2014+ Truck Bed / Tonneau Covers

BSea · June 22, 2016

Hmmm, well, you guys all have some really nice bed cover types, and they all look great. But, I think I'm just going to get the Ranch Sportwrap painted hard top that just flips up and down. These Chicago winters can be brutal. My friends who have trucks - most of them just have the vinyl roll-up types, and after 5+ years of ice, salt, and snow getting on them, they mostly look faded and terrible.

The ones you guys have, involve those rails, racks, some have the little wheels to move the panels, etc. - there's no telling what years of road salt, cold, etc. will do to those. I think that due to the environment and climate I live in, during the winter, the hard top is probably the best option, long-term.

My BIL had a Lux (I think) on his old truck, and while it wasn't all that heavy, he said it was really hard to put back on. It required two people to make sure he didn't scratch his truck putting it back on. It looked good, but was just too restrictive for his taste.

I've ordered the Diamondback SE. I don't have it yet, but from what I've read, it is about as close to water tight as you can get without going to a one piece hard top. The look isn't for everyone though.

15SilverSilverado · June 22, 2016

My BIL had a Lux (I think) on his old truck, and while it wasn't all that heavy, he said it was really hard to put back on. It required two people to make sure he didn't scratch his truck putting it back on. It looked good, but was just too restrictive for his taste.

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I've ordered the Diamondback SE. I don't have it yet, but from what I've read, it is about as close to water tight as you can get without going to a one piece hard top. The look isn't for everyone though.

I agree - the Lux and Ranch type I'm leaning heavily towards ... in a sense, they really are more for "looks", than functionality. I've owned my truck for over 6 months, and the only single thing that's been in the bed, are two mountain bikes that I moved for a friend, which, technically, can be done with a car, too. Besides, pretty much any more, these days, even if you buy an appliance at Home Depot or wherever, it has to get delivered, as part of the warranty process, if they're doing the install work, etc. That said, for people like me who are in a metro/suburbs area, the need to move big items, isn't quite what it used to be. The only time I can envision filling that bed up, is if I take 4 people camping/fishing, or on some big road trip, etc. Therefore, I think the Lux or Ranch Sportwrap type, would suit me just fine. I have Green Bay Packers season tickets and I stay two nights up there - if I take 4 people up there, we can fit all luggage, coolers, tailgating gear, etc. in there fine, with a hard top. Each person's lifestyle and needs are different.

I may catch flak for this, but I bought that truck purely for the luxury aspect of it, and how it drives and rides like the old 70's and 80's Cadillac boat-sized sedan cars. I'm the last idiot who "needs" a pickup truck. But, this thing is an absolute dream, and I'll never go back to a car. Ever.

Richard Lyons · June 22, 2016

i have a practically new roll n lock that came off of my 2014 GMC Sierra 5'6" bed.

BSea · June 22, 2016

I agree - the Lux and Ranch type I'm leaning heavily towards ... in a sense, they really are more for "looks", than functionality. I've owned my truck for over 6 months, and the only single thing that's been in the bed, are two mountain bikes that I moved for a friend, which, technically, can be done with a car, too. Besides, pretty much any more, these days, even if you buy an appliance at Home Depot or wherever, it has to get delivered, as part of the warranty process, if they're doing the install work, etc. That said, for people like me who are in a metro/suburbs area, the need to move big items, isn't quite what it used to be. The only time I can envision filling that bed up, is if I take 4 people camping/fishing, or on some big road trip, etc. Therefore, I think the Lux or Ranch Sportwrap type, would suit me just fine. I have Green Bay Packers season tickets and I stay two nights up there - if I take 4 people up there, we can fit all luggage, coolers, tailgating gear, etc. in there fine, with a hard top. Each person's lifestyle and needs are different.

I may catch flak for this, but I bought that truck purely for the luxury aspect of it, and how it drives and rides like the old 70's and 80's Cadillac boat-sized sedan cars. I'm the last idiot who "needs" a pickup truck. But, this thing is an absolute dream, and I'll never go back to a car. Ever.

