Deciding Between Hard and Soft Tonneau Cover

Tonneau Cover is used in utility vehicles or trucks to cover and secure the pickup bed.  It protects the truck’s contents and the truck bed from rain and snow or the damaging effects of the heat of the sun.

Tonneau Covers come in variety of styles from which a truck owner can choose from but the basic choice to make is between hard or soft tonneau covers.

Hard Tonneau Cover

–         much better in protecting the truck bed and its contents

–         offers better security

–         difficult to take off if you carry larger objects

–         access to the front of the bed box can be quite difficult

Soft Tonneau Cover

–         equally resistant to weather

–         less secure as it can be slashed with a knife

–         easy to take off to accommodate larger objects

–         allows a much easier access to truck’s bed

Primarily, the consideration when choosing between hard or soft tonneau covers lies on the goods or objects that you intend to carry in your truck.  It is not enough to consider the quality of the cover alone, it is important to think about its usage or purpose.  Why did you bought your truck in the place?  If you ask me, it depends upon the purpose of your truck.

If you intend to use you truck for your business and you expect to carry larger objects often, it will do good to purchase a soft tonneau cover.  It is because it is easier to remove or dismantle from the truck.  However, if you bought your truck plainly as your mode of transportation to work, hard tonneau cover will suit best.  Just make sure you choose a quality that is not difficult to remove if there will be a need to do so.

Manufacturers are constantly studying the needs of truck owners and trying to deliver a more flexible option.  Common types of tonneau cover are the following:

1. Roll-up tonneau – made from cloth or vinyl.  A rib-like structure or a snap-based system is used to support the fabric and keep it firm.  It can be opened by rolling the cover up toward the cab of the truck.
2. Retractable unit – mounted on the front and sides of the truck bed and rolls up or retract from the tailgate towards the cab.  It is typically made of vinyl, plastic or aluminum.  A small rectangular cylinder is attached at the front of the bed to keep the tonneau cover when retracted.  Retractable tonneau covers are usually lockable.
3. Fiberglass or hard plastic tonneau – agreed to have the best appearance among tonneau covers for it is available in multiple-compartment design.  This type can be painted to match the truck.  Like the retractable unit, this can also be locked.

As I have mentioned, manufacturers are in constant review to deliver the best option to satisfy truck owners so be on the look out.  You can always find up-to-date answers in the internet.