Trying not to veer too offtopic,
Do you have the soft covers in back? Looks like it from that photo you posted. I heard of that option just never saw it close up before. What are you thoughts on it?
Yes I have the soft cover. I did want the hard panels, but 3 dealers could only locate 1 truck that met all of my specs (fully loaded, no roof rack, no steps, green) BUT it only had the soft top. I really didn't care too much, but I used that fact as a bargaining chip to get them $215 under dealer invoice -before the $2002 cash back
With that said, the soft cover: I've had the button-down style sport master tonneaus on my previous trucks and I was always told the under-the-rail system like the AV has isn't very good. Well I am happy to report that the AV's system is quite nice.
Disadvantages (vs hard covers)
1.) Can't lock the bed contents
2.) Can't stand on it
3.) Slight flapping noise when midgate is down (exact noise that my '97 silverado w/ soft tonneau made when the back window was open... I find it soothing and relaxing, so it may be an advantage to some... heh)
Advantages (v hard panels):
1.) You can transition from covered to packed away (in its cool storage bag) in under 1 minute
2.) Very lightweight
3.) Easy access to all parts of the bed
4.) Not as popular as the hard covers (if a dealer has one in stock you may get a better deal) plus a discount on the sticker
5.) This one is not verified.. the Bows might make the storage area slightly higher in the back vs. the hard covers. I have not measured this, but it appears to be so.
-Note: I have zero leakage at the midgate area, don't know if I can attribute that to the soft cover. The 2 bows have a very high ceiling so water rushes off the cover and into the rain channels quite quick.
To tell you the truth, I would like to have both. Hard covered when I have something valuable in the back and soft for all other times.) For now I try not to leave anything too expensive in the back; if something does get stolen home owners insurance takes care of it.
The hard panels are rather expensive at the local dealer (they match dal's price including s/h costs) but if an alternate system like a Roll-n-Lock (I started a previous thread about this awhile ago, but probably got lost in the YABB ether) comes along I'll probably investigate purchasing.
I can take some more pictures if you want (although we'll probably have to move it do a different thread)