by Joshua Thomas
While there are many types of tonneau covers currently on the market, the roll up truck bed covers are probably the most common ones.
The best roll up tonneau covers will combine traits like water resistance, ease of use and affordability to make them the perfect choice for covering your truck bed and cargo.
With a roll up cover, it will be easy to access your truck bed when you want to carry large or awkwardly shaped cargo.
But, like all other tonneau covers, there are dozens of brands that sell hundreds (if not more) models of roll up cover.
Here we review 7 top rated roll up tonneau covers and explain the factors to consider when shopping to help you pick the best one for your truck.
Contents
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
---|---|---|
1. Tyger Auto TG-BC1D9014 (Best Overall) |
| |
2. MaxMate TCD169046 (Best Budget) |
| |
3. Truxedo 280601 (Best 5.5-foot Bed Cover) |
| |
4. Tyger Auto TG-BC2D2064 (Best Low Profile) |
| |
5. Gator Covers 53109 (Best under $200) |
| |
6. Tyger Auto TG-BC1F9031 (Perfect for Large Truck Beds) |
| |
7. Lund 96893 (Easy to Install & Maintenance-Free) |
|
Tyger Auto is a top tonneau cover brand and they are famous for making some highly durable roll up ones like their model TG-BC1D9014 model.
It is made with a dual coated marine grade vinyl and heavy-duty aluminum frame to make it sturdy and highly durable. Also, it has some built-in horizontal crossbars for support when open, and they will roll back with the cover to ensure full bed access.
The easy no-drill installation helps to make this one of the best soft roll up tonneau covers out there, but note that you might still need to drill a few small holes if you have some types of bedliner.
Keeping the cover tight and wrinkle-free should be pretty easy thanks to the adjustable tension system. And you can buy this truck bed cover with confidence that it will last as the manufacturer provides a limited lifetime warranty.
The seals on this tonneau cover would do with some improvements to make them more watertight. However, they still do a good enough job keeping water pout.
Pros
Cons
Being the cheapest item on our roll up truck bed cover review, the MaxMate Roll-up Cover will be a good pick for someone shopping for a tonneau cover on a tight budget.
Like most other high-quality soft roll up covers, it is made with dual-coated marine grade vinyl and heavy duty aluminum frame and with horizontal crossbars for support.
This tonneau cover is easy to secure in place using the Velcro strip and latch lock system. Also, there is an adjustable tension system to ensure that you always get a tight and wrinkle-free fit.
Installation is straightforward, and you will in most instances not need to do any drilling. Given the sleek design of the tonneau cover, you will get gas savings of up to 13%.
The plastic latches are still not as tough as the metal ones, but they should last long enough given that this is an inexpensive roll up tonneau cover. While the velcro is not the best quality, it still works well and should be good enough for the price.
Pros
Cons
The easy clamp-on installation means that it will only take about 20 minutes or less to install this roll up tonneau cover on your truck and without the need for any drilling.
Keeping the cover tight on the truck is made easy by the adjustable tension control that also ensures you always get a wrinkle-free fit.
The dual paddle latches that you can access from both sides of the truck bed provide secure fastening for extra cargo security.
Durability is also guaranteed as the top is made from a high-quality leather-grained fabric that is designed to offer maximum protection from the elements.
The roll up tonneau cover will also provide a sleek and stylish look thanks to the straight cross tubes that provide a smooth and flat look.
This roll up tonneau cover does not seem to be completely waterproof, but the good news is that it still keeps most of the water out. And while it is a little pricier for a 5.5-foot bed cover, the quality makes it worth it.
Pros
Cons
The dual coated marine grade vinyl top combines with the heavy-duty aluminum frame and built-in horizontal crossbars to make this a highly durable and convenient roll up tonneau cover.
Also, the truck bed cover is designed with a secure latch system and Velcro strip that will help ensure that it will remain secure on your truck.
Wrinkles will never be an issue when using this truck bed cover as it uses an adjustable tension control system to keep the cover super tight and smooth.
Its ultra low-profile design not only gives it a more appealing look but also reduces drag to ensure you get significant gas savings.
Installation should only take a few minutes and you will not need to drill the truck bed and it will come with all the hardware and instructions.
While the instructions do not seem very beginner-friendly anyone can still install this roll up tonneau cover.
Pros
Cons
The industrial strength vinyl top that is designed to withstand the elements and abuse for a long time and the relatively affordable price tag make this the best roll up tonneau cover for the money in our list.
