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Soft Rolling Tonneau Covers: An Economical Way to Keep Your Gear Safe and Dry!
If you’re a truck owner that hauls cargo regularly it’s nice to have your gear out of the elements and out of the view of thieves. Soft rolling tonneau covers are a great way to accomplish both with a price tag that won’t break the bank. A quality soft rolling tonneau cover like the Truxedo Lo Pro comes with a price tag right around $500 but there are less expensive options like the Truxedo Truxport which sells for around $350.
Soft rolling covers typically use a rail system that clamps to your truck with aluminum clamps so there’s no drilling or permanent damage to your truck bed. Most of the soft covers are made of vinyl and secure to the rails with Velcro or a similar hook and loop material. Typically, the cover can only be opened when the tailgate is down, so if your tailgate locks the cover is also locked.
1. Choosing the Right Cover for You
With the popularity of pickup trucks exploding over the last few years the options for tonneau covers have exploded as well. There are literally dozens of different brands and models which can make choosing the right cover difficult. Here are a few things to look for:
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Warranty – The quality of a manufacturer’s warranty can tell you a lot about the quality of their product. Chances are, if the warranty isn’t great neither is the cover. Truxedo offers a lifetime warranty on all of their soft rolling covers.
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Installation – If you’re planning on installing the cover yourself make sure it comes with adequate instructions. Most soft rolling covers are very easy to install with the correct instructions from the manufacturer.
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Brand – Do your research and choose a brand that’s been around for a long time and has a good reputation. With all of the new cover brands on the market you can be sure that a few of them will go out of business of the years.
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Functionality – Soft rolling covers are inexpensive and will protect your gear from the elements. But they’re not the most secure tonneau cover you can buy. Anyone with a knife can cut through your soft cover in seconds and steal your cargo, so if you’re hauling expensive items you
2. Why Buy Soft Rolling Tonneau Covers?
Why should you choose a soft rolling cover over a hard folding or retractable cover? Here are some of the advantages of a soft rolling cover:
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Price – Soft rolling tonneau covers are some of the most inexpensive covers on the market. With top quality models from Truxedo starting around $350 they’re affordable on virtually any budget.
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Easy to Install – Most soft rolling tonneau covers are extremely easy to install. A first time DIYer can plan on 45 minutes or less to complete the job.
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Easy to Remove – The design of most soft rolling tonneau covers makes them very easy to take off and put back on. On many models you don’t even need tools.
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Light Weight – The don’t really come any lighter than a soft rolling tonneau cover. Most models weigh 30 lbs. or less which includes the rails and hardware.
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Fuel Economy – With today’s fuel prices every bit counts. And a soft rolling tonneau will increase your fuel mileage by reducing drag on an open bed. How much depends on the truck but we’ve seen as much as 1 mile per gallon better
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Visibility – Many of the hard folding covers will block your rear window when fully open. Not with a soft rolling cover. You’ll lose only a few inches of visibility on the rear window.
3. Are Soft Rolling Tonneau Covers Easy To Use?
Yes, yes and yes. Soft rolling tonneau covers are some of the easiest covers to use. Most models use a release latch that allows the cover to roll along the Velcro rails. When fully open two elastic straps secure it so the cover can’t unroll. Closing the cover is just the opposite. Unclip the straps and roll the cover out along the rail. The cover typically sits in a groove at the end of the rails and snaps into place with a gentle push.
4. Choosing a Company to Purchase From
As previously mentioned, the tonneau cover market has exploded over the last few years. Lots of new manufacturers, models and designs. Do your research and make sure the cover you’re buying is from a quality manufacturer that’s been around for a while. Warranties are great, but if the company is out of business they’re not worth the paper they’re printed on.
Customer service is a big deal too. If you ever need to file a warranty claim or just need help with installation a bad customer service department can really ruin your day.
Lastly, review the manufacturer’s return policy before purchasing. Sometimes a cover will look great online but it’s not so great in person. Make sure you can return the cover if it’s not what you expect.
5. Installation Process Overview
Installation varies by cover, but we’ll walk you through how to install one of the most common models…a Truxedo LoPro.
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Unbox the cover and make sure all the parts are included. It’s rare but sometimes cover kits do not include all the necessary parts.
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Have a partner hold the tonneau cover rail against the truck bed rail. Using the included aluminum clamps pinch the tonneau cover rail to the truck bed rail and tighten the bolt. Do this with all 6 clamps and you’re done with the hard part.
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Lay the cover over the tonneau cover rails. There will be two tabs on the cover that slide into the rails to secure it in place. Align the tabs with the slots in the rails and push towards the outside of the truck.
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One the cover is secured to the rails unroll it, align the end of the cover with the groove in the end of the rails and gently push down until the cover locks into place.
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Check the fit. If the cover seems too loose there are tensioning screws toward the front of the cover. Turn those clockwise a few rotations and check the fit again.
