Best Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers Reviews 2022 – Buying Guide

Tonneau cover, bed cover, hard cover, soft cover, whatever you want to call it, they all serve that one common purpose and that is to protect your stuff. Whether it be from elements or thieves or a combination of both.

Some options out there are going to be better than others but for this guide, we are going to look at the best tri fold tonneau covers only for all-out protection.

When you first encounter the bed cover category, you are going to be blown away because there are a lot of options to choose from. Different styles, different mechanisms, and different prices.

What Is A Trifold Tonneau Cover?

If you already know what this is, you can skip this section and scroll down to our list of top 10 best folding tonneau covers list.

From the name you can pretty much tell what these are. A cover that can be folded up into three parts. It is all about that folding operation.

Tri-fold or hard folding cover design is what I would argue is probably the most popular style currently in the category. They are not your everyday budget-friendly soft cover material.

They have more security because most of them utilize aluminum for the panels which also make them more rigid and durable. Compared to a soft cover, they are a nice step up not only in quality but also security as well.

Another big thing that I like about these covers is that if you look at from eye-level, you can hardly tell that they are installed. They become very flush with the bed rails and give a very sleek look to your vehicle once everything’s installed.

When it comes to popularity and overall ease of use, the best hard tri fold tonneau covers are really hard to beat.

With that being said, have a look at our pick for the best hard folding tonneau cover reviews.

Our 10 Best Tri-fold Tonneau Covers Reviews

1. Tyger Auto T3 Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

You bought your truck for the utility, freedom and the space it affords. That is precisely why you need a truck bed cover that gives you the ultimate control over your truck bed. The Tyger Auto T3 is the ultimate soft tri-fold bed cover that turns the back of your truck into a safe haven for cargo hauling. This cover allows full access when you need it, and maximum security when you don’t.

Installing this cover is very easy. If it’s your first time installing, the instruction manual comes with clear, easy to follow guide. The customized sleek design blends well with your vehicle and most of the parts are preassembled so it will take only a few minutes to set this one up. The top surface is made from tear resistant 24oz marine grade vinyl.

The hard aircraft grade aluminum frame provides the security you need from petty, wannabe thieves and also from environmental damage like snow and rain. You don’t need to drill any holes because it comes patented design secure locking clamps with stainless steel rods built into them. Not only does this provide a secure lock, but it also increases the durability.

This cover is tested to hold 6.5” of snow. It is really amazing for a soft trifold cover to hold that much snow. Things you will appreciate are the built-in crossbars, pre-set tension control, quick installation, quick release clamps and the ease of use of this product.

Highlighted Features

• Weathertight sealing technology to protect your cargo from environmental damage.
• Easy tool-free installation.
• Blends well with your truck and has a customized sleek design.
• Heavy-duty aircraft grade aluminum powder coated frames for durability.

2. MaxMate Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

MaxMate has been growing in popularity and their tonneau cover is becoming a favorite amongst truck enthusiasts everywhere. It is easy to see why because they are good looking and made out of good quality material. It is very easy to install and comes with clear instructions. Fun fact, it is very similar to the Tyger Auto T3 and you will hardly notice any difference. Considering the quality, I would say the price is also reasonable.

For the price you are paying, it is really hard to beat a quality made bed cover like this. The panels are made from heavy-duty aluminum powder coated frames and the top surfaces are made out of dual coated marine grade vinyl. The cover’s multiple riding positions allow you the flexibility to use your truck however you want it.

That is the best part of owning a trifold cover because the fold is more substantial compared to soft roll up cover. For easy installation, it comes with everything you need to secure it to the back of your truck. Tool-free installation and easy to understand instruction will help you to set this up in minutes. The secure locking stainless steel clamps also adds to its overall durability.

Since the top is made from vinyl, it won’t pass a knife test but does a great job at protection your precious cargo from wind, rain, and snow. The sleek design of this cover will look great on any truck. For a soft trifold bed cover at this price, it sure does feel quite sturdy.

Highlighted Features

• Solid and secure stainless-steel clamps.
• Easy to operate, fold and unfold.
• Durable frames and vinyl.
• A great alternative to hard bed covers.

3. Tonno Pro Tonno Fold 42-200 TRI-FOLD Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

Tonno Pro offers the most premium quality bed cover at an affordable price. The Tri-Fold design allows for quick and easy access. This will make sure your cargo is safe from all kinds of elemental damage as well as thieves. There are three different styles available. They are the classic Tonno Fold Tri-Fold, Hard Fold Tri-Fold, and the Lo-Roll Roll Up. Among all three, the Tonno Pro Tri-Fold is still their best-selling bed cover.