Also, this Gator roll up tonneau cover is designed with a convenient and easy to use adjustable tension control that ensures it will always remain tight. This adjustable tension control system is instrumental in ensuring the tonneau cover will hold up to rain and snow better.
There are some handy horizontal crossbars that run from side to side to provide extra strength for the cover which also helps to keep it secure under snow and rain.
Gator will provide some drill-free clamps with this cover that will ensure easy and quick installation without having to drill your truck bed.
While this cover does not seem to be completely watertight, you will hardly ever have to worry about getting water on your truck bed as it still keeps most of it out.
Pros
Cons
Whether you are on the hunt for the best hard roll up tonneau cover or prefer the more affordable soft types, you can be confident that Tyger Auto will have something for you.
This particular one is for those that have an 8-foot truck bed and are looking for something tough but relatively affordable. It is a soft cover made with a durable vinyl top and powder coated aluminum frame to ensure a long service life.
Also, it uses the convenient adjustable tension system that will make it easy to keep the cover tight and free of wrinkles.
The Velcro strip and latch lock system help to seal and secure the cover and its sleek design will provide gas savings of up to 13% which is quite good.
The installation will only take a few minutes and you will not need to do any drilling, and with the limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, you can be confident that this is a high-quality and durable truck bed cover.
The tension adjustment design seems poorly designed but it will still work well enough and keep the cover tight and wrinkle-free. Also, it is still easy enough to install even with then wanting installation.
Pros
Cons
The maintenance-free twill weave top is one of the highlights of this roll up tonneau cover. This top looks amazing thanks to the matte black finish, and it is also tough and highly durable.
Besides the highly durable top, this truck bed cover comes with heavy-duty aluminum rails and bows which are also designed to ensure maximum durability.
The easy no-drill installation adds to the convenience of the tonneau cover as you can have it on your truck easily and in just a few minutes.
Accessing the bed should also be easy and convenient thanks to the quick release latching system. And with the hook and loop fasteners that use a unique internal tension control system, you can easily keep the cover tight and secure.
A more profile design would have been better but this should not be a deal breaker. Also, the belt buckles are easy and inexpensive to replace.
Pros
Cons
Different roll up truck bed covers will come with different features and the quality will also be different. But picking the right one for your truck or something that will provide the cover you need and serve you long enough will only require you to consider the following factors.
If the cover that you buy does not fit your truck well, then all its other good features will not be of any use to you because you cannot install it on your vehicle.
The good news is that most manufacturers will clearly indicate the dimensions of the cover and the trucks that it is compatible with.
Also, the size of your truck bed should give you some idea on the right roll up tonneau cover for your vehicle. It is important to note that compatible tonneau covers make fitting easy.
Another important decision that you will need to make is the type of roll up cover to buy, and here you need to choose between soft and hard tonneau covers.
Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover
Soft roll up truck bed covers as their name suggests, are the kinds made from soft materials like vinyl and canvas.
These covers are relatively more affordable when compared to the hard versions, but they will not provide the same level of security as the latter.
The soft materials make the cover lighter and more flexible which makes them easier and quicker to open when you want to access the entire truck bed.
Hard Roll Up Tonneau Cover
If you prefer something more rugged, secure and highly durable, the hard rollup tonneau covers are your best pick. Unlike the soft types, they are made of tougher materials like aluminum.
These covers are tough and they are designed to offer more resistance from outdoor elements like rain, snow, and wind. And they can survive physical impacts much better than the soft covers.
However, it is important to remember that they are relatively heavier, and you cannot roll them as fast and easily as soft covers when you need full bed access and they are generally pricier.
Buying Advice: If you are looking for a more affordable roll up cover that will make truck bed access quick and easy, go for the soft roll up covers. But, if you want something harder and more rugged that can withstand the elements, go with the hard roll up covers.
Most roll up covers are easy enough to install on your own without any professional help or special tools, but how much time you spend doing it also matters.
The best ones are those that will take the shortest time to install and do not have too many parts or require drilling or extra hardware for installation.
Modern roll up tonneau covers will often use clamps or Velcro strips to make installation easier and faster. On average, roll up tonneau covers will take around one hour to install.
Most aftermarket truck upgrades will require some level of maintenance and the roll up tonneau covers are not an exception.
