Several factors come into play when you want to buy a truck. You need to think about the kind of trim you need and the most appropriate towing capacity. More importantly, you need to think about the security of your truck.
Truck security points to the tonneau cover, an accessory that shouldn’t be an afterthought. The cover is essential in casing any valuable stuff you might be hauling on the truck bed. It also enhances the aerodynamics of the vehicle, cutting down on the turbulence caused by wind as you drive.
Even without cargo on the truck bed, you don’t want to leave it exposed to weather elements. Allowing rain and snow to pour on the truck bed will cause your tools to rust.
The next question is to determine the kind of tonneau cover that will best suit your needs. The covers come in two main types, hard-top and soft-top. Each has a varying degree of convenience and durability.
So, when it comes to hard vs soft tonneau cover: which one to choose? If you’re looking for insights into how to choose the best type, keep reading.
Hard Tonneau Covers
Hard tonneau cover varieties are built with metal, fiberglass materials, or hard plastic. They’re more sturdy and reliable than soft ones. They also come with several advantages.
Better Security
One of the things you want your cover to do is lock securely on the edges of the truck. Hard covers are thought to be more secure. Since they are made from a hard material, it’s harder for a wrongdoer to cut through the cover.
Customized
It’s easier to customize a hard tonneau cover than a soft one. This is because soft covers are generally readily available in a back color. With hard covers, you can have them custom-made and coated with the color of our choice.
This comes in handy when you want to control your vehicle’s appearance. You can have the cover customized to match your truck’s body color.
However, hard tonneau covers are not all bliss and have their shortcomings.
Expensive
It’s always a hard task to find a good quality hard tonneau on a low budget. Most of them cost anything from $500, and the price can be as high as $2,500 for upgraded models. The high cost is always worth it if you’re really concerned about the safety of your tools and cargo.
Heavy
While hard covers are durable, it’s only because they have a lot of weight. This excess weight affects the fuel economy of your truck, causing it to consume more. Furthermore, heavy hard covers are also not as easy to open as soft tonneau covers.
With some models, you’ll require gas-powered struts to get them open. Others will rely on doubled-up manpower input.
Don’t Always Fit
Hard tonneau covers tend to leave spaces in the truck bed. This can be problematic when you’re transporting expensive equipment as it can attract would-be thieves. They may also not adequately safeguard your stuff against the weather.
If you’re to carry an oversized load, hard covers may not work well. You’ll be required to remove them to accommodate the cargo. That incapacitates your truck and can be a turn-off.
Soft Tonneau Covers
Soft truck covers are usually made from polyester, canvas, or vinyl. They mostly come in a black color and may be hard to customize. The materials are durable and are able to protect the components in your truck adequately.
They also offer other benefits.
Affordable
Soft covers are easier to acquire as they don’t require a huge financial investment. Most come at a price as low as $190 but can go as high as $800. The difference in cost has to do with factors like size and quality.
Easy to Operate
Soft tonneau covers are easy to operate because they’re light. Some can be open, closed, or rolled up with a touch of a button. They’re thus ideal for people who don’t want to keep lifting the cover to access the truck bed.
Good Fit
Soft covers are generally large and fit well. Their flexibility also allows you to conveniently carry oversize cargo and be able to cover it adequately. The importance of a cover that fits well can’t be overemphasized where security is concerned.
Have a Smooth Look
Once fitted over the truck bed, soft tonneau covers tend to have a more even look than hard ones. Since they’re not textured, they complement the overall appearance with much ease.
However, soft truck covers are not without fault. They don’t last as long as hard covers and are also less secure. It’s easier for someone to cut through the material and get away with your cargo or valuables.
Which is Better: Hard or Soft Tonneau Cover?
Despite the differences between hard and soft tonneau covers, they also have several similarities. They are both excellent aftermarket additions to your truck to enhance security. They also both cover reasonably well and are easy to maintain.
There’s no right or wrong choice between hard and soft tonneau covers. They both serve the same purpose, but what you choose should be determined by your budget, needs and preference, and usage. For example, if the cover is only to accessorize the truck and not for security purposes, the soft type is better.
Final Thoughts
Tonneau covers serve to streamline the truck bed by making it more aesthetically appealing. They also increase fuel efficiency by allowing air to slide off the truck instead of creating a drag in the bed. The covers come in soft and hard models, with each delivering its set of pros and cons.
Choosing a tonneau is a combination of factors like aesthetics, price, size, and security level. Soft covers are cheaper, easier to cover the whole truck bed, and easier to use and operate. However, the security they offer can easily be compromised.
Hard covers are expensive and hard to operate, but they have the best security level. Whichever type you choose, ensure it complements your truck’s overall look and is flexible enough for your needs.
