Bed Topper Selection
On previous builds, I have tried out various bed topper options to help hide/secure items around town or during road trips as well as provide an additional measure of protection against the elements. When four wheeling, they are also useful for ensuring that gear and other items stay within the vehicle and not fly out of the vehicle when hitting bumps, dropping into ruts, or bouncing off rocks.
To date, I have used:
Soft Tonneau Covers:
Easily the least expensive option that I used. My only suggestion is to purchase a high quality cover as they are typically fit tighter (so less wind deflections) and stay secure better. In the past, I used the Truxedo Lo-Pro QT tonneau cover and in general it performed very well and stayed fairly taut at highway speeds (still, had some wind lift) with the self-adjusting spring tensioner and Velcro side rail cover seals.
Pros: Least expensive option, light, easy installation, provides full access to bed, easy to roll up/remove
Cons: Cannot support much weight (more with optional aluminum slat models), does not secure bed (better with the optional aluminum slat models), may lift/flap once worn with age/use (full vinyl models), cannot be used with bed carriers/rack systems, can leak
Hard Tri-Fold Covers
Tri-fold covers are very popular as they provide an additional measure of security, can be loaded with more weight, are relatively cost effective, and maintain a low, clean profile when closed or partially open but still allow full access and use of the truck bed. I had used the BakFlip cover and for the most part worked really well. I did not like the fact that totally blocks your rear view when fully open. While I did appreciate having something between a full load and the rear glass window (like when hauling motorcycles), it bothered me that I couldn’t see how secure the load was keeping while on the open road.
Pros: Least expensive “hard cover” option, provides easy and full access/use of the truck bed, easy to fold up/remove, supports more weight if needed, can be secured, low profile (when closed)
Cons: Blocks rear window view if fully open, more expensive than soft tonneau covers, security is moderate at best, does not easily work with bed carriers/rack systems, can leak
Retractable Aluminum Covers:
I have used a number of these on past builds ranging from the basic Pace Edwards Jack Rabbit to the top of the line Truck Covers USA American Roll Cover. In general, these are excellent options if you want/need more security, provide more load strength, and would like something that works in tandem with bike/ski carriers or cargo baskets over the truck bed while providing easy access to the bed at the same time. The downside is that take up some front-end bed room to fit the canister and they are a lot more expensive than the previously mentioned options. Avoid the cheaper “plastic” models and pay the extra for the double wall aluminum models for peace of mind and longer term operation.
Pros: Strong and easy to use, lockable at various positions along bed length, provides easy and full access/use of the truck bed, supports more weight if needed, provides better keyed/locking mechanism for improved security, low profile and does not block rearward view when fully open, works well with over the bed rack/cargo carrier systems (if optioned with Yakima/Thule side rails)
Cons: Expensive, semi-permanent once installed, eats up 10-12 inches of front bed space (although still have space underneath the canister for hauling wood, etc.), requires some maintenance, can leak some, requires drain tubes
Camper Shells/Toppers:
Of all of the options I tried out, this is my preferred bed cover for a variety reasons because form and function really can work well together. First, I really prefer the “expedition” look on my off-roaders. I know some folks can stand the look, but I think the right topper design can really compliment a vehicle’s look. Secondly, I love the security and function a topper can provide; it allows the truck to serve as an overnight camper in a pinch or even as a bug out vehicle (if you are planning for such), can secure weekend purchases from Lowes/Home Depot, etc. when running about town, can haul loads to disposal sites without the need to tarp it, provides immense additional secured storage during road trips for adventure gear, bikes, luggage, and the sort, and finally gives the vehicle more road presence in general as well.
In the past, toppers usually required investing in a more basic models for purely functional or financial reasons or having to move up to more expensive toppers if you wanted more style. Fortunately over the years there are many more offerings in the market that can appeal to a lot of needs and wallets; even the basic models look pretty darn good with various truck manufacturers’ design lines.
For myself, I have only used toppers from Leer, ARE, and Snugtop. In short, all are really, really good.
Leer is a very good option for providing up to date features and design. It was tends to be a slightly less expensive alternative to ARE and Snugtop. I used the Leer XQ 100 on my 2004 Dodge 2500HD 4x4 Cummins. At the time, I thought the Leer was just as good as the first Gen ARE Z-Series and I really liked the way the first GEN XQ 100 side glass abutted up to the cab. Paint match was very good however it did not sit as nicely (at corners) as I had hoped on my truck and had some minor hardware issues with the rear lift. But all in all, a very nice looking topper at the time.
Sorry for the quality (old photo):
Later, I decided to the give the ARE Z-Series topper a try as I thought the lines married up nicely with the F150 I had at the time. The ARE was more expensive that an equivalently optioned Leer. The fitment, paint quality, and hardware was excellent and never had any issues.
After that, I decided to try the Snugtop XTR as I really like the (new at the time) design with the integrated roof bars and single center locking handle. I would use this model topper on my next (3) F150 builds as I thought it went very nicely with trucks’ lines. Interestingly enough, I thought the paint match was just slightly off for the basic white and grey colors but was excellent for the more difficult match of the pearl metallic red. Here’s a couple shots:
For my Tundra build, I went back to Leer, Snugtop, and ARE for another look at their latest offerings. The ARE Z-Series came out ahead with its much better hardware plus the fact I thought it provided the best match with the Tundra’s lines:
The ARE provided excellent paint match and quality as well as overall tight fit and excellent finish throughout.
Cabover Campers:
I have never tried using an in-bed camper but was toying with the idea of having one as my wife and I are looking forward to doing some expedition camping with some friends. But I decided that instead I will probably go with an small expedition camper trailer with my truck topper serving to secure all of the other camping gear as needed.
