Tonneau bed cover options: Hard vs. Soft?

The biggest reason I can think of to go with a soft cover is cost. Nice rigid covers are not cheap. The can be second-hand, though.

I had a Rugged premium HC3 when I bought the truck and it worked great. It sealed up tight and wasn't too much of a pain to flip back. Completely removing it to access the last 1/3rd of the bed was a bit of a chore, though.

I just replaced that with a Bak Revolver MX4 when they went on sale on Amazon. I thought it would be nice to have easier access to the last part of the bed and an easier opening system. I like it so far for those things, and I think it looks nicer, but it hasn't been long enough to say if it's worth the premium over the much more reasonable options out there.

 

There's no question that a hard cover offers much better security.

I recently debated the same decision and decided on a Truxedo Pro X15 soft cover because I accept the level of security it provides (or doesn't) and I like the ability to roll it out of the way for full bed usage (I carry dirt bikes and mountain bikes). Although a knife quickly defeats a soft cover, are guys really going around and cutting open covers just to see what's inside? I searched other truck forums to see if this happens frequently and could not find much. Clearly it is possible, but you just have to assess the risk based on your situation.

Stay tuned, maybe you'll see me posting photos of my sliced soft cover in a few months but I hope not.

 

It's all about cost and security. I ended up with the Lomax hard cover from forum vendor @GotExhaust
There is a thread on this cover in the section on camper tops and covers.
It was reasonable for a hard cover. It's light and i can take it off on my own if needed. It should hold snow with out sagging like a soft cover.

Being my first truck I wasn't sure myself and considered the truckxedo lowpro and the less expensive $300 model.
In the end I decided I liked that it can't be cut open. It sort of locks to the rails and if the tailgate is locked you can't open it. Of course if someone wants in to anything they will smash or pry it open.
People also if they can't see in at something to steal they won't be as motivated.
I never keep anything very valuable in the bed overnight or for long periods so it's seems safe.

 

I have a new 2020 SR and I wanted a hard cover. I went with the BAKFlip MX4 and love it. Also got a discount from being a forum member.

 

I prefer hard cover for its security and I like the way they look. The most popular is the Lomax and then the BAKflip MX4.

let us know if we can provide you with a quote for the Lomax, MX4, or any other bed cover. We offer great pricing to the members here. Just send me a message for pricing

 

Also have the BakFlip MX4 and have been very happy with the quality and security it provides. The low profile and aluminum construction were high on my priority list. I’ve had a soft top on a previous truck and didn’t like how it aged.

 

I had a soft cover on an old tundra, the nice thing was there was no loss of bed access when rolled up, but at speeds 50+ it would make some noise when rolled out. There was an adjustment for tension, even at tightest I could get it, it would still vibrate some. tried varying levels of tension, but still made noise. I went with hard covers on the next two trucks, problem solved.

On my current vehicle I have the Xtang Solid fold 2.0, Nice quality, but doesn't fold against the glass for more access, hasnt been an issue yet tho

 

I just ordered a Bakflip MX4 last week and got tracking today. I’ll update you my thoughts and first impressions when I get it. I’ve owned soft covers and fiberglass camper shells in the past. This will be my first trifold hard cover

 

I went with a diamondback also, and I cannot wait for it to arrive!

 

Christmas is coming early this year!

 

Funny you mention that, my expected delivery date is approximately Christmas day!

 

rugged cover2

 

Here’s to you getting it before Christmas Day!

Mine is estimated this Saturday...

 

I'm not a huge tonneau guy (it wouldn't have been on my list of things for my truck if it didn't come with it) and I only run mine in the winter these days.

I've got the OEM which eats 1/3 of the bed if your load is taller than the cover. 99% of the time that wouldn't be an issue for me, but the only reason I run my tonneau in the winter is so that I don't have to shovel snow out of the bed. I do move my snowblower back and forth to my Mom's to clear her driveway. It's super annoying that the snowblower has to overhang the tailgate unless I want to pull the cover every time I drive over there. I'd much rather be able to roll up the cover and be good to go.

With that being said, if I didn't already have one and I had to chose, it would be a roll up softcover until or one that folds up the final 1/3.

 

I have a Lomax Professional, chosen after much study. I need to sometimes use my full bed and the Lomax can be removed in 1 minute, no tools required and just as easy to put back on. I don’t know of a single other hard fold that’s as fast and easy to remove and reinstall. Diamondbacks take about 10 minutes to take the whole thing off from posts I’ve read.
Edit: here’s a video of the Lomax Professional, the standard Lomax covers work the same way. One thing he doesn’t show in the video is there are two safety straps with carabiner clips on the front panel, those only take a few seconds to be released.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hzGudsiEtOw

 

Hands down, best security. I was going to install a poplock with a disconnect switch to keep the bed locked, even if the window is smashed and unlocked pressed.

 

I like my OEM hardcover, seats well and quality construction. A bit heavy but easy for two people. Gives me peace of mind my winter sand bags are well protected.

 

You won't be disappointed. I had the original on my F-150 for a solid 2 years before I sold it for my Taco in September. The functionality can't be beat.

 

My Extang Encore removes easily in just a minute by one person, with no tools. But what really sold me on it was the ability to open it from the front. That, and its BOLT lock which cylinder keys to the ignition key.

Next on my list would be one of the Diamondbacks, but it's way more expensive.