need tonneau cover advice

VTDave · 10-02-2009, 07:59 AM

Any recommendations on a tonneau cover that'll stand up to abuse, including snowfall and icestorms? I'm worried about whether a soft cover could handle the weight of snow/ice on it (until I brush it off.)

Any thoughts on soft vs. folding vs. hard covers? Anyone like one brand over another?

Thanks,
Dave

NraFan · 10-02-2009, 08:02 AM

I have a snugtop fiberglass cover with color matched paint. I love it. Real tough, really secure. I wouldnt go any other way. Just my opinion. Good luck!

jtav2002 · 10-02-2009, 08:07 AM

I have the Advantage Torzatop. It's a soft, tri-folding top. I love it so far. It's easy to install or remove by yourself in a minute or 2. I wanted something light and tri-folding so I could fold it back for more space or remove it completely. Main reason I didn't want a fiberglass top was losing the ability to easily carry tall items. You'd have to remove it completely and it's probably not a quick one person job. The security of a fiberglass one is a plus though.

VTDave · 10-02-2009, 08:10 AM

Do you think the Torzatop tri-folding top could handle some snow on it overnight, or would it buckle? Also, does it seem weathertight?

Janster · 10-02-2009, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTDave

Do you think the Torzatop tri-folding top could handle some snow on it overnight, or would it buckle? Also, does it seem weathertight?

I have the same top.....and I've had it for atleast 2 winters. Granted, I live in PA and our snowfall isn't as much as other places. I have had 10" or more on the tonneau cover along with thick ice, etc. When I clean the truck off...I ALWAYS clean off the tonneau cover with brush (not scraper). There's never any snow on it when I'm driving. I'd highly recommend cleaning the snow/ice off the tonneau when you can - don't leave it on there. I've had soft tonneau's on other trucks for years in snow/ice and never had problems. They're pretty durable or else we'd all be pissed off if they failed every winter.

hugmynuts · 10-02-2009, 08:29 AM

i have the undercover and love it...very durable..and half the price of any hard cover.

jtav2002 · 10-02-2009, 09:19 AM

Can't really add much to what Janster said. I've only had mine on about a month so no snow yet. Seems to be pretty weather tight, although since I haven't had it long I can't be sure. Only place I see where a little bit of water might seep in is on either corner at the back of the bed behind the cab.

VTDave · 10-02-2009, 09:25 AM

Thanks for the feedback. Torza looks good for the price. But the Undercover hard top looks sweet (for an extra $200) too. Hmmm. Maybe the answer will come to me after a few beers on the weekend. I'm assuming all the manufacturers are referring to the 73.5" bed when they say "6 ft bed for Tacoma." It would suck to have a 1.5" gap!

emacpgh · 10-02-2009, 09:28 AM

so many diffrent styles and brands out there. makes for a difficult decision. i have an extang trifecta which i bought used on CL($150). its probably not the best looking however it is highly functional. seems like it would hold the snow with no prob.

rmd0311 · 10-02-2009, 10:43 AM

I'm in the same boat. I will say this. I had the Extang Trifecta on my 2008 and it held up to the snow just fine... I think the most I got while I had it was about 15", I cleaned it off like 7 hours later. But it held up just fine.

T0LLPHR33 · 10-02-2009, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NraFan

I have a snugtop fiberglass cover with color matched paint. I love it. Real tough, really secure. I wouldnt go any other way. Just my opinion. Good luck!

i've got the snugtop SL with electronic pop-lock entry...color matched...I LOVE IT and wouldn't have gone with anything else...

Goblin · 10-02-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emacpgh

so many diffrent styles and brands out there. makes for a difficult decision. i have an extang trifecta which i bought used on CL($150). its probably not the best looking however it is highly functional. seems like it would hold the snow with no prob.

I love my Trifecta. I have another one I'll ship for the price listed. Its new in box with full warranty from Extang.

jtav2002 · 10-02-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTDave

Thanks for the feedback. Torza looks good for the price. But the Undercover hard top looks sweet (for an extra $200) too. Hmmm. Maybe the answer will come to me after a few beers on the weekend. I'm assuming all the manufacturers are referring to the 73.5" bed when they say "6 ft bed for Tacoma." It would suck to have a 1.5" gap!

FWIW Advantage also make a version that's not soft, believe it's called the Hardhat. Same simple 1 minute installation and tri-folding design. BTW, here's mine. Check out Jansters photo gallery for pics of it opened, I don't have any pics of mine open.

Janster · 10-02-2009, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtav2002

FWIW Advantage also make a version that's not soft, believe it's called the Hardhat.

Damn....I had to go to their website and check it out. I thought maybe it was a hard cover that folded up exactly like the Tri-fold softy does.
But after looking it up.... the Hardhat is actually a soft material.

The only reason why I don't like the hard covers is because you can't fold them up and/or take them off to haul stuff (on a whim). Not that I've looked, but wondered about a hard folding one....