This cover uses a proprietary rubber that is designed for outdoor use. This rubber is able to withstand extreme heat, salt, cold and UV exposure. It keeps the interior of your truck bed dry and clean. Instead of foam tape, this cover uses a soft and flexible rubber gasket for the ultimate seal. It’s a nice upgrade because foam tape can dry out and crack.

For added security, they have sewed the Tonno Pro flap instead of just adding glue. The vinyl is double coated that is able to resist mildew, salt, and chemicals and is one of the highest-grade cover materials out there. The weather protection system is top notch, preventing even the smallest drop of moisture from getting through.

The frame uses epoxy coated aluminum that can bend and stretch without breaking. This lightweight and durable cover can be installed by one person without tools in a few minutes. The E-Z clamping system makes sure your cover maintains tension even under brutal conditions.

Highlighted Features

• Tool-less installation that takes about 15 minutes.
• Dual coated marine grade vinyl and epoxy coated aluminum frame.
• E-Z clamping system and patented slide-lock design.
• Weather tight Q-seal protection.

4. Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

Keep weather and prying eyes out with the Gator ETX soft tri-fold truck bed tonneau cover. It is designed, engineered, built, patented and even supported in America. You can’t go wrong with the bed cover that is made in the USA. This cover is made to work for you and your family. Whether you use your truck for a job or just to go on a trip and enjoy the nature with your kids, this cover back will keep your haul secured.

The Gator ETX allows taking greater advantage of your truck bed. Just buckle the straps down if you want to drive with the cover fully opened. Unfold the cover and use the quick release clamps to secure and lock the cover. It has a low-profile design that adds a contoured look to your truck. The smooth and curved look will match with any truck.

The leather fabric is a heavy-duty material that is tested to withstand the harshest freeze and extreme heat conditions. All of their covers are tailored fit to ensure they look great on your truck and seal tight. No matter what the weather forecast calls for, the Gator ETX will keep the interior of the bed dry throughout the year.

Highlighted Features

• American made truck bed cover.
• Great sealing that protects the inside of the truck bed.
• Low profile and durable design.
• Easy to install and use.

5. BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

The BAKFlip MX4 is one of the best hard folding tonneau covers out there. BAK is that manufacturer that invented the world’s first flush fit hard folding cover. The MX4 offers a smooth texture and a matt finish that creates a unique look that suits the back of your truck really well. It is also capable of withstanding up to 400 pounds of weight thanks to their premium density core.

Which means you can put heavy cargo on top of the cover, assuming you find a way to secure them. Joke apart, they are literally impenetrable and provides maximum outright security from prying eyes. The only con of a soft cover is that they do not provide ample protection when it comes to knife cuts. That is why a hard bed cover is the only option to go with if you want maximum security.

The MX4 provides universal functionality which means you can open the tailgate and close it underneath the cover. The MX4 has a smooth and clean appearance with a low profile, flush mount design. The resilient infrastructure is combined with a sleek and stylish heavy-duty aluminum panel. This all-season truck bed cover is also scratch resistant.

The automatic latches are very simple to use and allow you to effortlessly click and fold the cover into an open position. Strap and buckles are also included. When you want to completely lean the cover back, there are D-shaped bumpers that will prevent any direct contact to the cab or glass. Now you know why this one is considered the best in our hard folding tonneau cover reviews.

Highlighted Features

• Heavy-duty, premium matte finish aluminum panels.
• Sleek and stylish design.
• Upgraded latch housing components.
• Engineered to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions.

6. Bestop 16212-01 EZ Fold Truck Tonneau Cover

The Bestop EZ Fold truck cover installs on your truck bed in less than 15 minutes. It is going to give you the protection you need to keep your cargo dry. The leather grained textured vinyl that they used on the cover gives a sleek look to your truck. On the top, there are arched bows that prevent water from pooling on top of the cover.

Design wise, it is very low profile and has an aerodynamic design. It will sit nicely on top of your truck bed leaving about three-quarters of an inch. Unlike normal vinyl, this one stays flexible in cold weather. In addition to its low-profile hinge, the corners of the rail are reinforced for stability. To increase the support, Bestop used sectional aluminum frames that give a smooth appearance to the cover.

This cover uses a 3-panel quick-stack folding design which makes folding and unfolding mechanisms are very easy. The latching system and the frame is fully integrated with the fabric and requires no bed rails. It will work with most OEM rail protectors or over the rail bed liners. If you want to access the full bed, you can easily remove the entire cover.

These covers are both attractive and functional and do a great job at protecting your precious gears from wind, dirt, rain or snow. The aerodynamic design can actually increase the mileage, just don’t expect it to be that much. The weather tested textured vinyl is reliable, trusted and can retain its shape and flexibility throughout the year.

