Andy J- About your diamondback topper

I love it, super top. I got the black powder coated check plate aluminum. It has three doors. If the F-150 is tall, it might be tough for someone <5.75' Have had no problems with water.. Does your tailgate lock?? If you're worried about theft (and who isn't) the top does NOT stop the tailgate from opening. That has some good and bad sides. If you want some pics, I can post some later.

Do ANY pickup trucks have tailgates that lock?

My 2005 Toyota Tundra does.

Mine does not (09 Dodge Laramie) but I think if you had the rear view camera it would. I didn't think of that when I picked the Diamondback.. shhhhh. don't tell anyone. I plan to ask the dealer if I can upgrade to the rear view/locking gate.

I'm not sure if the tailgate locks- I'd be suprised if "they" ordered that option. I think we'll need to get either steps or a running board. The last tonnau we had was full length and heavy- the pistons/lift arms weren't HD enough for it and were always shot- had to use a prop to hold it open.-

The web site show the back half flipping flat over- full wide open. Is it detachable to haul things taller than the side of the pickup box- ie generators, etc?

Each of the three doors has two gas shocks. they seem quite adequate for lifting the doors easily. I do think you can unhook them and flip it all the way back or slide it off totally. You can also carry (i think) up to 400 pounds on top of the topper.

My 2000 F350 does.

Just looked.. the back door that goes across would be super easy to remove, and is surprisingly light. the gas shocks have a little lever at the bottom to lift of the spring clamp. lift it up 90 degrees and slide it off the pins.

oh, make sure whatever you're storing in there isn't taller than the top of your truck bed. My Geodimeter case just BARELY makes it under the top.

Both of my Nissan Titan's have had locking tailgates.

> My 2005 Toyota Tundra does.

Same with my 2008 Tundra.

I don't know how secure it is -- I've often wondered if a pry bar can defeat it -- but so far it's worked out well for me.

I've had the contractor grade 2 panel DB cover for appx 3 yrs on my '08 Nissan Frontier with locking tailgate. Can place up to 1,500 lbs evenly distributed atop. Comes complete with HD cleats around. Like AJ said, the panels are easy to fold flat or remove if you want to haul taller loads. Just need to buy the headache rack to stop any inertial driven sheets of ply. The tool tray accessories are handy for nails, ribbon, etc.

Now, someday I may have time to build a removable organizer (Drive out from under - 4 point attachment.
Been dreaming about using some kind of 12v screw arm actuator similar to a sat dish or gate actuator - to slide box at least to edge of tailgate - would be cooler than having pull out drawers. Another option is an HD rolling tray or frame, but they take up precious vert space. Been thinking about UHMW slides in the bed recesses (valleys)

Any other ideas out there?

Hey Andy,

Be careful when removing and replacing the panels.

If they are the same as mine they have a roll/split pin that is the keeper - can be easily broken.

Scott

I have one and like it a lot. I got an aftermarket tail gate lock for my F-150, and it works well.

Dale Yawn
Savannah, Ga.

If it is a new(er) F-150, it will have the tailgate lock already in. If not, then there is an aftermarket kit that you can replace the original tailgate latch with a locking one. Cots is around $30 and takes about 15 minutes to do.

Again if a new(er) F-150, you shouldn't have any problem with height of gear in the back as the bed is very deep.

I am right at 6' tall and have trouble accessing the bed of my F-150 because of the height of the bed combined with the height of the 4-wheel drive version. If I were working out of it (it is my personal vehicle), I would need to have running boards to access the bed easier.