Tonneau Cover Reviews

Hey guys, So I am looking at getting a tonneau cover for my Tacoma. I know the options out there are limited, but I hope I will be able to get some reviews on here to make the right decision.

I would like to provide my review on a few tonneau covers that I personally have owned on my previous Tacoma (2nd Gen). Hope this helps some of you out there. They are reviewed in the order I had them...

Undercover Flex (Hard trifold cover)
Price was around $700
Pros: Full access to the bed when completely folded up. Came with a clip to hold cover open at a 90* angle when completely folded up that did not require the cover to rest on the cab like the Bak Industries and others. I would not want a cover resting on my cab, even if there was some padding.

Cons: One of my biggest dislikes was that the cover rested on top of the tailgate when closed. This gave it an odd look as if the cover did not belong on that truck. It does not fit flush like it does on the full size trucks.

Installation was not as easy like the instructions and video claim. Came with drain tubes that requires one to drill out the preexisting holes in the bed.

Bak Industries RollBak
Price around $900
Pros: Cool concept. Easy open and close. Aluminum construction so appeared to be very secure.

Cons: Very poor quality control from Bak Industries. Some edges were rough, others appeared that they either cup or grinder to much off the material. The brackets were bent and the finish in general was poor. It honestly looked used. The seals on the canister were glued on crooked.

Installation was very hard. Took a long time to adjust the brackets to allow the cover to be leveled. It required me to lay in the bed of the truck while my wife closed and opened the cover to adjust the brackets. Required drilling out the holes for drain tubes. Requires you to open the tailgate to access the cover compare to others that give you access without opening the tailgate.

You lose a good 12 inches of your bed where the canister sits.

Debris got pulled into the canniest when opening the cover which made me think that it would affect its operation over time.

Undercover SE (Hard cover)
Price around $700
Pros: Waterproof, lockable (was a plus with the 2nd gen as it would prevent the tailgate to be open without unlocking the cover), good quality, durable, very secure, and came with an LED light that was pretty bright.

Cons: Losing access to full bed. Very hard to remove by yourself.

Well I hope this helps some of you who are looking at some of these covers. I will continue to do research and hopefully find one of my 16.

 

I just did a review on my Rugged Liner hard tri-fold tonneau cover. It's in the 3rd Gen forum.

 

This is from a tonneau I had on my 2nd gen, and same one I will be placing on my 3rd gen.

Extang Trifecta (soft cover)
MSRP $440, bought for $365.

Pros: very easy to use and looks clean. Folds up in 10 seconds easily. Can be taken off/reinstalled in under 5 minutes whenever needed. Fairly low price for the quality and convenience it offers.

Cons: Installation is a bit more of a pain than I would like, but more than worth it. Involves installing clamps into the rail system, no drilling or altering factory parts. Takes roughly 10-15 minutes. Doesn't seem to stay 100% dry.

I got it way lower than MSRP because Amazon had it through a third-party seller for $366, and AutoAnything price matched and beat by a $1.

 

I have one too, probably will replace it with another in the spring. It's been on the truck since it was new and is getting a little beat up--some tiny slits here and there.

I don't like soft roll-ups because I think they're cheesy and I don't really like the looks of hard tonneaus as much as soft ones.

 

This doesn't roll up, it folds in thirds. My dad has had one on his Silverado for years. Only damage is from a hail storm.

 

I know. I have one. Mine is 5 years old now and I have a few small slits, not sure what from.

I was saying I don't like soft roll-ups because I think they're lousy and don't really like hard tonneaus either, so this is my only option.

 

Oh okay lol. The one I had was only on for like 5k miles.

 

I have an Access LiteRider by Agricover.

Pros:
- rolls up easy (open from one side and close/one man operation in seconds)
- roll and swipe Velcro seals on sides and plate bar that locks across the back end
- locks closed with the tailgate locked
- mounts to inside bed rails
- adjustable and fits tight like a drum
- can be used with a BackRack
- tough as nails (it's been on my last two Tacos for 6 years)
- you can stand on it
- no fighting with stupid fold-up panels (I never understood that concept)
- rolls up out of the way and provides a cushion for the back window
- snow slides off easily with a push broom

Cons:
- it can be cut through with a box knife
- should be treated once a year with Tonneau Tonic (well advised)
- leaks a little at the back end at the touchless car wash
- not easily removed, but who wants to??
- expensive in Canada ($500)





I have had these covers on my last 4 trucks - Ram, Ranger, and two Tacos. I had no problem selling the used ones. People, who haven't seen this before, comment on how slick it is.

My .02 cents.

 

How do all the various covers hold up under snow load? Better to go hard cover when living up north or just keep the soft covers rolled up when there is snow in the forecast?

 

Big reason I want a tonneau is to not have to shovel snow out of the bed, and I'm going for a soft top. They will hold up fine.

 

I'm eager for a tonneau cover for the same reason. I have a heated garage with no drain and I store my motorcycles down there. Can't have a bed full of snow melting in the garage. I had an Access rollup on my last 3 Tacomas and it was perfect for me. Strong, watertight, easy to use and lasted for 3 different trucks. The Truxedo Lo Pro is coming out soon but two local truck parts stores say wait for an Access cover.

 

So are any of the tonneau covers you guys have tried secure? I had a fiberglass solid cover on my S10 a long time ago - was secure but heavy and took two people to get on/off. Then when I took it off, it was always a pain to find a spot to put it.

I'd like to get something that can't be easily cut open with a knife / box cutter but also doesn't weigh more than 70 lbs or so. Maybe it doesn't exist...?

 

Most of the solid folding covers should meet those requirements.

 

http://www.realtruck.com/access-roll-up-cover/R181P2016Y608MA.html

RealTruck has them already for the 2016's.

 

I just like how the Truxedo can be removed easily. The access is just as nice but nothing is said about how easy you can take it off if needed.

 

Not quite a tonneau but a Softopper is the way to go unless you don't like the looks. Quality is on par, storage is more abundant and it provides easy access to your entire bed space within seconds.

 

I have the factory topper on my taco.

Pros: well built, installed from the factory, easy removal, seals down well (I know some people have complained with leaks but I haven't seen any issues. I've also found there is a second click on the latches if you press down on the topper which seals it down tighter). Very secure - the first thing I tried to do was get into it. You may be able to if you tried hard enough but i feel it's more than adequate.

Cons: may be heavy for some but I'll deal with the weight for a well made cover. Doesn't fold up against back of cab for full bed usage like some others

Install: most are installed from the factory but all the beds are pre-drilled for installation so it's a matter of putting in a few bolts and you are set.

 

Does anyone know if the dimensions of the 2015 vs the 2016 bed are the same? I am looking to get an extang solid fold but they don't have it for the 2016 yet and I am assuming they won't make it since they have the 2.0 now.

 

Thank, Scooter!

 

I called Truxedo and they have the parts numbers now for the 2016's. The 6 ft LoPro is #557001 (if my memory is correct). I just realized a lost the note but about 98 percent sure that's it.

Regardless, that means they are coming and the lovely lady on the phone said they are going out to the distributors at the end of the month.