Bed storage with tonneau cover on RCSB?

[The_Auto_Tech]

It’s definitely not for everyone.

I have definitely seen some contractor or mobile mechanic types that absolutely love them because it's basically a giant mobile tool chest with tons of space.

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[The_Auto_Tech]

Mason City

Way up north!

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Anyone done one of these? Friend has it on his Tundra and says it's nice but it makes the tailgate very heavy.

 

[UNIKRN150]

I have definitely seen some contractor or mobile mechanic types that absolutely love them because it's basically a giant mobile tool chest with tons of space.

I think might be a little too restrictive for a “contractor”.

But I’m an “electronics” tech so it’s perfect for me.

The biggest piece of equipment I carry is my chainsaw, which I occasionally need to clear fallen trees from mountain roads. And it just barely fits!

But regardless of all that… I’ve been pretty impressed with the build quality. Even though it’s mostly molded plastic, it’s proven to be very durable. But I only have 30K on my truck so we’ll see how it’s still holding up at 130K.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Got both passenger and driver side Swing Cases installed, picked up a ratcheting cargo bar, and a couple HD totes from Menards. Just need to decide which bed cover I want. I currently have a nice roll up one that's very sturdy, but obviously to get into the totes I need to open the tailgate and roll it all the way up. It is nice to now have a place I can throw garbage/scrap metal in the bed without it sliding around. The other tote is for stuff that's clean that won't fit in the cab or the Swing Cases.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Are there any covers similar to the Truxedo Duece or the Diamondback Switchback that can fold from the front and back?

The one think I don't like about the Switchback is that since it is a hard cover it can't roll up for full bed access. I had an Extang Solid Fold on a previous F150 and although it was secure, it was kind of a pain in the ass to take it off all the way if I wanted to use the full bed. I do know some people like the solid cover so it's more secure, or that they want to strap things on top of it, but I feel like if I need that option I'll take my Raptor that has the Softtopper on it.

 

[Popplemer]

Are there any covers similar to the Truxedo Duece or the Diamondback Switchback that can fold from the front and back?

The one think I don't like about the Switchback is that since it is a hard cover it can't roll up for full bed access. I had an Extang Solid Fold on a previous F150 and although it was secure, it was kind of a pain in the ass to take it off all the way if I wanted to use the full bed. I do know some people like the solid cover so it's more secure, or that they want to strap things on top of it, but I feel like if I need that option I'll take my Raptor that has the Softtopper on it.

The Deuce was my choice because I couldn't find another cover that had front folding functionality PLUS the ability to roll up and out of the way. Quick access from the front of the bed for my tools, luggage or whatever couldn't fit in the cab was perfect when cab space is a premium. More convenient yet, is that you don't need to open the tailgate to release the front latch. It's right there behind the cab.

The Diamomdbacks are great covers but, like you, I needed unfettered access to the bed at times. I refused to accept removing the cover entirely and storing it elsewhere as my only full bed access option.

While I have a hard folding cover now with my crew cab truck, don't discount the benefits of soft rolling covers. After all, if it's security you're concerned about, remember, locks only keep the honest people out! Best of luck in your decision.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

The Deuce was my choice because I couldn't find another cover that had front folding functionality PLUS the ability to roll up and out of the way. Quick access from the front of the bed for my tools, luggage or whatever couldn't fit in the cab was perfect when cab space is a premium. More convenient yet, is that you don't need to open the tailgate to release the front latch. It's right there behind the cab.

The Diamomdbacks are great covers but, like you, I needed unfettered access to the bed at times. I refused to accept removing the cover entirely and storing it elsewhere as my only full bed access option.

While I have a hard folding cover now with my crew cab truck, don't discount the benefits of soft rolling covers. After all, if it's security you're concerned about, remember, locks only keep the honest people out! Best of luck in your decision.

Yeah, that's the big reason I like the Deuce over the Diamondback is that it rolls up fully for complete bed access, whereas the Diamondback you can only access half the bed at a time. Removing the bed cover just to be able to use the full bed really does suck as they are not light, and re-adjusting it after removing it gets to be a pain in the ass too. I found my Extang Solid Fold on my old truck to "work", but it came with the truck so it was free. My Raptor that replaced it has a Softtopper on it, which I absolutely love.

