The area where the cover folds must be kept free of cargo in order for the cover to extend or retract. The panels start to fold (drop down) into the bed about 20 inches from the cab as shown here.
How far the panels will drop down from the top of your bed depends on the length of your truck bed.
- 5 to 6.5 foot bed lengths will have the panels drop down roughly 10-12 inches.
- 8 foot beds will have the panels drop down roughly 12 - 12.5 inches into the bed.
It still leaves plenty of clearance to the floor of the bed to slide long items like a piece of plywood all the way to the front.
How to prevent loads from shifting?
Load bars and cargo management systems are great truck accessories that prevent items from shifting or sliding into the bed space needed to open the cover.
What if I need to use my full bed for cargo?
If load bars & cargo management systems don't fit your needs for bed space usage, a cargo hook is perfect for retrieving items from the front of the bed without crawling in to grab them.