Which tonneau cover: hard tri-fold, soft, or soft tri-fold?

[ecoope]

I'm planning to order a tonneau cover for my new truck from Bison. The hard tri-fold covers are nice because they provide an element of security for keeping things in the bed. But I much prefer the look of the seamless soft covers. The soft tri-fold seems like a great option because the look like the soft but function more like the hard. Plus, they are way more affordable. Not as secure of course, but I don't think that is a significant concern for me. So I'm leaning towards the soft tri-fold. Has anyone installed that option? Any comments about these or tonneau covers in general?

Thanks

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[XORegonian]

My advice is to just buy the one you know you want from the beginning. I bought a cheap Tyger soft tri fold and it worked just fine, but I knew I really wanted an aluminum hard tri fold.

Now I have a cheap trip fold no one wants to buy second hand. I wanted to be able to keep food and smelly stuff in my truck bed while camping in bear country.

 

[Don Vandyke]

I have the Bison hard tri fold and love it.

 

[CACTUSGREYFX4]

I have the Bison that sits on the rails. Does what it needs to do.

 

[superj]

i have a tyger soft trifold on my 04 ranger and its way better than the regular roll up soft tonneau on my 24 ranger. i should have bought the trifold but i will give this to my son when i go visit him in july and just buy the soft trifold, or maybe a hard trifold, who knows, when i come back.

i have never had a hard tonneau so i cannot comment on those

 

[gtistiffler]

I like trifold due to the ability to remove the whole cover easily. I leave mine off and use it for trips only.

 

[pohnz1]

Leer quad fold. Cheaper than tri folds and better set up. Aluminum

 

[cwcrawford]

I’ve use Extang tri folds for years on numerous trucks. I’ve never had a security issue, although a knife could allow forced entry.
My current issue is with the rails on the Ranger, allowing leakage into the bed. I may investigate fully flat rail covers in the future.

 

[natethegreat42]

I have a soft tonneau cover from Truxedo/RealTruck on my Ranger. I like it so far! Have always liked the look of the soft covers since my truck bed really won’t be used as much, so I don’t need to worry about taking it off.
I do agree with others though, don’t overthink it - just buy what you have been drawn to from the beginning. Even the soft covers can be completely uninstalled, if you really don’t like what you got.

 

[Alaska Steve]

Get what you like. Personally, I’m on my third truck with a hard tri fold. Beyond the security, I like the lower profile.

 

[stemplar]

I went with a fastop tonneau and soft topper combo because I usually like having a tonneau, sometimes need a topper, and sometimes need neither, and the fastop is all of the above, and easy for one person to switch between the different options. It wasn't cheap by any means, and it's not perfect, but I'd probably make the same purchase decision again if I had to start over.

 

[AssolMarandy]

I have used a soft tri-fold cover before. It was easy to install and take off. It kept rain out and made the truck bed look clean. It didn’t lock, but it was good for everyday use.

If you don’t need strong security, the soft tri-fold should work fine. Just check the fit when it arrives and make sure the clamps hold tight. It’s a good choice if you want something simple and light.

 

[Woodsmann]

I’ve had a soft fold, hard fold, access to a soft roll, and now a hard roll.

Soft fold: easy to install and uninstall (when you need full access). I was carrying stuff that shifted and a bed frame poked through it. Used a patch kit and it was fine, it you can see it.

Soft roll: I didn’t install and didn’t look to see how eas to uninstall. Gave very good access to full bed. I would have the same concern about punctures. I would be concerned about Velcro failing. But, for the price, you could buy another and still be in for less than other options.

Hard fold: easy to install. It was a bakflip, so it flipped up for full access. However, it blockview from back window, including use of rear view mirror.held up great, it wouldn’t get it again because of view issue.

Hard Roll: just installed, so not a lot of time with it. But, so far I love it. Nearly full access. View is partially blocked, but doable. I got this because I wasn’t completely happy with other options. And I wanted to see if this is my new go-to. So far, it is.

My advice is to get something that is future proof for your needs.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[richman555]

I had went with a hard roll up (Bak Revolver X4s). I just wanted more visibility out the rear and the only downside is it is either completely open or completely closed.

 

[ChronciallyChronic]

I went with a Ford branded soft tri fold cover. It wasn't exactly what I wanted, I wanted a hard cover, but I got the thing purchased and installed for free with points. When the florida sun does its thing in 3-4 years and ruins the vinyl cover I'll but a hard trifold or a hard roll up cover. Until then, nothing beats free!

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