I'm thinking on getting a retractable tonneau, like PacEdwards, Rollback, or American Roll Toneau Cover. I know the bakflip is popular but it blocks the back window when you fold it up.

 

If you're hauling something that's high enough to stick out of the bed and require you to open the tonneau, wouldn't whatever you're hauling also block the back window?

With the Bakflip you won't loose that little bit of extra bed space at the front, which can be make or break on the Crew Cab trucks.

 

I looked at the Pace Edwards and Roll-N-Lock and went with the BakFlip F-1.

The crew cab bed is short enough as it is without a tonneau taking up more space and the BakFlip takes up the least space. True when fully open it will block the rear windom but anything of size you put in the bed will also block your rear window to some extent. Unless you plan on driving around with it fully open I don't see it being a big problem since it only matters if you are backing up. I have the rear camera so I don't see it as a problem.

I like the way the BacFlip sits flush with the side rails and that there are no external locks.

 

The Bakflip seals are thin and flimsy. If you want a folding cover, you're better off with FoldACover or Advance cover.

Good retractable covers are Retrax, RollNLock (but the vinyl will fade badly), TruckCoversUSA, and Pace Edwards (the Full Metal Jacket is much nicer looking than the Jack Rabbit). The only downside to a retractable is that you will lose about 1 foot at the bulkhead for the canister.

 

8 " lost on the American roll cover, that isn't too bad, but you are right that the crew cab bed is short enough as it is. I'll take some more time to think it over.

 

I just installed a Retrax, and LOVE it! I chose that one because everything I read on the assorted forums was good. No one had a negative word to say. Just my 2 cents.

 

I have checked them out all pretty extensive online, I like the American roll cover because the cannister is the smallest taking up less space, and it can hold 500 lb on top.

 

The American Roll Cover (Truck Covers USA) is a great cover, probably the best on the market. You should know one thing: It has 4 drain tubes instead of the typical 2. You have to drill two 1.25" holes just below the rear stake pockets. The cover comes with grommets so the hole looks decent. So, the cover is not a "no drill" cover.

Retrax is probably the lowest price retractable cover and it's pretty nice too. The canister is larger than average though.

Sample cross section of Truck Covers USA cover showing interlocking double walled aluminum slats. It's very strong.


Here's some pics you probably won't find elsewhere.
The Retrax curtain from the side.


Inside the Retrax canister. The curtain does not roll up upon itself (which is a good thing).

 

Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it. I am still leaning toward the American roll cover, due to the smaller canister, and the strength. In fact I am pre drilling the 1.25" holes for the drain tubes this week prior to having my bed sprayed with LineX.

 

OK, but be SURE you know where those holes are supposed to be drilled before you do it!