The Retractable Tonneau Cover - Too Much Money?

A retractable tonneau cover is the ultimate bed cover if you need access to your entire bed for hauling cargo. You can even choose a remote control model for handy opening and closing in any weather.
Who needs a retractable tonneau cover? It seems a bit much to buy a pickup then spend hundreds of dollars to cover the bed. Well, if a tough cover that looks good is what you want look at a retractable cover. Choose a remote control model and you can open and close this cover with the push of a button. Yep, it's an electric remote control tonneau cover. Think of crossing the parking lot with two arms full of packages and push a button and up rolls the bed cover! What's that worth? Only you can answer that question.

Is it too much money?

Well remote control is certainly a nice feature, if not absolutely necessary. Especially in wet weather or in the winter, having a truck bed cover that opens instantly is much like having a trunk that pops open at the touch of a button.

A retractable tonneau cover is about more than just the remote feature though. A model like the Pace Edwards tonneau lets you secure your cargo within a lockable aluminum box, like a vault. It's not that a determined thief couldn't possibly get in. But it won't be easy to do. This type cover is as secure as anything you can get to cover your bed. The security also includes protection from weather too. The metal cover is also as good as any other tonneau cover design for protection from rain, snow and sun.

Another plus to a retractable cover, manual or remote, is the easy access to the cargo. Roll the cover forward and you get instant access to every area of the truck bed. You can haul any size or shape of cargo too. Retract the cover into it's storage tube and you have a completely open bed.

These covers are made for rough weather use too. It won't freeze or buckle from snow. The frame and panels are powder coated aluminum. Keeping water out is a challenge for any tonneau cover. The Pace Edwards cover uses unique rubber seals to keep the bed dry. The cover includes a cargo light too. Now the covers are custom made for each truck, so the most popular later model trucks are covered. Often older trucks have no model available.

Manufacturers say it takes about an hour to install a cover. Customers say better plan on for more than that... maybe a couple of hours. Depends on how many breaks you take and how much of this kind of stuff you've done. It helps to have a helper too.

Installation is with clamps, so you don't have to drill any holes. Don't you just hate drilling holes in perfect painted surfaces? Once installed, you can open the cover just as much as you need and no more. Then it locks in place where you want it.

A retractable tonneau cover is the ultimate bed cover if you need access to your entire bed for hauling cargo. No other covers are more versatile and useful. A fiberglass tonneau cover is a great choice for looks, but doesn't work well for tall cargo. The retractable liner has great looks and works for any load. The remote open option is a great feature too. It's a little like power windows and door locks. It's not really necessary, but surely comes in handy sometimes.

Puzzled about choosing a truck bed tonneau cover? Visit our site for tips to help you choose a retractable tonneau cover.

We invite you to visit http://www.TruckBedStuff.com for answers to your truck bed questions.

By Al Bullington
Published: 10/30/2008
 
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