Check out our list of the top rated soft rolling tonneau covers below!
1. TruXedo Lo Pro Tonneau Cover
The TruXedo Lo Pro Tonneau Cover is a high-quality and durable cover that can add an attractive look to your truck. Its patented design sits low on the truck bed and is easy to install without drilling. Its tension control system keeps the cover tight and secure in all climates. It's ideal for those who want to make their truck look better than before without sacrificing functionality.
The TruXedo Lo Pro Tonneau Cover is designed to provide excellent security for your cargo since it can’t be opened unless the tailgate is down. The cover also has angled side rails for aerodynamic styling and will actually increase fuel mileage on most vehicles. This tonneau cover is very easy to open and close and uses a 1" wide Velcro brand loop with "floating hook" technology to hold the cover tight.
Its pre-assembled design makes installation quick and easy. It doesn't require drilling and can be installed in under 30 minutes. It can also be removed and rolled up for easy storage in seconds. The trigger latch is easy to operate and opens and closes with one hand.
This cover is the best-selling soft roll-up tonneau cover on the market today. Its low-profile design and convenient features make it a perfect choice for people who need to keep their cargo secure while driving but don’t want to incur the cost of a hard cover. The double-coated vinyl is durable and UV-resistant and is guaranteed to last for the life of your truck.
The TruXedo Lo Pro Roll-Up Tonneau Cover is made in the USA. The low-profile design gives you full access to your truck's bed without blocking your rear window and can be open or closed while driving—even at freeway speeds.
The Truxedo Lo Pro Tonneau Cover's industrial-grade vinyl fabric is completely waterproof and will not fade or peel. Plus the automatic tensioning system keeps the cover taught even under snow load.
TruXedo, Inc. provides a limited lifetime warranty the Lo Pro. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser and covers only parts that are damaged or do not function as intended. Those parts will be replaced or repaired at Truxedo’s discretion.
2. TruXedo Truxport Tonneau Cover
The Truxedo TruXport is a roll-up truck bed cover that has many attractive features and benefits. For starters it’s extremely affordable at around $350. Installed on top your truck's bed rails, this roll-up truck bed cover offers distinctive good looks and quality materials.
With a Velcro fastening system, the TruXedo TruXport Tonneau Cover does not require any snaps, buttons or clips. Moreover, the cover is secured with an inside-out latch that can’t be accessed unless your tailgate is down, so if your tailgate locks the cover is locked.
This roll-up tonneau cover can be installed in just 10 minutes and is made of high-grade woven fabric finished in a matte black color. Its Automatic Tension Control feature helps to keep the cover taught even under snow load.
The TruXedo TruXport Roll-Up Tonneau Cover features a smooth Velcro fastening system and can be used in any weather. It rolls up completely to provide full bed access which makes it perfect for cumbersome loads and 5th wheel hitches.
A great truck bed cover is an accessory that will add functionality and style to your vehicle. TruXedo is an industry leader and offers a wide range of tonneau covers. The company's products have been designed to meet the needs of the discriminating consumer. The Truxport comes with a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty against defects in workmanship.
3. Access Lorado Tonneau Cover
If you're looking for an affordable, high-quality truck bed cover, look no further than the Access Lorado Tonneau Cover. Made in the USA, this cover is built to last. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty and is available for virtually every truck on the road today.
The Access Lorado Tonneau Cover is easy to install and doesn’t require tools. It uses clamps to attach to the truck bed so there’s no drilling, cutting or other permanent damage to your truck bed.
The Access Lorado Roll-Up Cover offers plenty of space for your favorite things, while sitting a mere 1" above the bed. This means that the contents of your cargo box will be hidden out of sight of prying eyes.
The Access Lorado tonneau cover features the Autolatch II Dual Locking System that releases both latches at once making it a breeze to open and close. This latch system is simple to use and includes a convenient dial for tuning. The cover also features a cab guard, which prevents the cover from rubbing agains the cab of the truck.
Access is one of the leading truck bed cover companies. The brand is well known for its durability and style. Its roll-up tonneau is made of heavy-duty vinyl that is designed to last.
If you're looking for a low-profile, easy-to-install and operate cover, the Access Lorado is an excellent choice. This cover has the same quality components as the original Access Roll-Up Cover, but sits only an inch above the bed.
4. Leer SR250 Tonneau Cover
Leer is one of the leading manufacturers of truck caps and tonneau covers in the US and Canada. The company was founded in 1964 and employs over 1,000 people worldwide. Although its headquarters is in Elkhart, Indiana, Leer has distributors throughout all fifty states and most of Canada. It sells to individual truck owners, fleet operators, and businesses of all sizes.
The Leer SR250 Rolling Tonneau Cover is one of their top of the line soft rolling covers. It rolls up completely to provide full access to the bed of your truck and can be installed in as little at 30 minutes.
