cheap eBay tonneau cover?

would this work for now?
Not really trying to drop $700+ right now on higher quality brand names...

hoping for something that can just keep wind from hitting cargo, keep the bed cleaner, look good, and maybe add some privacy to cargo. And maybe hide an OEM bed mat from being stolen.

I understand it won't offer as much protection as a fiberglass painted cover with key locks.

Some tonneau covers even claim you can stand on top of them such as to wash the truck. But again, expensive.
Maybe another day later on the future after deciding which route to go (tonneau vs. camper, etc.)

hopefully there'd be no surprise issues. Such as finding out it flaps and makes noise at speed, etc.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Premium-So...-Bed/362536905090?fits=Year:2008|Model:Tacoma

 

Seems like it would work. Looks a lot like my 2nd hand lo pro.

 

I wanted a softopper, but compromised for a $140 trifold from https://ebay.com/usr/gt_racers

I’m happy with it. The quality seems better than a lot of stuff that comes out of China. Appearance is good and doesn’t look like it came from eBay. But it’s only been a couple weeks so these are first impressions.

 

link doesn't seem to work so I searched that seller on eBay and found this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-2005-2...-Tonneau-Cover/372671759860?fits=Model:Tacoma

Looks similar but with the main difference being it folds flat up to the cab. Not sure if that would make a roll-up one preferable for more bed room because it rolls all the way up to the cab.

If the short bed is 5ft (60") and the tri-fold folds into three, then 60"/3=20" in folded position, blocking off a third of the bed top
Not sure if it can fold any other way, or how easy it is to remove entirely such as if moving big objects

Seems like another design style is snap on with buttons but it looks bad

 

OP, that cover is alittle different than mine but about the same price I paid on ebay.

I've had it on for two years now and have no issues yet and does a great job keeping stuff dry.

If you’re on a budget like I was, I’d say go for it.

Also, this is the best way to determine if a tonneau is best for you.

 

I bought a tuxedo for my DCLB very well made. You usually get what ya paid for.

 

You get what you pay for in the long run. I bought a bakflip 8 years ago for $600 and it looks and handles exactly how it did the very first day I installed it. Someone once told me, when you buy something, make sure it only hurts once.

 

I generally agree with that sentiment but in today's world, these cheaper options are often coming off the same dock as the more expensive choice but in a different box. A little due diligence can often save a guy a fortune.

 

I’ve got this same cover, different brand name. Pretty sure it’s one company making them and selling under different names. Had it for almost 2 years with no problems. It’s light enough that I can install and remove it by myself. It’s had over a foot of snow on it and it didn’t budge. It’s not quite air tight. Small gap along front of bed and at tailgate. But for the most part keeps cargo dry and out of sight.

 

There are so many knockoffs out there for every product that that’s a tough job to undertake. Peace of mind is priceless.

 

I just bought an American Tonneau Tri Fold for $209 shipped. Name brand, with a warranty and known good quality. Came with the install hardware for the tacoma rails and tailgate seal. I just put it on so all I can say is, that it meets my expectations so far.