Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover for Maximum Gear Protection

Everyone wants to be able to protect their vehicle from the elements, especially during the cold months. You will always come across the tri-fold tonneau covers when choosing covers, thanks to their popularity and reliability among most pickup truck owners. Purchasing the best tri-fold tonneau cover is the best way to ensure your goods are guarded. If you are struggling with security and durability for your truck bed cargo, installing a reliable tri-fold tonneau cover could be the solution. Read on.

What is a Tonneau Cover?

A tonneau cover is a soft or hardcover that goes over your truck’s bed to protect your cargo from snow, rain or dirt while leaving enough room to load your gear. Most truck owners desire a tonneau cover for several reasons, and these include:

• To keep belongings safe and dry from the elements
• Extend the pickup’s bed life
• Improve the truck’s fuel economy
• Prevent the theft of belongings from the truck’s bed
• Improve the way the truck looks

Although most tonneau covers work for all these purposes, it focuses on one aspect like security or weatherproofing more than other options. We have listed the best tri-fold tonneau covers with their pros, cons and any additional information you might need to decide.

How do Tonneau Covers Work?

A tonneau cover is installed using bed rails fixed to your truck’s bed using several clips, which will prevent the need for drilling or other permanent installation methods. However, it may be challenging to do, and it may affect the resale value of your truck later.

Soft tonneau covers are sold in two different variations: folding tonneau covers and roll-up tonneau covers. A roll-up tonneau cover rolls up when it’s not deployed over the length of your bed, similar to a yoga mat. These soft covers use plastic buckles and keep the cover rolled up, which can be unlatched easily when you want to cover your bed again. On the other hand, a soft-folding tonneau cover folds up in three or four sections, and although these types of soft tonneau covers may perform similarly, they offer different advantages.

Hard folding tonneau covers come in two types: single-piece and folding tonneau covers. Single-piece hard tonneau covers are not as convenient, and they have an extra benefit as they look better on some trucks. In addition, they don’t have top seams that admit water.

A folding hard tonneau is easy to use, and it folds up in three or four sections like a soft folding cover, but it may not look as cool as on your pickup truck. Generally, hard tonneau covers are more durable than soft tonneau covers.

What are the Types of Tonneau Covers?

There are four different types of soft and hard pickup truck bed covers. They include:

a). Folding Tonneau Covers

These cover types are made either of a stiffened fabric or a hard material, and they fold in three or four sections. They are easy to mount but are heavy and can be challenging for one person to remove. Also, they may or may not have locks.

b). Retractable Tonneau Covers

Retractable covers roll up at the end of your bed like a window shade, and they can have a fabric or aluminum construction which you will need to install guides for them. However, they are very expensive but super convenient.

c). Hinged Tonneau Covers

Hinged covers are super secure, and depending on the taste, they can be stylish and painted to match your car. These hard lift-up covers are the oldest truck style of bed covers, and they are made of ABS and are permanently mounted to include struts to hold them open. However, some models may also be made of fiberglass, and it’s likely to be heavy than the molded ABS thermoplastic.

d). Roll-Up Tonneau Covers

Roll-up covers come in both fabric and aluminum versions, and they are among the highest and most affordable options.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover

1. Vehicle Compatibility

All truck bed covers are constructed for a specific vehicle, and there is no universally compatible bed cover even when the trucks have the same bed length. The body styling can cause the trucks to need different covers, so it’s necessary to ensure the truck bed cover you choose matches your application’s make, year, model, and exact bed size. Ensure that isn’t a standard for measurements of the bed, and you may need to research your application method to verify the correct length.

2. Materials Used

The main reasons why hard covers are considered over soft roll-up covers is to improve security, durability and aesthetics. Using high-quality metals, seals, powder acting, and latches is a key to ensuring success in all the areas. Since all manufacturers claim to use the best and durable materials, it’s necessary to read the real-world reviews of performance before you make a purchase.

3. Ease of Use

Some hard tonneau covers are easy to open, fold and latch than others and you will need one with the highest level of convenience. An easy lift and maneuver cover will allow you to use all its benefits and folding configurations. It’s a great idea to choose a simple cover to adjust to transport different types of items if needed. The best hard folding tonneau cover is the one that makes getting to your gear happens in a few seconds with only a little difficulty.

4. Profile

The truck’s bed cover may seem entirely related to aesthetics, but that is not the case. High-standing hard tonneau covers sit on top of bedsides, creating the appearance that many may prefer, but it blocks the stake pockets. If you choose to use stake pockets for bed rails or tie-downs, you will need a cover that uncovers them, choosing a low-profile tonneau cover.