I hope you don't think I was saying the hard tops are purely for looks. I'd have one if it weren't for the fact I know I'll remove mine a few times a year. And with all the Denali's & High Country owners on this site, along with decked out SLTs & LTZs that post here (me included), I think you're in good company.

15SilverSilverado · June 22, 2016

I hope you don't think I was saying the hard tops are purely for looks. I'd have one if it weren't for the fact I know I'll remove mine a few times a year. And with all the Denali's & High Country owners on this site, along with decked out SLTs & LTZs that post here (me included), I think you're in good company.

Ha, not at all - they do look nice, though. As long as we love the trucks we own and drive, I don't think it matters what's on 'em. I can't seem to leave the damn thing alone, though. My wife is about ready to kill me. Just did Katzkin black leather last week. Had to. Lesson I'm learning quickly is this ... when you buy a car, you generally just leave it alone. But these trucks? Uh-uh. I seem to find something new every day, I'd like to modify or customize, etc.

rockfish24 · June 22, 2016

Installed a Diamondback SE yesterday.

pcruis1 · June 22, 2016

I agree - the Lux and Ranch type I'm leaning heavily towards ... in a sense, they really are more for "looks", than functionality. I've owned my truck for over 6 months, and the only single thing that's been in the bed, are two mountain bikes that I moved for a friend, which, technically, can be done with a car, too. Besides, pretty much any more, these days, even if you buy an appliance at Home Depot or wherever, it has to get delivered, as part of the warranty process, if they're doing the install work, etc. That said, for people like me who are in a metro/suburbs area, the need to move big items, isn't quite what it used to be. The only time I can envision filling that bed up, is if I take 4 people camping/fishing, or on some big road trip, etc. Therefore, I think the Lux or Ranch Sportwrap type, would suit me just fine. I have Green Bay Packers season tickets and I stay two nights up there - if I take 4 people up there, we can fit all luggage, coolers, tailgating gear, etc. in there fine, with a hard top. Each person's lifestyle and needs are different.

I may catch flak for this, but I bought that truck purely for the luxury aspect of it, and how it drives and rides like the old 70's and 80's Cadillac boat-sized sedan cars. I'm the last idiot who "needs" a pickup truck. But, this thing is an absolute dream, and I'll never go back to a car. Ever.

I ended up with the Ranch lid. I was originally going to go with something that was easier to remove, but someone I trust told me that if I wanted something that would actually last for a while and still look good in a few years, go with the Ranch. I've been pleased. There has not been a single time in a year where I've needed to remove it. Plus, and this sounds selfish, but I have a good excuse to turn down requests from folks to use the truck to move big items!

15SilverSilverado · June 22, 2016

I ended up with the Ranch lid. I was originally going to go with something that was easier to remove, but someone I trust told me that if I wanted something that would actually last for a while and still look good in a few years, go with the Ranch. I've been pleased. There has not been a single time in a year where I've needed to remove it. Plus, and this sounds selfish, but I have a good excuse to turn down requests from folks to use the truck to move big items!

I absolutely could not agree more. I don't think it's selfish at all. I already told everyone what should be common sense by now ... once you're about 35 or 40 years old, you should be done asking people to help you move. Budget yourself to hire movers. I don't mind helping someone move things here and there, a few items, etc. But a full move of all their things? No. We are way past all that, I'm not doing it. I've pretty much decided on the Ranch myself, just waiting for the local dealer to get back to me, to get it ordered, etc. The Diamondback SE previously pictured is nice, too. I guess I just like the flat, smooth paint scheme of the Ranch style.

