In Defense of the Soft-Rolling Tonneau Cover

October 11, 2023October 12, 2023 Michele Boyarsky 0 Comments Tonneau Covers, TrailFX, Truck Accessories, truck bed protection

Don’t dismiss the budget-friendly option just yet…

As pickup trucks grow larger, more powerful, and stuffed with an increasing number of luxury-grade bells and whistles, the vehicle’s most defining feature is starting to lose its luster.

The Truck Bed.

That wide open space of metal real estate, just waiting to be piled up with dirt, gravel, tools, and various forms of cargo. (Or, considering today’s truck-buying consumer, more likely outdoor adventure gear, sporting goods, and that mahogany hutch your partner spied at a roadside estate sale.)

We’re here to tell you that regardless of what you’re hauling – or if you even are hauling – your truck’s bed space needs protection. Even without shifting cargo leaving dings and dents in the OEM paint, Mother Nature takes a toll. So, how can you shore up your defenses?

The Tonneau Cover.

An often-overlooked truck upgrade, tonneau covers safeguard your cargo (and the bed itself), while also adding a touch of style and better aerodynamics to your vehicle. They come in a wide variety of designs and constructions to provide different levels of functionality and security, which means they also come in a wide range of price points. So, if your truck lifestyle (or budget) doesn’t call for a top-of-line accessory, but you still think coverage is important, then let us introduce you to an excellent compromise.

The Soft-Rolling Tonneau Cover.

Blending practicality and affordability with ease of use and a simple installation, soft-rolling tonneau covers have long been a favorite among truck enthusiasts. Unfortunately, in today’s innovative aftermarket, these unassuming accessories can sometimes get lost in the shuffle when held up against their heavy-duty folding, hinging, and retracting counterparts.

But if you’re in the market for some truck bed protection – and don’t want to break the bank – then keep reading. We’re about to uncover why soft-rolling tonneau covers are not just a practical choice but also a cost-effective one.

Weighing the Pros & Cons

From protecting your gear during unpredictable weather to enhancing your vehicle’s aerodynamics for improved fuel efficiency, soft-rolling tonneau covers offer a multitude of benefits. Like any other accessory, however, they also have their drawbacks.

So, let’s explore the pros and cons as they pertain to the main features likely to make your shortlist of considerations.

Accessibility

To us, accessibility is twofold. It pertains both to how conveniently you can access your truck bed for loading and unloading, as well as how hassle-free the cover itself is to operate. Soft-rolling tonneau covers earn pretty high marks in both regards.

Because they are typically constructed of vinyl laid over lightweight aluminum rails, soft-rolling tonneau covers are very easy to maneuver, simply rolling back and in on themselves to provide partial or full bed access. This makes it easy to quickly grab tools or equipment from the truck bed, or to uncover the entire space when carrying tall or bulky cargo. Additionally, integrated fasteners hold the cover neatly in place by the bulkhead, so you can keep it securely open while driving.

By contrast, a one-piece hinging tonneau cover – while durable and easy to use – doesn’t allow easy partial access, and it’s not particularly safe to drive around with one open. And while a hard-folding cover would solve these problems, it adds a new one: blocking your rear cab’s window while secured in the open position.

Appearance

This is a category where every type of tonneau cover really succeeds. By covering the truck bed, these accessories provide a sleek and streamlined appearance that not only looks more polished, but also helps cut down on wind resistance.

An added benefit to soft-rolling tonneau covers, specifically, is their low profile when rolled out. Since they don’t add much height to the truck bed, the vehicle nicely maintains its original proportions and clean lines. Covers that sit higher on the bed rails can disrupt this smooth profile. Hinging covers, in particular, can produce a bit of a visual “Tupperware” effect, where they really just look like large painted lids.

However, soft-rolling covers can lose their shape more easily than other tonneau styles. The support bows or crossbars underneath the vinyl are what help the cover maintain its shape and remain taut. That means, if they are installed poorly or subjected to heavy use (or heavy items!), they will sag or bunch in areas, creating a wrinkled look. Additionally, vinyl demands a little special care. Subjecting it to excessive rain, snow, or blazing sun without regular cleaning and conditioning is a surefire way to ensure premature age and wear. If you live in a particularly abrasive climate, a soft-rolling tonneau might not be the best option.

Installation

Known for their ease of installation, soft-rolling tonneau covers are accessible to DIYers of all skill levels. Most can be affixed to your truck in less than hour, without needing any special tools or drilling. (In fact, simple clamp-on styles largely dominate the market now.) Since there are no intricate or motorized components like a retractable cover might have, the whole process is very straightforward. Your main area of focus will be to ensure that the cover is properly aligned and fastened according to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any wrinkles.

Security

While soft-rolling tonneau covers offer many benefits, they are admittedly not as secure as some other types of covers on the market. As noted, the vinyl will provide protection against weather but does require some regular TLC on the owner’s part. However, no matter how well you care for the fabric, it is still susceptible to slashing, so determined thieves with their eyes on your cargo are unlikely to be thwarted.

If you often travel through high-crime areas or regularly transport valuable items, a soft-rolling tonneau is not your best option. That said, if you only need to worry about “casual” or opportunistic thieves, a soft-tonneau is a decent deterrent and is certainly better than no tonneau at all. Additionally, many options now come with integrated tailgate locks, and you can always add cable locks to better secure the cover to the rails.

Price

Soft-rolling tonneau covers are generally the least expensive of the bunch. Their price tags will vary based on brand, quality, and specific features but, overall, they are well-known for providing a very consumer-friendly balance between affordability and functionality.

While you can find soft-rolling tonneau covers for very cheap, you’ll get what you pay for. Expect something in the $300 to $600 range if you want good quality materials, a sleek design, and additional features like tailgate locks.

By comparison, hard-folding and hinging covers will require you to spend closer to $800-$1,000 and retractable covers even more – sometimes over $2,000.