Soft bed tonneau covers, rollup or trifold?

[RMTaylor1956]

I am thinking of getting a soft bed cover for my 2021 Lone Star. Between the trifold and a roll up is there any reason to prefer one over the other? I am looking to spend between 200 and 250. Also, are there certain brands that are preferred for the 1500?

Thanks in advance.

 

[PowerJrod]

I am thinking of getting a soft bed cover for my 2021 Lone Star. Between the trifold and a roll up is there any reason to prefer one over the other? I am looking to spend between 200 and 250. Also, are there certain brands that are preferred for the 1500?

Thanks in advance.

For a soft cover...I'd go with the roll up. Make sure it's one that designed for the 5th gen ram though since the front of the bed has that curve to it. The trifold soft cover doesn't allow full bed access. Plus..the roll-up ones seem to be more durable based on others experiences that I've seen.

 

[PowerJrod]

Also...I probably wouldn't use Tyger auto brand again...had a lot of water get past my roll up one on my F150.

 

[RMTaylor1956]

Also...I probably wouldn't use Tyger auto brand again...had a lot of water get past my roll up one on my F150.

Thanks!

 

[midntrdr]

I’ve had both and prefer the roll up. The trifold doesn’t give full access without taking it completely off which became very annoying. Also the cover starts to crease where the folds are and looks bad over time (at least my ocd thought it looked bad). In my experience they all leak a little no matter what kind. My only advice is don’t go too cheap or you will have regrets down the road.

 

[PowerJrod]

Agree with above. $250 should get you a very decent foll up cover. Personally I have a quad fold hard cover that gives me full bed access...but my truck stays outside 24/7 so I needed the added security. Otherwise I would've went with another roll up and saved myself $400 lol.

 

[RMTaylor1956]

Also...I probably wouldn't use Tyger auto brand again...had a lot of water get past my roll up one on my F150.

What are some of the better brands?

 

[Jako]

I am thinking of getting a soft bed cover for my 2021 Lone Star. Between the trifold and a roll up is there any reason to prefer one over the other? I am looking to spend between 200 and 250. Also, are there certain brands that are preferred for the 1500?

Thanks in advance.

If you go with a roll up make sure to aware of the cover's position when rolled up. If it is touching the cab there could be rubbing caused by wind and turbulence and you could end up with some unwanted "customization" to your paint finish.

 

[RMTaylor1956]

Agree with above. $250 should get you a very decent foll up cover. Personally I have a quad fold hard cover that gives me full bed access...but my truck stays outside 24/7 so I needed the added security. Otherwise I would've went with another roll up and saved myself $400 lol.

Thanks!!

Agree with above. $250 should get you a very decent foll up cover. Personally I have a quad fold hard cover that gives me full bed access...but my truck stays outside 24/7 so I needed the added security. Otherwise I would've went with another roll up and saved myself $400 lol.

I am mostly thinking of getting one to help with reducing the drag on road trips.

If you go with a roll up make sure to aware of the cover's position when rolled up. If it is touching the cab there could be rubbing caused by wind and turbulence and you could end up with some unwanted "customization" to your paint finish.

Good advice!!

 

[Jako]

Thanks!!

I am mostly thinking of getting one to help with reducing the drag on road trips.

Good advice!!

I have not done research on covers and drag but I made a short trip without my cover and my mpg gauge seemed to contradict the gas savings of a cover. Again I have not done any valid reading or do a comparison test.

 

[Jako]

I have not done research on covers and drag but I made a short trip without my cover and my mpg gauge seemed to contradict the gas savings of a cover. Again I have not done any valid reading or do a comparison test.

Some research:

Mythbusters study MPG savings of various bed modifications

www.dakota-durango.com

 

[PowerJrod]

What are some of the better brands?

Gator
Truxedo
Extang
BAK
...those are the only ones I have experience with which are pretty good quality. Also...I know exactly what you mean about highway drag. With the covers I've noticed a huge difference with wind drag, etc. You'll get maybe an extra 1mpg highway too.

 

[RMTaylor1956]

Gator
Truxedo
Extang
BAK
...those are the only ones I have experience with which are pretty good quality. Also...I know exactly what you mean about highway drag. With the covers I've noticed a huge difference with wind drag, etc. You'll get maybe an extra 1mpg highway too.

I was wondering also is the cover would enhance or interferer with the properties of the tailgate spoiler.

 

[PowerJrod]

I was wondering also is the cover would enhance or interferer with the properties of the tailgate spoiler.

As far as my experience goes...neither of them has affected the tailgate spoiler one way or the other.

 

[mattsvtsnake]

I just installed a Gator roll up cover and it seems to be decent. Haven't had any rain or car washes yet so I don't know how water tight it is. But I don't have any expectations for it to be dry. I think it was under $200 during black Friday.

 

[PowerJrod]

I just installed a Gator roll up cover and it seems to be decent. Haven't had any rain or car washes yet so I don't know how water tight it is. But I don't have any expectations for it to be dry. I think it was under $200 during black Friday.

Yea most soft covers will allow at least some water in. My Quad fold hard Gator cover even let's in a few drops but not enough to complain about.