[MaineMan]

Agree! Great design, Low profile. Easy to take off(on. (No crawling around bed to remove bolts). Best on the market. If serious buyer as stated above, TonneauCovered.com has best price anywhere!


Gusto!

 

[MaineMan]

Is that the Matte Black? It looks nice. I’m trying to decide between the Lomax and the OEM/Solid Fold.

Yes - Matt black. It exactly matches the rest of the Matt black trim on the truck.

Gusto!

Note: I actually went to a dealer that primary sold a variety of different name brand covers for a living. Once I compared the build quality, ease of installation and the simplicity of usage I was sold! I didn’t buy there. Too expensive. Went online and found best deal and purchased.

Gusto!

 

[MaineMan]

Thanks for the great information. I’ve been debating whether this is something I can install myself, as I’m not particularly handy. Front what I’ve read in the many posts on ROC, it sounds like it’s a matter of using a Torx bit to unscrew the bolts, which should be easy enough. I do worry about getting the rails straight/level and not hurting the composite bed as I reinstall the bolts though.

The install of the LOMAX in the Ridgeline is real simple. Remove the 3 bolts in the bed on each side of the Ridgeline and install the one piece rail on each side. Line up rail to top of bed. Install top check for alignment. Once happy, tighten bolts you’re done! Took my son and I less than 1/2 hour to do. You could do it by yourself but easily done with an extra hand.

You CAN do this!

Gusto!

 

[MaineMan]

I will admit my own decision is also between the Lomax and the Extang. From what I've seen the Lomax is stronger, a bit better built, and a little nicer looking. But when lifted against the rear window to expose the entire bed, the Lomax loses because I am simply not going to glue some hook to the roof of my nearly-new Ridgeline to attach a strap to hold it up. The Extang's prop rods is a big deal. So I remain torn ...

I did not get that version!! I got the more simple less complicated one. Just lift up the retaining string and lift the cover off. No need to f**k with trying to line up the cover over the roof line. Keep it simple! Need full bed space remove and leave at home. Or if out and about remove and it fits along side one truck panels. Plus, it just keeps it clean w/o having the cover block your rear view mirror.

I usually just say you truck your choice. But after using several different covers over 2 Colorados and now 2 Ridgelines this is the absolute best choice.

No. I did not get paid for this endorsement!

Gusto!

 

[MaineMan]

Yes, I’m sure there are other equally great choices. I’m not saying there are not. Your needs and reason for purchase might be significantly different than mine.

Gusto!

 

[MaineMan]

@Sparkland - first thing you need to know it’s 8 degrees in my garage. Blizzard going on outside. Glad I could remain in my 4 car garage! (Yes, I’m bragging). Here’s a few pics.

Tri-fold operates easily. You can open or close the cover or the tailgate in any order. Doesn’t matter which one open/close first.

In full disclosure, the trunk opens up but stops about 2 inches from being fully opened. The two rails the cover sits on prevents fully opening it. But, not an issue.

Finally, you can see when fully open it still rides on the rails for 22 inches.

But here’s the best part. With the model I have (minus the hook to roof model) pull down the release cables, slide cover back a couple of inches and it lifts right off!! Leave at home or take it with as it fits nicely in the bed of the truck.

Edit: Where I live along the coast of Maine we could get 20 inches or more of snow before it ends.

Gusto!

 

[MaineMan]

@Anaximander - Congratulations!! You’l love it. Which version did you buy?

Gusto!

 

[MaineMan]

@Anaximander - Good choice. It’s the one I have. Real simple to install.

 

[MaineMan]

Theoretically, you could prop up the Lomax long enough to fit your cargo in the bed, then let the tonneau rest back on your cargo, with a blanket in-between. As long as you aren't going too far, it shouldn't damage the cover.

”Theoretically”. - yes, that would work for the LOMAX. But to make that happen you’d have to unclip it from the front. Making it likely to fall off in a sharp turn.

 

[MaineMan]

Do you lose any of the tie downs with the LoMax?

No! You still have access to all tie downs.

Gusto!

 

[MaineMan]

Thanks for describing the process, as well as all the pictures you posted. It does seem like something my wife and I could handle, or I could get a friend to assist. Did you do any additional waterproofing to make the tonneau and bed more water right? I saw several good posts from Phineas detailing that process.

