Soft Tonneau Cover: Roll-Up vs. Tri-Fold

Background: I currently have a tool box in the bed, which I use for storage. However, whenever I load things such as my mountain bike or dirt bike, I have to remove the tool box in order for the bike(s) to fit. Also, I make long trips on a regular basis (snowboard trips, camping, visiting families and friends, etc.) and the back seat usually is full with stuff leaving no room for my passengers/dog. These situations has become a hassle for me.

Need: I am debating between getting an Access Limited Roll-up or a Torza Tri-Fold as my primary objective is to be able to put things in the bed to free up the back seat for my passengers/dog. I also want something that will allow me to utilize the back rail for tying down/mounting things, if that's even possible.

I am hoping that somebody on here has the experience with one or both of the products that would help me with my decision making process.

I hope this post makes sense. If it doesn't, let me know and I'll try to elaborate.

 

On a side note, the way I view it is (based on the pictures I've seen on here):

Tri-Fold: when folded back it still comes out about a foot, unless you're able to pull it up against the back window without damaging anything.

Roll-up: can roll up almost all the way to the rear window and still comes out, but not as much as the tri-fold.

 

I just bought an Access roll up last week from http://www.truckalterations.com/html/tacomaworld.html. No problems with order or delivery.

Put it on Saturday and so far so good -- keeping all of the snow out. Doesn't really look to be completely waterproof at the corners, but we will see.

I got a roll up rather than a tri fold so I could get it completely out of the way for hauling bikes.

 

I've owned two roll-ups, and stuck with one over a tri-fold mainly because of the very reason you mentioned about sticking out when it's folded back. Plus saw some reports of the area where they are constantly folded wearing out after several years of use on some brands.

If you go with a roll-up, look into one that will open up like a trunk or roll-up if you want, like the Extang Full Tilt, it gives you two options to open it. This way you can open the tonneau without unsnapping it, just lift it up and load your bed which is very nice for camping/outdoor trips.

I like the snaps much better than the snapless ones also, for the simple fact that the majority of snap less covers I see going down the road have usually have at least one corner flapping in the wind.

 

I went with an Access roll-up. I haul bicycles a regular basis (I have 2 Rocky Mounts on the front rail of the bed) and really like how the Access rolls up and out of the way. It's snapless but the velcro is super strong and I have not had any issues. It's been on my truck since less than 100 miles. Currently it's at 25k and it performs like new. The only thing is - it's not 100% waterproof but keeps things pretty dry unless I'm in a downpour for hours on a long(er) road trip. Overall, I highly recommend Access.

 

@cbr04: Your tonneau cover looks very narrow. It appears to rest on the inside edge of the bed rail. My cover comes out past the middle of the bed rail. I wonder if this could be cause for some of the leakage you mention?

 

Interesting. What specific model do you have? I have the Access Vanish.

 

I only have a cheap tri-fold tonnopro.

 

To give you a better idea, just look at your picture again. You see the 3 "ridges" along the top of your bed rail? My tonneau cover covers 2 of those on both sides of the bed (or at least 1 and a half - I can go have a look and let you know for sure if you wish).

 

I agree, that cover in the pics is very narrow. My Extang Full Tilt covers at least half of the bed rails, if not two thirds, and stays very dry in any amount of rain.

When I go through an automatic pressure wash, I'll get a little bit of water around the edges of the bed. But that's to be expected when blasting water at high pressure sideways directly at the seems.

 

That's just the way these tonneau's attach. There is a long strip of weather stripping that is bolted tight along that seam and is for the most part waterproof. I find that to the extent water leaks in, it is from the front corners or the corners by the tailgate.

 

I have an Access LE, and while I've been very happy with it because of it's versatility, it's not perfect. It is not 100% waterproof (just have to watch what items you place in the corners), and the velcro on the rails eventually wears out. I am replacing mine soon (only costs about $35). Other than that, it's been great.

 

I appreciate all of your responses. For these who say there's a small leak at the corners, I wonder if a rubber sealing (like the kind you buy from Home Depot or any hardware store) could fix?

 

If it isn't too much trouble--could you take a pic of the cover rolled up on your truck?

 

Yeah, probably. Check out this thread http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/product-reviews/134076-access-limited-tonneau-lots-pics.html

for good pics of the access roll up and how the guy used the weather stripping.

 

I believe Bak-Flip has a trifold that flips up against the rear of the cab.

 

Thanks for the link, I looked into it and I like his concept. This would definitely be something I would do if I decide to go down that route.

 

Yeah, you're right it does, but the price on that cover is out of my budget.

 

I appreciate your feedback. How has it held up in the winter?

 

My Access roll-up is now enduring it's 3rd winter. It's doing fine BUT the truck is garaged in the winter. Perhaps more importantly however, it has sat outside all summer absorbing sunshine... well as much as Maine gets. I usually give it a couple coats of protectant.

If you roll/unroll a lot, you'll probably find the velcro closure failing before the tonneau rips/cracks/whatever.

I prefer the roll-up to the tri-fold because it exposes the entire bed when opened AND does not block the view out the rear window.

Just my $.02