DECKED Tonneau Cover Review
In the world of aftermarket truck parts something that remains true is that truck owners are always looking for a way to keep their gear safe and secure in the back of their truck. The tonneau cover world seems to have more options than ever thought possible, but we are going to take a stab at rating/reviewing the top options out there.
Truck bed storage is a main priority for all truck owners out there so let’s figure out what the best option really is. This post is meant to outline the top tonneau covers on the market to give you the most information when looking to buy a tonneau cover.
Categories for review
- Soft Folding
- Hard Folding
- Full shell
- Soft Roll up
- Retractable
Key Features to Consider
- Security. If you are looking for impenetrable security look towards something made fully out of aluminum or a hard shell cover. While soft shell options may be lockable they ultimately are not as safe
- Accessibility. Can you only open the cover from the back or will you need to have an option to access the cab side as well?
- Price. "You get what you pay for" rings truer than ever in the tonneau cover world. While many inexpensive options out there will get the job done you will likely sacrifice durability and overall quality if you choose a lower price point.
- Durability. Rain or shine you want your gear protected. That remains true 5 years from now, and there are a few key features that will ensure your tonneau cover will get the job done.
- Functionality. It all comes down to how the cover works for your needs. Comparing, weight, material, fold/roll function, lockable, and latch style will direct you towards the right cover for your needs
Let's dive in to each category. Each cover will have a DECKED Score that is based on a 1-5 scale.
Soft Rolling
The soft rolling tonneau cover is where it all began. Simple and effective in hiding the contents of your truck bed. Out of sight, out of mind rings true when looking towards all tonneau covers, but there is no way to get around the fact that the soft rolling covers do not provide much security or protection at all. Vinyl material will not last with heavy and variable weather, so we highly recommend finding something with a warranty if you go this route.
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American Tonneau Soft Rolling
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The soft rolling base level starts here. This cover will keep your gear out of the sun but it is hard to put much faith in protecting your gear or keeping water out. It is a great affordable option for those simply looking to hide the contents of your bed but doesn’t extend much further than that. DECKED Score - 2 |
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Access Lorado Roll-Up
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This is the highest quality soft rolling tonneau we can find. Even though it still is secured with velcro and still made of a vinyl material it looks to have the most effort put towards the latches, installation mechanics, and overall quality. DECKED Score - 3 |
Hard Rolling
The hard rolling options out there provide a bit more function and flexibility than their soft counterparts. Most options that we have reviewed are some form of an aluminum frame wrapped in a vinyl cover to give it flexibility and “protection”. Most of these products available will advertise a 400lb payload but be wary of your tie-down availability and wear and tear on the vinyl if you plan to load anything on top.
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BAK Revolver X2 Tonneau Cover
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A framed rolling tonneau cover to give the user options when it comes to how far back they want to roll the cover up. It provides stability and structure with option to load up to 400lbs on top, which you would not want to do as the top is a soft vinyl material that will rip. Pros - Gives more stability and less flap noise while driving from the aluminum framing throughout the roll. Cons - rolling could cause issue with water leaking as it is not as precise as folding options DECKED Score - 3 |
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Rugged Ridge Armis
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Very similar product to that of the BAK Revolver X2. Overall function is to be a step above the soft rolling and give more variability than a soft folding tonneau. They claim a 400lb payload on top which would be great but there is no access to tie down points and ultimately you would end up ripping the material that covers the aluminum framing. Great product for covering the bed but would not suggest using as a platform for loading additional gear on top! DECKED Score - 3.5 |
Retractable
Following suit with the rest of the world, robots are taking over….even when it comes to rolling up your tonneau cover. The options out there for a retractable cover all seem to be pretty comparable but the real reason people are looking at these over anything else is the fun they have when pushing the button (let’s be honest, we all love remote control toys).
