Roll-up VS Tri-fold tonneau cover Comparison! Which is Best

If you are looking for a tonneau cover for your awesome truck and feel confused, then you have found the right piece of information. There are two major types that are widely used overwide. For your better understanding, I will show you a comprehensive comparison between Roll-up and Tri-fold tonneau covers. Read through for demystification!

Comparison table of all the features for roll up and trifold covers

Here you have a comparison between the features of both these types of tonneau covers. This is to develop your interest and deliver a better comparison.

Difference between roll up and tri-fold tonneau covers

As we have seen the highlighted aspects in the comparison table, let’s get into some detail. Because I believe that you deserve to know everything in a proper manner before spending your money. So, let’s start with discussing the pros and cons of both types separately.

Pros of Roll Up Tonneau Covers

Here are some pros of having Roll-up tonneau covers for your trucks.

• Opening and closing are pretty easy with the rolling-up design. It saves your time because it can be done in seconds.
• There is no need to deal with Velcro and snaps in the case of this tonneau cover.
• The usage is pretty easy overall in the case of this tonneau cover.
• With a locking tailgate, you get incredible security.

Cons of Roll Up Tonneau Covers

Now, it’s time to look at the cons of Roll-up tonneau covers.

• When it comes to sturdiness, it doesn’t play the part well.
• Opening time can get relatively larger.
• When we compare it to other options, you will observe lesser security in this product.

All these cons are relative, and you can look for yourself and confirm.

Example: TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Cover, Tyger Auto T1 Roll Up Tonneau Cover, Gator ETX Soft Roll Up Truck Bed tonneau cover, MaxMate Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover etc.  

Pros of Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers

Let’s have a look at the pros of Tri-fold tonneau covers. Here you go!

• It is pretty easy to open Tri-fold tonneau covers. You can even open it both ways.
• Your cargo is more secured in Tri-fold tonneau covers.
• You can even place your normal stuff on top of this tonneau cover.
• It has greater robustness and durability as compared to the other type.

Cons of Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers

Here are some prominent cons of the Tri-fold tonneau cover!

• The price goes a bit higher when you opt for a Tri-fold tonneau cover.
• The compatibility is limited to modern trucks. You cannot install it on old models.
• When you fully open the bed and wind up the cover, your rear view gets blocked.
• The matte finish catches the eye of everyone.

Now that we are done with the pros and cons of both types, it is time to compare these two tonneau-covers on different factors in detail.

Example: Tyger Auto T5 Tri-fold Tonneau Cover, Gator EFX Hard Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover, DNA Motoring TTC-HARD-015 Hard Solid Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover, YITAMOTOR Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover  etc.

Installation Comparison

Installation time is a very momentous aspect when we compare two tonneau covers. Not only does the ease of installation matter, but the time of installation is also of great importance.

The installation time of Roll-up tonneau covers is around 30 minutes. Moreover, if you see the installation guide, it is pretty easy.

For Trifold tonneau covers, the installation time is almost the same. Also, the process is quite easy. Therefore, there is not a big difference when it comes to the installation comparison. 

Security Comparison

Now comes the important part. Security is very important, especially when you have cargo on the truck bed. Now, Roll-up offers an integrated latch system whereas, Tri-fold offers you an automatic latch system. Clearly, we can see the better one.

Moreover, when it comes to the robustness of a latch system, Tri-fold is way more robust and stronger than the Roll-up type. So, if you are looking for better protection, you should probably go for Tri-fold tonneau covers.

Environmental Protection Comparison

Environmental protection does not only include protection from rain, but it also covers a point of UV protection and other related aspects. So, here your Tri-fold wins the round by offering a good sealing against moisture. Not only that, its surface makes it UV-resistant and saves it from scratches and stuff. On the other hand, although, Roll-up provides protection, it will not be very promising relatively.

Usage Comparison

When it comes to usage, you have to look into many aspects. Although it would seem that the Roll-up tonneau cover is easy to open or close because you just have to roll the cover. But this rolling up is not as good as your Tri-fold is. It is also rolling up blocks the rearview for you. But there is no need to use Velcro for it.

Tri-fold is pretty easy to fold and unfold as well. In short, tri-fold provides a better experience related to this aspect.

Design Comparison

Now let’s come on to the design. Before reading any further, you should know that a tonneau cover has a pretty hard job to do for you. Therefore, it can not be ordinary. Rather it has to be robust to solve your problems.

When we talk about the design of Tri-fold, it consists of robust panels of aluminum and is finished with matte to make it super-durable. On the other hand, roll-up has a kind of flexible structure that is not robust, and the finish is glossy vinyl. Here it is up to you to decide. I like Tri-fold because it has a better and more ergonomic design.

Material Comparison

Now, let’s talk about the material. Well, there is aluminum in both. But the aluminum used in Tri-fold is premium. At the same time, the aluminum used in the roll-up tonneau cover is standard. Moreover, there is vinyl (gloss) on top of the roll-up type. But you will find a premium matte finish on the top of the tri-fold to make it UV-resistant as well. 

