Tri-Fold vs. Sliding Tonneau Cover

[BriyGuyUSA]

I had a rolling vinyl cover, a try-fold and currently have a metal sliding one that rolls up into its own container. I like sliding one as it's more secure (cant but cut and is lockable) but does take up some bed space. It does not seem as waterproof as the rolling vinyl one that I had (Velcro down each side to hold it in place). I didn't like the try-fold as I couldn't get it to lock in place and was also not very water tight. It also takes up some bed space when folded up but not as much as the sliding.

Overall, I would go with the sliding if it's within your budget (they are expensive). You can check FB market place for used ones, that is where I got mine from.

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[No Oil HaHa]

I’m very much a pro-sliding cover guy. I like them for the added security as I travel with some valuable equipment in my bed at times. I’ve got a Truck Covers USA sliding cover on my ICE F-150 and just ordered an Embark by Real Truck advantage through Ford for my Lightning. I got almost $500 off and the dealer of my choice will install it.

 

[rockfish]

I picked this one up a few months ago when it was on sale for 599.00 + free shipping and i super impressed with it. looks great and its stiff enough to walk on if i need to. HF650m . https://www.leer.com/leer-hf650m-folding-tonneau-cover

 

[jc17fw]

I went with ReTrax Pro MX sliding cover, $2.2k, Amazon delivered. Installed with only help to lift into bed and, much help from YouTube vids. Have had for ~6k miles in variety of trips and weather conditions. Very satisfied. Like the ability to roll back completely, lock and, still see through rear window.

 

[WXman]

Hard roll-up is the best. Allows FULL use of the bed, or covering any amount of the bed, or covering all of the bed without removing anything. Also is fairly secure.

Hard tri-fold is my second favorite.

The sliding ones are expensive, take up valuable bed space, and sometimes the track system can jam up and cause problems.

 

[chl]

I like my tri-fold Tyger (T3) brand.
It is lighter than a slider and can be completely removed easily.
Also it is quiet out on the road - I have seen complaints about road noise from some slider brands.
Tri-folds might be less expensive (mine $240 on Amazon) and easier/quicker to DIY install?
Almost no installation required - just foam along the front top of the bed to keep the weather out - the tri-fold just sits on the top of the bed and is clamped down at several places.

(see attached install guide)

That's my take.

 

[Bigisland Guy]

We went with a quad fold for us. only loose about 14" of bed space and when folded can support three people or cargo on top. Again it's your choice for your needs.

 

[jdmackes]

I went with a peragon cover. It's a sliding one that drops down into the bed, but you can easily remove it also if you need the extra space. Seemed like the best of all worlds to me

 

[Bushwood CC]

Seems like everyone likes and recommends the one that they use.

 

[richguy82]

I didn’t like my Retrax at first, but being able to lock it in infinite positions is very handy. I don’t like that it’s heavier and it leaks.

 

[Realtruck]

Should I go with a tri fold tonneau cover or a sliding one? Which option works best? Thanks.

What do you primarily use the truck for?

 

[brewski]

I have the Revolver X4s which is a hard rolling cover. I like the low profile, clean look. OTOH, my old tri-fold was easier to open and close.

I have the same and like it quite a bit.

 

[Deleted member 22541]

I've tried 3 types, rolling, retractable, and flip panels. It's hard to say which I like best. The rolling one I had on my old truck for years, made by BAK, was their roll x version later to be renamed Revolver, no issues with it other than sun exposure over the years ruined the finish of the material, to be expected I suppose, replaced it with the retractable which is what you're calling sliding? Pace Edwards Switch blade. It's nice but rain and carwashes wash away the track grease too fast making it difficult to slide in and out, just have to re lube the tracks periodically.

On the new truck I went with the AL4 from Worksport, folding.

The WORKSPORT AL3 BTW is watertight -
for a year, so far -
I take thru an unlimited carwash once or twice a week, and it is water tight...

 

[ThisRover]

I went with the Real Truck, Bakflip MX 4 trifold and I’ve been very happy with it. It was actually very easy to install and it’s been completely watertight so far, even after going through some really high-pressure car washes. I had thought about the sliding cover because I didn’t want to have my rear window obscured if I had a full load, but then I figured that if I had a full load in the back of the truck, I wasn’t gonna be able to see out the rear window anyway, so having the ability to use all of the bed is a good trade-off for me.

 

[davehu]

Extang hard cover Trifold. have had on all three trucks I've owned since 2012.

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