Here you will need to check what you need to do to clean the cover and ensure that it will be easy enough and convenient for you. Most vinyl roll up covers will only require a simple wipe with a damp cloth, but some might require a more complex process than this.
For the maintenance, there is almost nothing that you need to do besides ensuring that everything is securely in place and that there are no loose parts. This will even be more important if your cover uses a clamp-on mechanism.
The material used to make the roll up cover will determine its durability, and so it is also a vital factor to consider.
Most soft roll up covers ones are made with a vinyl top and aluminum frame. However, it is important to make sure that the vinyl is heavy duty enough such as marine grade vinyl. The frame should also be made from a heavy-duty but lightweight material.
If you prefer a hard roll up truck bed cover make sure that the panels are a heavy-duty material. A UV-resistant material is also a good choice as it does not fade or crack easily.
While the heavy-duty roll up covers will offer the most protection from thieves and the elements, the extra weight can make it harder for you to access your truck bed.
The light ones, on the other hand, are very convenient as they fold easily to allow for quick access to the truck bed, and they are also more affordable.
When it comes to the weight of the tonneau cover, you will need to strike a balance between the amount of security that the cover provides and the ease of closing and opening it.
You can get a roll up tonneau cover for under $200, but some high-end models will retail for upwards of $1,200.
Before you go out to buy one you need to come up with a budget so that you can shop for the best one within that budget.
However, like with any other truck accessory or enhancement, you should avoid the overly cheap ones as they are almost always poor quality and not worth your time.
TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 297701 | Fits 2015 - 2023 Ford - Walmart Link
Tyger Auto T1 Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with 2015-2023 Ford F-150 | - Walmart Link
Pace Edwards (SWC3250 Switchblade Tonneau Cover - Walmart Link
Gator ETX Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 53205 | Fits 2009 - 2018, 2019/20 - Walmart Link
Lund Genesis Elite Roll Up Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 96872 | Fits 2015 - - Walmart Link
Gator ETX Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 53110 | Fits 2014 - 2018, 2019 Ltd/Lgcy - Walmart Link
BAK Revolver X2 Hard Rolling Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 39506 | Fits 2005 - 2023 Nissan - Walmart Link
IKON MOTORSPORTS, Tonneau Cover Compatible With 15-19 Ford F-150 8ft/96in Bed, Black - Walmart Link
Lund Genesis Elite Roll Up Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 96851 | Fits 2008 - - Walmart Link
Stehlen 714937188228 Low Profile Roll Up Tonneau Cover - Black For 2014-2018 Chevy - Walmart Link
Velocity Concepts ROLL-UP Soft TONNEAU Cover 14+ for Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 5.8 ft - Walmart Link
Retrax RetraxONE MX Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 60461 | Fits 2014 - 2018, 19 - Walmart Link
TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 297701 | Fits 2015 - 2023 Ford - eBay Link
Tyger Auto T1 Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with 2015-2023 Ford F-150 | - eBay Link
Pace Edwards (SWC3250 Switchblade Tonneau Cover - eBay Link
Gator ETX Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 53205 | Fits 2009 - 2018, 2019/20 - eBay Link
Lund Genesis Elite Roll Up Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 96872 | Fits 2015 - - eBay Link
Gator ETX Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 53110 | Fits 2014 - 2018, 2019 Ltd/Lgcy - eBay Link
BAK Revolver X2 Hard Rolling Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 39506 | Fits 2005 - 2023 Nissan - eBay Link
IKON MOTORSPORTS, Tonneau Cover Compatible With 15-19 Ford F-150 8ft/96in Bed, Black - eBay Link
Lund Genesis Elite Roll Up Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 96851 | Fits 2008 - - eBay Link
Stehlen 714937188228 Low Profile Roll Up Tonneau Cover - Black For 2014-2018 Chevy - eBay Link
Velocity Concepts ROLL-UP Soft TONNEAU Cover 14+ for Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 5.8 ft - eBay Link
Retrax RetraxONE MX Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 60461 | Fits 2014 - 2018, 19 - eBay Link
A roll up tonneau cover provides a simple and relatively easy way to spice up your truck's overall appearance. But, it will do more than just improve the appearances as it will also help to cover your cargo and increase gas mileage.
Finding the best ones will require you to take into account factors like compatibility, type, ease of installation and price. And can now use our 10 best roll up tonneau cover review for recommendations.
Also, keep in mind that installing the cover correctly is as important as picking the right one as it will not serve you well if you mess up the installation. And take good care of it to enjoy it services for long.
About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
Just Car Care