Bed covers/caps/slides

[Ronman]

We purchased a beautiful 1997 F350 crew long bed just to tow the AS. I too struggled with options. Unfortunately there are not a lot of options for this rig. We went with the Truxedo cover and custom built a bike rack to fit the stake pockets. Problem solved for our needs.

[wulfraat]

We like our DECKED system because we carry bikes but still need covered / easy access storage in the bed. I don’t want my bikes 10’ up in the air or behind the trailer where we can’t see them....prefer them behind the cab out of the headwinds.

Allows you to keep some stuff dry in drawers.

If we didn’t have bikes, and we were full timing, we’d probably go with a full cap to have more stuff out of the weather.

[Michael Anna]

Thanks for this tread. We recently purchased our trailer and a 2018 RAM 2500 tow vehicle. We previously had a 2005 Safari 30 Bunkhouse with a Ford F250 tow vehicle with a Leer top. I have not purchased a bed cover nor top for the RAM as I am undecided on the which way to go. This is tread is helpful, thank you again.

[FloydCoVa]

I have a new truck on order,should be here around March 1. I am also following this thread closely. Right now I’m leaning towards a ARE cap level with the truck roof. Lot of good ideas thanks.

[Michael Anna]

Here's our first Airstream, and we had a F350 (not a F250 in previous post) at the time. Leer top has its advantages, I am thinking of going with a top again.

[Kanusport]

Originally Posted by KCCO

I have been looking at these as well, and agree they look sharp - can you tell me whether or not the diamond back covers the hold in the bed rail, and eliminating your ability to install a bike rack, etc.

Also - how easy is it to remove the panels completely if you need to put something larger in the bed?

Thanks

The diamond back covers the whole bed and all the rails, however, you can bolt stuff to it. I intend to bolt a bike rack right to the diamond back. I also will be bolting a motorcycle tire chock to carry my dirtbike on the diamondback. The tonneau is rated for 1600 lbs, but they make a lighter duty one that’s rated for @800 lbs. This tonneau is really nice and the whole thing comes off in a matter of minutes. Also you can fold either panel back on the other panel to have access to @half the bed to carry larger items. Or you can simply pop off one of the panels.

[rjack]

We use an ARE cab high cap ordered with openable/lockable side windows. It was ordered painted to match our truck. We stow spares, heavy or bulky items, floor jack and such in the front of the bed...also hoses, power cords, etc. A half sheet (4x4) of 3/4” plywood with ball casters on the bottom makes an excellent slide for the rear 2/3 of the bed. The casters can be located to fit in the bed floor channels. The tail gate sufficiently balances the platform to make it fully accessible. It is especially handy to place the generator on the platform....easy access, adequate ventilation, no need to lift. Aft of the fender hump and beside the deck is a good spot for fuel tank, tool box, water jugs, etc. When not traveling the platform is easily removed.

[Mollysdad]

Remember, if you choose a bed slide, you can't open it while attached to the trailer.
Also, it takes approximately 4" of height, so some generators won't fit under a tonneau. My Honda 3000 only has 2" under the Tonneau now.
In addition a bed slide must fit between the fenders, so the entire bed doesn't slide out, just the center. You can store stuff around it but you risk that stuff binding on the slide when you need it.
Lastly, a slide eats up your carrying capacity because it's heavy.
I'd think it's only practical in a 250/350 with a tall cap.

[Spamcan]

Originally Posted by Kanusport

I intend to bolt a bike rack right to the diamond back.

Would you mind sharing how you plan to attach the bike rack?

I also have a Diamondback on my F-350, and am planning to add a bike rack as well. Just haven't figured out the best way to execute yet.

BTW, I use the 13" deep cross-bed tool box with the Diamondback, and it's been a great way to keep smaller items organized and accessible.

[elstunr]

I do not full time and I use a tonneau hard cover - this works well for weekend and week long trips. If I were to full time I would get a work type topper with compartments on the sides to get to equipment, tools, etc. easily without climbing through from the back to front of the truck bed. Also, I would look at bed slides for easy access to more of the "stuff" in the truck bed. Good luck and enjoy....!

[Aftershk]

Definitely cap! I have had both and now with my 2016 Duramax diesel I have a Leer fiberglass cap with a Thule rack system on top so that I can carry our Kayaks! You won't be sorry that you spent the extra cash!

[gandttimes]

We've had the ARE cap on our 2008 GMC since new. Sliding window in both cap and truck . Complete GM bed rug sides and floor for the dogs. But now they prefer to travel in the cab.
We have the Yakima sliding racks as well as an extra cab rack to the 18ft Canoe. The cap also provides the perfect spot for my 3 100w Renogy panels between the rack rails.

[gmcryan]

Originally Posted by roddenby51

8' HD DiamondBack cover on my 2500 Ram covers the stake pockets... possible to mount bike rack directly to cover.



Complete (or partial) cover removal for large item carry is reasonable, HD model carries up to 1600 lb. on top.

Bike racks and/or cargo racks can be mounted directly to the cover. I’ve been debating about doing this to mine. Just can’t make myself drill a hole in such a nice bed cover!!!

[Redwards442]

Love my diamond back cover. Holds a 4 wheeler on top with proper rails on side.

[rangerscott]

I just started FT on Friday and went through many options to cover my bed. I went with a sliding cover from Retrax and couldn’t be happier.
It works for me by; keeping my gear out of sight, lockable, dry, adjustable and allowed me to hold the bikes on an integrated track system.

Scott

[Gerry]

Some years back, I consulted the chief operator of a large federal wind tunnel. My rig was a half-ton with a cab level cap on the back. He said that the front of the truck (grill) & windshield took the start of the airflow (obviously), where it then moved back over the roof of the truck and cap, then swept smoothly up the rounded front of the Airstream (only a few feet behind the cap) and then finished off at the rounded back end of the Airstream. That, in his professional opinion was as good as it gets in terms of aerodynamics for an RV. I cringe every time I see the big high 5th wheels going down the road in terms of airflow & drag coefficient.

[TouringDan]

Gerry

I agree. Maybe that is why I get 13.5 mpg with my rig even with the kayak on top.

Dan

[Kanusport]

Originally Posted by Spamcan

Would you mind sharing how you plan to attach the bike rack?

I also have a Diamondback on my F-350, and am planning to add a bike rack as well. Just haven't figured out the best way to execute yet.

BTW, I use the 13" deep cross-bed tool box with the Diamondback, and it's been a great way to keep smaller items organized and accessible.

I plan on bolting a 2” receiver to the diamond back to then slide my two up bike rack that normally goes into 2” receiver into that. If that didn’t work I’d simply bolt some fork mounts to the diamond back. If you look at the way diamond back adds accessories they use a backing plate that goes over the support pieces underneath the diamond back so your bolts don’t pull thru. It’s going to take some creativity but it should work. If you were worried perhaps inlist a local fabricator to assist.

[bmc5311]

Originally Posted by Kanusport

I really like the diamond back brand tonneau covers they lock tight and support weight if you want to carry loads on top. They look sharp too.

+1 for the diamond back, we have one as well.

[sparkymark]

i prefer the topper, all gear is secure and weatherproof. Leer with Thule racks and inside fishing [emoji476] pole holders!