Is It Possible To Stand Or Sit On A Soft Tonneau Cover?
A soft tonneau cover is usually made from vinyl, canvas, or other fabric materials. These materials are designed to roll or fold up for easy access to the truck bed. But they are not made to hold much weight on top.
So is it safe to stand or sit on a soft tonneau cover? The short answer is no. Soft tonneau covers are not meant to support people standing or sitting on them. Doing so can easily damage the cover.
Why You Should Not Stand On A Soft Tonneau Cover
Standing on a soft tonneau puts a lot of focused pressure on a small area. This can cause the fabric to stretch, warp, or tear. The supports and hinges may bend or break too.
Most soft covers use snaps, buckles, or Velcro to attach to the truck bed. The weight of standing can pop these open or rip them off. This damage will leave gaps for dust and rain to get in.
Vinyl and canvas covers will develop permanent creases and sagging spots. These are unsightly and let in water.
In summary, a soft tonneau cover cannot safely hold the weight of a person standing on it. Doing so risks expensive damage.
Why You Should Not Sit On A Soft Tonneau Cover
Sitting on a soft tonneau cover puts less focused pressure than standing. But the weight is still too much for the thin fabric to handle.
The cover material will stretch and warp under the pressure. Frames and supports can bend or snap. Buckles and Velcro attachments may pop loose or tear open.
Sitting on a soft cover regularly will cause permanent dents and divots. These deformities allow dust and moisture inside the truck bed. They also look bad.
Like standing, sitting on a soft tonneau risks harming the cover. It’s best to avoid doing so.
Soft Tonneau Covers Are Not Load Bearing
Soft folding and roll-up tonneau covers are designed for one purpose only. That is to cover the truck bed, not bear any load.
The vinyl, canvas, or other fabric is thin and flexible. It is meant to roll up or fold, not support weight. The frames and hinges are only made to handle the cover’s own light weight.
So while useful for keeping cargo clean and dry, soft covers simply cannot safely hold people on top. Don’t use them as a place to stand or sit.
Are Hard Tonneau Covers Better For Standing?
Unlike soft versions, some hard tonneau covers can handle standing on them. Though doing so is still not recommended in most cases.
Hard One-Piece Tonneau Covers
Hard one-piece tonneaus are made from heavy duty materials like aluminum or thick reinforced fiberglass. The solid top surface is securely attached to the truck bed for its full length.
This makes a one-piece hard cover sturdy enough to stand on safely. Though doing so could eventually loosen the attachment points. And any damage from standing would not be covered under warranty.
If you do need to stand on a one-piece hard tonneau, be sure to spread your weight evenly. Standing in one spot risks denting or cracking the surface. Have someone help hold you steady.
Hard Folding Tonneau Covers
Hard folding covers have heavy aluminum or reinforced vinyl panels. But the hinged joints between each panel are weaker points.
Standing on a folding hard tonneau risks bending the hinges or breaking the support arms. The focused pressure can also pop the snap-on seals loose, allowing dust and moisture inside.
It’s best not to stand on a hard folding cover. Doing so unevenly or off-center could damage the hinges or other hardware.
Hard Roll-Up Tonneau Covers
Some roll-up style covers have a thick reinforced vinyl top surface. But the rolling rear section and side rails are not meant to bear weight.
Standing on any part of a hard roll-up tonneau could bend the internal supports. It could also pop the cover loose from the feeble snap-on seals along the rails.
Hard retractable tonneaus have a reinforced vinyl surface. But the rolling rear part is not sturdy enough for standing. So it’s better to avoid standing on these as well.
Are Tonneau Covers Designed For Weight On Top?
Tonneau covers are not actually designed for any extra loads on top. Here are some guidelines from manufacturers:
- Soft tonneaus – No standing or sitting recommended at all. The fabric cannot support weight safely.
- Hard one-piece tonneaus – Standing briefly may be ok if weight is spread out. But doing so could loosen attachment and risks damage.
- Hard folding tonneaus – Standing not recommended and risks bending hinges. Pressure should be spread evenly if necessary.
- Hard roll-up/retractable tonneaus – Standing not recommended as vinyl can warp and supports bend.
So while some hard covers may technically hold weight, none are really engineered for that purpose. For optimal safety and durability, avoid standing on any tonneau cover.
When Might You Need To Stand On A Tonneau Cover?
While tonneau covers are not meant to bear loads, you may find yourself needing to stand on one occasionally. Here are some examples:
- Reaching over the truck cab to load items on a roof rack.
- Accessing the roof to clean off snow.
- Getting extra height to clean the truck cap or windows.
- Helping a child or pet into or out of the truck bed.
- Retrieving items that slid forward over the cab.
- Adjusting accessories mounted above the bed.
In scenarios like these, standing on the tonneau may be necessary as a temporary step. But limit this only when essential, and take proper precautions against damage.
Precautions For Standing On A Tonneau Cover
If you must stand on a tonneau cover, keep these precautions in mind:
- Spread your weight – Stand over structural supports, not just fabric. Spread feet and avoid focused pressure points.
- Get assistance – Have someone outside the vehicle help balance you.
- Mind the edges – Don’t stand too close to the cover sides or you may fall.
- No shoes – Wear socks or go barefoot to avoid dirt and punctures.
- Stay low – Maintain a low center of gravity and do not stand fully upright.
- Limit time – Get up and down quickly, do not prolong standing time.
- Check for damage – Inspect cover and attachments afterward for any loosening.
With care, you can minimize risk when standing briefly on a tonneau is necessary. But avoid doing so whenever you can.
Maintain Your Tonneau Cover Properly
To keep your tonneau cover functional and free of damage:
- Do not stand, sit, or place heavy items on it.
- Roll or fold the cover open and closed smoothly on its tracks.
- Follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines.
- Wash with mild soap and water only.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes.
- Use vinyl protectants to prevent drying and cracking.
- Lubricate hinges and seals regularly.
- Get damage repaired promptly by a truck bed cover professional.
Proper care will maximize the durability and lifespan of your tonneau cover.
Conclusion
Standing or sitting on a soft tonneau cover will likely damage the fabric and attachments. Hard covers are stronger but still not made to bear weight. For optimal safety and durability, avoid standing on any tonneau unless absolutely necessary. Use caution if you must, and properly maintain your cover. Follow the manufacturer’s care recommendations and get repairs done promptly. With sensible precautions, your tonneau cover will last for years of reliable service.