Highlighted Features

• Fully integrated frame and latching system.
• Easy to install and removal in less than 1 minute.
• Low profile, aerodynamic design.
• Requires no bed rails.

7. American Tonneau 66110 Black 6.5 feet Tonneau Cover

The American Tonneau trifold is a stylish and high-quality truck bed cover is packed with a lot of features. Aside from its good looks, it is incredibly simple to use. It is lightweight enough to be installed by one person and take only about a few minutes. Best of all, it is engineered and assembled in the USA which means you will be getting better quality than some random Chinese tops.

It fits nicely and the looks on this one is superb. With minimal gaps, the seal on this cover actually seals to your truck. Solid parts were used in the construction and it also latches down tight. In case if you want something big in the back of your truck, the cover can be easily folded back. It also securely clicks back down in seconds.

No need for any tools to install because this cover comes with completely assembled parts. With no loose parts to worry about, you can simply take it out of the box and begin installing. To protect the inside of your truck bed, this cover has a weather seal that goes all the way around the perimeter of the cover. This cover also uses arched bows to prevent water from sitting on top of the cover.

The textured vinyl that they used for the cover is tear resistant, will not fade, crack or stretch and highly durable. This cover is also compatible with the new multi-pro tailgate. It can also handle snow and rain load with ease. Overall, it’s a nice cover that does what it is meant to do.

Highlighted Features

• The all-around weather seal system keeps your bed dry.
• The supportive construction prevents water from sitting on top.
• Easy to operate and simple latching system.
• Textured vinyl that lasts a long time.

8. BAKFlip G2 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

Another great cover by BAK industries and this time it is the BAKFlip G2 hard folding cover. We are almost at the end of our tri fold tonneau cover review, but since there are too many good truck bed covers out there that it becomes difficult to hand pick a few of them. With that being said, the BAKFlip G2 has some amazing features that will surely pique your interest.

This is a hard folding, flush fitted backflip design that provides immediate access to bed space and security for the cargo that you are hauling. This cover relies on the vehicles factory tailgate lock to lock and secure the bed. By lowering the tailgate, you will get access to the pull cable that is both sides of the cover. The click and fold mechanism of this is really amazing.

To provide an extremely low-profile design, the core panels are mounted flush with the bed. These panels are both solid and durable. This cover also provides visibility to the third brake light when fully leaned back. There are protective bumpers to secure the cover. To secure the cover when it is two-thirds of the way open, it has a strap to hold it in position.

With that out of the way, let’s talk specs. This cover will give you maximum protection from any kind of damage whether it be thievery or environmental. To provide an effective, weather-resistant barrier, the BAKFlip G2 is equipped with premium, OE quality perimeter seals. In addition to its solid core panels, it is also UV resistant. You could consider this as one of the best hard tri fold tonneau covers on the market.

Highlighted Features

• It doesn’t block the 3rd brake light.
• Solid and durable aluminum panels.
• Can be opened from either side of the vehicle.
• Low-profile design that gives a factory look.

9. Extang Trifecta 2.O Soft Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

The Extang Trifecta 2.0 is a soft truck bed cover that has sleek lines and soft curves that contours the look of your truck. It has a stronger new frame, corners, and hinges for maximum durability and stability. You can open it up and close it in seconds. Installing is very easy with their exclusive clamping system. If you are already familiar with the original Trifecta, this is their new and improved version of it.

They kept the simplicity and ease of use of their original cover but added a bunch of new features. The frames are redesigned, stronger hinges and the corners now provide exceptional structural strength. In short, they made the Trifecta 2.0 stronger. Aircraft grade aluminum frame is used to increase the strength. This frame is also lightweight.

For ultimate weather protection, this cover now comes with double pivot MAX hinges and also their snap-on seal system that remains in place and eliminates adhesive. They have also improved the design by adding softer curves on their heavy-duty, leather grade fabric tarp. To improve the tarp tension, they have added an integrated corner tuck system.

That’s not all, it also features their exclusive clamps. You can now tight the Jaw-Grip clamp horizontally and vertically. This helps prevent bed flange damage and over tightening. It also has an EZ-Lock clamp that requires very little effort to use and locks in place automatically. Aside from its high-end features and appearance, this cover is very easy to install and operate.

Highlighted Features

• Low profile appearance for a more contoured, smoother look.
• Frames, hinges and corners and redesigned and made stronger.
• Leather-grained fabric with improved tarp tension.
• Reinforced frames that are made out of aircraft grade aluminum.

10. Lund 958172 Genesis Elite Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover

The last product in our tri fold tonneau cover review is the Genesis Elite from Lund. It is not only superior and unique in style but offers a lot of conveniences as well as upgrades that other tonneau covers just do not. The premium twill weave HAARTZ™ fabric is engineered to be resistant to mold, water, mildew, dirt, dust, and UV.

