Pickup truck owners love to customize their rides. One popular way to upgrade a truck is by adding a tonneau cover. Tonneau covers protect the truck bed and cargo from weather and theft. There are different types of tonneau covers. Soft covers roll or fold up. Hard covers open in sections or as one piece.
Tri-fold tonneau covers have 3 hard panels. The panels fold for easy access to the truck bed. Hard tri-fold tonneau covers are very sturdy and secure. But not all hard tri-fold covers are the same. Which one is the toughest and most durable?
What Makes A Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover Tough?
Hard tri-fold tonneau covers are tough for some key reasons:
Strong Materials
The panels need to stand up to weather, bumps, and cargo loading. Hard panels are made from materials like:
- Aluminum – Strong, rust-proof metal. It resists dents.
- Fiberglass – Durable plastic that won’t rust or rot.
- ABS Plastic – A strong plastic used in many auto parts.
The panels are covered in vinyl or carpet. Marine-grade vinyl resists mold and mildew.
Sturdy Frame
Under the panels is a frame. It attaches to the inside of the truck bed. The frame supports the weight of the panels and cargo. It’s made of metal like aluminum or steel.
Tight Seal
Gaskets run along the edges of the panels. They seal out dust, rain and snow. The cover should fit snug to the bed for a tight seal.
Easy Latches
Special latches hold the panels closed. They should be secure but easy to open and close.
Tension Control
The cover needs adjustable tension. This keeps it snug in any weather.
The Contenders: 5 of the Toughest
After looking at expert reviews, 5 tri-fold tonneaus stand out for durability:
1. Gator EFX
This cover tops the list on Forbes of best hard folding tonneau covers. The Gator EFX is made by Gator Covers. They make truck bed covers, racks and more.
The Gator EFX panels are aluminum. The thick panels resist dents and will not rust.
The aluminum frame mounts inside the truck bed rails. It attaches with a clamp system, not drilled holes. So it does not damage the truck bed.
How does it seal out the weather? The cover has a tight-fitting gasket. It keeps dust and moisture from getting in.
The panels fold up with a hinge system. The hinges are made to last a long time. Simple latches keep the cover closed securely.
The vinyl covering the panels has a 10-year warranty. Gator Covers says it will not crack or peel.
2. UnderCover Elite
The UnderCover Elite places high on lists of rugged tonneau covers. It is a one-piece hard cover. But it folds for easy access like a tri-fold.
The panels are made from fibreglass. So they are very impact resistant. They will not dent like metal can.
UnderCover says the panels will not warp or stretch. The paint has a 3-year warranty against fading.
The Elite has a tough aluminum frame. It hinges on both sides for easy opening. Gas springs help lift the heavy panels.
Thick weather seals keep out moisture and dirt. The domed shape helps rain roll off.
3. Lomax Stance
Experts at Road & Track recommend the Lomax Stance. They say its very sturdy panels stand up to hauling.
The Stance has aircraft-grade aluminum panels. At the front, the panel is double-walled for added strength.
The panels attach to an aluminum underbody frame. It secures inside the bed rails with clamps.
Tight seals made of foam go around each panel. Even in heavy rain or snow, the cargo stays dry.
The Stance has an automatic tension control system. This keeps the cover tight year-round. Straps tighten to adjust for temperature changes.
4. Tonno Pro Hard Fold
The Tonno Pro Hard Fold gets good reviews from truck experts. Its panels fold up much like a tri-fold wallet.
The panels are aluminum with a powder coated finish. This helps stop corrosion and fading.
Underneath is an aluminum frame. Steel shims level out the bed rails for a perfect fit.
The panels are covered in thick marine-grade vinyl. It stands up to weather better than carpet.
5. Gator SFX
The Gator SFX is another durable tri-fold from Gator Covers. The aluminum panels will not dent or corrode.
Corners are reinforced to prevent damage. The panels lock into place with compression bumpers. These provide a tight seal.
The SFX frame clamps onto the inside of the bed rails without drilling. The cover can be removed without tools.
A marine-grade vinyl top is tear resistant and long-lasting. The cover also comes with a 30-day “swap it or love it” guarantee.
This helps ensure buyers are happy with the quality and fit.
How Are They Put To The Test?
So how do we know which hard folding covers are truly the toughest? Experts test them in some rough ways!
Drop Test
Cover panels are dropped onto concrete. This checks if they dent or crack.
Hose Test
Covers get sprayed with high power hoses. See if any water leaks in!
Drive Test
Covers are driven on highways, bumpy roads, and gravel. Does it stay tightly sealed?
Load Test
Heavy objects are loaded onto the cover. Can it handle the weight without damage?
Winter Test
Covers left outside in ice, snow and bitter cold. Do the seals stay tight?
Summer Test
Left in summer heat and sun for long periods. Does the vinyl peel or warp?
Only the most rugged tri-folds can pass all these tough tests. The brands above are built to last year after year.
Questions Truck Owners Often Ask
People shopping for hard folding tonneau covers often have these questions:
How hard is it to install the cover?
Most brands are made for easy DIY install. The frame clamps on quickly with no drilling required. Panels take just minutes to attach. Gator SFX installs in under 10 minutes with simple hand tools.
Will it fit my truck properly?
The key is getting the right size for your truck bed length. Also check if the cover model fits your truck make and year. Brands like UnderCover have guides to find your exact fit.
How do I lock it?
Hard folding covers have built-in locks on the panels. Some use special keyed locks. Others use latch systems with slam locks. This allows locking the tailgate through the cover.
Does it hurt gas mileage?
Solid covers improve mileage a bit versus open beds. The trim shape cuts aerodynamic drag. But hard covers have a bit more drag than soft roll-ups. Expect 1-2 MPG difference.
Can it hold a lot of weight?
It depends on the cover, but most support at least 100 pounds when folded closed. Some top models like the Gator EFX are rated over 200 pounds! Enough for heavy gear.
Will it leak?
Quality covers are engineered not to leak. Tight gaskets, strong seals and good fit keep out rain and snow. Cheaper covers may seep a bit in heavy weather.
Will it dent or scratch easily?
The best brands use durable aluminum or fiberglass panels. They resist dents, dings and abrasion much better than cheap covers. But anything left on the cover could scratch the finish.
Can I still use my truck bed racks?
You’ll need rack systems made for use with tonneau covers. These mount outside the bed rails to allow the cover to open and close.
Get The Right Cover For Your Truck
There are many quality hard folding tonneau covers out there. The key is finding the right one for your truck. Measure the bed size and research good fits for your truck model.
Stick with top-rated brands known for toughness and durability. With the right cover, you’ll keep your truck bed and cargo secure for years of use.
Then you can ride in style with the best protection a truck can get!