Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Making Sense of Truck Racks Part 2: Truck Bed Racks

In the last installment of our blog on Making Sense of Truck Racks a style of truck rack with two names, Headache Racks or Cab Guards. Commonly know as Truck Racks, these racks can help with cargo hauling, but if maximizing your bed storage space is your ultimate goal, there may be a better solution.


Truck Bed Racks, or Ladder Racks, are one of the easiest ways to double up on the cargo space in your truck bed. They are fairly small, generally lightweight, and capable of carrying quite heavy loads. They also leave your rear window clear, so that you get the full range of vision while driving, unlike Headache which can completely obscure your rear window when you have cargo secured.

Truck Covers USA manufactures an interesting variety, from their American Truck Rack, a heavy duty unit designed to mesh with their other products and covered in features, to their American Rack System. The Rack System is unique because it fits the category of Truck Bed Rack in installation and style, but it's designed to carry more specific cargo using Yakima racks. I'm going to start off, however, talking about a classic rack before I get into more complicated ones. This Truck Rack is one of the best sellers on both Auto Truck Depot and Tonno Cover Depot, and it's a comparatively inexpensive cargo solution.



Access Adarac Truck Bed Rack

The Access Adarac is one of our best selling truck bed racks. This is likely because it's cost effective, simple, easy to use, and lightweight. The Adarac installs without any drilling or modification to your truck, meaning you can put it on a leased vehicle, or swap it from truck to truck as needed. It can be installed in an hour with basic tools, and it's compatible with all Access Tonneau covers as well as most other inside-the-rail tonneau covers.
The rack is fully adjustable, meaning you can slide the crossbar rails around to meet your cargo hauling needs. Whether its canoes, lumber, ladders, or other long cargo, it can all be stored securely. Its steel frame construction can support up to 500 pounds of weight, and it's powder coated black to protect the metal from corrosion and give the rack a sharp style. The Access Adarac even has integrated tie down rails so you can be sure your cargo will stay secure.

There are a tonne of varieties of Truck Bed Racks, and a lot of companies make racks similar to the Adarac, including the Thule XSporter Multi-Height Rack, and the Dee Zee Invis-A-Rack Collapsible Truck Bed Rack. Each brand has tried to add something unique to their product, so if you're looking for a truck rack to fit a specific purpose, make sure you shop around. A collapsible rack may be great if you're looking to only use it once in a while, and the multi-height may be good if your cargo variety changes a lot. If you're looking for something a little more heavy duty, however, you should look into our Contractor Rigs.



Pace Edwards Contractor Rig 

The Contractor Rig from Pace Edwards is a heady duty Truck Rack engineered with the contractor in mind. Do you spend a lot of time hauling tools, equipment, or cargo to job sites? These racks are made for every day heavy use, so you know they'll stand up. The thick aluminum trusses create exceptional rear to rear stability when compared to other racks, and they can hold a tonne of weight. The extension beams on the front provide even more security if you're hauling extremely long cargo, and PVC inserts on the rear cross member held reduce friction when loading the rack to make the process easier on your cargo and your arms. 


The Contractor Rig is designed to work with your Pace Edwards Explorer Series Rails and a Bedlocker of JackRabbit tonneau cover, and it even comes with winches to help ensure maximum security for your cargo. The cross members are adjustable to make loading easier and increase cargo versatility, and the aluminum construction with stainless steel fasteners makes this rig rust proof and great for all weather conditions and climates.


In conclusion, there are a lot of different styles and brands of Truck Bed Racks. Each model has its own benefits and limitations, and unfortunately I can't go through every single one of them. Your best bet is to start by setting a price cap for yourself. There is a huge cost range, from $249.99 all the way up to $1,709.99. There are full bed racks, heavy duty contractor rigs, and even the Elite Universal Rear Rack, which is designed to work with a Headache Rack to give you a full Truck Bed Rack system.

Whichever system you choose, a Truck Bed Rack will increase the cargo carrying capacity of your truck bed, and make your life just a little bit easier. Check out our selection on Auto Truck Depot and Tonno Cover Depot.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter With Yakima


Get ready for your mountain adventures with cargo management solutions from Yakima. Whether you plan to ski, snowboard, camp or travel, Yakima has products to help you out, and this article will help you decide which product is right for you.

