A.R.E. Tonneau Lid cover VS. Truxedo Tonneau

[PortlandTitan]

What are the pros and cons between the A.R.E. tonneau lid cover and the Truxedo tonneau cover? Once install on the truck is it very difficult to take it off and put it back on? The reason I ask is because 3-4 times a year I go on camping/fishing trips and most of the time I need all the bed space I can get. Would I be able to use the bed extender with the tonneau covers? I also have the utilitrack system on the truck. Thanks in advance for the replies.

[SoldOnNissan]

I put an A.R.E lid on mine and like it very well so far. It fastens down with four clamps (two in front and 2 in back) that go into the rails. Right now the back clamps are in front of the bed divider and have it pinned up against the cab because I haven't moved them yet. I had removed the sliding bed extender to keep someone from stealing it. Looks like it should work fine with the lid but haven't checked it out yet. I will do that tomorrow and let you know.

[PortlandTitan]

Originally Posted by SoldOnNissan

I put an A.R.E lid on mine and like it very well so far. It fastens down with four clamps (two in front and 2 in back) that go into the rails. Right now the back clamps are in front of the bed divider and have it pinned up against the cab because I haven't moved them yet. I had removed the sliding bed extender to keep someone from stealing it. Looks like it should work fine with the lid but haven't checked it out yet. I will do that tomorrow and let you know.

SoldOn Nissan,
If the bed extender works with the A.R.E. lid I would consider getting one for my truck. Does it take alot of work taking the A.R.E. lid off if I needed to in case I need to haul something big? Thanks.

[Steamguy]

Originally Posted by PortlandTitan

What are the pros and cons between the A.R.E. tonneau lid cover and the Truxedo tonneau cover? Once install on the truck is it very difficult to take it off and put it back on? The reason I ask is because 3-4 times a year I go on camping/fishing trips and most of the time I need all the bed space I can get. Would I be able to use the bed extender with the tonneau covers? I also have the utilitrack system on the truck. Thanks in advance for the replies.

Portland,
In our area, one of the factors is cost. I priced both at a number of places, plus a roll-up cover like I used to have on my dually diesel. Maybe my decision tree will help you:

• Rollup cover: price was roughly equal to an inexpensive hard cover. Locks in place. Flexible - can open the bed on a moment's notice, don't have to think about whether or not I want to haul something. Would work with the track. Loved the one on the big dually truck, worked great in all weathers and was VERY secure. Eventually eliminated due to the short bed in the Titan; the rollup box takes up too much space.

• Hard cover: Price ranges from reachable to "HOW much did you say?" Anything you buy would have to be painted to match. More expense. Would work with the track. If the wife decides she likes that tree at the nursery, (more likely, some stuff you got at Costco) you're out of luck. Or drive home with it part open and unsecured and possibly break it. Have to think in advance if you want it on or off. Looks great though.

• Truxedo: Reasonable price. Locks in place. Works with the track and gets completely out of the way, so can stay on all the time. Not as 'armored-secure' as the other two. However if some jerk really wants in, all you do is replace the cover. The other two will involve body repairs. Insurance will cover it as vandalism. Never have to think about whether or not you're going to be carrying something. The new style works well in cold weather.

I might be able to save you some phone time here: I called around to my usual sources in the Portland area for pricing, checked a couple of new guys, plus my usual sources down on Columbia Boulevard, Northwest Running Boards, and Body Armor (Alpine Auto Body) in Vancouver. Northwest Running Boards had the best price at the time.

I'm not presuming to tell you what to do here, just want you to know how I came to my decision; offered in the sprirt of helpfulness.

[SoldOnNissan]

Originally Posted by PortlandTitan

SoldOn Nissan,
If the bed extender works with the A.R.E. lid I would consider getting one for my truck. Does it take alot of work taking the A.R.E. lid off if I needed to in case I need to haul something big? Thanks.

I put the bed extender in and took it out. The only way I could use it with the A.R.E. lid was to slide the rear clamps on the lid forward about 12 1/2" and then I could use the extender but not as a slider. Had the lid clamps been 1/4" narrower it would have worked ok but the tubes on the bed extender were going to bump them everytime it was folded over. I have a bed divider that will work for what I want, which is to keep stuff from sliding forward, so I think I will sell my sliding bed extender. If you really want your extender I don't think this would be satisfactory, however the lid is easy to remove by taking off the four clamps. I had all of them off and on several times - kinda long winded threads but other than that, not a problem. The guy that originally installed the lid said it weighed about 100 - 125#.

Good Luck

[PortlandTitan]

Originally Posted by Steamguy

Portland,
In our area, one of the factors is cost. I priced both at a number of places, plus a roll-up cover like I used to have on my dually diesel. Maybe my decision tree will help you:

• Rollup cover: price was roughly equal to an inexpensive hard cover. Locks in place. Flexible - can open the bed on a moment's notice, don't have to think about whether or not I want to haul something. Would work with the track. Loved the one on the big dually truck, worked great in all weathers and was VERY secure. Eventually eliminated due to the short bed in the Titan; the rollup box takes up too much space.

• Hard cover: Price ranges from reachable to "HOW much did you say?" Anything you buy would have to be painted to match. More expense. Would work with the track. If the wife decides she likes that tree at the nursery, (more likely, some stuff you got at Costco) you're out of luck. Or drive home with it part open and unsecured and possibly break it. Have to think in advance if you want it on or off. Looks great though.

• Truxedo: Reasonable price. Locks in place. Works with the track and gets completely out of the way, so can stay on all the time. Not as 'armored-secure' as the other two. However if some jerk really wants in, all you do is replace the cover. The other two will involve body repairs. Insurance will cover it as vandalism. Never have to think about whether or not you're going to be carrying something. The new style works well in cold weather.

I might be able to save you some phone time here: I called around to my usual sources in the Portland area for pricing, checked a couple of new guys, plus my usual sources down on Columbia Boulevard, Northwest Running Boards, and Body Armor (Alpine Auto Body) in Vancouver. Northwest Running Boards had the best price at the time.

I'm not presuming to tell you what to do here, just want you to know how I came to my decision; offered in the sprirt of helpfulness.

Thanks SteamGuy,

The Truxedo sounds like what I'm looking for. How much does Northwest Running Boards sell them for?

[Steamguy]

Originally Posted by PortlandTitan

Thanks SteamGuy,

The Truxedo sounds like what I'm looking for. How much does Northwest Running Boards sell them for?

Portland,

I'd suggest calling them; now that Truxedo is making them in quantity, you ought to get a better deal than mine.

I had to press for quick installation, because I was headed to Colorado for camping and to visit my nephews. They run a business called Playtimeco, they make the soft play areas that you find in shopping malls. AND! They are working on a Titan for a dealer! As soon as they have a pic, I'll post it here, along with where it is so that those who are local can go see.

In any case, to finally get around to answering your question, I paid about $425, installed, guaranteed.

Oh, and pulling the trailer in excess of 75 MPH (in Wyoming, trying to get out of the path of tornadoes), the Truxedo stays on very well. I had a soft cover with the snaps on it before, and boy, is this an improvement.