs a lot easier. I haven't done an in depth look at my mileage yet, but initial impressions are promising. Regardless of what you do, definitely do the air intake. It made a huge difference all around. My DIY how-to that I linked you to is pretty comprehensive and total cost is only around $40.

Fastman throttle body information thread
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-dakota/259616-official-fastman-throttle-body-discussion-thread.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...on-thread.html

As for tonneau covers: I prefer something a bit more secure than just snap on liners. Unfortunately, I can't afford the $900 for the RollBak. The BakFlip is still a stretch at $700. Those are solid lockable covers and appear to be really nice. http://www.bakliner.com/
http://www.bakliner.com/

Then there is the Peragon cover which is lockable and all aluminum with powder coating for $600 shipped

https://www.peragon.com/tonneau-cover-video.php
https://www.peragon.com/tonneau-cover-video.php

I really like the idea of being able to securely store tools and stuff in the bed without being hindered by a "permanent" cover such as a fiberglass one. I would then just put a lock on my tailgate.

For me, the aerodynamic increase in mpg is a plus, but not the primary goal. I live in an apartment and need a place to store my tools and projects. Currently I have my old fugly @ss plastic tool box in there being held in place with a ratchet tie down.

 

Side question: Can I really expect 9-11% increase in gas mileage as tonneau sellers claim?