I have done no additional water proofing. I did travel to several different stores during a deluge. Had the truck in the elements for almost 4 hours. When I go home there was a small about, guessing about a cup, or rain near the front of the bed. As I normally don’t use my truck as a work truck no need to venture out in bad weather. I would normally not leave anything sensitive to extreme water in the bed. Plus being garaged takes away any concerns.

 

[MaineMan]

The tie downs go on top of the tonneau cover brackets.

No, there are tie-downs already installed in the bed all underneath the cover.

Gusto!

 

[MaineMan]

Yes...I know there are tie downs installed in the bed. Most all tonneau covers have you remove the upper tie down brackets in the bed to install the tonneau brackets to secure the cover. You can then reinstall the tie down bracket on top of the tonneau cover bracket. Does the Lomax not install that way???

No it does not. Any/all tie downs are not touched in any way.

The LOMAX has two rails. These rails are put on by removing the 3 OEM bolts on each side as longer bolts replace the in exact same spot. Total of 6 bolts (three on each side. That’s the ONLY thing needed to install the cover. As the cover is pushed as far forward as possible it rest on top of the bed that buts up against the rear window. Watch the video I posted above.

Gusto!

 

[MaineMan]

I really appreciate this thread. I have a Lomax Tri-Fold Matt Black cover arriving today for my 2022 RTL. I think it will be a very nice look and addition to the N.A.R.T.

NART? Oh, if you spent money on it it’s real!!
Excellent choice! Get an extra hand to help out. A lot easier to install.

Gusto!

 

[MaineMan]

What is up with the "Gusto" Is that a Maine thing?

Maine thing? No. My nickname is “Gus” Many, many years ago I wasn’t the stand up citizen I am today. At certain venues, I’ll leave that to the imagination, someone would yell GUSTO! We’d all, at least me, would raise the glass of whatever beverage I was drinking and down the rest. I was usually the last man (idiot) standing at the end of the night playing that game. Then I would drive everyone home. You have to remember this is the late 60s early 70s.

Over time my nickname grew from Gus to……….

Gusto!

 

[MaineMan]

I'm another very satisfied Lomax owner, for all of the reasons already stated. I will note that I'm not terribly mechanically inclined, and even I was able to install this tonneau with very little difficulty and very quickly. The only issue I had was with the truck, not the tonneau, in that one of the bolts was so tight that I had to take it to a shop with an impact driver to get it loose. I'll also note that three of the four doohickeys (that's the technical term, I'm sure) that serve as pads for the folded up panels came loose, but Lomax is shipping me replacements without any question, and I'll just make sure they're really glued down well this time.

Good deal. One suggestion, make sure after a couple of months you recheck the rail bolts to make sure they’re still tight. I checked mine. No issues but gave me peace of mind.

Gusto!

 

[MaineMan]

I have the Lomax Trifold Diamond Plate on my Red 2021 Ridgeline Sport. I like the diamond plate as it doesn't get as hot underneath it as the black covers. It also gives the impression of a "stronger" cover rather than the matte covers; even though if anyone wanted in the bed of the truck bad enough, any of these covers could be popped off. There is only the tiniest amount of water leak, but I do notice when I go from very hot weather to quickly cold weather and driving a lot, I get some condensation on the underside of the diamond plate.

View attachment 422329

Looks very nice on the red. The diamond back gives it a very solid appearance. If the LOMAX logo was present I couldn’t see it. Which is a good thing. I considered the diamond back but thought the matt black was a better look for my black truck.

A red and silver combo is always a classic look. One question, do you get much reflection into the cab because of the shiny mirrored appearance?

Gusto!

 

[MaineMan]

Great Job!

These boxes take a beating during shipping. But no missing or damage to any parts.

Here’s the box when it arrived.

Here’s mine.

 

[MaineMan]

Thanks for all the info, just installed my Lomax Matte today. Went on pretty easy. I like how easy it is to take on and off. I have a shelf in my garage set aside for it when it is off for a few days. I haven't done any additional water proofing assuming the bed will get wet if I drive it in the rain.

Yes, easy install. The bed might get a little wet. Last fall I was traveling to 4 -5 different stores in a torrential downpour. Wind blowing sideways. Got home three hours later and checked. Was surprised how little rainwater had accumulated inside. Keep in mind, I did nothing special to seal off those two areas near the front on each bedrail. Unless I was carrying something that absolutely could get wet it was satisfactory for my needs.

Dang! I was just looking at the pic of that truck & cover a reply above yours. Beautiful!!! If I have to say so myself. - LOL

Gusto!