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As handy as a truck bed is, it lacks the protection many truck owners need without a tonneau cover. An open bed is at the mercy of the elements, and, unless modified, doesn’t offer much security for any of the gear it’s so adept at carrying. That’s where tonneau covers come into play.
Construction from durable materials and providing full access to the bed, hard tri-fold and retractable tonneau covers offer maximum peace of mind to the utilitarian. Today, we’re talking you through the former to decide which is truly best for you. We’ll talk you through a comprehensive buying guide and our list of the best hard-folding tonneau covers options to help you land ultimate protection for your truck bed.
Summary List
- Best Overall: BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
- Best Value: DNA Motoring Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover
- Honorable Mention: BAK BAKFlip G2 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
- Best for RAM Trucks: Mopar Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
- Most Versatile: Extang Solid Fold 2.0 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
- Best Low Profile: Access Lomax Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
Our Methodology
Over the years, our collective crew of merry misfits have put our hands on just about every type of car part and accessory known to modern science—and ancient mystical majiks, too. We have a good idea of what’s going to work and what isn’t. We might not have hands on experience with every hard-folding tonneau cover in this list, but we have experience with all of the brands in one way or another.
That said, as new products come out or quality changes, we reserve the right to change our minds and change this list as we see fit.
Best Hard Folding Tonneau Covers: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
Pros
- Flips completely out of the way to uncover entire bed
- Aluminum construction
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
Cons
- Premium price point
- Quality control issues are common
It’s hard to argue that any hard folding tonneau cover is better than the Bakflip MX4. The decision to crown it with the title of Best Overall is primarily based on the ability to uncover the entire bed as needed. Unlike many others, all panels can lift up and out of the way, eliminating the need to remove the cover altogether to transport large cargo, and that’s still something of a game-changer there is to like, though. It’s also made from aluminum to provide the best mix of weight savings and security and is backed by a 5-year warranty.
As for the downsides, it is one of the costliest options out there. Despite that, there are far too many reports of quality control issues to ignore.
Best Value: DNA Motoring Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Easy to install
- Lightweight construction
Cons
- Covers stake pocket holes
- Quality can see improvements
There’s no question that hard folding covers are often priced out of budget for truck owners, which is why DNA Motoring is an obvious candidate for many. At roughly half the price of the bigger name brands, it’s a hard folding cover that does many things well. The aluminum panels offer the structural rigidity you demand, it’s easy to install and doesn’t look half bad. And no, it’s not overly cumbersome with a weight of just 70 lbs.
While it’s good, it’s certainly not the best. It does block the stake pocket holes, which can prevent the use of bed rails and other accessories. Also, the seals could be better, as some fitment issues can arise.
Honorable Mention: BAK BAKFlip G2 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
Pros
- Flips to uncover entire bed
- Does not cover stake pocket holes
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
Cons
- Quality control issues are relatively common
- May not fit some makes and models properly
BAK is back at it, but this time the BAKflip G2. This is an affordable alternative for those who want the legendary function without going too high in price. This cover features three panels, all of which can be flipped up to provide access to the entire bed. It does not impede the stake pockets, and the low-profile design provides that sleek look many truck owners desire. Of course, it is backed with a 5-year warranty. That provides peace of mind when investing a considerable amount of money in a tonneau cover.
Unfortunately, a few manufacturer defects have been reported. Also, like many others, you may need to opt for your own weatherstripping seals when testing for water tightness.
Best for RAM Trucks: Mopar Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
Pros
- Flips to uncover entire bed
- Does not cover stake pocket holes
- Easy installation
Cons
- Premium price point
- Limited application compatibility
RAM owners that prefer the OE will have no other choice than to roll with Mopar. Obviously, the fit and finish is going to be ideal for RAM trucks, but that’s not all that’s good about this setup. This hard-folding cover is designed to leave the stake pockets wide open and will flip out of the way to expose the entire bed. It’s also very easy to install, with no drilling required, and the use of aluminum makes for a lightweight package that won’t bog that Hemi down.
As for the drawbacks, the premium price tag is something that will drive many RAM owners elsewhere. That said, it is limited to solely RAM trucks and its limited application coverage does hold it back from ranking any higher.