Cargo Boxes

Yakima cargo boxes are a great addition to any vehicle. The Yakima SkyBox and RocketBox series are secure, convenient, and well built. Yakima cargo boxes are great for any season, and especially useful for those taking routine trips out to the mountains to ski or snowboard.
The RocketBox Pro 11 has a long, narrow design that is ideal for anyone planning to carry skis or snowboards, while the RocketBox Pro 14 is built wider, and may not fit longer skis. To get a better idea of what each kind of Yakima cargo box will be able to carry, here is a useful diagram of each cargo box and its dimensions.
Yakima Cargo Boxes | Auto Truck Depot

Ski & Snowboard Mounts

If your main priority this winter is to ski or snowboard, maybe a ski or snowboard mount is all you need. These useful devices connect to any existing roof rack system to make transporting skis and boards as easy as possible. 
The Big PowderHound let you carry up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards on the top of your vehicle. This mount is fully lockable, so your gear will remain secure.
The FatCat 4 is a little smaller, allowing you to transport up to 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards, or if you would rather use your hitch to carry your gear, the HitchSki can carry up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards on the back of your vehicle.
Check out more similar products here to help you get out to the mountains this season. 

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca

Monday, September 18, 2017

Salt and Snow: How to Protect Your Vehicle from Winter's Harshest Elements

As the seasons change and the temperature drops, you're going to want to make sure your investment is protected. Auto Truck Depot offers a wide range of services to help you prepare your vehicle for the harsh weather to come.
Lets begin with vehicle care. As roads begin to freeze, road salts are spread to help you keep traction while you drive, a necessary part of a Canadian winter. Road salts and other pollutants will make their way into vulnerable areas of your vehicle, such as spot welds and joints. Not only will this cause rust to form, but it can even weaken the structural integrity of your frame, steering, and suspension of your vehicle over time. This can, however, be prevented with products such as Rust Check from Auto Truck Depot.

Rust Check

Rust Check is a light liquid, pressurized spray that has been designed to stop rust from forming. The spray is applied inside body sections and hidden areas such as joints, folds, seams, and spot welds. These areas are highly vulnerable to rust formation, and places where rust will begin to spread. Rust Check penetrates deeply into these areas to provide protection against moisture and other unavoidable contaminants that will result in rust formation.
Rust Check Treatment from Auto Truck Depot, Calgary, AB
Rust Check is designed to displace moisture with highly effective corrosion inhibitors. Corrosion inhibitors form an absorbed, bonded layer over the metal surfaces of your vehicle to shield them and prevent moisture from ever touching the surface. Corrosion won't occur if moisture can't make contact with the metal.

Undercoating

Undercoating is another preventative method that protects the undercarriage and wheel wells of your vehicle from gravel, road salts, rocks, and other road debris that will cause rust and harsh damage.
Undercoating from Auto Truck Depot in Calgary, AB
Undercoating is applied to the undercarriage and wheel wells of your vehicle to provide full underside protection against harmful elements. As well as providing a seal against moisture, salt, rocks, and other debris, the rubberized compound absorbs the impact, which not only provides additional protection to your vehicle, but also provides a sound barrier to reduce road noises and vibrations. Undercoating extends the life of your vehicle and increases the trade-in value.

Bug Deflectors

Form Fit Hood Protector on 2015 Ford F150
Adding a Bug Deflector or Hood Protector to your vehicle is an easy and cost effective method to protect the windshield and front end of your vehicle. Products like Form Fit Hood Protectors are custom designed for every vehicle application to ensure a perfect fit. These products add a sleek aesthetic to any vehicle while adding protection to your vehicles front end. They are easy to install and will help your vehicle last through winter.

Other

A battery charger is something worth owning if you plan to make it through a harsh Canadian weather. You'll never have to mess around with jumper cables or ask for a boost again. 
Layering up to start your vehicle is another common pain that winter brings, but this can be prevented with an automatic car starter. Press start and your vehicle will be warm and ready for you to leave. Auto Truck Depot provides car starters and installations so you can enjoy your winter a little more.
If you are really searching for luxury, heated seats might be another option for you. Get seat heaters installed in your vehicle from Auto Truck Depot so you can sink into a warm heated seat on a cold day.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Prepare Your Truck Bed for Winter with a Tonneau Cover

Hauling cargo safely is always more difficult in the winter. Freezing rain, moisture, ice, and snow can be threatening to your cargo, but there are various ways to protect your truck bed from the elements, and one of the most popular methods is with a tonneau cover.
A tonneau cover will protect your truck bed from moisture, rain, and snow to keep your cargo safe and dry. It will also add another level of security to the cargo you're hauling and make your life a little easier. Auto Truck Depot carries a wide variety of tonneau covers so you can get exactly what you need. Here are some examples, and the benefits they provide.

Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers

BAKFlip G2 Tonneau Cover from Auto Truck Depot
Tri-Fold tonneau covers consist of three folding panels that cover your truck bed. Many models of Tri-Fold tonneau covers, such as the BAKFlip G2, have panels that lock into multiple positions, so you can drive with it open, shut or in between. The folding panels keep your gear safe from the elements while at the same time adding security for your cargo. The panels can be opened to provide truck bed access when needed. For the most part, these tonneau covers have heavy duty powder coated aluminum panels to provide unprecedented strength and security for your truck bed, although soft tri-Fold tonneau Covers, like the Extang eMax are also available. 

Roll-Up Tonneau Covers

Roll-Up tonneau covers like the Access Original Roll-Up Tonneau Cover are popular because they are easy to use, lightweight, they look great, and can fold up to provide 100% truck bed access. 
BAK Revolver X2 Roll-Up Tonneau Cover from Auto Truck Depot
There are various hybrid roll-up tonneau covers that have all the benefits of a soft roll-up and hard tonneau cover in one, like the BAK Revolver X2. The Revolver X2 is made up of rotational locking rails that secure the entire length of your truck bed on each side. The Revolver X2 can be easily rolled up with one hand to provide 100% truck bed access, and without blocking your rear view window or restricting access to stake pocket holes.

Retractable Tonneau Covers

Roll-N-Lock M Series Tonneau Cover from Auto Truck Depot
Retractable tonneau covers retract into a canister at the cab end of your truck bed. They operate on a bearing system, and some are even controlled via remote. Retractable covers like the Roll-N-Lock M Series opens and closes smoothly, and interlocking hinges allow for a smooth operation. Interlocking hinges increase this covers strength while adding to its smooth operation, and with an automatic tailgate lock, you will never have to worry about the security of your truck bed.

Hard Tonneau Covers

Last, but not least, are Hard One-Piece tonneau covers, which are constructed of a single solid piece and provide the most security of any tonneau cover. The UnderCover LUX is a strong, lightweight, and attractive hard tonneau cover. This cover is made of a durable, lightweight ABS composite material that exceeds any fiberglass hardtop cover. The cover features a single point lock control that operates both locking hinges to make getting in and out of your truck bed simple and secure. The clean, low profile design looks sleek and enhances fuel mileage, and with this cover's full perimeter seal, your cargo is completely protected from the elements.
UnderCover LUX from Auto Truck Depot

Seal Your Truck Bed

Extang MaxSeal Tailgate Seal from Auto Truck Depot
Once you have decided on a tonneau cover, the next step is making sure your truck bed is completely sealed from moisture and debris, which can be done with Extang's Maxseal Tailgate Seal. MaxSeal keeps debris, dust, rain and snow out of your truck bed and is easy to install. MaxSeal comes in a universal length and can be used on any Year, Make, or Model, with any lid, tonneau or top. MaxSeal is made of industrial strength all-weather rubber that is sure to last through even the most extreme conditions.
Auto Truck Depot has a wide range of products available to help you seal up your truck bed for winter, no matter what truck you have.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330
info@autotruckdepot.ca

Friday, September 8, 2017

Making Sense of Truck Racks Part 1: Headache Racks and Cab Guards

The Truck Rack market is one that is highly saturated with manufacturers and models, enough to make anyone's head spin. What are truck racks? What makes a good truck rack, and what brands can you trust to offer consistently high quality products?
The short answer is check out our website. Auto Truck Depot has a rigorous vetting system that analyzes the products we sell to ensure that highest quality makes it into our stock room, at the most worthwhile value for your dollar. The long answer will span a multi-part blog where I will break down each type of truck rack and answer these questions in more detail.
BACKRACK Half Louvered Cab Guard 

Today's Products

In this first article, I will be discussing Headache Racks, also commonly known as Cab Guards. One great benefit of this style of rack is their cost effectiveness. As a base unit, the cost for a Headache Rack starts at the low 200's, giving you a huge upgrade in terms of cargo hauling capabilities for very little cost. Headache Racks serve three main purposes.

