BAK Roll-X Tonneau Cover

[sptddog]

Anyone have one of these on their trucks? I'm interested in the rolled up tonneau makes hooking up harder? I have a B&W companion, and it will fit under the cover no problem, and I like the 'no mechanics' of this type of cover versus the Pace Edwards Jack Rabbit type (the dealer sells both recommended the bak roll-x). I'm just worried I won't be able to see over it to hook up.

[fuzzdr]

I agree with Alworth; getting out of the truck can be a good thing. I have used a Roll-X for a year without any issues. I would buy it again.

[fidhleir]

A soft cover may be the best solution for me. I keep our bicycles in the space between the toolbox and the hitch. I'm mainly looking for a way to keep them dry in rainy weather. For security, I lock them to the hitch.

[bpounds]

I know the Retrax can be cut down to fit behind a toolbox. Probably any of them with extruded aluminum rails could be. The problem is there isn't much bed left with a toolbox and a cover canister. The soft rollup covers might be better for that.

[fidhleir]

bpounds,

I like that setup. Has anyone got a bed cover that works with a rail mounted tool box? I know I can get a toolbox that mounts in the bed below the rails but I like being able to unlock and reach into the toolbox from outside, especially when the trailer's hooked up. I also like having the space clear under the toolbox when I need to put something long into the truck bed (with the hitch removed).

Also, I have a Cougar that came factory equipped with a mirror perfectly angled toward the hitch. That along with the Custom Flow tailgate and a remote control for the landing jacks makes hooking up a breeze.

[bpounds]

Allworth wrote:
Slightly different question...

Has anybody used the retractable covers with a cut-down (Stromberg) tailgate??

I realize I couldn't lock it since there is no center section in the tailgate, but how does it respond to running solo at turnpike speed. Any "flutter" in the cover at the unsecured rear edge?

None of the manufacturers seem to address this on their advertising websites!

A

I do. A Retrax and a Custom Flow vee gate. The Retrax has a stiff rear lip. No issue with it flapping. I also have an insert for the Custom Flow gate so I can close and lock it all up if I want to.

[Allworth]

Slightly different question...

Has anybody used the retractable covers with a cut-down (Stromberg) tailgate??

I realize I couldn't lock it since there is no center section in the tailgate, but how does it respond to running solo at turnpike speed. Any "flutter" in the cover at the unsecured rear edge?

None of the manufacturers seem to address this on their advertising websites!

A

[Sturgeon-Phish]

I have the Pace Edwards bedlocker and the Companion, long bed crew cab. There is no problem seeing the king pin and hitch and usually is right on 1st try. The Companion does tip unless you have the spring set up so the up down of the king pin will need adjusted
Jim

[Racine96]

I have a Rugged Liner tri-fold and love it. It allows me to use the fifth wheel hitch with no problem.

[sptddog]

Thanks for the inputs - I'm leaning towards the Retrax as well for the reasons most of you outlined. I like the stop anywhere concept, and I like the ability to see over it. I have a standard 8ft bed, so losing a bit to the canister isn't awful hopefully. I know getting out isn't a big deal, and I do have to get out usually at least once to adjust the height of the trailer as I'm getting close to the pin (I hook up almost every time on uneven ground), but I always hook up alone and I really want to be able to see as I come back. Even when I have a helper, they aren't terribly reliable lol!

Thanks again!

[glazier]

I just had a similar topic on here about tonneau covers. The Roll X was one of my final 2 choices, I ended up with a Retrax Pro.

[retispcsi]

I have a roll x on my truck a 2014 Ram CC and I had it on my 2012 Ram CC. I have a B & W hitch and an 60 gal aux fuel tank. The top fits nicely over both and no issues with hitting the rails if I have to back up tight. The bad news is you cannot see the hitch or pin. If you have a camera mounted on the top of your cab it will not be a problem. As a full timer I don't hitch up very often. I have my wife watch me back up and guides me on. (she does not stand between the truck and fiver) I am going to purchase those magnetic sticks with the balls on top that bumper pull people use. It should work on my set up. The top works ok it does leak some in heavy rains like the kind we get in SW Fla. almost everyday in the summer. The amount of water is minor and runs between the valleys in the bed floor. I like it because I can fit my tank and hitch under it. It has aluminum under the skin making it more difficult to get into and it is locked when the tail gate is closed. My tail gate locks and unlocks with the electric locks so it is like a big trunk. Easy to install.

[Allworth]

Getting out and looking has never seemed to be that big a thing. It gives me a chance to glance at all of the little things that can go wrong (Tailgate open, Breakaway cable hung up, running over the umbilical cord, right height pin, etc). One last look around never has hurt me!

[bpounds]

Not to try to sell you on anything, but what I like most about the Retrax is that it will close to any point along the bed that I wish. So when I am hitched up to the fiver, I just roll the cover back to almost touching the pinbox, and latch it down at that point. It doesn't move until I unlatch it. Anything I want to stay dry goes up toward the front under the cover. There are downsides though. Most importantly is that big canister takes up a lot of bed space. I'm not sure I would want it on a short bed truck.

[sptddog]

I've experimented with putting tape here and there to try to line up the pin to the hitch, but it goes against my grain to jam a kingpin into a hitch blindly, and getting in and out of the truck to check is like having a travel trailer again.

This is exactly what I'm avoiding. I refuse to go from crazy easy back to travel trailer. Sadly the extra money of the retractable will win if I can't see over the roll-x. 🙂

Hoping to find someone actually using one. I might have to visit the truck forums and see....