Unlike cheap roll-up covers, the Leer SR250 Rolling Tonneau Cover features double-coated vinyl and a reinforced frame for added durability and strength. It can handle virtually any amount of snow without cracking or tearing, while Its patented CYNC latching system allows you to open and close the cover with one hand.
The Leer SR250 truck cap features a weathertight seal to protect your cargo from rain and snow and comes with Leer's Limited Lifetime Warranty.
5. Truxedo Pro X15 Tonneau Cover
If you're looking for a tonneau cover that is low profile and offers excellent performance, the Truxedo Pro X15 is a great option. It features a 15 degree rail design and a matte black woven fabric cover, which is extremely durable and resistant to dirt and stains. It also has an automatic tension control system that prevents cover sagging and allows the cover to roll up completely for 100% bed access.
The Truxedo Pro X15 is an upgraded version of the Truxedo Lo Pro tonneau cover, which is the #1 selling roll-up truck bed cover in North America. Both models offer a wide selection of features, including locking features and a lifetime warranty.
The Truxedo Pro X15 tonneau has an elegant matte black finish that complements modern aftermarket accessories. It also sits flush with the bed rails of your truck, enhancing the clean lines. This cover will even improve your fuel mileage since it reduces wind drag on the truck bed.
The Truxedo Pro X15 has a patented Automatic Tension Control system that ensures a tight and taut cover, even after years of use. Its steel spring-loaded plungers at the rear of the bed maintain constant tension.
6. Access LiteRider Tonneau Cover
The Access LiteRider Roll-Up Tonneau Cover is a solid investment that provides durability and long-lasting protection for your truck's cargo. Made in the same factory that manufactures the popular Original Access Roll-Up Cover, this truck bed cover is a great value. Like the Access Roll-Up Cover, it features EZ-Dial tension adjusters, dual fabric weather seals, and six simple-to-install clamps. Like the original, it also carries the manufacturer's Premium Cover 5 Year Warranty.
The Access LiteRider Tonneau Cover is a soft slant back design manufactured by ACI Agri-Cover, Inc., of North Dakota. The LiteRider tonneau cover rolls up quickly and easily and stores compactly behind the cab. It rolls out of the way for easy loading of large items and is a durable cover that features a double-coated premium vinyl top and anodized bars.
The Access LiteRider Tonneau Cover rolls up a little more than 1'' above the truck bed rails, allowing more cargo space. It also has a fabric seal on the back that prevents water from seeping into the truck bed. The Literider also features an AutoLatch System and improved Storage Straps. It's the least expensive Increased Capacity Tonneau Cover from Access.
The Access Literider Tonneau Cover has a clamp-on system that allows it to be securely locked in place without drilling into the truck bed. The cover also has a slide lock to prevent cargo from slipping out. The AutoLatch lock ensures a secure fit, and the EZ-Dial tension adjustment lets you adjust the tension.
Access offers a five-year limited warranty on its products. You can get a replacement if the cover has been damaged during normal use. The warranty is valid for as long as the truck's original owner still owns it and the cover is still installed on the truck. It can also be purchased with a tonneau rack package.
7. Lund Genesis Elite Roll Up Tonneau Cover
If you're looking for a good economical cover for your truck, the Lund Genesis Elite Roll Up Tonneau Cover is a great choice. It not only looks great, but it also protects your cargo from the harsh sun and blistering weather.
The roll-up design of the Lund Genesis Elite Roll Up Tonneau Cover offers 100% bed access and a compact design when completely open. Made from premium twill-weave fabric, this cover is custom fit for your truck and is available for most makes and models on the road today.
This durable cover does not require any drilling or cutting so there’s no permanent damage to your truck bed after installation. The Genesis Elite is easy to install and can be installed by the average person in less than an hour.
The Lund Genesis Elite uses a heavy duty Velcro rail system to secure the cover in place and keep it from flapping in the wind while driving at high speeds. There’s also an automatic tensioning feature to further ensure the cover stays taught.
Lund offers a full Limited Lifetime warranty on this cover which applies only to the original purchaser.
8. Tonno Pro Lo-Roll Tonneau Cover
The Tonno Pro Lo-Roll Vinyl Tonneau Cover is a great way to have full access to your truck's bed while providing great security and protection from the elements. It features double-sided vinyl top construction and marine-grade stitching. It also has a low profile, stylish appearance.
This tonneau cover is easy to install and requires no drilling or cutting so there’s no permanent damage to your truck bed after installation. It requires a 17mm socket and ratchet and takes approximately 25 minutes to install.