Therefore, Tri-fold wins the material contest as well. It has robustness on the inside and clever protection on the outside.

Note: You can easily Make your Tonneau Cover Look New.

Price Comparison

Now, let’s look at the price of both the products. Honestly, you will find a roll-up type at a relatively lower price as compared to the tri-fold. Now, when you go on buying something from the market, it is better to keep the budget and prices in mind. But sometimes, you have to pay that extra money to have quality.

But here, it is totally up to you to decide what you want to buy. But keep noted that the price difference is not huge. 

Differences Between Soft Roll Up and Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Covers

Here are the important differences between both these tonneau covers. 

Your roll-up tonneau cover can stay all the time over your truck bed. At the same time, you can not use the truck bed with any other bed accessory in the case of the tri-fold tonneau cover. Therefore, you have to take the cover off for that.

Hence, these kinds of differences exist when we compare soft roll-up and tri-fold tonneau covers.

Which is better, tri-fold or roll-up tonneau cover?

When we compare decision-making factors, tri-fold wins many of them. Whether it be quality, design, usage, material, etc., tri-fold wins every contest. Although you get roll-up at a better price, tri-fold stands out in many aspects. Therefore, it is better to go for tri-fold because it is a better product. 

Moreover, when we talk about reliability, tri-fold has a better rating and customer reviews to make you decide in favor of it.

Other most popular and latest tonneau covers list:

1. oEdRo Quad Fold Tonneau Cover
2. BAK BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Cover
3. Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

Frequently Asked Questions

Now, I am going to add some frequently asked questions to answer your general question.

1. Which type is mostly used out of Roll-up and Tri-fold tonneau cover?

People mostly go for tri-pack owing to its incredible features and properties. It is reliable and better in many decision-making aspects. Therefore, tri-pack is used mostly.

2. Can roll-up tonneau cover hold weight?

If we look at the design of this product, it is not meant to hold the heavy and concentrated load. So, it is better to avoid putting weight on it.

3. Which one gives a better installation time?

Well, if we look closely, then the installation time is almost the same for both these types. It is around 30 minutes, and you can easily install them.

4. Which one has a better design, roll-up or trifold?

If we look closely, the design of the tri-fold is pretty robust. It makes it a durable truck bed cover as compared to the roll-up type. Thus, we have more durability in the case of tri-fold than everyone asks for.

5. How to Use a Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover?

The usage of a tri-fold tonneau cover is not rocket science. Because the automatic latching system makes life even easier, all you have to do is to fold the tonneau cover when you are dealing with a tri-fold tonneau cover. 

So, you can fold according to your desire. Even you can single-handedly operate the system if you have a clear understanding.

6. How to Use a Roll-Up Tonneau Cover?

The roll-up tonneau cover is pretty easy to use. Its different kind of machine makes the process a bit easier. You don’t have to go into technical details. Rather you can just roll the cover according to your desire. You can try yourself and find out.

7. What are the good brands for tonneau covers?

I personally like BAKFlip pretty much, but you can have premium bed covers by Tyger and Undercover as well. Moreover, the type of the tonneau cover and compatibility are also very important. 

My Opinion

Let’s get on to my opinion on the comparison. After running a detailed analysis on both the products, I think that I should discuss with you the following points and then come to a conclusion.

So, when it comes to the installation, this parameter is almost the same for both types. You need 30 minutes to install both of these products.

But when we talk about the design and the material involved, tri-fold wins the contest. It has a robust material inside (aluminum) that is top-notch to decrease the weight and increase durability. Moreover, the UV protection makes it stand out. Also, you can play with the design and set your tonneau tri-fold cover according to your desire. So, that’s a plus point.

When it comes to the usage of these products, you can easily operate and use a tri-fold tonneau cover because it has an automatic latching system. The usage of roll-up is also easy. But I prefer tri-fold owing to the better experience it offers.

To top it off, you get better security in the case of tri-fold. Therefore, this point goes in favor of tri-fold.

Moreover, when it comes to reliability, we can see from the customer reviews and the ratings that tri-fold is better.

Hence, these factors, along with many factors, justify that tri-fold is a better option. I would also go for it.

Summary of My Opinion

There are many aspects on which we can decide about two products. If we compare properly over those factors, we can see that tri-fold is better in the case of most of the factors. Roll-up is good, but tri-fold is better. Therefore, I would always go for tri-fold when it comes to the comparison.

Wrapping Up

I have mentioned all the important aspects and performed the comparison between both these types. I have tried to equip you with the necessary knowledge to help you choose better. Now it is up to you to decide. Don’t get biased and perform a proper analysis. Then reach up to a conclusion. If that is in favor of tri-fold, then go for it. Otherwise, buy the other one.

If you have something to say, please mention that in the comment section below. I wish you good luck in the purchasing phase. Have an incredible day!