WHAT TYPE OF FLAT COVER?
Flat covers encompass one of the largest categories with the most variation. These covers are most popular for individuals where the height of their cargo fits into the existing bed space, and they often carry items that would be too tall for a truck cap.
Overview
Flat bed covers are manufactured from either a hard or soft material and will be either locking or non-locking. The flat cover category encompasses: soft tonneau covers, roll-up covers, soft and hard folding covers, retractable covers, high impact plastic and painted fiberglass lids. Popular manufacturers include: BAK, Extang, Access Cover, Retrax, Undercover, ATC, and Century.
Flat covers work best for individuals where: 1) the height of their cargo will fit into the existing bed space; 2) the height of their cargo is taller than what would fit under a truck cap. Flat covers are also popular with truck owners who want to keep the original vehicle style lines and driver’s visibility unchanged.
Roll-Up Covers
Price $$$-$$$$$
Fiberglass cap manufacturers have been expanding their commercial truck cap offerings in the last several years. The demand for commercial fiberglass caps has grown as the molded design of a fiberglass cap is better able to complement the more sophisticated styling of today’s trucks.
Manufacturers are offering multiple models and the menu of available options has expanded. Manufacturers are offering both cab high and high rise models. Commercial fiberglass caps are now being offered with the following: extensive tool box options, multiple roof rack choices, interior lighting, and full rear door options.
Soft and Hard Folding Covers
Price $$$-$$$$$
Folding covers have grown in popularity in recent years because of their ease of use. Soft folding covers, like the Extang Trifecta, allow for easy truck bed access and cover removal. Hard folding covers, like Extang’s Solid Fold and the BakFlip G2, feature the same ease of use, but also add an element of security when the vehicle is equipped with a locking tailgate. Depending on the specific cover, these may sit above the truck bed or relatively flush giving a clean appearance.
Because these covers provide easy access to the truck bed, they are especially popular with truck owners who routinely carry taller cargo. Truck owners with ATV’s appreciate the BakFlip G2 and its ability to provide almost complete access to the truck bed without cover removal.
Retractable Covers
Price $$$-$$$$$
Retractable covers are unique in that they retract into a canister at the front of the truck bed. They also are available in a wide assortment of different materials. The cover exterior can be a vinyl, aluminum or polycarbonate surface over a retractable reinforcing structure. For example, the Retrax Retractable Cover has tempered aluminum i-beams imbedded into the polycarbonate sheet for strength. These covers are relatively flush providing a clean appearance.
Retractable covers provide locking security and the benefit of a cover that doesn’t require removal for truck bed access. Truck owners with in-bed fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches can do their towing, reach their destination, unhook their trailer and close their retractable cover securing the truck bed. Some retractable covers can also be secured when partially open – a feature not typically found in other types of truck covers.
High Impact Plastic Lids
Price $$$-$$$$$
High impact Plastic Lids – the industry leader being Undercover – are one of the most popular choices in a flat locking cover. When locked, the cover secures the truck bed and prevents the tailgate from being opened.
The Undercover is lightweight, easy to remove, very strong and durable. The cover weighs less than 60 lbs and can be removed in minutes providing complete access to the truck bed. The Undercover includes wall mount hardware for storage when the cover is off the truck.
This Undercover is popular with the truck owner that wants a locking flat cover that is easy to remove when hauling taller cargo. The cover has clean lines and a black textured finish that complement any truck.
Painted Fiberglass Lids
Price $$$-$$$$$
Painted fiberglass lids are popular when the truck owner wants a cover in the same color as the truck. Our fiberglass lids are from SNUGTOP, Century, and ATC and are painted with an Axalta (DuPont) Automotive finish. With the painted fiberglass lid, the cover looks like it came with the truck.
Fiberglass lids weigh approximately 110 lbs and are removable. Some models have quick release hardware allowing easy removal of the lid while leaving the framework on the truck bed. Others are mounted to a framework and are removable by releasing mounting clamps, and lifting the cover with framework from the truck bed.
When the cover is closed and locked, it secures the truck bed and prevents the tailgate from being opened. Fiberglass lids are reinforced for strength and durability.