1) Protection

Cab Guards do exactly what their name says; they protect your cab from damage that could be caused by shifting cargo. If you suddenly slam on the brakes and a cargo item is flung towards your cab or rear window, it could shatter the window, or dent and scratch your truck. That is, unless you have a Cab Guard between the cargo and your truck. Headache Racks also allow you to secure cargo against your cab without fear of scratches or other damage, which leads us into their second purpose.
Aries Headache Rack

2) Cargo Hauling

Headache Racks are helpful when hauling cargo for a few reasons. The first is they give you a place to secure extra long cargo to. If you are hauling ladders or lumber, as an example, you can rest them against the top of the rack. This allows you to pin the bottom of the cargo against the base of your tailgate if it's long enough, or at least keep it inside the bed if it isn't, to make it more secure. It also stops the cargo from touching you cab, as mentioned above. You can then secure the items to your rack. Cab Guards also work very well in concert with Rear Racks to create a full truck rack.

3) Anchor Points

Finally, Headache Racks offer a tonne of anchor points for securing cargo. The various styles feature a wide range of mesh and bars that can be used to hook ratchet straps and bungee cords to. Whether you're hauling long cargo on your rack, furniture right behind your cab, or even just average gear that you want secured to the front of the bed, it can be done using a Cab Guard. 
Cab Guard/Headache Rack

The Brands

Headache Racks can go by several names. Some companies call them Cab Guards, some call them Truck Racks and other still prefer to use Headache Rack. What always stays the same is their versatility and functionality.
BACKRACK Logo
A Canadian company, BACKRACK is one of the best Headache Rack manufacturers for those looking to customize and deck out their cab guard, especially vehicles used for work on construction sites, for landscaping, and other jobs. BACKRACK offers an extremely wide range of add ons and accessories for their racks. These include light brackets like the Light Bar BracketLandscaping Tool Holders, and even Antenna Brackets for two way radio antennas. 
The Truck Racks themselves are available in a wide range of options that vary in style and cab coverage. This allows you to get a style of cab guard that not only looks the way you want, but performs the way you want. Some, like the Half-Louvered Rack, are designed to help keep some of the sun's harmful and hot UV rays out of your vehicle while leaving a space clear in the center of your truck for unobstructed vision through your rear view mirror. Others, like the Safety Rack, are all about cab protection, offering a full mesh protector that provides tonnes of anchor points and ensures nothing will get through to damage your cab. If you're looking to go all out, the Three Light Rack has a classic construction style with brake, reverse, and turn signal lights built into the rack, you just have to buy the bulbs separately.
BACKRACK Safety Truck Rack
BACKRACK's truck racks are constructed from hot rolled pickled and oiled HRPO steel. This is a scale free steel that won't peel and is extremely durable. This does mean that BACKRACK Cab Guards are heavier than most other brands, but because they're designed as a working rack that often isn't a problem. It also means that they are able to take a beating and keep running. 
It's important to note that, like most truck racks, BACKRACK markets their installation kits separately. This is because every pickup truck is a little bit different and everybody needs an installation kit that will suit their specific situation. BACKRACK designs their mounting kits to suit each vehicle model, meaning they are always going to fit perfectly. They also offer three different mounting kits, Toolbox KitsLow Profile Kits, and Standard Kits. In the end, this saves you money because you don't pay extra to get a mounting kit with the rack that might not be right for your application. Instead you can chose the kit that is right for your installation the first time. 
BACKRACK also offers a Tonneau Cover Adapter Kit so that you can use the truck rack while a tonneau cover is installed on your bed. You can't, however, have both the toolbox and tonneau cover kits. If you're looking to upgrade a work truck, or if you're a contractor of someone who works their truck hard, BACKRACK is likely the best choice for you.
Aries Logo
In contrast to BACKRACK, Aries Headache Racks are designed for more recreational use. This isn't to say that they aren't still high quality, durable truck racks, but rather that they sacrifice the ability to add work accessories for really great look. Their style is perfect for those who are looking to make their truck truly their own by adding unique, stylish, and hard working accessories onto it.
Aries AdvantEDGE Carbide Black Headache Rack
Aries really only has one main model of headache rack, the AdvantEDGE. This rack, however, is available in Carbide Black and Chrome finishes. These styles are designed to match up with a series of other products in the AdvantEDGE line, including Bull Bars and Side Bars
Because Aries has designed their products around custom truck builders, they have chosen to construct their racks out of treated, hardened aluminum. This makes the rack durable and functional, but also very lightweight. This means they can support the weight of your cargo without weighing down your truck down, and they are easy to take off and install when necessary. Aluminum also has this nifty, atomic trait where it doesn't react with oxygen, which means that it will never rust or corrode. There are also no plastic parts, which means no cracking or fading.
Aries Headache Rack
Aries is a more expensive buy than most other headache racks. Part of this is due to the fact that they are a more specialized, stylized product, and the other part is due to the fact that everything comes together in one kit. So while a BACKRACK purchase may involve 2 to 5 smaller purchases, an Aries Headache Rack will involve one larger purchase. There is even a track built in to the crossbar on the top of the rack that is compatible with many offroad lights. So if you're looking to build a truck that has a killer look and is capable of venturing far off the beaten path, Aries is likely the best choice for you.