Most Versatile: Extang Solid Fold 2.0 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
Pros
- Easy to install
- Configurations compatible with tool boxes and headache racks
- Backed by 3-year warranty
Cons
- Covers stake pocket holes
- Quality control issues are relatively common
Extang is one of the leading names in this industry, so it’s no surprise to see the Solid Fold 2.0 as a top pick. Ease of installation is something many appreciate about this cover, but that hardly separates it from any of the other top offerings. That said, it’s the versatility that makes it stand out. This cover can come in configurations that allow the use of toolboxes, racks, and more. A solid 3-year warranty also backs it to protect you from anything that may have gone wrong during production.
Unfortunately, the use of accessories mounted to the front of the bed is all it will work with. This cover does block the stake pocket holes.
Best Low Profile: Access Lomax Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
Pros
- Sleek, distinctive looks
- Leaves stake pockets uncovered
- Backed by 3-year warranty
Cons
- Adhesive on seals can see improvement
- Quality control issues are somewhat common
If you don’t want a hot tub cover on the bed of your truck, the Lomax is one of the best options out there. It’s designed to sit flush with the bedsides to provide that sleek look many truck owners need. That also allows it to leave the stake pockets wide open, making it a practical choice for work trucks, if nothing else. The quality is among the best, which is to be expected from Access, and a standard 3-year warranty backs it.
Our Verdict on the Best Hard Folding Tonneau Covers
If you’re looking for the best of the best, our top choice is the BAKFlip MX4. The convenience, warranty, and practicality are just hard to beat. However, the DNA Motoring Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover is clearly the choice for budget-minded truck owners.
What to Consider When Buying Hard Folding Tonneau Covers
Key Features
Vehicle Compatibility
All truck bed covers are application specific. There is no universally compatible bed cover. Even when trucks have the same bed length, their body styling can cause them to require different covers. It’s essential to make sure a cover is an exact match to your application’s year, make, and model, as well as the specific bed size. Keep in mind that there is no standard when it comes to measurements of the bed, and you may want to research the method your application uses to verify proper length.
Ease of Use
Some hard tonneau covers are easier to open, latch, and fold than others — and you want one that allows you the highest level of convenience. A cover that’s easy to lift and maneuver will make you more likely to use all of its benefits and folding configurations. It’s also a good idea to find a cover that’s simple to adjust if needed to carry different types of items. The best hard folding tonneau covers are those that make getting to your gear happen in just seconds, with little difficulty.
Materials Used
The reasons to consider hard covers over soft covers are improved durability, security, and aesthetics. The use of high-quality metals, powder coating, seals, and latches are all key to a cover’s success in these areas. Since all manufacturers will claim to use nothing but the best, it’s necessary to read reviews for real-world evaluations of performance before purchasing.
Profile
The profile may seem like it’s related purely to aesthetics, but that’s certainly not the case. High-standing hard tonneau covers often sit on top of the bedsides. This can create the appearance many prefer, but it does block the stake pockets. If you intend to use the stake pockets for tie-downs or bedside rails, you will need to select a cover that uncovers them, which generally means opting for a low-profile tonneau cover.
Hard Folding Tonneau Covers Pricing
If you’re buying a hard folding tonneau cover, you can expect to pay at least $500. Very few exist in that price range, though, and you’re more likely to spend $800-$900. Going for the best offerings on the market can inflate the price well beyond that point, as some of the premier covers in this segment bring in $1500 or better.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Yes. Hard tonneau covers offer better security, longevity, and resistance to the elements. Looks are subjective, but many will agree that hard tonneau covers are better there too. However, soft covers are more affordable, which makes them the best choice for many people.
For the most part, all you will need are some basic hand tools and possibly a helping hand. Some do require drilling and modification of existing bed liners, which is why it’s best to read to instructions.
Yes. You can go through the carwash with a tonneau cover. You should make sure everything is latched securely before doing so to prevent getting excessive water in the bed, though.
No, hard tonneau covers are not waterproof. They are weatherproof, though, meaning they’ll do a good job of keeping rain and other elements off of your cargo under normal driving conditions. Just don’t submerge the bed of your truck in water, and you’ll be fine.
