Tri-Fold vs. Sliding Tonneau Cover

[Gurttr]

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

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[Bushwood CC]

I like the sliding version a lot. You do lose some bed space but for me it’s worth the trade.

 

[Gurttr]

I like the sliding version a lot. You do lose some bed space but for me it’s worth the trade.

Good to know, thanks! Losing a bit of space doesn’t bother me too much, so I might lean toward the slider and give it a shot.

 

[mr.Magoo]

Only you can decide what works best for you under your circumstances.

I don't do "truck stuff" very often so I don't mind that I lose a bit of bed space,
I like the T-slot rails and near waterproof-ness of my Retrax XR, I like the fact that you can't just cut through it to get to what's inside the bed.

But it is heavier (doubt that matters on a 7000lbs vehicle), it does take up about a foot in the front of the bed and it is definitely more expensive, so, again, you have to decide for yourself what is important to you.

 

[Gurttr]

Only you can decide what works best for you under your circumstances.

I don't do "truck stuff" very often so I don't mind that I lose a bit of bed space,
I like the T-slot rails and near waterproof-ness of my Retrax XR, I like the fact that you can't just cut through it to get to what's inside the bed.

But it is heavier (doubt that matters on a 7000lbs vehicle), it does take up about a foot in the front of the bed and it is definitely more expensive, so, again, you have to decide for yourself what is important to you.

Thanks for reaching out! I hope I make the right decision.

 

[RickLightning]

If you live where it snows, think about ice and snow on the cover when it opens.

Had a tri-fold for a decade on my 2013 F-150. Not watertight by any means. I put a Diamondback HD on. Only slight intrusion in severe rain on back edge. Of course, not easy to remove.

 

[21st Century Truck]

Every user's decision is different... I almost (!!) went with the Retrax but I didn't because 1). that rollup box takes a LOT of the small bed's space up front, and btw. it seems to be the same sized rollbox for all three bed lengths... meaning, on a 5.5 foot bed there is a lot of unused rollbox space in there, and 2). a wise old guy advised me to not go for a rollup cover if I ever drive much on soft sand like a beach etc. because once the sand gets into the rollers, it'll accumulate until eventual failure.

The tri-folds are better of course than any soft cover but they all leak and they are "adequate, not perfect" in terms of sturdiness, lockability, and sight lines when open all the way.

I finally went with the Decked Drawers redesigned version 2.0 a year+ ago, and I haven't looked back since. Allowed me to get 90% of tools and camping gear out of the basement and into the truck where they belong, and gave me great organization, more bed tie-down points and good security and weather cover.

Good Luck on Your decision.

 

[Dimitri]

I know this is not part of your binary decision of trifold or sliding… but I have to say I was thinking the same when shopping for a truck ten years ago. I then bought a used Dodge Ram with a roll up (over the bed) cover. Cheap. Water proof. Easy to install. No bed space wasted. I installed the same in my Lightning. AND I can use a truck bed tent with inflated mattress, collapse the tent, cover the bed, drive to next campsite, erect the tent… it’s a dream!

 

[bmwhitetx]

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.

@Realtruck is a sponsor here and if you DM them, they will give you a better price than their website. They sell many of the models you are likely looking at.

 

[MountainAlive]

I know this is not part of your binary decision of trifold or sliding… but I have to say I was thinking the same when shopping for a truck ten years ago. I then bought a used Dodge Ram with a roll up (over the bed) cover. Cheap. Water proof. Easy to install. No bed space wasted. I installed the same in my Lightning. AND I can use a truck bed tent with inflated mattress, collapse the tent, cover the bed, drive to next campsite, erect the tent… it’s a dream!

I’ll concur here. The roll up type of cover is nice in that it takes up no bed space and is easy peasy to use.

 

[Zprime29]

I like the trifold I put on mine. It's easy to remove the whole thing when you need to whole bed. I did this just recently to receive a pallet of blow in insulation ( I forgot to get a pic of doing a truck thing! ).

 

[CRAIGC540]

I went with the
BAK Revolver X4s Tonneau Cover

Takes up less space and it comes off really easy.
There warranty and customer service is A+

 

[thunderbayterry]

I like my TriFold. Easy to remove, and I live somewhere where we get a LOT of snow and ice.

 

[Texdan]

I have a TRIFOLD by WORKSPORT - panel close to cab is stationary but has never been an issue for my usage (they offer a cover now where the 3rd panel opens so the whole bed is accessible) WORKSPORT (after another scam brand which claimed aluminum but rusted like a bucket of nails) has been outstanding - is quite watertight as well - water does come in the bed at the tailgate, which has nothing to do with the cover.
Installation of the WORKSPORT is very simple!
I'm a happy camper - slider sounds nice - would like your feedback if you go that route.
Disclaimer; No affiliation to WORKSPORT - just very pleased with their product!

 

[Madams5440]

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

I've had both. The sliding cover is easier as you don't have to lift up heavy sections to gain access. The folding cover gives you more space in the bed but just know that neither is water tight.

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