32 JANUARY 2014 | STREETTRUCKS WWW.STR E ETTRUC KS MAG.COM

TECH TEXT BY MARCEL VENABLE PHOTOS BY DELUXE HOT RODS

Regular cab trucks do not offermuch in the way of a storagearea aside from the area behind the seats. This leavesthe bed as the only way to

transport not just large items, but gro-ceries, luggage and other valuables aswell. Unfortunately, the bed is open to theelements, and more importantly, thieves.This is where a bed cover comes into play.There are several different options andstyles available from color-matched lidsto camper shells. We headed over to Snug-Top in Long Beach, California, to see thedifferent options and select which bestfits with the style and functionality of this’13 Ram 1500 truck.

SnugTop has been in the business of pro-ducing high-quality truck caps for more than50 years. Throughout its long history, SnugTophas remained current with the market and offers high-quality, well-designed products tofit the needs of both recreational and worktruck users. All caps, from its sleek tonneaucovers to fitted truck caps, are made at Snug-Top’s facility in Long Beach.

We opted for the SnugTop SnugLid SL because of its sleek and low-profile styling.The design of the lid contours to the curves ofmodern trucks for an integrated look. The lidcame color matched perfectly to the factorypaint on the ’13 Ram 1500 truck. Some of thefeatures include a gas strut and hidden hingesystem, as well as an LED light and carpetedheadliner. The installation only requires a fewhand tools, and with the Snugrip mountingsystem there is no need for any drilling ormodifications to the factory bed. You willneed a few friends to help you install theSnugTop lid, however, to avoid damaging thepaint. A waterproof locking system ensuresthat your cargo and valuables are secured asthe lid covers the tailgate. In about an hour’stime, you can have your bed secure and addan integrated accessory that matches thestyle of your truck. ST

Top SecuritySECURING YOURGEAR WITH ASTYLISH SNUGTOP

SNUGTOPSnugtop.com PINDIDITPindidit.comPREMIERE MOTORSPORTS GROUPPremieremotorsportsgroup.com

SOURCES

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TOP SECURITY|TECH

INSTALLATION

[01] We begin with a new ’13 Ram truck withPlatinum Line-X coating in the bed.

[04] The side bed rails are removed from the SnugLid for installation on the bed rails.

[02] The SnugTop SnugLid SL comes wrappedand packaged with foam.

[03] These are the only tools needed. That’sright, it’s a simple no-drill, bolt-on operation,thanks to the Snugrip mounting system.

[05] The front brackets are bolted into place on the side rails. [06] Using the supplied Snugrip clamps, the side rails are secured looselyto the bed.

[07] A piece of weather stripping is installed on top of the bulkhead to keep out water. Then the front brace is slid over the studs on the side rails andtightened in place.

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34 DECEMBER 2013 | STREETTRUCKS WWW.STR E ETTRUC KS MAG.COM

TECH |TOP SECURITY

34 JANUARY 2014 | STREETTRUCKS WWW.STR E ETTRUC KS MAG.COM

[08] The power and ground leads needed forthe light are run through a drain plug andunderneath the truck inside of the frame.

[09] The SnugLid SL is placed over the bed and adjusted until an even one-finger gap all around is achieved.

[11] The front brackets are tightened.[10] The hinges are secured to the brackets on the side bed rails, and the gas struts are secured fromthe lid to the brackets.

[13] The last step is to ground the black wireand run the red power wire to one of the powerterminals on the battery for the light.

[14] The SnugLid features a waterproof lock. [15] The thin hidden hinges remain out of theway of any cargo. The underside is lined withcarpeting that can be easily cleaned.

[17] A touch-light ishelpful whenremoving items at night.

[18] The SnugLidSL contours nicely tothe bed of the ’13Ram truck and camepainted to match as well!

[16] If the lid needs to be removed, a simplepull of the handles and struts removes the coverfrom the brackets.

[12] The latching rods are adjusted for proper fit.

FEATURES

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