A tonneau cover for the cargo bed of your pickup helps keep your possessions stored securely and protects them from the weather. It also give your truck a sleek, attractive look. Tonneau covers come in many different materials and styles. There are one-piece covers, retractable covers, roll-up covers, and folding tonneau covers.
Even among the folding variety, there are differences between tonneau covers. Some are made of hard materials, while others are made out of materials that are soft and pliable. Either type can be serviceable, and each offers its own advantages. So that you are better equipped to choose which type is right for you, here is a comparison of soft and hard folding tonneau covers.
Soft Folding Tonneaus
While hard tonneaus often have small gaps around the edges, soft covers fit the truck bed more precisely. As a result, they provide better water protection than hard covers. Soft covers are more convenient to store and easier to remove on your own.
Soft tonneaus do not cost as much as their hard counterparts and provide nearly equal protection under most circumstances. On the other hand, they do not hold up so well to heavy impact or pressure, such as might occur when a tree branch snags or falls on the tonneau. They also do not provide much protection against theft because they do not have locking mechanisms and the soft material can be easily compromised.
Hard Folding Tonneaus
Both types of folding tonneaus keep items in your truck bed out of sight of prying eyes. However, if a someone wants to know what your tonneau is covering up, it is a relatively simple matter to cut through a soft tonneau cover to see what is inside, and take it if it is something valuable. A hard tonneau cover is made of stronger materials that are more difficult to cut through. Not only that, but hard covers typically have some sort of locking mechanism so that the tonneau cannot be easily removed, except by you.
The same qualities that make a hard tonneau cover an effective theft deterrent also make it more durable than its soft counterpart. A hard cover might cost more upfront but it is likely to last longer than a soft cover. As a result, it may be a more cost-effective purchase. If you navigate a lot of rugged terrain or put your truck through heavy use, a hard tonneau cover may be preferable to a soft one because it can stand up better to heavy mud or loose rocks.
If something scrapes a soft tonneau cover, or debris falls on it, it is likely to cause a tear, requiring repair or replacement of the cover, depending on the extent of the damage. The same accidents are unlikely to destroy a hard tonneau cover. It may escape with only a minor scratch.
The type of tonneau cover you choose for your truck bed depends a lot on the uses to which you intend to put it, as well as your own personal preference. Ultimately, whether you decide on a folding tonneau cover, hard or soft, or decide to look for the best roll-up tonneau cover instead, you can find affordable and reliable options from online dealers.