Thinking of a different hard tonneau cover - input please

[Slim]

With me recently bailing on the idea of a cap I realized, simply, that I want my cake and I wanna eat it too! The whole reason I want to cover the box of my truck is to keep things secure and out of sight, so some form of locking hard cover is what i'm after. I don't like the idea of conventional hard tonneau covers, though, as it can be a pita to have to remove it on your own (i'm not a muscleman - look at my username ) and I want some kind of tool chest, so that hampers things there, too.

So, my idea is to make a folding tonneau that folds with the hinges on the box sides. The "split" would be down the center of the box, from front to back.

The idea is that you can access whatever you need as easily as if there was no cover there when the covers are open. If you need to haul something taller than the cover you leave the panels open and secure them (could even use typical gas shocks to keep them propped up). This would kinda be like having a flatbed truck with side panels. If I had any PhotoShop skills i'd make something, so you'll have to make due with using you imagination for now.

Am I nuts or is this not a great idea that needs to be realized?!?!??! Of course, if it already exists please show me! I want a tool chest and room for two mountain bikes (and occasionally camping gear), locked up out of sight, or the possibility to hold a motorcycle or furniture etc. I think this idea is perfect for me (and maybe others).

Gimme some input please. Thanks!

 

[koda6966]

It would be a bizatch to make. But I like the idea.

Somewhere I saw a toolbox tonneau cover that folded three times going across that was fiberglass instead of a soft material. No clue where it was, I just remember it was pricey. If you want good access to the bed and don't have the fab skills that would be the way to go, otherwise go for your idea. It's cool.

 

[SammyP]

Try This One

http://www.aztrucks.com/product.asp?Product=713

 

[koda6966]

I'm not even Slim and I know he's gonna say HELL NO to that.

That's well over 2000 dollars, you could buy a whole truck for that much!

 

[Slim]

HAHAHAHHA!!! Apparently Koda has me pegged better than we all think ..... HELL NO!

I was talking with a couple of friends who are handy in the "tinkering department" and had ideas. I'm a bit concerned about the hinge, but with their suggestion of a stainless steel piano-type hinge, I might be able to make this work.

I'll check my local materials resources for diamond plate aluminum sheet and hinges and see how costly this might be. I'm figuring (hoping?) around the $250-300 mark for the aluminum sheets already cut to size.

I'll do some pricing to see if this will be worth my while or not. I don't mind the work, but this time of year and with no garage I don't want a huge operation needed to get this done.

Thanks!

 

[SammyP]

Oh my fault I didn't even look at the price lol that is outrageous...