MAXTacoma · 10-02-2009, 12:33 PM

UNDERCOVER. Its the best, you can stand on it, it locks and keeps the tailgate closed when locked, only takes about 5 min to take the whole thing off and one person can do it.

jtav2002 · 10-02-2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janster

the Hardhat is actually a soft material.

Oh man, didn't notice that I didn't take that close of a look at it to realize it a soft material. Very misleading name haha.

LonghornTaco · 10-02-2009, 01:09 PM

I've got an ARE LSII fiberglass top and I really like it. Worked great as a "trunk" for my trip to/from Texas from Minnesota. Secure, durable and looks great!

Capita · 10-02-2009, 01:22 PM

Add another vote for the Trifecta. Love mine. It's light, easy to put on and take off, waterproof, looks great, lifetime warranty on frame, 10 years on trap, easy to clean, no flapping noise in wind, and I got the cover for under $500 Canadian.

TacoRocco · 10-02-2009, 01:28 PM

I have a Lund Seal & Peal cover.

Its quite nice and the customer service at Lund is AWESOME!

On one of my cross country trips the cover ripped (Iowa windstorm) and Lund mailed me a new one!

Good351 · 10-02-2009, 01:48 PM

I have the Access cover. It's pretty strong, and not too pricey. Held up to a pretty bad hail storm, other covers were destroyed, mine was not.

10-02-2009, 07:59 AM	#1
VTDave Member Joined: Oct 2008, #9658 Location: Vermont, USA Posts: 62 05 Access Cab 4x4 Base 2005 Access Cab Manual 4cyl	need tonneau cover advice Any recommendations on a tonneau cover that'll stand up to abuse, including snowfall and icestorms? I'm worried about whether a soft cover could handle the weight of snow/ice on it (until I brush it off.) Any thoughts on soft vs. folding vs. hard covers? Anyone like one brand over another? Thanks, Dave

10-02-2009, 08:02 AM	#2
NraFan Join the NRA! Protect your freedom! Name: JT Joined: Sep 2009, #22703 Location: SoCal Age: 27 Gender: Male Posts: 816 05 PreRunner SR5 2005 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 V6 Window tint, CB radio and antenna, Lame I know	I have a snugtop fiberglass cover with color matched paint. I love it. Real tough, really secure. I wouldnt go any other way. Just my opinion. Good luck! __________________ To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them" --George Mason

10-02-2009, 01:09 PM	#17
LonghornTaco Can you pass the bailout please? Name: Jason Joined: Oct 2008, #9763 Location: Minnesota Age: 33 Gender: Male Posts: 3,528 Black 09 4x4 TRD Off Road Doublecab 2009 Double Cab Automatic V6 3" ToyTec coilover lift on Bilstein 5100s, Total Chaos UCAs, ToyTec diff drop, Scangauge II, 4D MagLite mounted on the drivers seat, Painted engine cover, Painted calipers (red), Painted skid plate (red) Valentine 1 radar detector hard wired, Damplifier Pro on the floor, back wall and doors, Luxury Liner Pro on the floor and doors, Kenwood DNX8120, 2 Pioneer TS-SW1041D 10" shallow mount subs, 2 Pioneer PRS-D4200F 1200W amps, Mr Marv sub enclosure, Hybrid Audio Clarus 6.5" components in the front doors, Alpine 5.25" coaxials in the rear doors, A.R.E. LSII fiberglass tonneau cover, All Pro bumper, All Pro sliders, Wet Okole seat covers, Sockmonkey Mountain badges, PIAA 510 SMR Driving Lights, Warn M8000 Winch, Bud Built skids	I've got an ARE LSII fiberglass top and I really like it. Worked great as a "trunk" for my trip to/from Texas from Minnesota. Secure, durable and looks great! __________________ Texas style is no trifling, trendy thing. It is that which you would remove from Texas in order to make it Oklahoma. March TOTM My Build

10-02-2009, 01:48 PM	#20
Good351 Senior Member Joined: Feb 2009, #14055 Location: Ames, IA Gender: Male Posts: 177 08 Double Cab TRD OR 2008 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 TRD exhaust, 1" leveling spacer (5100's waiting for install), Wet Okole seat covers, TRD Anthracite FJ wheels (waiting on tires), Toyota bed mat, Access Toneau cover, Sport Hood Scoop Hood, Weathertech floor mats.	I have the Access cover. It's pretty strong, and not too pricey. Held up to a pretty bad hail storm, other covers were destroyed, mine was not. __________________

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10-02-2009, 08:07 AM	#3
jtav2002 I'm a mouth full of awesome Name: Josh Joined: Jun 2009, #19074 Location: Reading, PA Age: 25 Gender: Male Posts: 353 2009 Magnetic Gray TRD Sport access cab 4x4 2009 Access Cab Automatic 4.0L Weathertech all weather floor mats, Weathertech side window deflectors, fog light mod, OEM bed divider, Toyota XM reciever, mini maglite mount in center console, Advantage Torzatop tri-fold tonneau, black Aries bull bar, JL Audio W3v3 8" with Alpine amp.	I have the Advantage Torzatop. It's a soft, tri-folding top. I love it so far. It's easy to install or remove by yourself in a minute or 2. I wanted something light and tri-folding so I could fold it back for more space or remove it completely. Main reason I didn't want a fiberglass top was losing the ability to easily carry tall items. You'd have to remove it completely and it's probably not a quick one person job. The security of a fiberglass one is a plus though.

