I have a 2006 Chevy Silverado crew cab with a short bed.  My wife is busting my chops about getting some kind of bed cover so crap she occassionally hauls around doesn't get wet.   So, I need something that covers the bed, that can be easily removed, and doesn't cost a fortune.  I want something that does not require drilling.  NO DRILLING.   I'd like something that cost under $400.

Like I said, its for her benefit and will only be used occassionally.

I was thinking of something like this...

http://extang.com/docs/classicplatinum.html

Anyone have any experience with this product, or a similar product?  Or have a suggestion for an alternative?

I had an Extang on my truck for 5 years. Eventually all of the snaps corroded so badly that they pulled through the vinyl. If you un-snap it in the winter you will NEVER get it back on unless it sits in a heated garage for a few hours.

The next cover I buy will not have snaps. They suck, plain and simple.

My friends father has a Truxedo top and he loves it.

Hey Micro: contact Burley, he can put you in touch with the Beast, thats what kind of shop he has  and products he sells! Not a far drive fronm you either!

Hey Micro: contact Burley, he can put you in touch with the Beast, thats what kind of shop he has and products he sells! Not a far drive fronm you either!

If it's near Burley, it's a full day's drive for me.  Burley's like 300 miles from me.  

I'm pretty sure it would take about the same time for Micro to get to the Beast as it would take for him to get to you, Muddy.

edit: Micro beat me to it..

Sorry, i thought that it was closer, wouldn't hurt to talk with Tommy, just the same

Google UNDERCOVER.  I have had one on my Tundra for 5 yrs and still like new.  Less than $100.00 a year and has lots of years to go.

Kelley

Those soft covers are about the only thing you'll be able to find for under $400.  I've been looking for a used cap for my 6 1/2 foot F150.  New are completely out of the question.  Even those clamshells are outrageous.  

I definately want a soft cover, because I want it OFF most of the time and I don't want to store a big, full sized cover.  

Tell her to get her own truck and put whatever bed cover she wants on it ;D

I definately want a soft cover, because I want it OFF most of the time and I don't want to store a big, full sized cover.

Why not just use a tarp and straps once a month?

One of the folding tops may be the ticket for you Micro.  I think the next truck I get that will be what I get.  I bought a ARE for my Ranger from Tommy before I knew who Tommy was from a local forum we were both on.  I've had it just over 5 years. He could probably give you better advice than anyone.  

Sorry, i thought that it was closer, wouldn't hurt to talk with Tommy, just the same

For sure.

I had an Extang on my truck for 5 years. Eventually all of the snaps corroded so badly that they pulled through the vinyl. If you un-snap it in the winter you will NEVER get it back on unless it sits in a heated garage for a few hours.

The next cover I buy will not have snaps. They suck, plain and simple.

My friends father has a Truxedo top and he loves it.

Did you not look at the warranty papers, all Extangs have at least a 10 year warranty on the tarp and would have been replaced at no cost.  In over 15 years of dealing with them I have never seen this happen on an Extang cover but not saying it didn't just seems odd.   For the winter time you can get the cover to close no problem if you turn the snaps over the loose setting and drop the bows to account for the shrinkage of the tarp.  I don't care for the snaps either but they aren't that bad.  Overall the best thing to go with is the Extang Revolution, Express or RT tonneau.  All carry a lifetime frame and tarp warranty and both are extremely easy to use.  

The Truxedo is a good cover but you can't compare a roll cover to a snap cover.  You can compare it to the Revolution, Express, or RT cover from Extang and if you do you will find the Extang is far away the better cover, expecially if you are looking at the original Truxedo.

The biggest thing is to care for it properly.  Wash and rinse away all soap residue and use a quality non-petroleum/silicone/cirtus based protectant.  Never ever use armorall on anything that you don't want ruined.   303 Super Protectant, Mothers Protectant are fine and most tonneau manufacturers have their own protectant you can use.  Extang has their own brand but it is quite pricey for the amount you get.  

I had an Extang on my truck for 5 years. Eventually all of the snaps corroded so badly that they pulled through the vinyl. If you un-snap it in the winter you will NEVER get it back on unless it sits in a heated garage for a few hours.

The next cover I buy will not have snaps. They suck, plain and simple.

My friends father has a Truxedo top and he loves it.

Did you not look at the warranty papers, all Extangs have at least a 10 year warranty on the tarp and would have been replaced at no cost. In over 15 years of dealing with them I have never seen this happen on an Extang cover but not saying it didn't just seems odd. For the winter time you can get the cover to close no problem if you turn the snaps over the loose setting and drop the bows to account for the shrinkage of the tarp. I don't care for the snaps either but they aren't that bad. Overall the best thing to go with is the Extang Revolution, Express or RT tonneau. All carry a lifetime frame and tarp warranty and both are extremely easy to use.

Why would I subject myself to it a second time? Got tired of unsnapping it and rolling it up whenever I needed to put crap in the bed. Eventually it just fell apart.

As far as flipping the snaps over... yeah, doesn't work so well even with the bows removed.

With the tarp doing this sounds like you either used armorall or similar petroelum based product or didn't use antyhing on it at all to condition it and keep it from drying out.

I don't like the snaps either, the roll types are so much easier to work with.  All I know for sure is I can speak from experience with 1000's of covers over 15 years and not just one or two.

I have a Lund on my Frontier. 4 clamps and it's on or off in about a minute. Plus you can fold it up and snap it so just the 1/3 near the cab is covered which is convenient at times. I did my homework on this.

Got it at Amazon.com for $250.00 with free shipping.

Check out StylinTrucks.com and then google the one you like the best to find the best price.

Here is what I have and it works well.  It is easy to get it out of the way and rolled up and it goes back in place fast.  No snaps which is a huge plus, it uses a tounge and groove configuration.  They are also fairly inexpensive, mine was only $219 and I bought it at Pep Boys.

http://www.autoanything.com/tonneau-covers/60A1683A0A0.aspx

http://www.agricover.com/index.php/products/category/C9/

This one is very nice. It does everything it says it does and has for several years now

A-Jay