With having the totes stored at the front of the box I don't want to have to roll the entire bed cover up and get in the bed to access them, especially since the truck is lowered and I can easily reach them over the side of the box. You're right about the soft covers, they are easier to break into, but if someone actually wants in there, they will figure out how. I'd rather them cut the soft cover rather than prying the tailgate or cover open and damaging the truck if they are hell-bent on accessing. I also don't keep anything that's really valuable in the bed either.

 

[Popplemer]

Yeah, that's the big reason I like the Deuce over the Diamondback is that it rolls up fully for complete bed access, whereas the Diamondback you can only access half the bed at a time. Removing the bed cover just to be able to use the full bed really does suck as they are not light, and re-adjusting it after removing it gets to be a pain in the ass too. I found my Extang Solid Fold on my old truck to "work", but it came with the truck so it was free. My Raptor that replaced it has a Softtopper on it, which I absolutely love.

With having the totes stored at the front of the box I don't want to have to roll the entire bed cover up and get in the bed to access them, especially since the truck is lowered and I can easily reach them over the side of the box. You're right about the soft covers, they are easier to break into, but if someone actually wants in there, they will figure out how. I'd rather them cut the soft cover rather than prying the tailgate or cover open and damaging the truck if they are hell-bent on accessing. I also don't keep anything that's really valuable in the bed either.

Another option to consider. I used a low rack on my truck in conjuction with the Deuce to carry a roof top tent. I've seen many people with one of those roof boxes in their rack for some added storage and security. Used ones can be had for next to nothing!

While the rack I used on my regular cab was not in line with the "full bed use" idea I wanted, racks like the ones from Billie Bars and Agricover can be used for storage options. The crossbars are small enough to store in the bed if you need to remove them. I wanted full bed access while using the rack so I went with a taller rack this time but you get the picture.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Another option to consider. I used a low rack on my truck in conjuction with the Deuce to carry a roof top tent. I've seen many people with one of those roof boxes in their rack for some added storage and security. Used ones can be had for next to nothing!

While the rack I used on my regular cab was not in line with the "full bed use" idea I wanted, racks like the ones from Billie Bars and Agricover can be used for storage options. The crossbars are small enough to store in the bed if you need to remove them. I wanted full bed access while using the rack so I went with a taller rack this time but you get the picture.

That is also a great idea if you need the extra storage space or want to put a rooftop tent on. Thankfully I've got the Raptor for that kind of duty as I don't need to get into the front of the bed nearly as often as my XL since the XL is the going to town rig.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Went ahead and ordered the Truxedo Deuce 2. Amazon had it on sale for 50 bucks off with free shipping. Should be here later this week. The only other option I found that folded from the front was the Diamondback Switchback, but didn't want to go that route for the obvious reasons.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

Got the Truxedo Deuce 2 installed today. Absolutely love it. Being able to open it from both ends, but still be able to roll it all the way up for full bed access is awesome!

 

[Popplemer]

Got the Truxedo Deuce 2 installed today. Absolutely love it. Being able to open it from both ends, but still be able to roll it all the way up for full bed access is awesome!

I'm glad you love it. I did too with my regular cab. One thing I have in my new truck is a bed rug witch I never thought I'd like but I really dig it after crawling in and out to get stuff.

 

[The_Auto_Tech]

I'm glad you love it. I did too with my regular cab. One thing I have in my new truck is a bed rug witch I never thought I'd like but I really dig it after crawling in and out to get stuff.

I had a Bed Rug in my 13 Limited and liked it as well. Really the only downside to it was just cleaning it if you spilled anything into it, but they are very durable and you could just power wash them. This truck already has a spray in liner on it, but I am debating getting the rubber bed mat as like you said, it's easier on the knees. lol

 

[Popplemer]

I had a Bed Rug in my 13 Limited and liked it as well. Really the only downside to it was just cleaning it if you spilled anything into it, but they are very durable and you could just power wash them. This truck already has a spray in liner on it, but I am debating getting the rubber bed mat as like you said, it's easier on the knees. lol

Those bed mats look awesome. Nice that they're easily removed too

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