Pickup trucks are one of the most versatile and capable vehicles. They can effortlessly carry and transport a wide range of items, regardless of size, using their truck beds. However, the exposed truck bed can be a big trouble, especially if you need to secure and protect your cargo. The only solution to this is a quality truck bed cover.
There are many types of truck bed covers, but one of the most popularly used is the tri-fold type. In this article, we’ll look at why many truck owners use these covers and list down some of the best tri-fold truck bed covers on the market. This way, finding the perfect cover for your truck would be easier!
Advantages of Using Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers
The global market size of truck bed covers is projected to reach about $1,478.85 million by 2027, including the market for folding covers. Generally, many pickup truck owners prefer tri-fold covers due to the following major advantages they provide:
-
Sturdy and Durable: Tri-fold covers can be hard or soft, but both offer enough durability. They’re usually made with rigid vinyl materials, making them sturdier than rolling truck bed covers. The hard type can even support cargo on top.
-
Affordable: Compared to the other cover types, like retractable, tri-fold covers are more affordable. You can get your own in your budget range.
-
Easy to Use: These covers are easier to lock and open. You can easily hold them up to three different positions with little effort.
-
Extra Security: Tri-fold covers offer more advanced locking and security capabilities, including a tailgate bar, tie-down straps, and side-release buckles. Some may even have cargo carriers that will help keep your items secure.
-
Easy to Clean: These covers are easy to remove so you can easily get into every part when cleaning them, making maintenance easier.
5 Best Tri-Fold Truck Bed Covers For Your Cargo and Truck Bed
You can find two major kinds of tri-fold covers on the market: hard and soft. Hard tri-folds are made of sturdier materials, like aluminum or composite. On the other hand, soft ones are usually made with materials like vinyl and canvas.
Despite their differences, they both offer great security and protection to your bed and its content. That’s why you can find hard and soft tri-fold truck bed covers in this list to give you a wide range of options.
1. Gator SFX Hard Tri-Fold Cover
The Gator’s SFX is one of the most affordable options on this list. It’s a folding cover made from tear-resistant, marine-grade vinyl and has weather seals to protect your bed and cargo from the weather. It also features a Speed Klamp system for easy open-and-close operation and reinforced bows in the corners to support the cover during severe weather conditions.
Additionally, one of the best things that users love about this cover is its quick and easy installation. You can easily do it by yourself without any problem.
Pros
- Simple and easy installation
- Rigid and corrosion-resistant aluminum frame
- Weather-resistant
Cons
- Vinyl material may not be as secure as other harder composite materials
2. BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
This is a popular choice among truck owners because of its ability to uncover and cover the entire bed as needed. You can’t usually lift up all three panels in other tri-fold covers, but with the MX4, you can easily get them out of the way. They can even stand up and support up to 400 pounds of load.
It’s made with aluminum alloy panels, side rails, and a triple-finned rubber seal. This composition allows you to open and close the tailgate without lifting the back panel. The seal also prevents leaks from reaching your cargo and the bed.
Pros
- High-grade materials
- Can support heavy loads on top
- Flips completely out of the way to uncover the entire bed
- Weather-resistant
Cons
- Expensive
3. Gator EFX Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover
If you want a Gator truck bed cover and have a higher budget, the EFC tri-fold cover is the next good option for the SFX. As a step up from SFX, this cover offers an added layer of security with its UV- and scratch-resistant rigid aluminum panels. The panels are coated with a polymer coating making the cover resistant not only to scratches but to dents and heat as well.
Additionally, this cover offers a special rearmost panel design that flips forward for quick access. If you ever need to access the entire truck bed, the panels can fold upright and automatically latch when closed.
Pros
- Full bed access
- Can support heavy loads on top
- Automatic latching without opening the tailgate
- Weather-resistant
- Easy to install
Cons
- Pricey
4. Tyger Auto T3 Tri-Fold Truck Bed Cover
If you prefer a soft cover rather than a hard one, the Tyger Auto T3 is a top pick. It has a sleek look with its sturdy dual-coated marine-grade vinyl panels that remain concealed when not in use. Aside from the nice finish, it exhibits durability, allowing it to endure harsh weather conditions and safeguard your cargo against dust, rain, and other environmental factors.
Pros
- Durable and seamless design
- Easy installation
- Weather-resistant
Cons
- Soft material may make it easy for thieves to cut the cover
5. Lund Elite Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover
Are you a complete beginner when it comes to truck beds and covers? Then Lund’s Elite Tri-Fold cover is a good option for you. It’s a simple, easy-to-use truck bed cover with a unique design that prevents rain or water from entering the bed using a patented rain gutter. It even comes with an effective windshield wiper system and some cargo tie-downs to make sure your gear is secured.
Pros
- Sleek and weather-resistant design
- Easy to use and install
- Can be easily removed for cleaning
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Soft material may make the cover easy to cut
Conclusion
Without a proper cover, your truck bed and cargo are exposed to many risks, such as dust, rain, debris, and getting snatched by thieves. Luckily, many effective solutions are available on the market, including tri-fold truck bed covers. They offer not just protection and security but great sleek designs to match your truck as well.
If you want to look at more options, we offer our vast truck bed cover collection with all kinds of covers. Aside from tri-fold covers, we also have other types, like rolling covers, that you might find interesting!