Toyota Trucks: tonneau cover

Hi! Just to be up front, I am a little biased - but will try to help.
I am president of a retractable truck cover company. The reason I'm
posting is because I do have lot of experience with all varieties of
truck bed covers and can provide some insight that might be useful.

Vinyl Covers:
A great option for those looking for a low cost way to provide an
"umbrella" over the truck bed. They do a great job of keeping the rain
out and still can be rolled up quickly for larger hauling jobs.
Whatever you do, don't be tempted to go the really low end route with
the covers that have snaps. By and large, the $200 range vinyl covers
are not worth even looking at. The best vinyl cover I've seen in my 10
years in the industry is the Access cover. Runs roughly $400 and is
the only vinyl cover I'd ever consider. A word of caution, cold
climates are not vinyl friendly - whatever the brand. In climates with
intense sun, keep the vinyl treated to avoid failure.

One piece "Lids":
Generally very secure, excellent all weather protection. The color
matching option can be nice as well. If all you're looking for is a
trunk - basically turning your truck into a car - they are a good
choice. Beware however, if you bought your truck for the reasons that
most people do, you probably want to be able to haul large items when
needed. That doesn't mix with one piece lids! Even on a short bed,
taking a lid off is a two person job - if you're lucky enough to be
somewhere that you can take it off and leave it. Surprise hauling jobs
away from your garage can be a problem. IMHO, any one piece lid
basically ruins your truck. I always laugh when I see someone driving
down the road with their lid propped open over some large object - it
happens a lot and is NOT a good idea! You can crack the gelcoat on a
fiberglass lid in no time flat trying that.

Retractable Hard Covers:
Good security, not quite the rain protection as a vinyl tonneau or one
piece lid. Anytime you have a moving/folding type design, you can
expect a little water to find its way in. Retractable covers provide a
great balance of good looks, security, weather protection and the
ability to haul large items anytime and anywhere. They kind of provide
the best of all worlds. You get the security of a fiberglass lid, but
with the flexibility of a vinyl tonneau. Some things to watch for:
many retractable covers have a vinyl surface or are made from plastic.
They aren't too durable. Most roll into a canister or box in the front
of the bed that can suck up valuable bed space. Some people don't like
to lose the bed length. The cover we make is 100% aluminum and can be
quick released off the truck if you need your full bed. The cost isn't
much more than a good quality vinyl cover - learn more at
www.peragon.com

I'd be happy to answer any other questions about covers in general -
I'll give you my honest/educated opinion!

- Heath

I just bought a Sports Master vinyl cover.
Cost $375.
Velcro side rail hold.
Snap buttons won't snap in winter as cover shrinks.
Go with velcro.