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Roll N Lock
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Highest quality soft folding covers out there. These offer a sleek way to automate or manually roll up your tonneau cover without it sticking up above the bed. Ranging from the electronic E-Series electric retractable tonneau to the M-Series the Roll N Lock brand has a top quality line of products DECKED Score - 4.5 |
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Pace Edwards Switchblade
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Very similar in build and quality as the Roll N lock option. Overall good quality material, good attention to detail in the design but seems to be over engineered and could have potential to fail. Pros - fancy automatic retractable cover Cons - takes up 12” of bed space when rolled up. Seems to be too many moving parts DECKED Score - 3.5 |
Soft Folding
Aluminum framed and vinyl wrapped, these options are perfect for anyone looking to get a bit more security and structure out of their cover. The tri-folding feature allows for additional locking security when the tailgate is up while not having to add too much weight.
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TonnoPro TriFold
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Soft folding covers are a good medium ground for folks looking to get their bed covered and protected but may note be as worried about the elements getting in or the high security of a hard folding cover. Pros - lightweight, easy functionality, quick instal Cons - not as secure or weatherproof as hard folding systems DECKED Score - 4 |
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Tyger Auto T3 Tri-Fold
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Construction of this looks like you get what you pay for. A few other reviews show the product flapping in the wind while driving and the instal looks to be a cheap plastic connection. Pros - Cheap. Quick install Cons - Cheap, low quality material and likely not to last or keep your gear protected DECKED Score - 3 |
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Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold
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Very similar product to the other soft folding options out there. They are a good option for someone who is not looking to get full protection or weatherproofing but still want to hide their gear. No potential for loading additional weight on top and likely to rip or tear with continued use. DECKED Score - 3 |
Hard Folding
Let’s be real. You don't want any water in your truck bed if you are putting a cover on top. Anything with vinyl coating and velcro sides cannot possibly claim to be waterproof, but we think these hard folding covers are going to be one step closer to keeping your gear dry. The biggest benefit of jumping up from the soft folding category is that now you have the ability to add extra gear and weight on top (keep in mind where your tie-down points are).
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Diamond Back
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Diamond back offers two primary purposes. 1) hard shell bed cover for weatherproof storage with flatbed style storage on top. 2) ATV and 4x4 carrier. Both offer waterproof and secure storage under the hardshell cover with a variation of options when it comes to doors for access. Pros - Highly secure and durable. Built to last and heavy payload rating. Cons - Heavy and challenging to access bed space without removing completely. DECKED Score - 4.5 |
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BakFlip Series
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G2, F1, MX4, Fiber Max, and VP All products show the same quality and serve the same purpose; sleek profile with solid material. None of the models offer a lockable solution (outside of locking the tailgate). Available in fiberglass or aluminum and include a 1-5 year warranty based on model. DECKED Score - 3.5 |
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Trident Tough Fold
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Aluminum construction, delivered pre-assembled, and simple installation. They claim this is fully waterproof and has 3 folding and locking panels. After folded up the 3 panels stick over the bed making it difficult to load and store ATV/Dirtbike/4x4. Thick panels likely will help with insulation and security but end up adding weight and bulk compared to the Soft Roll category DECKED Score - 3.5 |
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BakFlip MX4
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One of the higher quality options out there for hard shell folding covers. These come with a handful of additional features that just don't seem to be covered by other options out there. Weatherproof with additional drain tubes to keep your gear dry and secure. Pros - Holds 400 pounds on top (looks like that might be a stretch). Comes with “prop rod” to keep up and out of the bed space when folded up. This is the only company out there tackling the “waterproof” question with honesty - “ Ultimately no truck bed cover is totally waterproof”... amen brother. Cons - requires tailgate to be down for opening. Weatherproof until the frame is bent. A lot of negative reviews around leaking systems. DECKED Score - 4.5 |
Full Shell Cover
This needs no introduction. Same as any shell camper or cover the goal here is to close off your truck bed to those pesky outsiders and the full shell option lets you do that in style. Some come with the option to mount racks and other accessories but if this is something you want there is not much to compare other than fit and color as they will all work the same.
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UnderCover Elite LX
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These full shell covers are usually a different audience than the rest of the Tonneau world as you fully commit to the cover on your bed until you want to remove the full system. Pros - color match and more secure than folding options. Likely the most waterproof and durable as there are no folding seams or material that could rip or tear. Cons - no variability or option to fold away without removing entirely. Storage is not as simple as a folding option. DECKED Score - 4 |
Un-Categorized and Untouchable
Look, we can sit here and give you all you need to know about a tonneau cover but at the end of the day you want functionality, durability, and a product you can count on. A DECKED system is not the right product for everyone, but that’s only because everyone doesn’t drive a truck. Here is our homage to the un-categorized tonneau category for a DECKED system.