10-02-2009, 08:10 AM	#4
VTDave Member Joined: Oct 2008, #9658 Location: Vermont, USA Posts: 62 05 Access Cab 4x4 Base 2005 Access Cab Manual 4cyl	Do you think the Torzatop tri-folding top could handle some snow on it overnight, or would it buckle? Also, does it seem weathertight?

10-02-2009, 08:29 AM	#6
hugmynuts Senior Member Joined: Jun 2008, #7401 Location: hampton, va Gender: Male Posts: 236 2006 DC TRD Off-Road 4x4 2006 Double Cab Automatic 4point0	i have the undercover and love it...very durable..and half the price of any hard cover.

10-02-2009, 09:19 AM	#7
jtav2002 I'm a mouth full of awesome Name: Josh Joined: Jun 2009, #19074 Location: Reading, PA Age: 25 Gender: Male Posts: 353 2009 Magnetic Gray TRD Sport access cab 4x4 2009 Access Cab Automatic 4.0L Weathertech all weather floor mats, Weathertech side window deflectors, fog light mod, OEM bed divider, Toyota XM reciever, mini maglite mount in center console, Advantage Torzatop tri-fold tonneau, black Aries bull bar, JL Audio W3v3 8" with Alpine amp.	Can't really add much to what Janster said. I've only had mine on about a month so no snow yet. Seems to be pretty weather tight, although since I haven't had it long I can't be sure. Only place I see where a little bit of water might seep in is on either corner at the back of the bed behind the cab.

10-02-2009, 09:25 AM	#8
VTDave Member Joined: Oct 2008, #9658 Location: Vermont, USA Posts: 62 05 Access Cab 4x4 Base 2005 Access Cab Manual 4cyl	Thanks for the feedback. Torza looks good for the price. But the Undercover hard top looks sweet (for an extra $200) too. Hmmm. Maybe the answer will come to me after a few beers on the weekend. I'm assuming all the manufacturers are referring to the 73.5" bed when they say "6 ft bed for Tacoma." It would suck to have a 1.5" gap!

10-02-2009, 09:28 AM	#9
emacpgh Member Name: eric Joined: Jun 2009, #18057 Location: pittsburgh Age: 34 Gender: Male Posts: 84 09 BRM 2.7 AC SR5 MT 2009 Access Cab Manual 2.7 liter Aries stainless steel bull bar , trifecta tonneau , afe pro dry s filter , secondary air filter removal , mobil one fully synthetic in motor and all gears, wet okole seat covers.	so many diffrent styles and brands out there. makes for a difficult decision. i have an extang trifecta which i bought used on CL($150). its probably not the best looking however it is highly functional. seems like it would hold the snow with no prob.

10-02-2009, 10:43 AM	#10
rmd0311 Senior Member Joined: Oct 2007, #3302 Location: Dutchess County, NY Gender: Male Posts: 173 2010 Mag Gray TRD Sport 2010 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 V6	I'm in the same boat. I will say this. I had the Extang Trifecta on my 2008 and it held up to the snow just fine... I think the most I got while I had it was about 15", I cleaned it off like 7 hours later. But it held up just fine.

10-02-2009, 12:33 PM	#15
MAXTacoma Senior Member Joined: Feb 2007, #917 Location: Northern KY Age: 24 Gender: Male Posts: 667 2006 DBL Cab, Long Bed 2006 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 Westin Platinium step Bars and Bull Bar, Unerdercover Bed Cover, Window Vents, Front window tint to match the back, TRD Exhaust, Husky Floor Mats, Bed Mat, Scan Gauge, Escort Passport 8500 Radar Detector, Sirius Sat. Radio	UNDERCOVER. Its the best, you can stand on it, it locks and keeps the tailgate closed when locked, only takes about 5 min to take the whole thing off and one person can do it.

10-02-2009, 01:22 PM	#18
Capita Senior Member Joined: Jun 2009, #18096 Location: Corner Brook, NEWFOUNDLAND, Canada Gender: Male Posts: 593 09 TRD Sport 2009 Double Cab Automatic	Add another vote for the Trifecta. Love mine. It's light, easy to put on and take off, waterproof, looks great, lifetime warranty on frame, 10 years on trap, easy to clean, no flapping noise in wind, and I got the cover for under $500 Canadian.

10-02-2009, 01:28 PM	#19
TacoRocco Junior Member Joined: Feb 2009, #13213 Location: Peace River, AB Gender: Male Posts: 2 09 Tacoma TRD OffRoad 2009 Double Cab Stock	I have a Lund Seal & Peal cover. Its quite nice and the customer service at Lund is AWESOME! On one of my cross country trips the cover ripped (Iowa windstorm) and Lund mailed me a new one!

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