Truck Cap vs. bed cover

[Dale B]

I wish you were closer I'd give you mine. It's just sitting here gathering dust as I got a new truck with the tailgate step. Here's what the step looks like in use and also flipped and closed up.

That looks like what I need. Thanks for the advice.

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[Kodiak]

The BedRug is definitely on my list. It seems that no matter which route I take, I will be crawling around in the bed.

HA! If you look at the last picture from my post you will see a black pad that some extension cords are sitting on. I actually have a couple more of these. They are about 1.5" thick and are Husky (Home Depot) kneel pads ($15). They are fantastic on your knees.

When I get into the back of the bed, even with a nice OEM bed mat, I use these to crawl my way to back. They are great for the knees and if you have to do any amount of crawling, your knees will thank you.

Help keep that orthopedic knee surgeon at bay.

 

[cghall77]

My first truck and went with cap for the additional space. We have trekked across Canada and slept in the back as well. Even with the cap still went with LineX a d bedrug. Have recently waffle on selling cap and going with cover in order to mount a rtt, but going to stick with cap for now and just build internal supports.

 

[Popplemer]

My first truck and went with cap for the additional space. We have trekked across Canada and slept in the back as well. Even with the cap still went with LineX a d bedrug. Have recently waffle on selling cap and going with cover in order to mount a rtt, but going to stick with cap for now and just build internal supports.

I really dig the idea of the RSI Smart Cap because you can run a tent on it or whatever. Just hard to swallow the 5k price tag ?

 

[cghall77]

I really dig the idea of the RSI Smart Cap because you can run a tent on it or whatever. Just hard to swallow the 5k price tag ?

Yes that was another option I've looked at. Wouldn't get much for current cap so hard to justify selling off what I have and go with that nice cap.

 

[Jeb536]

II opted for a ARE cap & bed rug. Not as cool looking but i use it as a shelter\camper on the beach, hiking, and snowboarding.

on a side note, either way…keep a pole with a hook, a rake or spade exc…in the back to get to those hard to reach items that end up sliding up front

 

[Dale B]

Tailgate step with pole. Full BedRug. BAK Revolver x4s.
Ahhhhh!

The integrated step and pole seems to be the hot ticket. My son has a Super duty that has one and wasn’t listed as an option on the Regular Cab, so I thought that it wasn’t available. I have since done a search and there is a part number and may be able to be added to my tailgate once it gets here.

 

[Dale B]

Several of you have mentioned the integrated step and pole that is available in the higher end models and the Super-duty. I did a little research and found a part number that indicates that it can be added to any tailgate. I had assumed that it was a whole different animal and would require replacing the whole tailgate. That may not be the case. This is the link:
https://parts.villaford.com/oem-parts/ford-step-assembly-ml3z99402a48ba

Do any of you know anything about this swap?

 

[LouDog]

Several of you have mentioned the integrated step and pole that is available in the higher end models and the Super-duty. I did a little research and found a part number that indicates that it can be added to any tailgate. I had assumed that it was a whole different animal and would require replacing the whole tailgate. That may not be the case. This is the link:
https://parts.villaford.com/oem-parts/ford-step-assembly-ml3z99402a48ba

Do any of you know anything about this swap?

I have read it’s impossible to add the step to an existing tailgate. Must swap the whole thing.

 

[Bossharp]

I'm placing my order for a regular cab XL tomorrow and plan for the painted to match hard one piece tonneau cover. Mainly because it is the most waterproof and I really don't need to carry or store much in the bed. In my previous trucks I had a full size toppers (except for my SRT-10) to haul band equipment and every one had blind spot issues. But mine will basically be a sport truck to replace my SUV with a really big trunk lolol!

 

[Dale B]

I have read it’s impossible to add the step to an existing tailgate. Must swap the whole thing.

I’m sad to hear that. I plan to pursue it further. The part information indicates that it can be done, but it wouldn’t be the first time that my hopes were dashed.
It sounds like a good topic for it’s own thread.

 

[Eighthtry]

That BAK Revolver X4S is a fabulous cover. Look at Samson16's post in this thread. It is hard, says it supports 400 pounds (I am not testing that), and rolls up and tightly secured when I need more room.

This is my first hard cover, albeit rolling. I was using Truxedo soft covers before with good experience. I love this Revolver so far and would not go back to the soft covers..

Caps cut flexibility, which is why I drive a truck in the first place.

 

[Dale B]

I'm placing my order for a regular cab XL tomorrow and plan for the painted to match hard one piece tonneau cover. Mainly because it is the most waterproof and I really don't need to carry or store much in the bed. In my previous trucks I had a full size toppers (except for my SRT-10) to haul band equipment and every one had blind spot issues. But mine will basically be a sport truck to replace my SUV with a really big trunk lolol!

I have wondered about the visibility myself. You are the first to mention it. That is one reason that I insisted on the blind spot monitoring feature.
I have also wondered if there is a way to use the back up camera and screen as a rear view mirror. But that sounds like a topic for another thread.
I’m a hot rodder from the sixties and am swapping my daily drivers from Porsches and SL’s to a F150 RCSB 5.0 4x4 with visions of a FP700 kit applied. That would definitely make me a crazy old man.

 

[Chappy133]

Over the years of owning pick up truck, first one was in 1982, I have had both caps and covers. It is a personal preference thing IMHO. Having choices that work for your situation is the beauty of it. Personally now I use a Diamondback cover. Very secure and weather proof and I can walk on it while loading the kayaks.

 

[Dale B]

I have read it’s impossible to add the step to an existing tailgate. Must swap the whole thing.

I believe that you are correct. The tailgate that accepts the step is a different part number than the standard tailgate. Oh well, it was worth a try. Thanks.

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