Bed Cover Preference: Roll Up or Flip Up, and Why?

[Fast Eddie]

I went with Rugged Ridge hard rolling cover. It was easy to put on and sturdy when rolled out. The instructions were perfect. It has also proven to be water proof. We are on our third snow fall in the Virginia Williamsburg area so far this winter. All my gear has remained dry in the bed. I like to be able to use my rear view mirror and the roll up allows for that where as the folding covered my back window. Also when I take my soft cover down Spring - Fall a folding cover would have interfere with the look i was after.
I hope this helps. Cheers.

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[Jut60]

I also went with the tyger soft roll up to try. It’s worked great for about a year now. Keeps the back dry when down, and easy enough to roll up without blocking the rear view. I was initially planning to save up for a hard roll up type, but after a year of use with the soft roll up, I don’t think the additional features are necessary for my use.

 

[Fouts]

After a long struggle I decided on the Diamnodback SE. Will be here next week. so this is an image from dealer site. I thought about toppers like RSI and Alu Cab and most of the soft or hard covers out there. I liked the Diamondback for security, look, and durability. A bit spendy but think it will fill all my needs.

 

[bakobobby]

Another Tyger owner have the 3 panel fold up. Two bills and change, fast and easy to install. Offers most of the security of far more expensive models, looks fine and mostly seals things off. Get the slightest bit of water in while going through the carwash but never any in rain storms or snow. Its been through the carwash many many times; worth mentioning maybe? Not sure how some options hold up.

 

[Oneshotlucky]

My neighbor has had both. After his last truck came with a tri-fold, he took it off and gave it away and went with a roll-up.
Gotta ask - do you use your truck AS a truck??

I do.

I can't imagine any other type with the stuff I use my truck for. And it works well, seals well, don't get wet inside with things close. I just don't see any disadvantage. One other advantage - when I use my truck tent, I have two screws to remove and I carry the tonneau cover off and set up the tent. 2 screws, 2 minutes to take the cover off and it's rolled up and easy to lift off.

You can't go by what others prefer unless you use your truck the same way they do. No hard cover would ever work for me nor would I ever even consider one. But - others do and others like them a lot. It's your plans for your truck, your truck's future.
This is just my preference.

(cover rolled up, 2 screws removed and sitting on the front of my trailer so I could set up the tent- look how small it rolls up if you want it to. Light, simple, took only minutes to put it back on, roll it back and be on my way.

Which roll up did you go with?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Which roll up did you go with?

The stock MOPAR cover as installed "at the factory" and I'm 100% happy with it. Over 2 years, I've had it rolled up, flipped up at the back, I've taken it off (2 screws and you lift it off) for my tent, no leaks no problems. It fits.
I did make latches for the rear so it couldn't be flipped up when the tail gate was locked.

 

[SaplingT]

BAK 4Xs roll-up. Easy installation, leak-free and road tested. Easy to use and I like the hard/rolloup combo.

Did you do any additional sealing under the side rails? I can not get my 4Xs to stop leaking from under the rear side portions of the rail. I may pull then and add an additional thin layer of foam and try again. Front and tailgate seal up nicely.

 

[berb]

I bought the Amazon version of a Soft Trifold Gator top. It was only about $250. I love the top. It's made well and serves the purpose of keeping the bed dry. BUT when I go to get mulch or anything for the yard or take things to the dump I lose 1/3 of the bed when it is folded. I didn't like any of the roll covers which is why I went with a soft trifold. BUT I recently looked at the Factory Twill Roll cover and it looks impressive. It looks better made than any other cover. If I were to do it again I would get the Mopar Twill Soft Roll Cover.

 

[Little_Feller]

After a long struggle I decided on the Diamnodback SE. Will be here next week. so this is an image from dealer site. I thought about toppers like RSI and Alu Cab and most of the soft or hard covers out there. I liked the Diamondback for security, look, and durability. A bit spendy but think it will fill all my needs.

Did you order directly from Diamondback, or through a reseller? Find any discounts? I think I'm leaning towards the SE as well, unless I go hard rollup.

 

[Fouts]

Did you order directly from Diamondback, or through a reseller? Find any discounts? I think I'm leaning towards the SE as well, unless I go hard rollup.

I did buy it direct and they don't discount. I was unhappy with the quality of the welds and fit to the bed rail. I sent some pictures and initially they indicated that something was wrong, then they turned around and said all was fine. The only resolution they offered was to send it back, so I did.

 

[Little_Feller]

I did buy it direct and they don't discount. I was unhappy with the quality of the welds and fit to the bed rail. I sent some pictures and initially they indicated that something was wrong, then they turned around and said all was fine. The only resolution they offered was to send it back, so I did.

Wait...so you're saying you returned the Diamondback? Due to a not great fit? Did you end up with something different that you like? Thanks for responding...

 

[Fouts]

I was very dissappointed, I had looked at some other options but decided that I would spend the extra money and do the Diamondback. Initially they were pretty good to deal with but i had issues with the center rail causing the bed rail to deform and allowing water in. The only remedy they offered was spacers under the plastic rail and that did not work for me. I sent them this picture and initially there customer service said that it did not look right. He said he talked to the engineers and they said it was ok and there was nothing they could do but take it back. It appears they are not using a part specifically for the Gladiator, more of a fits all solution. In my opinion it does not fit the Jeep well. Most that own one seem to dissagree.
I wound up buying an Alu Cab canopy.

 

[Fouts]

Wait...so you're saying you returned the Diamondback? Due to a not great fit? Did you end up with something different that you like? Thanks for responding...

Response above. Forgot to quote

 

[Higher_Ground]

Budget and aesthetics will probably make your decision easier. Do you want it to sit flush? Do you have >$1000 to spend? There are a lot of options here.

I got the gator hard tri-fold, and it takes only a min or so to take it off (4 plastic knobs on mine). I know they sell ones that stick up but it wasn't worth spending the extra money when it would only save me a minute or so in the long run and most of the time I don't need to take it off anyway.

I think soft covers are fine, but I like the aesthetics of the hard cover sitting flush. The rolling hard covers look cool but are too $$ for me to justify. The hard tri-fold hit the sweet spot for me.

 

[Sponge60]

I've had three types on several trucks. For best access to the bed, my favorite is a roll up. For overall looks and security, I like a hard, one piece lift-up style. The 3 piece folding is ok, and what I have on our Gladiator. The wife wanted that one, so...

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