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Soft Tonneau Covers in the Winter

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by TacomaZL, Aug 28, 2016.

  1. Aug 28, 2016 at 7:46 PM
    #1
    TacomaZL

    TacomaZL [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So recently I purchased this exact tonneau cover. It is made out of a very thick, durable vinyl with 3 metal crossbars supporting it underneath:

    https://www.amazon.com/ask/question..._hza?isAnswered=true#question-Tx294WHXVCRNWMZ

    I live in Chicago, where it can snow an unbelievable amount, or hardly at all at a given moment. I originally purchased my tonneau cover in order to hold my things (school bag, tools, etc.) during the winter months when I go to school, but have read different opinions about using soft tonneau covers in the winter.

    What do you guys recommend, is it alright to use a vinyl tonneau cover in the winter, or should I play it safe and take it off?
     
  2. Aug 28, 2016 at 9:27 PM
    #2
    kn61408

    kn61408 Retired old fart

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    12v always on power point mod, tailgate anti-theft, Addl bed tiedowns, flyzeye dash lights, map lites with dome lite mod, bed stiffeners, air bags, brake controller, always on fog lights,
    I have an Extang Express tonno that is very similar. I have had an 18" accumulation of snow on it once in the winter with no adverse problems. I did keep an eye on it and swept it off periodically as the snow built up. The temps have been as low as 18 deg and the tonno still stayed pliable. Don't know it would do with colder weather. Hope this helps.
     
  3. Aug 29, 2016 at 1:56 AM
    #3
    Fitz235

    Fitz235 Well-Known Member

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    I see no reason to take it off. I have had a soft tonneau on mine for 10+ years in NH. Snow/-10 temps in the winter, all the way up to 100 degrees in the summer. Some will have some type of adjustment to let the tension up / tighten it down on the cover as the seasons change, but I don't even do that any more, and my cover has held up like a champ.
     
    TacomaZL[OP] likes this.
  4. Aug 29, 2016 at 2:03 AM
    #4
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Moderator Vendor

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    +1 - Montana, Minnesota, and Wyoming winters here. It'll be fine.
     
  5. Aug 29, 2016 at 2:05 AM
    #5
    3coma

    3coma my kid says my truck is "Boss"

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    +2
     
  6. Aug 29, 2016 at 2:23 AM
    #6
    bucktales

    bucktales *Retired* curmudgeon

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    First Winter I owned my truck, I picked up an inexpensive American Tonneau Tri-Fold.
    Had a single dump of almost 4 feet snow total that Winter and it held up fine. I was expecting it to cave in at that point.
    For a cheap cover, it did it's job and is now on my BIL's '15.

    IMG_7007.jpg
     
    TacomaZL[OP] likes this.
  7. Aug 29, 2016 at 5:53 AM
    #7
    TacomaZL

    TacomaZL [OP] Well-Known Member

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    WeatherTech Floor Mats; 15" Cragar Black "D" Window Wheels; Custom Center Caps; 235/75/R15 Goodyear Radial Wranglers; "TOYOTA" Tailgate Decal; Magnetic Tool Storage (in Cabin); Stant Locking Gas Cap; Salex Glove box Organizer Debadged; BHLM; Aftermarket Fog lights; FlashWolves 1000 Lumen Reverse lights; DEPO Black LED Tail lights; Differential Extended Breather Mod; FalconZero F170HD+ Dashcam; Scosche MagicMount; Tyger Auto Tri-Fold Pickup Tonneau Cover;
    Thanks for all the responses guys. Glad to hear it should be fine in the winter. Now it's time to load up the bed with shit for when I inevitably get stuck lmao
     
    Fitz235 likes this.
  8. Aug 29, 2016 at 5:59 AM
    #8
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    Largo Florida
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    You mention in both posts about 'stuff in the bed'.

    Keep in mind that a soft cover is only 'security' from the casual prying eye. IE, nothing is protected by even the simplest of locks.

    A shell or a hard cover will give both more weather and theft protection.

    Don't know what your expectations are, but thought that worth mentioning.

    Trifecta soft cover user myself.
     
  9. Aug 29, 2016 at 6:35 AM
    #9
    Flannel_Lover

    Flannel_Lover Your resident questionable advice giver

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    Yeah your good. My trifecta went through Indiana's winter last year just fine
     

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