| From | Message |
RJay
Dodge Dakota
12/11/2001
18:51:26
|
 Subject: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
I recently purchased a Roll N Lock cover for my Quad Cab. But after placing the cannister in the bed, I'm re-thinking it as it takes up a lot of the bed space (10")in an already small bed. Does anyone have experience with the Advance cover or fold-a-cover? Do these take up bed space? It looks like they are totally removable (unlike the roll n lock). ANy info is appreciated.
|
Broeheem
Gen III
12/11/2001
21:54:31
|  RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
I have one of these, and I think it's one of the best innovations out there.
THE GOOD STUFF:
It takes up no bed space at all. The front and/or rear panels open (and lock) independently, the three rear sections fold up and stack onto the front section (secure straps hold in place during travel), or the whole thing can be removed easily by ONE PERSON in less that 60 seconds.
THE BAD STUFF:
This cover isn't totally water-tight (but it's still pretty good). I noticed a small wet area in the corner of the bed after a car wash. The anodized finish on mine (the smooth trim pieces) started fo fade quickly. During heavy rain, it tends to puddle in the middle of the sections rather than roll off.... just like a soft-tonneau. A very slight convex curve would solve this on future versions.
All in all, I still think that there's nothing better out there. It's very versatile and convenient, it weights 18 lbs., and costs less than a fiberglass one-pice cover (at least mine did).
Patriot Blue 2001 SLT Plus Club Cab
4.7L./multi-spd auto/3.55 LSD
|
Rjay
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
00:41:24
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
Broheem -
Thanks for the info. Do you have a Quad cab? I've noticed that the Qyad cab model is only supposed to be 2 panels, not 4.
|
Zute
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
09:17:27
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
Im looking to get a tonneau cover for my soon-to-be delivered 2002 Quad Cab. I dont want to spend $700 on a fiberglass, and I am looking at just a cover to keep my stuff dry and protected when I am not hauling stuff around. It needs to be easy to install and remove, and built tough.
I have read MANY posts in the archives about Tonneau Covers, and it seems that everyone has an opinion about their particular brand.
What is the best cover, either snap or non, that will cost less than $300?
All replies appreciated.
|
SinCity R/T
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
15:23:18
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
Advance has two folding covers available. There is an RC/CC model, and a QC model. Oddly enough everywhere I found that sold these covers charges the same no matter what truck it's going on - $495++. One quality site was www.kcovers.com.
Checker Products has a flush fiberglass tonneau cover for RC/CC models that costs $329++, and a QC model for $299++. They also have soft covers available. Web site: www.checkerpro.com
Realize the ++ next to the price means plus shipping (hard tonneaus run $75-120 for shipping because of weight/size), plus $150-400 for prep and paint (if the company doesn't paint them on their own - many deliver just fine in black or white), plus in some cases accessories like locks or handles are extra.
To truly go below $300 (once you consider shipping and accessories and such), you're going to have to go with a soft tonneau. Checker has a soft tonneau as well as a few other companies - even E-bay has a few listed for RC/CC and QC's on a regular basis, but of course that's all Caveat Emptor.
I'll try to get my tonneau links up and running on the website within the next week or two - it's one of the sections that is lacking terribly for links at the moment.
SinCity R/T
2001 Silver CC R/T
http://www.dakota-durango.com
|
Zute
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
15:37:35
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
I dont like the flush look of the Checkers, and the Advance is a bit more than my budget can afford. I think Extang is high on my list right now.
I checked out your site, and look forward to more links.
|
BlueBayou
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
15:49:30
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
I too have been investigating tonnue covers and stumbled acrossed the AEROCOVER by International Liner (internationalliner.com). This cover seem to be everything that I want in a cover. Fiberglass with two seperate lockable openings, waterproof, removable, and it has a lip that locks the tailgate too.
Unfortunetly, the model for the QC has yet to be released yet (due in Jan or Feb). I want to talk with someone that has this cover and or go see one.
Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Check out the site and give you input!
Thanks,
Blue
01 QC SLT+ 4.7 Pat blue and silver
|
Zute
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
15:56:36
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
I guess this number "00-01 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 28157" isnt valid?
I'd be interested to hear about em...but I know just by looking that they are gonna be pricey!
|
Bluebayou
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
16:48:29
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
Truckperformance.com has them for $512.
Unfortunetly, everbody lists them, but they are not in full bore production yet.
