If you’re in the market for a tonneau cover, you might be wondering what the difference is between hard and soft covers. After all, they both serve the same purpose – to keep your stuff covered and protected from the elements. Here’s a quick rundown of the main differences between hard and soft tonneau covers:
1. Security
One of the main advantages of a hard tonneau cover is that it provides better security for your belongings. If you’re carrying valuable equipment or tools in the back of your truck, a soft cover can be easily cut open, giving thieves easy access to your stuff. A hard cover, on the other hand, is much more difficult to break into, deterring would-be thieves and giving you peace of mind knowing that your belongings are safe and sound.
2. Durability
In general, hard tonneau covers are more durable than their soft counterparts. This is due to the fact that they’re usually made out of tougher materials, such as aluminum, hard plastics or fiberglass. This means that they’re less likely to succumb to wear and tear over time, and can withstand more abuse from the elements. If you’re looking for a cover that will last for years to come, a hard cover is definitely the way to go.
3. Weather Resistance
Another advantage of hard tonneau covers is that they offer better protection from the elements. Soft covers are usually made out of cloth or vinyl, which means that they’re not as effective at keeping out moisture, dust, and dirt. This can be a problem if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, as your belongings are more likely to get wet or dirty. Hard covers, on the other hand, provide a much higher level of protection from the elements, making them ideal for use in all kinds of weather conditions.
4. Weight
One of the main disadvantages of hard tonneau covers is that they’re typically much heavier than soft covers. This is due to the fact that they’re usually made out of heavier materials, such as aluminum or fiberglass. This can make them difficult to install and remove, and can also add a lot of extra weight to your truck. If you’re looking for a cover that’s easy to install and remove, a soft cover is probably a better option.
5. Cost
Another potential downside of hard tonneau covers is that they tend to be more expensive than soft covers. This is due to the fact that they’re usually made out of higher-quality materials, which costs more money to produce. If you’re on a tight budget, a soft cover is probably a better option.
6. Installation
Another thing to consider when choosing between hard and soft tonneau covers is the installation process. Hard covers typically require more work to install, as they need to be mounted onto the bed of your truck. This can be difficult to do if you don’t have any experience with automotive repairs. Soft covers, on the other hand, are much easier to install, as they usually just need to be secured in place using straps or Velcro. If you’re not particularly handy, a soft cover might be the way to go.
7. Removal
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing between hard and soft tonneau covers is the removal process. Hard covers can be difficult to remove, as they need to be unmounted from the bed of your truck. This can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you don’t have any experience with automotive repairs. Soft covers, on the other hand, are much easier to remove, as they can simply be rolled up or folded away when you’re not using them. If you’re looking for a cover that’s easy to remove, a soft cover is probably a better option.
8. Aerodynamics
One of the main advantages of hard tonneau covers is that they offer better aerodynamics than soft covers. This is due to the fact that they’re usually made out of smoother materials, such as aluminum or fiberglass. This helps to reduce drag on your truck, which can improve fuel efficiency. If you’re looking for a cover that will help you save money on gas, a hard cover is definitely the way to go.
9. Resale value
Another advantage of hard tonneau covers is that they tend to have a higher resale value than soft covers. This is due to the fact that they’re usually made out of higher-quality materials, which makes them more desirable to potential buyers. If you’re planning on selling your truck in the future, a hard cover is definitely the way to go.
10. Style
The final thing to consider when choosing between hard and soft tonneau covers is the style. Hard covers are typically more sleek and stylish than soft covers. This is due to the fact that they’re usually made out of materials like aluminum or fiberglass. If you’re looking for a cover that will make your truck look more stylish, a hard cover is definitely the way to go.