WestCan Full Bar Cab Guard

WestCan

While WestCan refers to their Headache Racks as cab guards, they serve the same purpose. WestCan's racks are somewhat of a middle ground between Aries and BACKRACK, in that they offer a lot of the work truck accessories for add ons, but not quite as many. Their price range is very similar to BACKRACK's as well. 
The installation kits are sold separately, just like BACKRACK's, and they are available as a Standard Kit or a Crossover Toolbox Kit that allows you to install the rack alongside a toolbox in your truck bed. There are light mount brackets available that allow you to install lights onto your rack. If you're thinking this is starting to sound familiar, well, that's because it is. But there is one important distinction to make with WestCan versus the other cab guards. They require a Secondary Hold Down Kit to ensure a secure mount if you aren't installing them with a rail kit. WestCan racks are constructed from structural anodized aluminum to keep the weight down so that they are versatile and long lasting. 
WestCan Full Mesh Cab Guard

In Summary

Headache Racks, Cab Guards, or sometimes Trucks Racks, are all quite similar. What tends to set the brands we carry apart is the features that are available and their style of construction.
So when you are looking at purchasing a Headache Rack, you should first consider what you are going to be using it for. Is it going to see a lot of heavy use and get exposed to hard impacts? If so, you may want to consider BACKRACK, versus Aries and WestCan which are great for a combination of personal and work use.
Thanks for giving this article a read through. Stay tuned for part two, where I will talk more about another kind of truck rack, why they are different, and their uses and benefits. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Monday, September 4, 2017

Everything You Need to Know About Truck Covers USA

Truck Covers USA Logo
Truck Covers USA is a company that manufactures top-of-the-line truck bed covers. What makes them so unique is the amount of available customization. Truck Covers USA offers a wide variety of add-ons and styles that come directly from the manufacturer, which creates their seamless appearance and functionality. In this blog post, I will explore these options and give you the information you need to start shopping for your own custom Truck Covers USA tonneau cover system.
American Work Cover Add Ons