Kayslay · June 22, 2016

I agree - the Lux and Ranch type I'm leaning heavily towards ... in a sense, they really are more for "looks", than functionality. I've owned my truck for over 6 months, and the only single thing that's been in the bed, are two mountain bikes that I moved for a friend, which, technically, can be done with a car, too. Besides, pretty much any more, these days, even if you buy an appliance at Home Depot or wherever, it has to get delivered, as part of the warranty process, if they're doing the install work, etc. That said, for people like me who are in a metro/suburbs area, the need to move big items, isn't quite what it used to be. The only time I can envision filling that bed up, is if I take 4 people camping/fishing, or on some big road trip, etc. Therefore, I think the Lux or Ranch Sportwrap type, would suit me just fine. I have Green Bay Packers season tickets and I stay two nights up there - if I take 4 people up there, we can fit all luggage, coolers, tailgating gear, etc. in there fine, with a hard top. Each person's lifestyle and needs are different.

I may catch flak for this, but I bought that truck purely for the luxury aspect of it, and how it drives and rides like the old 70's and 80's Cadillac boat-sized sedan cars. I'm the last idiot who "needs" a pickup truck. But, this thing is an absolute dream, and I'll never go back to a car. Ever.

I've had the LUX on my truck for a year and a half and would recommended it.

It is very easy to install and remove but you do need 2 people since it's more big and awkward than heavy. I chose this cover cause it was priced better and easy to remove vs my last tonneau which was a Leer on my old truck

It is waterproof but if conditions are really dusty some will get into the box. My only complaint is that it is rubbing on my paint on one corner but I know that is from taking my truck off-road and having it bounce around a bit. Still wish it wasn't the case, and where it is rubbing is hidden under the cover so don't notice it unless the cover is up. Would drive some people crazy but doesn't bug me too bad.

Another thing I like about this cover is that the shocks disconnect in seconds so if you have cargo that won't fit with the tonneau closed, you can disconnect the shocks and just have the tonneau rest on top of the cargo. Easier than removing it altogether. Not recommend for long or rough road trips, but can be done for in town or whatever

Over I am happy with it and would get it again

BSea · June 22, 2016

Installed a Diamondback SE yesterday.

About how long did it take you? Did you have help? And what are your 1st impressions?

rockfish24 · June 22, 2016

I took my time installing. Had it done in just over an hour. I recommend a second person help you. It's easier to have the extra person when sliding the panels into the hinges and it's nice to have someone compress the weather stripping when you tighten the lock rods under the cab rails.

My first impression is that it seems weather proof, it rained for about a half an hour the night I installed it and the bed was dry. You can't lift it up to peek inside the bed which is nice however if someone wants in its possible with just about any cover. If you need to totally remove it, it is not as simple as others on the market but it can be done. If you need to remove the cover on a regular basis I would consider other options. I have the storage boxes too which I haven't installed. It'll be nice to keep tie down straps etc in the box rather then the cab. I like the "rugged" look but some prefer a more sleek design. personal preference. It is more solid then the other covers I looked at.

BSea · June 23, 2016

I have the storage boxes too which I haven't installed. It'll be nice to keep tie down straps etc in the box rather then the cab.

Which boxes did you order. I ordered the deeper full width caddy to go behind the cab. I thought about the smaller storage boxes, but the caddy made more sense to me.

I should be hearing about mine any day now.

rockfish24 · June 23, 2016

Which boxes did you order. I ordered the deeper full width caddy to go behind the cab. I thought about the smaller storage boxes, but the caddy made more sense to me.

I should be hearing about mine any day now.

I just went with 2 of the small side boxes. Be sure and post pictures when you get yours installed.

BSea · June 29, 2016

Installed my Diamondback SE with behind the cab tool caddy. It arrived at 10 AM, had it on by 11:45. I did it myself. It wasn't too bad. I could probably do it again in about 30 minutes now that I know what to do. I used a 5 gallon HD bucket filled with water to compress the seals while I adjusted the locks. All in all, I'm pretty happy with my initial experience. The tool caddy seems really stable. There was something I read somewhere saying that it might need to be screwed in. I really can't see that being an issue unless you're going doing some really rough off road driving. But time will tell I guess.

BSea · June 29, 2016

And here's a pic of the tool caddy. It's hard to see, but on each side is a small separated area. So smaller things can be kept there, and they won't be lost in the larger center area.