Tonneau Covers With 5th Wheel Towing

C130 · 01-31-2015, 11:12 AM

Any highly recommended tonneau covers for 5th wheel pulling in Ford long beds? I did a search and read several threads but wondering if anything new is out and specifically need information from 5th wheel experiences. I had the Bakflip on my F250 and really liked it except it took up over 6 inches of space behind the cab which limited the turn radius. Also completely blocks the back window when folded up. I had a slider hitch but would get very close to the Bakflip if I turned sharply.

I'm leaning towards a retractable cover this time to avoid any turning issues and also being able to see out the back window but really nothing to see anyways towing a 5th wheel so not a deal breaker either way. I've seen a couple of the retractable that look good but they are over $1500 which is on the steep side for a bed cover I think. I also prefer to not have to drill into my bed.

Another question regarding towing, is turning and cab/5th wheel clearance even much of an issue with the long bed? Would the Bakflip folded up be an issue at all like the short bed?

sw342 · 01-31-2015, 12:54 PM

I had a retractable bed cover on my last dually. Loved it. Could lock it in every 18". Kept everything dry and secure back there when fully closed. If I didn't have a tool box on this truck I would look into getting another one. They are not cheap that's for sure.

**JRTJH** · 01-31-2015, 01:16 PM

We have a Tonneau-Pro trifold cover. It costs about $250 with free shipping, is vinyl and folds easily. Installing it or removing it takes all of 5 minutes and folding it for travel with the fifth wheel takes maybe a minute. There is no drilling or modification needed, it simply clamps on with the built in clamps. It doesn't leak, covers the bed when closed and folds in thirds against the front of the bed rails when stowed. We've never even come close to the cover when backing the fifth wheel and I've been in some pretty tight turns. Keep in mind, it's a functional cover, not an "OHHH and AHHHHH" kind of cover that everyone will gather around to stare at in awe. They also make a vinyl covered hard surface cover for about $500.

As for needing a sliding hitch with an 8' bed? I can't imagine any place where I'd need a sliding hitch. I would think that with the hitch in the back position and trying to maximize a turn, You'd probably "rip the axles out from under your RV" before you needed the slider.

We can easily turn to 90 degrees with our conventional fifth wheel hitch. Any more than that and you'd be pulling the trailer backwards as you hit the side of the bed with the front of the trailer below the hitch.

I've never seen anywhere I'd need a sliding hitch with an 8' bed.

Jlwright · 01-31-2015, 01:38 PM

We have the same folding cover and it works great. It clears the hitch fine when folded up to the last fold.

C130 · 01-31-2015, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jlwright

We have the same folding cover and it works great. It clears the hitch fine when folded up to the last fold.

Thanks, that was what I was wanting to know. I won't be using a slider hitch now. I knew the fold up tonneau covers can take up a good 6"-8" of maneuvering space so wanted to make sure that wouldn't be an issue even with the 8 foot bed. On my short bed I would get right to the edge of the Bakflip cover backing the trailer up in my driveway with the Pullrite Superglide.

larry337 · 01-31-2015, 05:56 PM

I have a Truxport roll up tonneau cover. Works great. It rolls up behind the cab and gets secured by two velcro straps. When its rolled up its not in the way at all. They run about $3-350. Very easy to use even in cold weather. When it's un rolled the edges are also velcro. No snaps or buttons. Looks very clean and locks in the back by the tailgate.

dwkhumble · 02-01-2015, 01:35 PM

I have an F250 Super Duty 4x4, with a SuperGlide slider hitch. I have a tonnopro cover, which folds up in three sections, and does not block the window when folded. My 280rls 5th clears the cover by about 3 inches, even on sharp turns. Cover is vinyl, over metal and has held up well. I think I paid about $ 450.00 last year.

Pmedic4 · 02-01-2015, 08:02 PM

We have a cheap, roll up, snap down cover on our truck bed, and I was worried even the 1 1/2" side rails would reduce the clearance for our 5vr over the bed. Hasn't been a problem or even an issue.

I personally like having the bed cover, simply because it protects the Hitch from the elements 95% of the time, and ours looks like new, but just 2 years old. Plus I'm sure the lubrication points stay a little better without being rained on all the time. Right now during winter, the hitch is sitting in the garage, and unfortunately my truck is longer than my garage, so my truck sits out 100% of the time.

Desert185 · 02-01-2015, 10:36 PM

We have a two-fold that folds into thirds that works pretty well. Don't remember the brand. I like it.

C130 · 02-02-2015, 04:54 AM

Thanks for the information and suggestions. I wound up ordering a Retrax Pro after talking on the phone with a sales guy and some recommendations from others. I was able to get a price on it that seemed really good though it's still not cheap. I was going to order the Gatorex after finding out Retrax makes it but they didn't have it for the 8 ft. bed but appears to be a little cheaper and basically the same cover.

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