A roll-up tonneau cover is one of the most popular types of truck bed covers. As the name suggests, these covers roll up for easy access to the entire truck bed. They provide protection against the elements while still allowing you to utilize the full storage capacity of your truck’s bed when needed.

If you’re looking for the best roll-up tonneau cover to protect your truck’s cargo, this comprehensive review compares five top options to help you make an informed decision.

Comparison Table

Here is a quick overview of the main features of the roll-up tonneau covers included in this review:

Product	Material	Warranty	Install Time	Price
Tyger Auto T3 Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover	Marine-grade vinyl, aircraft-grade aluminum frames	Lifetime limited	20 mins	$$
Gator ETX Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover	Industrial-strength vinyl, aluminum frames	Lifetime limited	30 mins	$$$
MaxMate Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover	Marine-grade vinyl, aircraft-grade aluminum frames	10 years	30 mins	$$
Tonno Pro Lo Roll, Soft Roll-up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover	Marine-grade vinyl, aircraft-grade aluminum frames	Lifetime limited	20 mins	$
Truxedo TruXport Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover	Industrial-strength vinyl, aluminum frames	5 years	15 mins	$$$

Why You Should Trust Us

Our team has over 10 years of experience reviewing and testing truck accessories and parts. We conduct in-depth research and hands-on testing to provide honest, unbiased recommendations to help you choose the best products for your needs and budget.

For this review, we spent weeks comparing the most popular roll-up tonneau covers on the market. We looked at key factors like materials, warranties, price, installation time, and real customer reviews. Our aim is to simplify your research process so you can make a confident purchasing decision.

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Reviews of the Best Roll-Up Tonneau Covers

🏆 Best Overall: Tyger Auto T3 Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

The Tyger Auto T3 is our top pick for best overall roll-up tonneau cover.

This low-profile soft cover is made of heavy-duty 24oz marine-grade vinyl with aircraft-grade aluminum side rails and top cross bows. The thick vinyl provides superior tear resistance and UV protection to withstand all weather conditions.

We like that it comes pre-assembled for quick and hassle-free installation. Most users report taking only 20 minutes to install it. The dual coated Velcro strip on the rails ensures a tight seal along the bed.

Once installed, simply unroll it to access the full truck bed, then roll it back and secure it with the built-in latches when done. The latches automatically lock when you close the tailgate for added security.

The Tyger Auto T3 excels in quality and convenience. It provides complete bed coverage when closed and rolls up in seconds when you need full access. This gives you the versatility of a hard tonneau with the convenience of a soft cover.

Other reasons this is our best overall pick:

Limited lifetime warranty – Hard to beat a lifetime warranty. Tyger Auto stands behind their products.
Great value – With its quality and features, the price offers excellent value.
Excellent protection – The thick vinyl and tight seal protects cargo from rain, snow, and dirt while reducing drag for better gas mileage.
Easy installation – Pre-assembled rails and clear instructions make installation a breeze.

For a durable and versatile roll-up tonneau that’s built to last, the Tyger Auto T3 is a top choice. The unbeatable quality and lifetime warranty make this cover a worthwhile investment for your truck.

🥈 Runner Up: Gator ETX Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

For a close runner up, we recommend the Gator ETX roll-up cover by Gator Covers.

This low-profile soft tonneau cover is constructed using industrial-strength vinyl and heavy-duty aluminum side rails and cross bows. The vinyl material is tear-resistant and provides excellent protection against rain, snow, and UV rays.

We like the simple no-drill installation that typically takes around 30 minutes to complete. The cover attaches using a Velcro strip on the rails for a tight and secure fit when closed. Just undo the Velcro to roll it up for full bed access when needed.

Gator Covers stands behind the quality with a limited lifetime warranty to protect against defects.

Reasons we picked the Gator ETX as runner up:

Great value – You get excellent quality and performance for a reasonable price.
Low profile design – Sits nearly flush with the truck bed for a sleek integrated look.
Easy to use – The Velcro strip makes opening and closing quick and easy.
Great warranty – Lifetime warranty provides peace of mind for long-lasting durability.

Overall, the Gator ETX is one of the best roll-up tonneau covers with its durable construction, easy use, and lifetime warranty. It’s a great option if you want a soft roll-up cover without breaking the bank.

🥉 Also Great: MaxMate Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

The MaxMate roll-up cover is another excellent choice if you’re looking for an affordable soft tonneau.