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DECKED Storage System
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The DECKED system gives you the best of both worlds with 200lbs of dry storage in each drawer and the ability to load up 2000lbs of whatever on top. Weatherproof to keep out the water and dust, and secure so you don’t have to worry about your gear. No rips or tears of fabric, no folding, velcro, and no F!@%ing around. Pros - Weatherproof storage, durable, 2000lb payload, and option to add components to improve storage and organization. Fits under most tonneau covers if you want a second layer of protection. Cons - No chance DECKED Score - 5 |
Detailed Product Feature Review
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Product |
Price |
Function |
Lockable |
Durability (1 - 10) |
Notes |
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$475 |
Soft Rolling |
No |
3 - hard to put too much faith in the vinyl covers for durability. |
Velcro latching on the side will ultimately stretch, rip and fail |
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$250 |
Soft Rolling |
No |
2 - material can/will rip quickly |
Would work well as a sun shade but not much protection added |
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$225 |
Soft Folding |
Yes - only opens with tailgate open |
3 - looks to be cheap material |
No assembly required. Most affordable soft folding option |
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$250 |
Soft Folding |
Yes |
6 - looks to have potential to rip and wear in elements |
20 minute install |
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$200 |
Soft Folding |
No |
4 - material looks ready to rip at any time. Flapping in the wind will surely wear out at the seams |
Claims 12% gas mileage improvement |
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$200 |
Soft Folding |
No |
Same as other soft shell options |
Not built to last. It will work for a year or two and then need to be replaced. |
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$1,200 |
Sliding Drawers |
Yes |
10 |
Adds versatility and allows you to securely store your gear while still being able to store 2000 lbs of whatever on top |
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$420 |
Roll Up |
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5 - Lifetime warranty |
Inexpensive option for anyone looking at soft roll options |
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$1000 - $2500 |
Retractable |
Yes |
8 - too many parts to worry about |
Reviews say it doesn’t work well in cold weather and freezes up |
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$1300 - $2500 |
Retractable |
Yes |
8 - Structurally sound. Potential for certain parts to break |
Must remove front tie downs to install. No flapping when driving fast. Good quality |
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$2400 - $2800 |
Hard Top Storage for ATV |
Yes |
10 |
1600lb payload. 2 Hour Install |
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$870 |
Hard Rolling |
No |
6 - structural support will help but the soft vinyl skin is likely to rip and leak |
Does not look to have lockable option to drive while cover is rolled up |
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$1,000 |
Hard Rolling |
No |
6 - same as BAK Revolver |
Claims 400lb payload on top of system. No place to tie things down |
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$1300 - $2000 |
Hard Folding |
Yes / Most Secure |
10 - Full diamond plated and rugged exterior |
1600lb payload. Great durability. Tough to access internal gear with anything loaded on top |
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$800 |
Hard Folding |
Yes |
8 |
Fast/easy install. Shipped fully constructed. Limited lifetime warranty |
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$800- $1,200 |
Hard Folding |
No |
8 - build to last |
Great reviews through autoanything. Durable aluminum top |
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$1,077 |
Hard Folding |
Only when tailgate is locked |
7 - Looks to be quality built. Cable system may fail after prolonged use |
400lb payload on top. Thicker than other hardshell options out there. 5 year warranty |
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$1,500 |
Full Shell Cover |
Yes |
10 - nothing should get in these unless they break the lock |
comes with wall mount for easy storage. Paint matched for visual appeal… to some |
If you are in the process of searching for the best tonneau cover we hope this helps narrow it down a bit. With all of the features out there it can be tough to decide on what product is best for your needs. Revert back to the primary benefits of each of these systems to ensure the product will meet your needs for security, a
ccessibility, durability, and functionality all at a p
rice you can justify.
Let our customer support team know if you have questions around the compatibility of a DECKED system with your tonneau cover... they make a great pair!
