2024 Short Bed covers

I'm going to be pulling the trigger on some sort of cover in the coming weeks and I am trying to decide tonneau cover or full camper shell type cover. I've had both in the past but given the priceson these accessories I thought'd be a good discussion to start since y'all have a ton of experience with each. Please post thoughts with specific models, links to both manufacturer and vendor websites. I looked through the 4th Gen forum and didn't see anything outside of the "What have you done to your 4th Gen Today" section. Thought it would be good to consolidate thoughts in one area. Much thanks in advance.

 

WildTop soft top. Soft top with integrated rack.

https://www.wild-top.com

 

I looked at them but I am a little concerned with security with that cover. Thoughts?

 

Not the most secure for sure. I added a couple of locking panels for milwaukee Packout boxes that are lockable. I figure anything else I can cable in or not leave in the truck. I am also at a point that I would rather just replace an item rather than replace an item and repair the damage someone caused by breaking in

 

Have a cheap tonneau i got while i was waiting for softopper to release their model for the Tacoma.
I like both for different reasons. I got the softopper primarily for camping shelter, taking my dogs around, and because it’s easy to take off/collapse.
Tonneau is nicer for the winter months because the back “windshield” of the softopper gets real dirty, plus it’s harder to clear snow off.
if you are interested in security as the main purpose, I highly advise against either one I got

 

I'm not losing sleep over security, it's just something that pops into my head when considering the purchase. I live in a low crime area but since my wife and I plan on ranging far and wide in this vehicle towing our hard-sided popup it's a thought. I like gemiv19's idea of locking removeable, lockable tool boxes in the back. I also like the idea of the load carrying capacity of the soft topper with the ability to remove it if carrying a bulky load. I'll continue to ponder.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

 

GrrrMaker Did you get a cap or a tonneau? A full cap is nice but it covers the rear cameras. I just got a BAKFlip MX4 for my 2024 TRD Sport. It's expensive but it's a new truck that I will have for many years. Security is good with a 4th Gen because it relies on the tailgate being locked. I think I like it.
BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover | RealTruck

 

Thanks for that reply. Haven't gotten one yet. I am currently leaning toward the MX4, but damn they're expensive. I had their cover on my 2nd gen tacoma TRD Sport and liked it overall, but it leaked some and the rubber and plastic fittings started to degrade just 2 years into ownership. I ended up selling it and getting an ARE camper shell.

I am considering the MX4 mainly because I tow a TrailManor hard sided popup and with the tonneau cover I don't have to disconnect the camper from my truck in order to pop it up and extend the fore and aft portions of the popup. With a truck camper shell the trailer's extended forward popup shell hits the rear of the truck top and prevents getting into the bed of the truck as the camper blocks the rear pop up window of the truck top.

With the BAK MX4 none of that is an issue. I can easily get into the truck bed with the camper set up and still connected to the truck as flipping up the rear MX4 section shouldn't interfere with my extended camper. I also like how they're made in the USA and have a 5 year warranty, so the MX4's a top contender in my mind for sure.

Having said all that, I'm gonna continue to ponder as the camping season won't get into swing for us until April.

 

BTW, do you still maintain the functionality of the bed rail system?

 

I'll have to get back to you on the functionality of the bed rail system.

 

For folks looking for a Tri-fold tonneau, be sure and look closely at the Extang Solid Fold ALX.

See https://realtruck.com/p/extang-solid-fold-alx-tonneau-cover/ext-88832/

 

For $300ish the Truxedo Truxport is great. Soft roll-up.

 

Same boat, couldn’t decide and wanted to see what the aftermarket was coming out with? So I just went with the cheapest tri fold I could find.

Kuat just released a panel kit. It’s at the top of my list for now. Just want to see a few reviews?
https://kuat.com/products/ibex-panel-kit?variant=49195675713834

 

Nice, but I'd have to buy the rack for $1500 1st...I just need the cover for now.

 

That looks good. Very comparable to the Bak MX4. Do you have the Extang and if so, does it play nice with the Taco's bed rail system?

 

I do. That is on my truck. Yes it plays nice. Easy install. Easy off if I need the whole bed.

 

Waiting for my smart cap to come in.

 

The installation of the BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover does limit the use of the Deck Rails since the hardware for the tonneau cover rails mounts directly to them. If you have specific questions about how the hardware works with the Deck Rails, I'd be happy to answer them. Feel free to PM me anytime!

 

I would take a look at the Lomax covers as well... there are several long threads here about them.

We sell a ton of them for Tacoma owners on here and the feedback has been great. Very few issues at all. I will add a couple links below.

We also sell BAK, Extang, Undercover, etc.

Happy to talk you through some options if I can help at all. Just reach out if I can assist.

We offer discounts to forum members as well.

https://truckalterations.com/aci-b1050119-lomax-hard-tri-fold-cover?queryID=c8aebe4d972ce8f4aa7e29a5e6b30fb1
https://truckalterations.com/aci-b3...over?queryID=1d7c0d42e51bcfe83922ffd05ad2d9e8
https://truckalterations.com/aci-g3...over?queryID=9ef0651b9d63ed18e14f9849b7574137

 

Which of the Lomax covers are most likely the Toyota OE hard TriFold cover and/or the BakFlip MX4? And, why is the Lomax a better option?