The Basic - American Roll Cover

The base model, the American Roll Cover is the same Retractable Tonneau Cover that you will get with every upgraded and modified unit. Don't underestimate this workhorse though. This superior cover is constructed from double walled aluminum, for which there are two key reasons.
Aluminum Panels of Truck Cover USA Tonneau Covers
The first is that aluminum is extremely lightweight, which makes installing and operating the cover much easier. It can also help increase your fuel economy, both due to it's lightweight and aerodynamic design, by up to 10%. The second reason aluminum is an ideal material is that it doesn't react with oxygen. This means that unlike steel, it won't rust. The aluminum is then finished with a black powder coat to help prevent scratching and minimize the visibility of grime buildup. To top it all off, the cover can support up to 500 pounds of evenly distributed weight. With security at the top of their list of priorities, the American Roll Cover comes standard with OEM style key locks that will secure your cover at the tailgate. The interlinking pattern that holds the aluminum panels together secures the cover against nearly any penetration whatsoever.
Truck Covers USA Tonneau Covers
The American Roll Cover is constructed in the style of a retractable tonneau cover, which means that when it isn't in use, it retracts into a canister for compact, easy storage. Truck Covers USA pride themselves in making one of the smallest and strongest canisters on the market. At 8 inches tall by 8 inches wide, and constructed from galvanized sheet metal finished with the same black powder coating as the cover, they're likely right. The lid on the canister is constructed from aluminum for its lightweight, rustproof qualities to help extend the durability and lifespan of your cover. They even manufacture their own clamp mount system, so they can be sure it is as strong as possible.
Truck Covers USA Tonneau Cover Canister
When retracting into the canister, a torsion spring and a long pull strap ensure smooth operation without having to climb into the truck bed. The cover can lock every 12 inches along the tracks, allowing maximum versatility when it comes to hauling a combination of large and small cargo. It's perfect for fifth wheel hitches as well. When fully closed, the extra wide side rail seals and a four way Flex Tube drainage system funnels water away from your cover and your truck bed to keep your gear as dry as possible. 
Truck Covers USA Folding Tonneau Cover
The American Roll Cover installs in an hour or less, and requires minimum servicing. As long as you keep it clean and clear out the canister occasionally, it will last the life of your truck.

American Roll Cover

The Add Ons

Now for the part that you've all come to this blog for. The American Roll Cover can play host to a ton of cool features manufactured by Truck Covers USA itself.
Truck Covers USA Keyless Entry
The Keyless Entry Quick Release is an option that was added by Truck Covers USA at the request of their customers. The standard lock system that comes with the cover must be activated to unlock and open the cover. Now, with this keyless entry, you can open your cover for cargo loading and unloading without needing the key. It's great to have as a backup in case you lose the key and need to open the cover, or if you are only travelling a short distance, or will be opening the cover frequently. The custom made, molded plastic handle is durable and comes pre-installed when you order it with your American Roll Cover. It's located right by the pull strap for convenience of use – just drop your tailgate to gain access to it.
Truck Covers USA American Rack System
Another awesome add on available for the American Roll Cover is their American Rack System. For this, they teamed up with Yakima, one of the major manufacturers of bike, board, and ski racks for vehicles. This add on can be ordered pre-installed with your new American Roll Cover, or it can be order Pre-Cut for your specific vehicle application so you can install it on an existing American Roll Cover. These tracks are installed into the side rail mounts of the American Roll Cover, allowing you full use of your tonneau cover and giving you a mount with a large number of cargo carrying possibilities. The next step is the Full Add On Kit. This kit gives you all of the components of the risers and crossbars, including landing pads, control towers, locking cores, and the bars themselves. This kit installs quickly and easily. Once it's on, this system will Plug and Play with virtually every Yakima rack. This means you will be able to haul your bikes, boards, or skis out to your favourite trails and still pack your truck bed with more cargo while keeping it covered.
Truck Covers USA American Truck Rack System
The American Truck Rack is another available option from Truck Covers USA. This system is designed to work in complement with your tonneau cover, just like the Rack System. The Truck Rack offers the working truck a covered truck bed that can also haul long items like lumber and ladders to the job site. It's quick and easy to install, and extremely durable. The American Truck Rack is an add on that no working truck should go without.

The Big Upgrade

The small add ons for the American Roll Cover are pretty sweet, but there's one upgrade that trumps them all; the American Work CoverThis unit is purchased in place of the base Roll Cover model. It comes with the same quality tonneau cover and has all of same capacity for add ons, and so much more.
Truck Covers USA American Work Cover
The obvious benefit here is the full sized toolbox. Built directly into the canister that stores the tonneau cover, the upper half of the container becomes home for two powder coated black steel tool trays that are included. This upgrade allows you to store your tools and other important equipment somewhere easier to reach and in a more organized manner. Other than that, you're getting exactly the same product as the American Roll Cover. The toolbox comes standard with matching, OEM style handles and locks. The lock itself features a molded rubber flange for the housing to provide protection from water and dust infiltration, and the whole lid is weather sealed.
Just like the canister on the Roll Cover, the entire toolbox is constructed from black powder coated galvanized steel for durability and protection from damage, with a dual-stage powder coat process for rust resistance.
Truck Covers USA American Work Cover

