Hauling stuff under a tonneau cover

[LightRacer]

This is more of a general pickup truck question, but I am used to a large SUV and just being able to haul stuff around in the back as needed (groceries, luggage when we go on a trip, camping gear, etc.) knowing it will be dry and secure. I suppose that could be mimicked by putting a topper on a truck, but I would probably lose a lot of versatility of the truck by doing so. Do most people find that they can fit most things like I mentioned above under a tonneau cover? I know nothing is totally secure and it would be easier to break into a tonneau cover, but if someone really wanted to break into a topper, that would be fairly easy as well. I am just trying to imagine if most things will fit under the couple feet or so of height under the cover.

 

[monstermachine]

This is more of a general pickup truck question, but I am used to a large SUV and just being able to haul stuff around in the back as needed (groceries, luggage when we go on a trip, camping gear, etc.) knowing it will be dry and secure. I suppose that could be mimicked by putting a topper on a truck, but I would probably lose a lot of versatility of the truck by doing so. Do most people find that they can fit most things like I mentioned above under a tonneau cover? I know nothing is totally secure and it would be easier to break into a tonneau cover, but if someone really wanted to break into a topper, that would be fairly easy as well. I am just trying to imagine if most things will fit under the couple feet or so of height under the cover.

Most things like groceries and luggage will fit with no problem...I have the Weathertech roll up cover and have done so several times in the past. I even fit mattress in there and as able to close the cover.

 

[b307a1]

This is more of a general pickup truck question, but I am used to a large SUV and just being able to haul stuff around in the back as needed (groceries, luggage when we go on a trip, camping gear, etc.) knowing it will be dry and secure. I suppose that could be mimicked by putting a topper on a truck, but I would probably lose a lot of versatility of the truck by doing so. Do most people find that they can fit most things like I mentioned above under a tonneau cover? I know nothing is totally secure and it would be easier to break into a tonneau cover, but if someone really wanted to break into a topper, that would be fairly easy as well. I am just trying to imagine if most things will fit under the couple feet or so of height under the cover.

As far as thieves are concerned they generally not going to risk being caught slicing your tonneau cover to see if there is something worth stealing. They are only going to take what they can see even when it's inside the vehicle . If they can see it and want it they are going to get it. The idea is to keep it out of sight.

I have had caps in the past and as much as I like them they are very impractical when you want to move something oversized like furniture. I have found that tonneau covers are the way to go. If you want use the bed for the big things you can easily remove it and replace it when you are done and it keeps smaller things out of sight and easy to get to.

 

[CdnHO]

Been using Tonneau covers for over 30 years and never had anything stolen. "Out of sight, out of mind".

 

[LightRacer]

Those are great points. I suppose with a cap, they can actually see what is inside and may be more likely to break in. I guess the way I see it now, I may have the SUV loaded up pretty high to the ceiling sometimes when we go on trips or camping, but the truck bed is quite a bit bigger so maybe it can spread out and fit under the cover. How high are sidewalls anyways to the top of the cover? A couple feet or so?

 

[b307a1]

Those are great points. I suppose with a cap, they can actually see what is inside and may be more likely to break in. I guess the way I see it now, I may have the SUV loaded up pretty high to the ceiling sometimes when we go on trips or camping, but the truck bed is quite a bit bigger so maybe it can spread out and fit under the cover. How high are sidewalls anyways to the top of the cover? A couple feet or so?

About 20 inches.

 

[sstoner911]

This is more of a general pickup truck question, but I am used to a large SUV and just being able to haul stuff around in the back as needed (groceries, luggage when we go on a trip, camping gear, etc.) knowing it will be dry and secure. I suppose that could be mimicked by putting a topper on a truck, but I would probably lose a lot of versatility of the truck by doing so. Do most people find that they can fit most things like I mentioned above under a tonneau cover? I know nothing is totally secure and it would be easier to break into a tonneau cover, but if someone really wanted to break into a topper, that would be fairly easy as well. I am just trying to imagine if most things will fit under the couple feet or so of height under the cover.

I use to have the RETRAX cover which you could lock with the locking tailgate on the Ram. Now if someone wanted to break in to that cover it would not be that hard if they are motivate to get in it. I kept luggage, groceries, tools etc when we traveled and never had any issues. I would say except for a bed cap, none of the roll up or fold up bed covers are 100% water tight either that I know of.

 

[Sir Snacksalot]

Nothing is 100% secure on a vehicle. I love my cover and it works fine for what I need. Can always fold it up against the cab and it’s just like not having one at all. Bakflip Mx4 here


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[Wobly]

I use an Access roll-up cover and it has been great. I like the benefit of being able to roll it all the way up to the cab and have the complete bed available for space. I have used my trucks to move furniture, mattresses, dead elk, bears, etc.

 

[Jackb60]

I have a tri fold tonneau cover. Works great. Folds back or is easily removed by releasing 2 clamps and is light enough for me to handle by myself. It’s pretty secure but locks only keep good people out.

 

[Bandit400]

Went with the Peragon Aluminum tonneau cover. Good security and easy to fold up for big loads. Con is cost

 

[jkbrereton]

You may want to "compartmentalize" your bed so that small things you're hauling (like groceries) under the tonneau will stay put and not slide all over the bed.

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[Eatonpcat]

I have a tri fold tonneau cover. Works great. Folds back or is easily removed by releasing 2 clamps and is light enough for me to handle by myself. It’s pretty secure but locks only keep good people out.

Only 2 clamps...Where are they positioned??

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Only 2 clamps...Where are they positioned??

There is acutally 4 clamps on them but he is refering to the 2 threaded ones at the front of the box the back 2 are just spring loaded i have the same cover for that reason nothing os left on the box and it takes a minute to remove completely

 

[Eatonpcat]

There is acutally 4 clamps on them but he is refering to the 2 threaded ones at the front of the box the back 2 are just spring loaded i have the same cover for that reason nothing os left on the box and it takes a minute to remove completely

Thanks, makes more sense... the cheap on I had just had 4 spring loaded clamps.

 

[Jackb60]

Only 2 clamps...Where are they positioned??

The two clamps are up in the front and hold the front section down. Pretty good size knobs so no tools needed to tighten or loosen. you can remove the cover in two minutes. The rear clamps down with a lever on each side. Brand name is TonnoPro. Its a hard top with a vinyl cover. It’s been on two trucks over four years and has held up well.