I want to get a Tonneau cover for my '05 Quad Cab with short bed but am really up in the air about what to buy. I do know that I don't want a painted fiberglass hardcover or an accordian/sliding style that eats up a bunch of useable bed space up front. What did you guys go with and why? I'm definetely leaning towards some sort of soft cover, no snaps, preferably with the bows rolling with cover, mounted on top of truck bed as opposed to inside to allow the ladder holes to still be used. I'd like the most flexibility so I think any hard cover that lifts up on gas cylinders would be out. I did see some hard cover that folded up onto itself in like 3 sections, that could be a possiblity.

Here's my ideal: weathertight, won't fade, pretty lightweight, no snaps, black, takes up minimal width in bed so a top mount would be better, something that locks would be nice but I'd have to go hard cover for that, so if hard is the way to go, something that folds so that if I have a spur of the moment purchase out of town that requires some height, I'm not screwed by my tonneau cover.

Thanks.

 

Im actually interested in the same thing. I had one on my 95 that was a snap on, rail type system, it wastn 100% WATER proof but it did a good job, I left my golf clubs in it. I want one for my 05 because we travel and with two kids it would be nice to have some where to throw the stuff. The rail didnt mount with screws but more of a clamp so there were no holes to drill. It was only around 100.00 so I couldnt complain. I will check with the dealer where I got that one and see if he can still get a similar one.

 

Try this link for some opinions...

https://dodgeforum.com/m_276575/tm.htm

 

I spent much of the three months I waited on my truck doing research on covers.

However, unlike you, I immediately eliminated soft covers. I've had vinyl covers and I just don't like them, especially after they are on a while. In fact, the last I had I made by getting an industrial sewing machine and making my own over a framework of marine plywood, etc. They still don't age well in my book and anyone can lift or slit them. I've had holes poked in them.

As part of my research I walked through many parking lots (I live in what has to be one of the pickup capitals of the known universe) and looked at many covers of all types and confirmed my dislike for soft covers. Since I was only interested in hard covers of various sorts I was fortunate that they often have company names on them (most don't bother to remove all that crap like I do).

I was not averse to an "accordion" or "roll-up" style since I so seldom ever open it (once all summer), and some take up very little room.

After all was said and done I opted for a Peragon. The price is right (little more than the better vinyls), works well, looks decent on my dark gray truck, and offers some degree of security since it is lockable metal (and the company name sticker easily pulled off ). Oh yeah, and it actually bolts onto holes in the stake-pockets... no holes to drill, no sheetmetal screws to work loose (as they always do), and NO clamps on to the bed! This last point was important to me.

However, the reason there are dozens of covers is that customers have so many different needs and preferences.

I know this doesn't tell you the best soft-cover... sorry.

All the best.

 

I have the Extang Full-Tilt cover.

Its a soft cover, but it does have snaps, but wait!

You can unsnap a little if needed to clear something.

You can unsnap the whole thing, but the frame is still there so you gotta remove the battons, they are spring loaded, no problem.

You can lift the whole top (soft cover and battons) in one piece.

OR

You can just lift the soft cover with battons because the frame is on gas cylinders too, that can be easily unhooked if you want to take off the whole top.

Talk about versatility and a ton of choices.

I love it.

 

I went with the extang tuff tonno 3. 10 year warranty on tarp and lifetime on frame. No drilling to install. No Snaps with the J channel. You might need some foam tape to make it totally waterproof if you have a bedliner. I had to use a little in the corners near the cab to make mine waterproof. It rolls up easily with velcro straps to hold it and has a quick disconnect at the tailgate. 200 shipped from truck expressions, a sponsor of this site. Best price I found with great service. Check it out. This is a great product.

John

 

Hey Avanti, How water resistant is you Peragon cover ?

 

I just bought an Extang tool box edition cover. I haven't received it yet, but from the description it should fit better than the Access Cover I had on my Chevy.

The Access Roll Up Cover is great, but it mounts to the inside of the rails and tends to slide down no matter how tight the clamps are. Other than that it's a great cover and the bows roll up with the cover. I wouldn't buy another since when I called the company to ask why they mounted them to the insdie of the rails instead of the top, they pretty much told me they weren't going to do anything since I was the only one to complain.

Oh well, if anyone knows someone with a chevy fullsize 8 ft bed with a toolbox that needs a cover, I'm selling it cheap.

 

I ordered the Lund brand model Genesis hindged cover. It seems to be easy to access. I'll let you know after I install it.

 

I went with the Truxedo LoProfile and am very pleased with it. The crossmembers roll up with it so you don't have those rolling around, and you can adjust tension for the seasons. It's also got an inside release so if you put on a locking tailgate latch it's somewhat secure. Comes in colors too.

Speaking of colors, I ordered mine in charcoal gray, and it was about 3 shades lighter gray than my Ram. I just went to an auto paint supply and got some vinyl paint mixed to match the body, sprayed it on and now have a perfect match. Not cheap at $79 a quart, but it works.