2003 Ford F150 Bed Cover Review: Soft Roll up 6.5ft Truck Bed Worth It

Finding a quality 2003 ford f150 bed cover that does not break the bank can be a challenge, especially for older models. The Soft Roll up 6.5ft Truck Bed cover offers a surprising blend of weather protection and sleek aesthetics for a very affordable price point.

Overview: The Soft Roll up 6.5ft Truck Bed Cover

In my experience, finding accessories for the 10th-generation F-150 can be hit or miss regarding fitment. This cover stands out because it provides a custom-fit look without the custom-fit price tag, specifically designed to keep rain, dust, and prying eyes away from your cargo. It is an ideal solution for owners who want utility without a permanent, bulky commitment.

The Soft Roll up 6.5ft Truck Bed cover is a practical addition for anyone driving a 1997-2003 Ford F-150 or a 2004 Heritage model with the standard 6.5-foot Fleetside bed. At just $69.99, it targets the value-first segment of the market, offering a functional upgrade for high-mileage work trucks and daily drivers alike. While it lacks the heavy-duty security of a hard shell, its 4.5-star rating suggests it delivers exactly what it promises: convenience and basic protection.

Key Features: Durability and Materials

Double-Layer PVC Tarp Construction

The primary barrier of this 2003 ford f150 bed cover is a heavy-duty, double-sided PVC tarp. I found that this material is surprisingly resilient against UV rays and light debris, ensuring the fabric doesn’t fade or crack after a few months in the sun. The waterproof nature of the PVC keeps the bed dry during typical rain showers, protecting your tools or groceries from moisture.

Integrated Support Rod System

To prevent the “puddling” effect often seen on cheap soft covers, this model includes three internal support rods. These horizontal bars provide structural integrity, allowing the cover to maintain a tight, aerodynamic profile even at highway speeds. In my testing, these rods were essential for keeping the tarp taut and preventing it from flapping excessively in the wind.

Drill-Free Clamp Installation

One of the biggest selling points for the 2003 ford f150 bed cover is the easy installation process. It utilizes a clamp-on system that attaches directly to the bed rails, meaning you do not have to drill into your truck’s metal. This preserves the value of your F-150 and makes it possible to remove the entire assembly in minutes if you need to haul an oversized load.

Adjustable Tension Control

Weather conditions can cause vinyl and PVC to expand or contract, but this cover includes an adjustable tension system. By tweaking the settings on the side rails, I was able to achieve a “drum-tight” fit regardless of the temperature. This feature is crucial for maintaining the sleek look of the truck while ensuring the best possible water runoff.

Pros and Cons: The Real Trade-offs

When evaluating a budget-friendly accessory like this, it is important to weigh the benefits against the inherent limitations of a soft-sided design. Here is my honest breakdown of what works and what doesn’t with this 2003 ford f150 bed cover.

• ✅ Exceptional Value: At under $70, it is one of the most affordable ways to cover your truck bed.
• ✅ Tool-Free Setup: The lack of drilling makes it accessible for people who aren’t mechanically inclined.
• ✅ Improved Gas Mileage: The aerodynamic roll-up design reduces bed drag, which can slightly boost MPG.
• ✅ Full Bed Access: Unlike folding covers, this rolls all the way to the cab, giving you 100% access to your bed space.
• ✅ Weather Resistant: The PVC tarp and seals do a great job of keeping out dust and rain.
• ✅ One-Year Warranty: Having a year of coverage provides peace of mind for a budget purchase.

• ❌ Low Security: Since it is made of soft material, it can be easily cut with a knife; it is for privacy, not anti-theft.
• ❌ Fleetside Only: It will not fit Flareside or Stepside models, which limits its compatibility for some F-150 trims.
• ❌ Snow Load Limits: While it has support rods, it may struggle under very heavy, wet snow compared to a hard cover.
• ❌ Manual Latches: You have to ensure both sides are latched correctly to prevent the cover from lifting at high speeds.

Performance: Weather Resistance and Real-World Use

After installing the Soft Roll up 6.5ft Truck Bed cover on my 2003 Ford F-150, I put it through several weeks of testing in varying conditions. For a budget-friendly option priced under $70, I was primarily concerned with how the vinyl would react to moisture and wind. Here is what I discovered during my real-world evaluation.

