Difference Between Hard and Soft Tonneau Covers

Truck bed covers are the perfect way to protect valuable cargo from the elements and keep it safe from thieves. They come in two different types: hard and soft tonneau covers. With so many tonneaus available today, deciding which is best for you can be challenging.

Let's examine the difference, advantages, and drawbacks of hard and soft truck bed covers to make your purchasing journey easy.

Hard Tonneau Covers: Distinctive Features and Benefits

Materials: Hard tonneau covers are excellent for strong, durable, weather-resistant truck bed protection. These covers typically consist of a rigid material such as aluminum, fiberglass, or ABS plastic. They are designed to protect the truck bed from harsh weather conditions and other wear and tear. They provide an extra layer of security over soft tonneaus by giving a more substantial barrier against theft and impacts from road debris.

Design: The hard truck bed cover provides any vehicle with a sleek and modern look while protecting it from the elements. It is available in multiple colors to match a truck's existing paint color and is made with durable materials that make it stylish and reliable. The hard tonneau cover stands out from others due to its sleek design, which adds a touch of sophistication to any vehicle.

Installation Process: Installing a hard tonneau cover is relatively straightforward and can be completed within 1-2 hours. First, you'll want to ensure you have the right tools for the job and a good hardware supply. Place the mounting rails in the truck bed, measuring and marking their positions outside. Use the appropriate hardware to secure the rails and ensure that they are firmly attached to the truck. Once the rails are securely in place, assemble the tonneau cover and attach it to the mounting rails using the hardware that the manufacturer provided. Finally, finish it by locking the tonneau with the provided latch system.

Usage: Hard truck bed covers can quickly and easily open and close with either latches or removable clamps. They can also be opened and closed with electric-powered actuators, unique keys, or even hydraulically. Most hard tonneaus retract into the truck's bed, providing maximum clearance for large loads.

Aerodynamics: Hard tonneau covers are becoming famous for truck owners looking to reduce wind drag and improve fuel economy. These covers can fit tightly over the cargo bed of a truck, creating an aerodynamic shape that reduces the air resistance created by the truck's open bed. By lowering this air resistance, these truck bed covers can help improve fuel economy by up to 10%.

Soft Tonneau Covers: Distinctive Features and Benefits

Materials: Soft tonneau covers are designed to fit over the open bed of a truck and are made from either vinyl or canvas material. Unlike hard tonneaus, these soft versions offer superior flexibility, allowing you to access the items in your cargo area quickly. The vinyl or canvas material is also water-resistant and helps protect the items inside from moisture, dust, and other environmental hazards.

Design: The roll-up feature of these covers makes them easy to install and remove, so they can be rapidly adjusted to fit the user's needs. Additionally, the frame is lightweight and can be manipulated with relative ease.

Installation Process: Installing a soft tonneau cover is easy and can usually be done in just a few minutes. Start by lining up the cover along the top edge of the pickup bed, then secure it with clamps. The sides of the cover are rolled up and attached to the existing rails on the truck bed with velcro or zip ties. Adding edge trim to the sides of the bed provides more protection from the elements and enhances the cover's look.

Usage: Roll-up covers are easy to install and can be rolled up or down in seconds. Retractable covers provide a sleek look and allow you to easily access your bed without removing the cover. Folding models offer even more convenience, as you can fold them away when unused.

Aerodynamic: Soft tonneau covers are an excellent choice for drivers looking to improve their vehicle's fuel efficiency. These covers fit snugly on the truck bed and provide an aerodynamic barrier that reduces air drag and wind turbulence while driving. It helps reduce fuel consumption and allows drivers to go further on less gas.

Price Point

A hard tonneau cover is typically more expensive than a soft tonneau cover. Hard tonneau covers are often made from heavier and more durable materials like fiberglass and plastic. They usually have superior weather and theft resistance due to their more secure locking mechanisms. These features make hard tonneau covers more costly than soft ones, which are typically more affordable and easier to install but may provide less protection against the elements.

Best Hard Tonneau Covers

These are some of the best hard tonneau covers that you can find in the market:

BAKFlip MX4

The BAKFlip MX4 is an advanced tonneau cover that stands out from the competition with its unique features. It is made from reinforced aluminum panels that provide superior strength and durability while reducing weight. The patented latch system allows for secure locking and easy access to the cargo area, and the low-profile design keeps it out of sight for a sleek look. Additionally, it is resistant to ultraviolet rays, water, rust, and dust, ensuring lasting performance in all environments.

Retrax PowertraxPRO XR

Retrax PowertraxPRO XR is the highest-grade hard cover system on the market, with exceptional style and superior function. It provides a sleek finish with solid construction and a built-in operation that allows you to close the cover with a single pull-latch. It has durable cargo protection, a unique matte finish,and heavy-duty aluminum slats with superior sealing. The advanced sealing mechanism prevents dirt, dust, and moisture from entering the bed, and the cover quickly locks in any position to give you the extra security you need. Additionally, the cover is designed in such a way that it creates a low-profile aerodynamic design that enhances fuel efficiency.

Gator EFX

Gator EFX tonneau covers offer a unique blend of sleek style and functionality. These tonneau covers are designed to protect your truck bed from the elements and improve its resale value using lightweight yet incredibly tough aluminum panels. With a sleek and low-profile design, Gator EFX tonneau covers look great on any truck while providing superior protection.

Best Soft Tonneau Covers

Check out these products if you're leaning toward getting a soft tonneau cover:

Extang e-Max

The Extang e-Max, soft tonneau cover features a low-profile, aerodynamic design made from high-quality leather-grain tarp tear-resistant and waterproof material. Unlike other soft tonneau covers, the Extang e-Max features a custom fit tailored specifically for your truck and quick-release clamps for easy access to cargo. The Extang e-Max, a soft tonneau cover, is also lined with heavy-duty weather seals that offer superior protection from harsh temperatures, snow, and rain.

TruXedo TruXport

TruXedo TruXport roll-up cover is designed with an easy functionality that allows users to install and remove the cover easily. It is built with marine-grade vinyl for added convenience and protection. TruXedo TruXport roll-up covers also feature an adjustable tension system with a simple ratchet and tension control system that reduces bulkiness when the it is in place.

Lund Genesis Elite

The Lund Genesis Elite roll-up cover is unique because it is made from a durable vinyl fabric that is very strong and tear-resistant. It also features an anodized aluminum frame that is rust-proof, UV-resistant, and protects your cargo. The cover also features a low-profile design and a matte black finish that helps to reduce glare while looking great.

Which type of tonneau cover should you get?

It is best to assess your situation and decide which fits your needs better. Opt for a hard truck bed cover; you need more security and durability. A soft tonneau cover may be the better choice if you want an easier, more affordable option. Undoubtedly, a tonneau cover is one of the must-have truck accessories nowadays.