Installed the Extang Solid Fold 2.0 on my 3rd gen

After contemplating on which cover to buy (after trading in my 2018 Limited that came with the OEM tonneau), I took the plunge and bought the Extang Solid Fold 2.0 for my 2019 TRD Offroad. The sales guy on the website gave me a pretty good discount (paid $755 total) so that helped with the decision. Anyways, I got around to installing it over the weekend so I thought I'd share.

The provided instructions were no help for Tacomas so I had to figure out how to mount the brackets on my own. The clips slide in to the existing cargo rails so I didn't have to remove those. However, I did have to remove the header rail to stick the included pads on each side, but that was easy. Even though the header rail was protected from leaks with the pads, I was concerned about the tailgate end. It looked like there were gaps where water could seep in. Overall, it was a snap to install.

I've read that some people were concerned about the back end not being secured enough that a thief could lift it and see what was in the bed. Mine seems pretty secure that if I lift it with normal force, it would lift about a half inch. Now if someone used brute force I think they could definitely lift it higher to fit an arm through. This would give them an opportunity to unlatch the spring clamps and steal your stuff. I don't recall my OEM tonneau having this issue.

We had some moderate rain over the night and this morning during my work commute. When I arrived to work I opened the tail gate to check the bed and can happily say that it was completely dry. I can't say if it'll stay dry through a heavy thunderstorm or a laser wash, but I think it should be fine. Just wanted to share in case anyone was on the fence about buying one.

 

Excellent write-up thanks for taking the time to share!

Anyway to secure the cover in an open position when riding down the road so that the entire bed can be utilized?

 

Thanks. Yes, there are clips at the front that you can snap to have the cover in the folded position so your bed is open. I meant to take pics of it, but forgot. If you look at the last pic, you can see them at the rear window.

 

Thanks for sharing. considering this highly over buying a shell for my baby. this is cheaper. and i'm a cheap-ass.... not really. but yea. this is good.

 

Can you please send a picture of the back being lifted that half inch??? Thank you for this informative post. I am considering this model if I cannot find a OEM on Craigslist.

Thank you!

 

Sure. I'll take a pic over the weekend and post it. I have the OEM tonneau sitting in my garage, but I don't have the rails. If you lived in the Austin, TX area I'd sell it to you.

 

Here's a pic of me lifting it with a small amount of force. It may be more or less a half inch since the rubber strip folds.

 

How is the cover doing after six months?

 

Is Extang good? Was interested in it but another older thread people were complaining about melting in hot climates: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/extang-solid-fold-2-0-melting.439896/

Live in Texas so that's a concern. Wondering if it has been fixed. Also concerned about the lifting it half an inch in the back. Does that affect security. I was under the impression Extang was more secure because it wasn't one of those where you just pull on s string to open it, which I thought might be easy to do with just a coat hanger.

 

I have had my 2.0 on my '18 DCLB just about a year in the Northeast..We do get to 90-95° a few times over the summer but nothing like the midwest temps I'm sure..I don't have issue with the back section lifting 1/2". I may have my rear brackets snugged a bit more than the OP. So far I am happy with my purchase. When opened fully the rer 2/3 of bed are accessible. The cover has straps that clip to cover closer to the cab for traveling. When I first purchased it I thought it would stow closer to the cab vertically blocking the view from the rear window. I think this may help...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNYjpUqAnck

 

Glad to hear you're not having problems, and no 1/2" lift on the back. Will probably contact Extang directly and ask them about the melting issue. They might have gotten it resolved by now. I assume a lot of their customers are from hotter climates, southern US, so if there was a major melting issue they probably would have heard all about it by now. Here it can get very hot, even over 100 degrees. If all is well then Extang was highest on my list after researching the other options I know about. By the way, what's your impression about the security? Is it easy to bust open or would it take someone considerable time to do it?

 

The handles you use to latch have a nut and bolt combo inside the bottom opening you can tighten down and decrease the wiggle room to pull up. I did with my soft fold one

 

Emailed Extang and asked about the "melting" issue and how to know if you're getting the latest improved version. Here are excerpts of the response:

"Thank you for your inquiry. We are constantly addressing issues and upgrading our covers. We have addressed the dented panel issues but it can be caused by overtightening the cab clamps so you would need to be careful when installing the cover."

"I am not sure exactly what they did on the line but the glue being used was addressed. Each cover has a lot code which states when it was produced. Anything with a lot code of 19001 or greater would be the latest build generation."

 

I just bought one used in new condition but it doe leak on the sides. I saw by your pictures from last year that you have your front seal rolled back. How is it holding up after a year and how tight do you go on the front clamps?