Heavy Rain and Moisture Protection

When I tested the unit during a series of heavy spring thunderstorms, the results were impressive. While it is not 100% waterproof—no soft cover truly is—the weather stripping did an excellent job of channeling water away from the bed. I noticed a small amount of seepage at the rear corners near the tailgate, but my cargo remained dry. If you are hauling sensitive cardboard boxes, I recommend keeping them toward the center of the bed just to be safe.

High-Speed Highway Stability

One of the biggest complaints with cheap soft covers is “buffeting” or loud flapping at high speeds. When I took my truck up to 75 mph on the interstate, I was pleasantly surprised. By ensuring the adjustable tension system was properly dialed in, the cover stayed remarkably taut. There is a slight rhythmic hum, but it is barely audible over the engine noise of an older F-150.

Ease of Daily Access

I frequently haul mountain bikes and garden supplies, so I need a cover that doesn’t get in the way. Rolling this cover up to the cab is a one-person job that takes less than 60 seconds. The velcro strips along the side rails are heavy-duty and haven’t lost their “grip” even after being covered in road salt and dirt. The safety straps at the bulkhead are sturdy enough to keep the rolled vinyl secure while driving with an open bed.

Who Should Buy This Tonneau Cover?

This specific 2003 ford f150 bed cover is not for everyone, but it fills a specific niche in the market perfectly. Based on my testing, here are the ideal buyer profiles:

• The Budget-Conscious Restorer: If you are cleaning up an older tenth-generation F-150 and want to hide a beat-up bed floor without spending $500, this is the perfect solution.
• The Seasonal Hauler: If you only need bed protection during the rainy season or for a specific road trip, the low entry price makes this a smart temporary or semi-permanent investment.
• The Fuel-Efficiency Seeker: By reducing the aerodynamic drag caused by an open tailgate, this cover is ideal for those looking to squeeze an extra mile or two out of every gallon of gas.

Who should NOT buy this? If you live in a high-crime area and store expensive power tools in your bed, a soft cover is not for you. A simple utility knife can bypass the vinyl in seconds. For high-security needs, a hard-folding or retractable cover is a better, albeit more expensive, choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will this fit my 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage?

Yes. Because the 2004 Heritage model used the same body style as the 1997-2003 models, this 2003 ford f150 bed cover will fit perfectly as long as you have the 6.5ft Fleetside bed.

Can I open my tailgate while the cover is closed?

Absolutely. The rear latching mechanism is designed so that the cover sits on top of the bed rails, allowing the tailgate to open and close freely without having to roll up the vinyl.

Is this 2003 ford f150 bed cover compatible with bed liners?

It works perfectly with under-the-rail bed liners. However, if you have an over-the-rail plastic liner, you may need to trim small notches in the plastic to allow the cover’s clamps to grip the metal bed flange securely.

How does it handle heavy snow loads?

While the crossbars provide decent support, I recommend brushing off heavy snow (more than 3-4 inches) as soon as possible. Excessive weight can cause the vinyl to stretch over time, leading to puddling.

Do I need to drill holes into my truck?

No. This is a 100% “no-drill” installation. It uses a series of C-clamps to attach the side rails to the inner lip of your truck bed.

Can I go through an automatic car wash?

I recommend touchless car washes. The heavy brushes in traditional automatic washes can occasionally catch the edges of the velcro or apply too much pressure to the vinyl surface.

Final Verdict: Is This Budget Cover Worth Buying?

After a thorough evaluation, the Soft Roll up 6.5ft Truck Bed cover earns a solid 4.5-star rating. It is rare to find an automotive accessory at this price point that actually delivers on its promises. It offers a sleek profile, respectable weather resistance, and an incredibly easy installation process. While it lacks the security of a hard shell, it provides excellent value for the average truck owner. If you want to protect your cargo and improve your truck’s look, this 2003 ford f150 bed cover is an absolute steal at $69.99.

Ready to upgrade your F-150? Grab this roll-up cover today and protect your gear from the elements!