It features heavy-duty 24oz marine-grade vinyl to handle any weather conditions. The aluminum side rails and horizontal cross bars provide reinforced support when rolled up or lying flat.

We like that the dual-coated Velcro rear rail forms a tight seal along the tailgate when closed. Installation only takes around 30 minutes with the right tools. Just peel back the Velcro strip to roll it up and access the full bed when needed.

MaxMate also provides one of the best warranties with 10-year protection against defects. This gives you peace of mind that it’s built to last.

Reasons the MaxMate earned the “also great” spot:

Great value – High-quality materials and construction at a budget-friendly price.
Easy installation – Pre-assembled parts make installation straightforward.
Generous 10-year warranty – Shows the manufacturer’s confidence in its longevity.
Thick vinyl – 24oz marine-grade vinyl can handle any weather and resists punctures.

Overall, the MaxMate roll-up tonneau combines heavy-duty construction with quick installation at an affordable price point. It’s a great budget-friendly option.

Best Bang for Your Buck: Tonno Pro Lo Roll, Soft Roll-up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

For the best value roll-up tonneau cover, we recommend the Tonno Pro Lo Roll.

This soft vinyl cover comes at a very wallet-friendly price while still providing excellent performance and quality.

It uses durable 24oz double-sided vinyl material with aluminum slat supports. The vinyl material is thick enough to protect against rips and UV damage.

Installing the Tonno Pro Lo Roll is straightforward and most users report getting it on in around 20 minutes. It attaches using a rear Velcro strip for easy rolling access along with latch clips on the sides.

Tonno Pro stands behind it with a limited lifetime warranty against defects. That’s reassuring for the price.

Here’s why the Tonno Pro Lo Roll is the best value:

Budget-friendly price – Lowest priced quality roll-up cover we reviewed.
Quick 20-minute installation – Pre-assembled parts make it easy to install.
Tight weatherproof seal – The Velcro rear strip forms a tight seal when closed.
Shock-absorbing slats – Help the cover lie flat and absorb impact.
Lifetime warranty – Surprising for the price and ensures it’s built to last.

If you want an affordable roll-up tonneau that still offers excellent protection and convenience, the Tonno Pro Lo Roll is a top choice. It gives you the most bang for your buck.

Best Low-Profile: Truxedo TruXport Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

For a sleek low-profile look, we recommend the Truxedo TruXport roll-up tonneau.

This cover sits nearly flush with the truck bed rails thanks to its ultra-sleek design. It provides a flush and integrated look compared to most soft roll-up covers.

The Truxedo TruXport uses heavy-duty vinyl material with aluminum slats that roll up to allow full bed access when needed. The rails have a Velcro strip to form a weatherproof seal along the tailgate.

Installing this cover only takes around 15 minutes since it comes pre-assembled. Just clamp it onto the bed rails and you’re finished.

We like the Truxedo TruXport for its:

Ultra-low profile – Sits nearly flush with the truck bed.
Quick 15-minute installation – Pre-assembled for fast no-hassle installation.
5-year warranty – Provides peace of mind for materials and workmanship.
Vinyl/aluminum construction – Durable materials withstand heavy use and weather.
Velcro rear seal – Forms a tight seal along the tailgate when closed.

If you want a soft roll-up tonneau that blends in seamlessly with your truck’s bed, the sleek Truxedo TruXport is an excellent option. The quick install and 5-year warranty also make it hassle-free.

How to Choose the Best Roll-Up Tonneau Cover

Here are some tips to guide you when choosing the best roll-up tonneau cover for your truck:

Truck compatibility – Confirm that the cover is designed specifically for your truck make, model, and bed length.
Materials – Look for vinyl or canvas shell with aluminum or reinforced PVC slats. Vinyl provides the most durability.
Design – Low-profile covers have a flush, OEM fit. Other covers mount on top of the bed rails.
Installation – Most roll-ups allow for easy DIY installation. Make sure it includes comprehensive instructions.
Warranty – A longer warranty ensures the cover is built to last. Lifetime warranties are ideal.
Price – Roll-up covers range from $200 to $800+ depending on materials, features and truck size.
Ease of use – Ensure the cover easily rolls up and secures for full bed access when needed.
Weather protection – Look for features like rear seals and drain tubes to prevent water intrusion.

Choose based on your priorities like budget, ease of use, profile, and warranty terms. Measure your truck bed size and use a fit guide to ensure compatibility. This will help you select the ideal roll-up tonneau cover for your needs.