This tonneau cover is made from a strong powder-coated 6063 aluminum frame and a durable, tear-resistant 24-ounce marine grade teralyne vinyl with a proprietary black textured finish. The Tonno Pro Lo-Roll Roll-Up Tonneau Cover is backed by a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
The TonnoPro Lo-Roll Roll-up Tonneau Cover is a great choice if you are looking to protect your cargo from theft and looky-loos. The cover also offers provides excellent weather protection. It is also an excellent option for enhancing the aerodynamics of your truck. With these features, you'll be able to enjoy higher gas mileage due to the reduced wind drag on the truck bed.
The TonnoPro Lo-Roll Roll-Up Tonneau Cover provides superior cargo protection at a reasonable price. The low profile of this tonneau cover means it will not interfere with your truck's lines. It also resists the harsh elements, including UV rays and extreme temperatures.
9. Truxedo Deuce Tonneau Cover
If you’re looking for a versatile cover that won’t break the bank the Truxedo Deuce is the perfect choice. It’s hybrid design allows the cover to be opened from the front and the back. The Deuce combines all the best features of a soft rolling cover with those of a soft folding cover to create one of the most versatile and easy to use soft covers on the market.
Installation is a snap since there’s no drilling or cutting or special tools required. The average DIYer can install the Truxedo Deuce in less than 30 minutes.
The Deuce features Truxedo’s patented Automatic Tension Control System to ensure the cover stays taught even in adverse weather conditions like snow and rain. The cover itself is made from high quality leather grain fabric and features a comprehensive lifetime warranty.
At $599 the Deuce isn’t the cheapest option in a soft cover but it’s worth the few extra dollars if you need or want the option to open the cover from the front or the back. Plus, when you buy from Truxedo you know you’re getting a quality product with a warranty to mach.
10. Bestop ZipRail Tonneau Cover
The Bestop ZipRail is Bestop’s lowest profile soft rolling cover. It features a painless install process that uses aluminum clamps instead of drilling into your truck bed, so there’s no lasting damage from the installation. Most people can install this cover in 30 minutes or less with basic hand tools.
This cover rolls up completely to give you full access to your truck bed which makes hauling large items easier than ever. The ZipRail is constructed of vinyl coated polyester and treated for maximum UV and mildew resistance. The tonneau cover rails feature a black aluminum finish with gives the cover a sleek OEM look.
The cover fully opens in seconds thanks to the hook and loop fastening system on each bed rail and easy to use latching system. Simply roll the cover up and fasten it with the included retaining straps for full bed access.
With a price tag starting right around $270 the Bestop ZipRail tonneau cover is one of the lower priced soft rolling tonneau covers on the market and definitely won’t break the bank. And since it’s backed by Bestop’s Limited Lifetime Warranty you can be sure you getting a quality cover that’s built to stand the test of time.
11. WeatherTech Soft Rolling Tonneau Cover
WeatherTech is a relative newcomer to the tonneau cover world but they seem to have developed one of the better soft rolling tonneau cover on the market today. WeatherTech only offers one soft cover and one hard folding cover so your options are limited but both are high quality and function extremely well.
Low-profile and aerodynamic, the Weathertech roll up cover helps keep your cargo safe from the elements and the prying eyes of would-be thieves. We like that it’s made in the USA from quality materials and features a 5 year warranty. WeatherTech goes so far as to say even if the 5 year warranty period has expired they’ll still take care of you on repairs or replacement parts.
This cover is made from a textured, dual-coated industrial grade reinforced vinyl that is designed for durability and longevity—even during extreme hot and cold temperatures. The aluminum rails and tonneau cover bows are made from 6000 series aluminum for strength and weight reduction.
The WeatherTech soft rolling tonneau cover rolls up completely in seconds and uses dual nylon straps to secure it in place while driving. Weather resistance is excellent thanks to the hook and loop side seals and custom front and rear weatherstripping.
Installation is fast and easy thanks to the Tight-Bite clamp system. The cover claps to your truck’s bed rails with no drilling, cutting or special tools required.
12. Gator SRX Roll Up Tonneau Cover
The Gator SRX Tonneau Cover is a great choice for anyone who needs to protect their truck's cargo area. Made from commercial-grade vinyl, this cover is UV resistant and designed to withstand the elements. It also features a simple latch system that opens and closes with minimal effort. It also features a storage strap system that helps you secure the cover for easy access.
The Gator SRX Tonneau comes with self-adjustable tensioners on each side, giving you a flat, professional-looking tonneau cover. It opens and closes easily with the tailgate opened and it is very easy to remove and wash. It also comes with a ten-year warranty, which is a great benefit.
Installation is quick and easy and should not take you longer than an hour. You'll need to align the crossbars properly or else you might have problems latching the Gator cover. Once installed, the Gator cover should be able to withstand the elements without problems.
This Gator SRX Tonneau Cover has a locking system that is easy to use. The locking mechanism has multiple positions, allowing you to access your truck bed without removing the cover. The tailgate locking mechanism also allows you to lock the cover with your truck's tailgate, which makes it impossible for thieves to steal your cargo.