The reasons for considering a tonneau cover are almost as numerous as the various designs available. For some, it's a matter of appearance. A good tonneau creates a smooth, aerodynamic look perfect for sport trucks. For others, it's about security. Having a hard tonneau that locks in place keeps your property out of view and protects it from thieving hands. Perhaps the most fundamental reason for wanting a tonneau is to keep your gear clean and out of the elements.
As liberating as tonneau covers can be, they are not without their limitations. Hard covers, even those that hinge, often can't open wide enough to accommodate tall cargo or big loads. Many tonneau designs are difficult to remove and store and won't work if you've got a fifth-wheel hitch. Some designs can make it a real hassle to get what you want from the front of the bed when it's packed with gear.
Fortunately, Pace Edwards took all of these concerns into consideration when it designed the popular Bedlocker retractable truck-bed cover. The unique design incorporates rigid aluminum panels joined together by patented silicone hinges, and it retracts into a canister at the front of the bed. This enables you to use the bed any way you want-retract the cover completely, and you can haul your bikes, personal watercraft, or whatever. Close it completely, and you can keep the contents secure and dry. You can also open and close it as much as you'd like, and it mounts completely flush with the bedrails for a clean look.
As attractive as these features are, the Bedlocker's key feature is its power operation. Simply touch a button on the key fob, and the Bedlocker's electric motor opens or closes the tonneau, completely or partially, and holds it securely in place anywhere along the guide rails. No need for lock or key.
We recently visited Pace Edwards and watched as a Bedlocker was installed on an '08 Chevy Silverado 4x4. Even with the addition of the necessary wiring for the electric motor and the time needed for photography, the entire installation took slightly more than an hour and required very little in the way of drilling thanks to PE's clamp-in design.
What's In The Box?
The Bedlocker arrives in one long container, reinforced with particle board and protected by dense foam packaging.