Expert Tips for Roll-Up Tonneau Covers

Follow these expert tips to get the most out of your roll-up tonneau cover:

For the best weather protection, secure the cover with all latches and access doors closed. This creates a tight seal.
Roll up the cover when hauling taller cargo to avoid damaging the material. Never drive with it rolled up and unsecured.
Use truck bed rail caps for smoother cover operation and to prevent vinyl rips. Apply protectant to the vinyl to prevent UV damage.
Clean the cover regularly with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid abrasive chemicals or scrubbing, which can damage the vinyl.
In snowy weather, park with the cover unrolled and loosened. This prevents heavy snow from collapsing the cover.
For easier access when removing/installing the cover, use bed rail mounted tools like channel locks or Allen wrenches.
Lubricate the rolling slats occasionally with silicone spray to prevent sticking and allow smooth operation.

Following these tips will help you prevent damage, prolong the life of your roll-up cover and keep it working smoothly for years.

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Other Related Products/Accessories to Consider

Here are some other useful products and accessories to use with your roll-up tonneau cover:

Bed rail caps – Smooth plastic caps protect your cover from rips and provide smoother rolling operation.
Tonneau cover cleaner – Specialized vinyl/canvas cleaners keep the material looking new. Armor All also works well.
Tonneau cover protectant – Sprays like 303 Aerospace Protectant prevent fading and damage from UV rays, rain, and snow.
Storage bag – For storing your roll-up cover during winter or when not in use. Prevents damage.
Tonneau cover lock – Replaces the tailgate lock for more secure locking of soft tonneau covers.
Truck bed lighting – LED lights make loading your truck bed at night easier and safer.
Truck bed divider – Helps organize and separate cargo in your truck bed. Works well with a tonneau cover.
Cargo net – Secures loose cargo under your tonneau cover during transport. Avoids shifting.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to install a roll-up tonneau cover?

A: Most roll-up tonneau covers take 15-30 minutes to install with simple hand tools. The rails come pre-assembled so you just need to clamp them onto your truck bed. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.

Q: Can you install a roll-up cover yourself?

A: Yes, roll-up tonneau covers are designed for easy do-it-yourself installation. As long as you have basic tools and follow the instructions, you can usually install a roll-up cover in under 30 minutes without issues.

Q: How do you open and close a roll-up cover?

A: Roll-up covers open by releasing the rear latches and rolling it toward the cab. Make sure to secure the cover with the provided straps when rolled up. To close, simply unroll it back over the bed and secure the rear latches again.

Q: Are soft roll-up covers waterproof?

A: While not 100% waterproof, quality roll-up covers are weather-resistant when fully closed. Features like rear seals and drain tubes help prevent water intrusion in rainy weather. But they are not designed for extensive water submersion.

Q: Will a roll-up tonneau cover improve gas mileage?

A: Yes, tonneau covers help improve gas mileage by reducing aerodynamic drag. Roll-up covers improved mileage slightly less than folding covers. You can expect 1-3 mpg in gains with a roll-up cover.

Q: How do you clean a roll-up tonneau cover?

A: Use a mild soap and water solution with a soft cloth to clean vinyl roll-up tonneau covers. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes. Wipe down the cover regularly to prevent buildup of dirt and debris.

Q: Can you stand or walk on a soft roll-up cover?

A: No, standing or walking on a soft roll-up cover will damage the vinyl material and support slats. These covers are not designed to support weight. Instead, fold down the cover or use a ladder placed in your truck bed.

Q: Can you tow with a roll-up cover installed?

A: Most roll-up covers can safely remain installed while towing. Just make sure to roll up and properly secure the cover using the provided straps to prevent flapping at highway speeds.

Q: Which is better – roll-up or tri-fold tonneau cover?

A: Both have pros and cons. Roll-ups are more versatile and provide full bed access. But tri-folds tend to be more durable and waterproof. Choose based on your truck usage and needs.

The Bottom Line

Adding a roll-up tonneau cover is one of the best upgrades you can make to your pickup. Roll-ups provide the perfect blend of protection, security, and versatility.

For its heavy-duty construction, fast installation, and limited lifetime warranty, we picked the Tyger Auto T3 as the best overall roll-up truck bed cover.

The Gator ETX, MaxMate, Tonno Pro Lo Roll, and Truxedo TruXport are also excellent options that provide quality and value.

Hopefully this guide has simplified the tonneau cover selection process. Measure your truck bed, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the perfect roll-up cover to suit your needs and budget. Your truck and cargo will thank you!