None the less, 512 is a lot less than the ARE's which for my application is worthless, and it isn't that much more than a 350 soft cover.
blue
|
Zute
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
18:20:40
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
The more I look at em...the more I like the Advance cover. It may be worth spending the extra dough now, rather than spending 200 now for a cheapo and then spending the 500 on a better one later. I like that the advance cover locks (and also locks the tailgate).
I noticed in a previous post that there was some leakage...anyone else experience this. This fact will greatly sway my decision to buy one.
|
RJay
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
18:53:24
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
Well I'm leaning toward the advance cover also. As far as leaking, everyone I've talked to says that they all leak under the presure of a car wash but not generally under normal use. ANd if they do leak, we're talking drops not buckets, so as long as you're not carrying electrical equipment....... I really want something that is lockable, doesn't take up what little bed space I have with a QC, and can be removed easily by one person. So far the advance cover is it.
|
Zute
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
19:20:59
|  RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
Here are my top 3 list so far (note: this may change daily):
http://www.kcovers.com - Advance 2 panel hard cover
Pros: locking panel and tailgate. Lightweight and easily removed.
Cons: 1 year warranty, possible leakage. Expensive.
http://www.internationalliner.com/index.html - Aerocover hard cover
Pros: Locking sectional panels and tailgate. Seems to be of better quality and weather-protectant than the Advance cover.
Cons: uncertain about ease of removal and warranty. Expensive.
http://www.extang.com - Soft Tonneau cover
Pros: Quality backed by 3 year warranty. Seems to be the best soft cover for the price.
Cons: Not completely weather-proof, shrinkage in winter months. Not lockable.
If anyone wants to add to this list, please feel free. I am mostly posting this for my benefit and that of others who may be looking for the same kind of cover for their DAK.
|
cbacres
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
20:37:56
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
I have the Advance cover and am very happy with it. All the coments I've read above are pretty much on the mark. It paid for itself on our vacation, had the back packed solid to the top of the bed and never had any water that caused problems. The latches could stand some improvement.
Broeheem, on your faded trim, call the factory, I had the trim on mine oxidize in just a few months after I installed it. The spots were kind of a purple- blue hue . The factory admitted to a bad batch of alum.They sent me new trim pieces, just need to pop-riviot & silicon it back to the panels.
Anyway, wish I could say I was as happy with the Goodyear Eagles that came with it. Picked up a small nail on the interstate, did'nt even run it flat and the tire was totaled. Goodyear offered to give me a good price to replace a 17 K mile tire. At least the truck came with a full size spare
|
Zute
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
20:41:52
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
About the latches...how could they be improved?
How is the locking (tailgate, cover, etc)?
|
cbacres
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
21:03:52
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
The brackets that the latches hook onto are plastic. I made my own out of alum. angle and a piece of unistrut, mainly just for piece of mind. Someday I'll finish them, maybe use some stainless.
I also would like to replace the key latches with something a little sturdier, like some of the fiberglass lids. But the lid is still a great deal for the money, you have the best of both worlds, a nice bed cover one minute, a fully open bed the next. ( it's a zero beer job)
Don't let my opinions about the latches cast a negetive light on the cover. If they were to build it to my liken, it would cost a lot more.
|
Zute
Dodge Dakota
12/12/2001
21:18:26
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
Im just looking at it as a durability and quality thing.
I wish there were a place I could see it in action.
|
JustRed
Dodge Dakota
12/13/2001
09:35:48
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
Here's another question; anyone with an Advance Cover, did you install it yourself or did someone do it? I looked at their website and the procedure doesn't look all that complicated, but there was mention of having the installer fill out the warranty card to prove to the company it was done properly.
I think I can handle drilling 9 holes into the bed of my truck -- physically anyway. Mentally I'm not sure if I'm ready to go after my baby with a power tool just yet. But I think I can get over that...LOL
|
Zute
Dodge Dakota
12/13/2001
09:51:33
|  RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
This is the email I received inquiring about an Aerocover (internationalliner.com) for my 2002 DAK Quad Cab:
We are currently working on the development of a cover for this vehicle. Should be available in 30-60 days.
Thanks,
Customer Service.
