Comparison of Pickup Tonneau Cover Materials

There are a variety of materials used to make hard tonneau covers,all with their own benefits in terms of strength, security, waterproofing ability and how much they weigh. Here’s a breakdown of the materials most commonly used:

Aluminum (Most Popular & Long Lasting)

✔ Pros:

• Lightweight yet strong
• Corrosion-resistant (powder-coated)
• Fair weatherproofing with rubber sealings

✔ Cons:

• Can dent under heavy impact
• More expensive than soft covers

Fiberglass (Most Secured and Weather Proofed)

✔ Pros:

• The safest – solid most secure, one piece design
• Superb waterproofing with tight perimeter seals
• Stylish, factory-paint match available

✔ Cons:

• Heavy-Almost impossible to lift by yourself
• Expensive

Polycarbonate / ABS Composite: A high-impact seal material.

✔ Pros:

• Durable – won’t dent like aluminum
• Lightweight for easier handling
• Good weather resistance

✔ Cons:

• May wear over time in extreme sunlight
• Not as strong as aluminum

Steel (Rare, but Maximum Strength)

✔ Pros:

• Strongest fabric – can hold up heavy weights
• Highly secure against theft

✔ Cons:

• Heavy – difficult to install/remove
• Will rust if not finished

The materials used in a soft tonneau cover, including what the cover is made of and how it’s held together also greatly affects longevity, weather resistance and security. Below is a quick overview of the most used soft tonneau cover materials:

Weather-Resistant Marine-Grade Vinyl (Most Popular)

✔ Pros:

• Waterproof – protects from rain and melting snow.
• Tough - repellent to ultraviolet, mildew and any weather condition.
• Cheap – one of the cheapest options.
• Easy to clean – easy and fast cleaning and maintenance.

✔ Cons:

• Less secure – can easily be slashed or snipped open.
• Can stretch or sag over time – requires re-tensioning for a tight fit.
• Subject to discoloration if left in open sunlight.

Canvas(Fabric Material) (Stronger & Prime Quality

✔ Pros:

• High performance custom printed Classic Roller Skates for men, the Moxi Classic IV (4) Black skate is as functional as it is stylish!
• Flexible – excellent in hot or cold temperatures.
• Breathable – to prevent moisture (condensation) from becoming trapped under the car cover.
• Beauty – offers a higher quality look with a matt texture.

✔ Cons:

• More expensive than vinyl.
• Not as waterproof – more likely to soak up moisture than vinyl.
• Needs to be taken care of more – must be reconditioned and cleaned regularly.

Polyester-Coated Vinyl (Lightweight & Budget-Friendly)

✔ Pros:

• Lightweight – Quick and easy to roll up, It can be easily rolled or folded for saving space.
• Cost-effective – priced lower than marine-grade vinyl and canvas alternatives.
• Crack resistant – performs better in colder temperatures.

✔ Cons:

• More delicate – less long lasting overall.
• Not quite as waterproof – may need extra weatherproofing for heavy rain.
• May fade faster than pricier options.

Thick dual layer vinyl reinforced with strong mesh (Stronger & Tear Resistant)

✔ Pros:

• Stronger – the two layer construction for added strength and tear resistance.
• Sturdy framing – doesn’t droop as much, provides a firm fitting.
• More secure - difficult to tear compared to single-ply material.

✔ Cons:

• Pricer than the most basic vinyl choices.
• Not as tough as solid truck bed covers – can still be punctured or cut.