Abstract: A cover apparatus for the cargo bed of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck (11), travel trailer and the like, comprising a top (13) and a mechanism (15) for raising and lowering the top is disclosed. The top may comprise a structurally stiff planar sheet suitable for supporting a relatively large storage container (121) affixed to the lower surface thereof; or, a relatively lightweight, low silhouette camper top (17) of the type commonly mounted on the side walls surrounding the bed of a pickup truck. The raising and lowering mechanism (15) comprises telescoping columns (31)--one located in each of the four corners of the cargo bed. Horizontal frame members (41, 43, 45) support the telescoping columns (31) in a vertical position. A driven shaft (69) extends between one pair of columns and is chain coupled to a parallel shaft (81) that extends between the other pair of columns.