Forum Discussion

xanth's avatar
xanth
Explorer
Jul 25, 2021

Roll up tonneau cover for GMC 2500HD Short Bed

Hi Everyone!

I used to have a '08 GMC 2500HD short bed with an Extang RT low profile tonneau cover on it. We towed a 30ft Weekend Warrior 5th wheel with it. Worked fine, until I impacted the rails of the cover with the hitch pin on a couple tight turns. One time, just left a dent in the rail, 2nd time, ripped it off completely.

Currently have a '13 GMC 2500HD (same body style) and tow a 30 ft Cougar with it, and currently searching for a roll up tonneau cover for it.

I really like the Truxedo Lo Pro, and X15 series (have an X15 series on my Colorado), but am concerned about impacting the rails for the tonneau cover, since they are low profile, they mount inside the bed.

Secondly looking at a cover that mounts on the bed rails, but I really don't like the look and don't really want to narrow the clearance between the rails and 5th wheel.

Kinda of hard to try these covers out before hand, and they are expensive to buy one that might not work.

Anyone have any experience with the Lo Pro and/or X15 on a GM 2500HD short bed towing a 5th wheel? Issues or impacts/damage the cover rails? Or any thoughts on the best option for a roll up cover?

Thanks!
  • Curly2001's avatar
    Curly2001
    Explorer II
    Aug 01, 2021
    Problem I have with most of them is seeing where the hitch is out the back window with either a tool box or a cover. Perhaps a roll up would not block the view out the back.
    Curly
  • Steve76eb's avatar
    Steve76eb
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2021
    10 Years ago I had a Truck Covers USA retractable cover. Worked great and would do it again. Not sure if they are still around, but if so could be one to consider.
  • 2012Coleman's avatar
    2012Coleman
    Explorer II
    Jul 26, 2021
    MFL wrote:
    ACCESS LORADO ROLL-UP COVER

    This is the one I use. It is low-profile, that has slightly canted rails, to allow better clearance for FW towing. I have used several versions of ACCESS covers for 20 years. they are good quality, will last forever.

    Jerry
    This is the one I use as well. There is no issue with hitting the rails.

    Access Lorado Performance Tonneau Cover


  • Thermoguy's avatar
    Thermoguy
    Explorer II
    Jul 26, 2021
    I have a Pace Edwards metal roll up cover on a 2015 Chev 2500 short bed - no issues hitting rails. But might be more of a pin box issue over the roll up bed cover. I have a B&W hitch and plenty of clearance. I've turned sharp enough to break the back window of the truck, but not hit the bed rails...
  • xanth's avatar
    xanth
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2021
    MNRon wrote:
    Can’t comment on the roll-ups your interested in, but want to suggest an alternative. I’ve had a 3-fold TonnoPro on my 2013 Silverado SB for 8 years and love it. It was less expensive than most. The soft vinyl cover holds up well (3-4yrs of snow in MN winters). I flip fold it to the front when running with the 5er. It doesn’t require any additional rails or hardware that impinges on the bed opening. Give it a look.


    That's not a bad idea, I'll take anther look at them. Had one on my Colorado and didn't care for it, but might be easier to use with the 5th wheel.

    MFL wrote:
    ACCESS LORADO ROLL-UP COVER

    This is the one I use. It is low-profile, that has slightly canted rails, to allow better clearance for FW towing. I have used several versions of ACCESS covers for 20 years. they are good quality, will last forever.

    Jerry


    I'll take a look at them, thanks.

    southernsky wrote:
    I have the Truxedo Lo Pro on my Ram and hit the rail a couple times with my pin box on a real sharp off angle turn. Reason is I have an air ride pin box and let the air get a little low. Last time I had to get a small maul and a block of wood to beat it back in place.


    Yea, that's what I'm afraid of. I don't have an air ride pin box though, maybe I'll just have to to out to a big parking lot and do some measuring...

    cummins2014 wrote:
    southernsky wrote:
    I have the Truxedo Lo Pro on my Ram and hit the rail a couple times with my pin box on a real sharp off angle turn. Reason is I have an air ride pin box and let the air get a little low. Last time I had to get a small maul and a block of wood to beat it back in place.


    Same cover on my Ram truck, no problems with rail clearance towing the fifth wheel.


    Good to know, thanks.
  • cummins2014's avatar
    cummins2014
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2021
    southernsky wrote:
    I have the Truxedo Lo Pro on my Ram and hit the rail a couple times with my pin box on a real sharp off angle turn. Reason is I have an air ride pin box and let the air get a little low. Last time I had to get a small maul and a block of wood to beat it back in place.


    Same cover on my Ram truck, no problems with rail clearance towing the fifth wheel.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Jul 25, 2021
    MNRon wrote:
    Can’t comment on the roll-ups your interested in, but want to suggest an alternative. I’ve had a 3-fold TonnoPro on my 2013 Silverado SB for 8 years and love it. It was less expensive than most. The soft vinyl cover holds up well (3-4yrs of snow in MN winters). I flip fold it to the front when running with the 5er. It doesn’t require any additional rails or hardware that impinges on the bed opening. Give it a look.


    This is what we have also (might be a different brand).

    No rails. Just make sure to take some measurements to ensure it's clear of the hitch but it can stay secured with clips on the front 1/3 while hitched.
  • southernsky's avatar
    southernsky
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2021
    I have the Truxedo Lo Pro on my Ram and hit the rail a couple times with my pin box on a real sharp off angle turn. Reason is I have an air ride pin box and let the air get a little low. Last time I had to get a small maul and a block of wood to beat it back in place.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jul 25, 2021
    ACCESS LORADO ROLL-UP COVER

    This is the one I use. It is low-profile, that has slightly canted rails, to allow better clearance for FW towing. I have used several versions of ACCESS covers for 20 years. they are good quality, will last forever.

    Jerry

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