The Little Upgrade

If you're after a tonneau cover toolbox combo but need to conserve truck bed space, Truck Covers USA has your answer. The American Work Cover Jr is a purchasable upgrade that can be added on to your existing American Roll Cover or purchased with a new cover as a combo. The great benefit of this cover is that it offers you a toolbox tonneau combo which takes up no more bed space than a standard Retractable Tonneau Cover would, giving you the maximum use of your space. It installs directly on top of the canister. Keep your tools organised and close at hand, while secured by the same OEM handle and lock as the standard Work Cover.
Truck Covers USA American Work Cover Jr.

The X Upgrade

An upgrade available for the American Work Cover and Work Cover Jr., the American X-box is a must have on any hard working truck. Constructed and finished with Line-X Premium, this version of either Work Cover toolbox has all of the same features and benefits, but it's been beefed up. Line-X Premium offers you the most long lasting, durable option for those that really work their trucks hard. Top of line abrasion and high impact resistance are two features that have been improved upon. On top of that, the X-box features UV protection that gives the toolbox a long lasting luster, and high end fade resistance. Line-X Premium is VOC free, environmentally friendly, and even adds protection from stains caused by harsh chemicals.
Truck Covers USA with Rack System

The Add Ons

The addition of the toolbox opens up a whole new world of customization for your Truck Covers USA product. It is important to note that, on top of the add ons listed below, all of the products available for the American Roll Cover are available for the Work Covers as well except for the American Truck Rack.
Truck Covers USA American Work Cover with LED Lights
The most obvious add on available on the full size Work Cover, and one that should never be overlooked, is the LED Light Strip. If ever you find yourself out in the wild at night missing a flashlight, or just need both hands to use your toolbox, these lights will save your life. Built into the lid of the toolbox and protected by a black powder coated shield to prevent them from being smashed, they offer a bright, low energy light that will allow you to find what you need in your toolbox. The benefits to LEDs, of course, are their low energy requirement that will be easy on your vehicle's battery, their surprisingly bright light, and their capability to run for a very long time.
Another great add on that allows you to customize your toolbox and truck bed access is the Power Locking Actuator Set. Pre-installed on your new American Work Cover and ready to be wired, this set of 2 power actuators link up with your toolbox locks and allow you to use them remotely from your truck's existing key fob. They have a high power output, which ensures they will successfully lock and unlock in even the harshest climates, and they even have thermal protectors to prevent overheating. They are engineered to work with your key locks, so that you never have to worry about losing the key to your toolbox again.
Truck Covers USA Chrome Handle Upgrade
Truck Covers USA also offers aesthetic upgrades that allow you to enhance your cover's style. The Chrome Handle upgrade swaps out the classic black handles for stylish chrome ones. They keep to the OEM look and key lock, leaving you with the same great quality and a look that better suits your taste. Chrome Handles are available on both the full size Work Cover and Work Cover Jr.
Stainless Steel Tray Upgrade Truck Covers USA
In a similar fashion, you can also purchase an upgrade that will replace your powder coated black toolbox trays with stainless steel ones. This option serves an aesthetic purpose, offering you the mirror-like lustre and classy style of stainless steel, as well as some practical ones. These high quality, stainless steel trays feature a high nickel content, which means that they are extremely resistant to rust. This is quite important when you are likely to put wet tools in the tray.  Stainless steel is longer lasting, and offers a distinct look that could be better suited for your vehicle.

In Summary

Truck Covers USA offers some of the best products on the market for upgrading and personalising your truck bed storage space. From the base model American Roll Cover to the American Work cover, you will be sure to get the cover that suits your lifestyle perfectly. Then you can customise it as much as you want to add racks, save space, increase the ease of use, and mark your truck with your signature style. The best part of this set up is it is compatible with many other aftermarket truck bed accessories. 
Hopefully this article has given you enough information that you can begin building your own Truck Covers USA product. With all parts available pre-installed and many available later for self installation, and a 2 year warranty to help you rest easy, you can be sure you'll be happy with the choice.
Be sure to check this video from SEMA that demonstrates the features of the Truck Covers USA Tonneau Cover!
If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact us at:

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330