The tri-fold mechanism allows for partial usage of your truck bed. This one also includes a sturdy aluminum frame that is pre-assembled to ensure maximum performance and strength. It has commercial grade clamping system that is extremely durable and offers extra security for your cargo. The tailgate locking system is also top notch.

The Genesis Elite is an elegant cover that offers a nice combination of style and simplicity. Once installed, it will make your truck stand out from the crowd. Speaking of simplicity, it is also very easy to install as it requires no tools and no drilling. You can install this cover in minutes. One unique feature that I really liked is the unique texture of the fabric.

It doesn’t trap dirt or dust which means you can simply brush away any dirt that accumulates on top of the cover. You don’t need any special cleaners to clean this premium cover. It doesn’t get any better than this. With all these features, your investment will be worth it.

Highlighted Features

• Unique and textured one-piece seamless vinyl cover.
• Easy to install and fold.
• Solid powder-coated aluminum frame.
• Commercial grade clamps and tailgate seal.

Here’s What to Look for Before Buying

We all know in the weekends that you are trying to do something with your truck, whether you are hauling things from the outdoors or picking up something heavy, you need that quick accessibility to the back of your bed.

You also want to maintain lockability and security. The best folding tonneau cover will provide you with both. Quick accessibility when folded up and when folded back, it will lock and secure and protect your cargo from thieves and elements.

Since newer and newer models are coming out each year, there are literally hundreds of different covers out there. Here is a short checklist that you can follow if you want to buy some different products that weren’t mentioned in this list.

Protection 

The main reason why most of us would buy one the first place is because of the protection a tonneau cover provides. They don’t just protect our valuables from harsh weather but will also protect them from prying eyes.

Why risk it? If you are tight on budget or don’t move around with your truck too much, a soft cover can do the job. They are inexpensive and does a great job of protecting your cargo.

Well, sort of. A thief with a knife can easily cut the top cover and steal your stuff. That’s not the point here. Your items on the back will still be safe from petty thieves who have a bad habit of snatching stuff.

Going for a hardcover will give you maximum protection but they cost double of what a soft cover would cost. The top surface is a solid material and no thief can cut that hard frame.

Budget

How much do you want to spend on a cover? Most of them start from 200 dollars and can get up to 1000 dollars or more. Well, depending on what features you want and the type of tri-fold cover, the price will vary.

If you live in a place with bad weather, you should pay extra and get a cover that can withstand those rough and tough conditions. Before anything else, you better fix the amount you are willing to pay. If you need extra security, it’s better to invest in a good cover.

Weather 

What’s the use a tonneau cover if it can’t protect your truck bed from rain or snow? Most truck owners will buy a cover solely for that reason. There are some great tri-fold truck bed covers that have great weather seal system built-in.

No matter how much it rains, the interior will stay dry. Some won’t even let dirt or dust get in. Of course, those models will cost more than an average cover. Most of the bed covers in this can withstand these weather conditions.

Even on a snowstorm, most hardcovers and some soft covers can hold their ground. If you live in a place with the moderate weather condition, a soft cover with a strong frame is what you should go with.

Is Soft or Hard Tonneau Cover Better?

By now you have already seen our top 10 tri fold tonneau cover review. One thing you will notice is that there two types of tri-fold covers. Softcover and hardcover.

Soft covers are somewhat inexpensive compared to hardcovers. This lack of price will also mean that they lack security. I’m not talking about weather protection, what I mean by lack of security is that soft covers don’t pass the knife test.

A thief with a knife can easily cut the vinyl of a soft cover. On the other hand, the hardcover surface is impenetrable meaning no knife can cut the top of a hardcover. But they are expensive. Depending on your needs and the job you will do, you should pick a cover that will suit you the most.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do tri fold tonneau covers lock?

Most of them will use your factory tailgate lock. Covers like these are the best when it comes to securing your cargo.

2. Do tonneau covers increase gas mileage?

Yes, according to experts, installing a cover reduced aerodynamic drag which will help increase mileage. Some will improve as much as 10%.

3. Do tonneau covers keep water out?

It depends on the product you are buying. Check to see if they have weather seal technology and also if the seams are completely sealed off.

4. How long does it take to install a tonneau cover?

Most of them will take around 15 to 30 minutes tops.

Final Thoughts

For a truck bed cover, there are a lot of options out there. Most tri-folding covers share some common characteristics but it all boils down to what exact features and how durable you want your truck cover to be.

There is also the case of price. Combining all of that, finding the right one can be a little tricky. And that’s precisely why I have picked some of the best tri fold tonneau covers on the market. Hopefully, these products can give you the best bang for your buck.