Which is the more practical cover for a pickup tray, sliding or gas-lift?

[giddyup]

I'm in the market for a new pickup but wondered which would be better, a gas lift (spring loaded) tray cover or a sliding cover, concertina style? The gas lift fibreglass covers certainly look better, but the sliding covers allow for tall objects like plants, without laying them down.

[kennedy]

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[jaapfries]

Hi; I have had the "solid lift-able lid" (as you say: "Gas-Lift") on my 4 Dr. Vigo since I purchased this vehicle new - and I must admit that, even-though I really like it, I have regretted it also many times, since (as you stated rightly) I can not transport even a normal fridge, or plants . . . .

I wonder, by the way, if you realize the enormous advantage of having a cover over the p/u-bed ? If one does a fair bit of Highway driving, then the airflow the vehicle produces, will flow over the hood of the vehicle, then it's pushed "up & over" the windshield in order to then descent into hat huge cavity we refer to as the Pick-Up Bed.Of course the pressure wants to flow-out of this 'restricted area' - but is blocked by the bed-lid (which by law must be up & closed). This basically acts like an "anchor" and will add to the cost of fuel used to propel the vehicle forward at reasonable speeds.

So; cutting a long story short; my next P/U will have the "harmonica" type (still lockable) folding bed-cover, for sure.

Cheers,

[Thailaw]

It is a hard choice, and, as you note, none of the options are ideal. When we bought a new Triton a few months back, I had the same concerns that the OP has raised about the hard lifting lid and its limiting the transport of tall objects. So, we opted for a roll bar and Carryboy large lockable box, which is secured to the front of the truck's bed. It is more than adequate space wise, but access to it is horrible. I had to buy a small step ladder to keep in the back of the truck just to get to it. If it could be accessed from the side of the truck with a side lift top, it would be fine. I think that style is available, but more I think for commercial use. The sliding tops/covers look horrible as the OP notes and they are to my knowledge not water tight, so I probably would not want one of those. So, when/if I replace this truck, I will add the hard lifting lid and a roll bar. Too bad that they do not make a hard lid in 2 pieces with side supports so that the back half can be removed/stacked/folded -- IMO, that would be the perfect solution.

[giddyup]

It is a hard choice, and, as you note, none of the options are ideal. When we bought a new Triton a few months back, I had the same concerns that the OP has raised about the hard lifting lid and its limiting the transport of tall objects. So, we opted for a roll bar and Carryboy large lockable box, which is secured to the front of the truck's bed. It is more than adequate space wise, but access to it is horrible. I had to buy a small step ladder to keep in the back of the truck just to get to it. If it could be accessed from the side of the truck with a side lift top, it would be fine. I think that style is available, but more I think for commercial use. The sliding tops/covers look horrible as the OP notes and they are to my knowledge not water tight, so I probably would not want one of those. So, when/if I replace this truck, I will add the hard lifting lid and a roll bar. Too bad that they do not make a hard lid in 2 pieces with side supports so that the back half can be removed/stacked/folded -- IMO, that would be the perfect solution.

I agree that the roller tops look crap, however practical they are. For looks they can't compare to something like this.

[transam]

I have an Aeroklas lid. Looks great and can lock it, but there are times when an open bed is needed so not good. Think it's what you think your ride "may" be used for. Give it some thought.....

[lostinisaan]

It is a hard choice, and, as you note, none of the options are ideal. When we bought a new Triton a few months back, I had the same concerns that the OP has raised about the hard lifting lid and its limiting the transport of tall objects. So, we opted for a roll bar and Carryboy large lockable box, which is secured to the front of the truck's bed. It is more than adequate space wise, but access to it is horrible. I had to buy a small step ladder to keep in the back of the truck just to get to it. If it could be accessed from the side of the truck with a side lift top, it would be fine. I think that style is available, but more I think for commercial use. The sliding tops/covers look horrible as the OP notes and they are to my knowledge not water tight, so I probably would not want one of those. So, when/if I replace this truck, I will add the hard lifting lid and a roll bar. Too bad that they do not make a hard lid in 2 pieces with side supports so that the back half can be removed/stacked/folded -- IMO, that would be the perfect solution.

I agree that the roller tops look crap, however practical they are. For looks they can't compare to something like this.

Sorry to say that. But that looks really shitty.

[giddyup]

I have an Aeroklas lid. Looks great and can lock it, but there are times when an open bed is needed so not good. Think it's what you think your ride "may" be used for. Give it some thought.....

I must admit there haven't been too many times I've needed to stand tall objects up in the tray. If I buy a large plant I just lay it down, but that wouldn't work for some objects.

[giddyup]

It is a hard choice, and, as you note, none of the options are ideal. When we bought a new Triton a few months back, I had the same concerns that the OP has raised about the hard lifting lid and its limiting the transport of tall objects. So, we opted for a roll bar and Carryboy large lockable box, which is secured to the front of the truck's bed. It is more than adequate space wise, but access to it is horrible. I had to buy a small step ladder to keep in the back of the truck just to get to it. If it could be accessed from the side of the truck with a side lift top, it would be fine. I think that style is available, but more I think for commercial use. The sliding tops/covers look horrible as the OP notes and they are to my knowledge not water tight, so I probably would not want one of those. So, when/if I replace this truck, I will add the hard lifting lid and a roll bar. Too bad that they do not make a hard lid in 2 pieces with side supports so that the back half can be removed/stacked/folded -- IMO, that would be the perfect solution.

I agree that the roller tops look crap, however practical they are. For looks they can't compare to something like this.

Sorry to say that. But that looks really shitty.

Tell me what you like and I'll see if I can find a pic of it and post here. OK?