Pickup truck tonneau covers provide many benefits like protecting your cargo from weather and theft. But during winter, you may wonder if you should roll up or fold your tonneau when storing it. Here are some tips to help you decide what’s best for your cover type and situation.

How Winter Weather Can Affect Tonneau Covers

Exposing tonneau covers to snow, ice, and cold temperatures can cause some potential issues:

Rolled up covers may become stiff and difficult to unroll in frigid conditions when kept outside. The vinyl and seals can harden and crack.
Standing on tonneau covers to clear snow off your truck can damage soft cover types that aren’t meant to hold weight.
Water pooling on the cover surface can seep underneath and get your cargo wet. Ice buildup also makes covers harder to operate.
Freezing rain and ice cause vinyl and fabric covers to stick together. This leads to tearing and ripping when you try to open them.
Snow accumulation on rolled up covers makes them challenging to open. The weight of piled up snow can also warp covers when unrolling.
Cold cracking happens more easily to vinyl and plastic components which become less flexible in frigid weather.

So before winter comes, decide whether folding or rolling is better for storing your particular tonneau cover.

Why Folding May Be Better for Winter Storage

During cold months, folding your tonneau closed instead of rolling it up has some advantages:

Folding creates less tension which reduces stress cracks on vinyl and plastic parts caused by cold contraction.
It prevents snow buildup on the cover surface which can freeze and warp rolled covers when opening.
Ice and moisture get less opportunity to accumulate between folded layers.
Folded covers stay warmer overnight when closed which keeps components flexible.
Less chance of scratching the cover from unrolling frozen/dirty sections.
Easier to remove snow without unrolling the entire cover. Just fold back halfway.

Of course, the option to fold your tonneau depends on the type of cover you have:

Soft roll-up covers only allow rolling, not folding. But you can install support bows to keep the vinyl taut in winter.
Hard folding covers are ideal for folding in cold weather. Make sure to lubricate the hinges.
Retractable covers fold as they roll into canisters so they combine benefits of both folding and rolling.
Hybrid models with hard fold-out panels and soft roll-up rear sections are good choices for winter too.

So in most cases, folding a tonneau is the best practice for off-season storage in freezing conditions.

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Tips for Rolling Covers in Winter

If you have a soft roll-up cover without the option to fold, here are some tips to follow:

Use a vinyl protectant spray to keep it flexible in cold and prevent cracking.
Make sure to clean off debris before rolling to avoid scratching.
Roll tightly and use tie-downs to discourage snow accumulation.
Store upside down on a flat surface to minimize water pooling and warping.
Keep the cover indoors or under shelter if possible to protect from ice buildup.
Consider getting support bows installed to prevent the vinyl from sagging under snow weight.
Be very gentle rolling up stiffened vinyl. Don’t force it or you may tear the material.
Wait for warmer days or use a heat gun to gently thaw any icy patches before unrolling.

It also helps to have a weather-resistant cover made of durable 24oz marine grade vinyl with reinforced seams if rolling for winter storage.

Extra Winter Care and Maintenance Tips

To keep tonneau covers functioning through cold weather, here are some additional maintenance tips:

Use plastic protectant spray on vinyl portions to repel snow and ice buildup. Re-apply if needed.
Seal any cracks or gaps with weatherstripping to prevent water intrusion or leaks.
Lubricate hinges, clamps, and sliding parts so they open smoothly in cold conditions.
Wash and dry before storage to prevent mildew or freezing.
Lightly coat snaps and latches with silicone spray to prevent sticking shut.
Ensure drain tubes are clear so melting snow drains off properly.
Consider getting frost-resistant tonneau locks if you have issues with freezing shut.
Allow vinyl covers to dry thoroughly if wet before rolling or folding closed.
Give yourself extra time when opening the cover to account for stiff parts in winter.

Proper care and handling will keep your tonneau cover working through the winter so you can continue enjoying the benefits of covered cargo all year round! Let the seasons roll on while you roll or fold.