They are also available through J.C. Whitney (http://www.jcwhitney.com/product.jhtml?CATID=96231&BQ=jcw2).
|
cbacres
Dodge Dakota
12/13/2001
22:44:45
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
I installed the cover myself. Not all that bad, took aboout 5 Hrs, but I also was playing around with the latches & had to retrieve a pop rivit that fell under the bed liner. NOTE, if you have a bedliner that covers the front rail, you will need longer rivits than what is supplied. I think the instructions say to cut the liner, but I opted not to. I also put a little dap of siliconin the drilled holes to help prevent rust.
I havent sent the warranty card in yet and they sent me replacement parts.
|
JustRed
Dodge Dakota
12/13/2001
23:52:11
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks for the info. I think my liner covers the front rail, I'll have to check that out. The silicone sounds like a good idea too.
|
Zeke
Dodge Dakota
12/14/2001
15:01:43
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
I like the Advance cover, but what if you need to haul something big? Is it easy to remove?
I was thinging of getting a soft cover like the Extang.....anyone have any experience with these?
How about the Extang Full Tilt one?
What about the soft cover offerd by Dodge, or are these the Extang?
Security isn't my main concern, just keeping things dry, relying on the "out of sight, out of mind" concept.
-Zeke
02' QC
|
Broeheem
Gen III
12/14/2001
15:47:23
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
Complete removal involves folding the sections together (8 seconds), loosening two screws (20 seconds), and picking up the 18 lb. cover from the bed (10 seconds).
You can store this thing in the standard-issue coat closet. Try THAT with a fiberglass one-piece!
You can lock this cover or remove it - at any ambient temperature. Try THAT with a soft tonneau!
Patriot Blue 2001 SLT Plus Club Cab
4.7L./multi-spd auto/3.55 LSD
|
Zute
Dodge Dakota
12/14/2001
16:42:00
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
Points well taken. I just got my Christmas Bonus from work today....so I got the extra cash to spend on the Advance cover. I'm gonna see if there is a place local that I can scope one out first though, before placing the order.
|
Rick
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/30/2002
21:59:11
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
I had the Aerocover on my Chevy. It's a nice cover, you can put in on and off in 2 minutes. But... I found that it was not watertight along the hinge points and the mount for the little arm that holds it in the raised up position (don't know what that's called) is fiberglass so it broke off early in it life. Other than that, it took a beating the 4-5 years I had it.
I think this time I'm going with a Pace Edwards or Roll-n-lock. Trying to figure out which one.
|
Canadak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/03/2002
00:14:39
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
I've got a 2001 QC 4x4 and installed the cover myself. I ordered from www.kcovers.com. They've got the best website for seeing and learning about this product before you buy.Most of the 4 hours I took installing was trying not to screw up. If I did it again I'd guess about 2 hours .Put mud flaps on your truck, you'll get used to drilling holes in your baby where it won't show. Then doing the bed is easy. Silicone is a good idea, did it too, even though the rivets are aluminum. Email me if you want installation advice. I don't want to waste everybody else's time.
|
KID
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/15/2002
23:22:20
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
I stumbled across the sight doing a search for Advance Cover. Sorry everyone but I am a Ford owner. I would have to say that the Advance Cover is "all around" a better cover. I have purchased and installed 3 covers on different Fords I've owned (Sport Trac, F-150, and most currently F-250). The cover is tough, rigid, secure, priced right for what you get (look at Ford's 2-panel folding cover for the Sport Trac $900). It can be close to waterproof with a few minor modifications to the cover and the openings in you truck bed. My first install took 3hrs. and my third took 1.5hrs. If you haven't purchased a cover yet, wait until October to purchase. At that time they will be introducing a drill-less cover. The price will also go up $30-40 but with the inprovements being made, it's worth the wait and the extra cash.
I guess I'm impartial to this cover because I have a friend about to open a Dealer for Advance Cover and any chance I get to promote a product I believe in, I do so. He will be selling the 2-panel cover lower than anyone else on the web. Even when the new covers come out, his price will be equal to or lower than the current prices of the old cover. His business is set to hit the internet mid Sept. (He didn't pay me to say these things)
|
Doc
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/17/2002
23:22:58
| RE: Anyone have an Advance Cover tonneau?
IP: Logged
Message:
Kid,
Please have your buddie get particulars on his prices to me for a lid for a '00 QuadCab. If his price beats Cabela's $599, [shipping included], we might be able to do business.
Thanks, Dave
pope@ci.gresham.or.us
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
