Best Hard Folding Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers: Increase the Protection in Your Truck Bed

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It's hard to argue that any hard folding tonneau cover is better than the Bakflip MX4. The decision to crown it with the title of Best Overall is primarily based on the ability to uncover the entire bed as needed. Unlike many others, all panels can lift up and out of the way, eliminating the need to remove the cover altogether to transport large cargo, and that's still something of a gamechanger there is to like, though. It's also made from aluminum to provide the best mix of weight savings and security and is backed by a 5-year warranty.

As for the downsides, it is one of the costliest options out there. Despite that, there are far too many reports of quality control issues to ignore. 

Specs

Manufacturer: BAK

Part Number: 448121

Panel Count: Four

Pros:

Cons:

If you’re looking for the best of the best, our top choice is the BAKFlip MX4. The convenience, warranty, and practicality are just hard to beat. However, the DNA Motoring Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover is clearly the choice for budget-minded truck owners. What do you prefer? Be sure to let us know what you demand of hard folding tonneau covers! 

All truck bed covers are constructed with a particular vehicle in mind. There is no universally compatible bed cover. Even when trucks have the same bed length, their body styling can cause them to require different covers. It's essential to make sure a cover is an exact match to your application's year, make, and model, as well as the specific bed size. Keep in mind that there is no standard when it comes to measurements of the bed, and you may want to research the method your application uses to verify proper length. 

Some hard tonneau covers are easier to open, latch, and fold than others — and you want one that allows you the highest level of convenience. A cover that’s easy to lift and maneuver will make you more likely to use all of its benefits and folding configurations. It’s also a good idea to find a cover that’s simple to adjust if needed to carry different types of items. The best hard folding tonneau covers are those that make getting to your gear happen in just seconds, with little difficulty.

The reasons to consider hard covers over soft covers are improved durability, security, and aesthetics. The use of high-quality metals, powder coating, seals, and latches are all key to a cover's success in these areas. Since all manufacturers will claim to use nothing but the best, it's necessary to read reviews for real-world evaluations of performance before purchasing.

The profile may seem like it's related purely to aesthetics, but that's certainly not the case. High-standing hard tonneau covers often sit on top of the bedsides. This can create the appearance many prefer, but it does block the stake pockets. If you intend to use the stake pockets for tie-downs or bedside rails, you will need to select a cover that uncovers them, which generally means opting for a low-profile tonneau cover.

If you're buying a hard folding tonneau cover, you can expect to pay at least $500. Very few exist in that price range, though, and you're more likely to spend $800-$900. Going for the best offerings on the market can inflate the price well beyond that point, as some of the premier covers in this segment bring in $1500 or better.

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