Top 4 Best Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers for Dodge/ RAM 2500,3500 | Reviews | Buying Guide
Buying a tonneau cover is quite a difficult task as there is plenty of options available in the market as well as on the web.
And choosing the right one which suits you truck and gives you unbeatable protection always being the confusing!
So if you are stuck in the same confusion then this article is your go to guide to buy best tonneau cover for your dodge/RAM 2500,3500.
In this article we’ve listed the top 4 best tonneau covers from the market that not only protects your valuables but also improves your fuel economy and gives your truck attractive look.
Before going forward Let’s check how many types of tonneau covers available in the market
Folding Tonneau Covers
Comes in both hard and soft options Folding Tonneau covers are one of the most popular tonneau covers. These comes in tri-fold or bi-fold style. Hard Cover mostly comes in aluminium or metal panels whereas Soft covers comes with vinyl or fabric panels.
Roll-Up Tonneau Covers
Roll-up tonneau covers also available with both soft and hard tops. Material used is different in soft and hard covers – Soft covers made up of tear-resistance fabric whereas hard covers comes with aluminium or metal rolling panels. These are one of the most affordable covers that provide ultimate protection along with instant installation.
Retractable Tonneau Covers
These covers are strongest covers that provide ultimate protection and converts your truck bed into vault. Comes in sleek, versatile and low profile design these covers also come with automatic locking, opening and closing system making it the most luxurious covers of all. These are somehow expensive than others but will worth for the money.
Hinged Tonneau Covers
Comes in both hard and soft tops these are another type of tonneau covers. The tonneau cover is hinged with tailgate and you can open it even with single hand. Along with providing protection to your bed it also offers perfect paint-matched option. So this will let you get tonneau cover similar to your truck’s color. Like retractable tonneau covers these covers has high load capacity and shows ultimate level of protection.
Now before moving forward let’s know about benefits of Hard Tonneau covers.
Hard tonneau covers are basically more stronger and durable than soft covers and they provide more security and strength to your bed cover.
They can withstand the greater weight rating and even converts your truck bed into vault when tailgate is locked.
So with the ultimate protection and security the Hard Fold Tonneau covers rated at top among all other types.
Compatibility
The first and foremost thing to consider while buying tonneau cover is compatibility. You should always make sure that tonneau cover that you’re planning to buy is compatible with your truck. For that always check the size of your truck and tonneau cover.
Moreover, if you’re having some extra accessories in your truck that can be truck bed liner, bed extenders, truck tool boxes, utility track system or anything else, then make sure the tonneau cover that you’re choosing gives you perfect fit with all these upgrades. And, this is bit important also to get cover that matches with your existing upgrades otherwise you will feel that you could have wasted your money.
Need
The 2nd most important point to take care of while getting tonneau cover for your truck is your need or purpose of buying. Tonneau covers are meant for protection and security though you can also` get good looks along with improved efficiency `but primarily they are made to protect your cargo or anything that is in your truck bed from foreign elements.
So, it depends upon your requirement and purpose for which you’re buying for. There are multiple types of tonneau covers in the market that comes with various functions and qualities like Hard covers offers excellent protection with good looks while soft covers offer less protection as compared to hard covers and also comes in less price.
Whereas, there are also Retractable tonneau covers available in the market that will totally convert your truck into fully armored truck with its ultimate level of protection. These cover also offers easy operation with its remote controlled functions. It totally depends upon your requirement.
So, this is our recommendation if you’re buying just to add good looks and coolness to your truck then go for soft tri fold covers as those are least expensive and serves best to your purpose while if you’re looking for some extra protection for your cargo then go for the Hard covers. Retractable covers are one of the expensive covers with some comes even with remote control functions so only go for retractable covers if you’re ready to spend more…
Installation
Everyone like quick and easy installation. Mostly all of the tonneau covers comes with installation guide and instruction along with necessary hardware. But some can be installed in 10-15 mins while other take 1-2 hours also. It’s totally depend upon the cover as some comes with bolt on option while other clamped easily on bed rails. And some covers require even drilling holes also. So, it depends upon you whichever you thing would be better for you – you can take according.
Maintenance (How to Clean and maintain)
As tonneau cover comes under one of the expensive and important accessory for the truck that’s the reason it requires that level of maintenance also. The more you maintain it the more time it will stay with you.
Maintenance is not that difficult task. Just you have to do some regular checks that everything is working fine or not. Keep checking for any debris, dust, corrosion or anything else that does not look normal. Always make sure that clamps, bolts and other mounting hardware won’t be loose otherwise it will damage your cover also.
Double-check your bed rails and never leave any heavy gear or load on the tonneau cover for its long life. Moreover, you can also clean Use water and mild soap to keep your tonneau cover clean.
The soap is easy on the truck and won’t harm your cover. If you have a vinyl cover, use vinyl cleaner to keep it looking new and working properly. You can also use soft cotton cloths or sponges to dry it off.
Price
Last but not the least, this is one of the most important factor that you need to consider while buying tonneau cover for your truck. Its obvious everyone wants to buy that only cover which comes under the budget and offers the best quality.
Always choose tonneau cover according to your requirement, that will decide the price for the cover. The most cheaper ones are soft covers that offers low to medium level of protection along with good looks whereas hard covers are the expensive than soft ones and offers high level of protection along with good fuel economy and looks.
The most expensive ones are Retractable tonneau covers that not only offers protection, security and fuel economy but also comes with remote control operation- that means, to open or close the cover you just need a button and that’s it. These are also the strongest tonneau covers of all.
So, it depends upon You-go for best tonneau cover that comes under your budget.
Now without wasting much time let’s start our list of best 4 top rated tonneau cover for Dodge/Ram 2500, 3500.
let’s Start!
#4 Extang 62430 Encore Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
Sick in seeing your valuables soaked in rain or blown away along with high winds. Its time to lock-down your truck bed with the Extang Encore Hard Fold Tonneau cover.
With the unbeatable protection against thieves and from outside weather the Extang Solid Fold Tonneau Cover also protect your bed against wind drag improving fuel economy.
Being the America’s bestselling hard folding tonneau cover it is the perfect way to upgrade your truck.
It provides complete security by simply locking your tailgate. Installed and removed in seconds you don’t need any special tools while assembling.
The Encore features BOLT, one-key lock technology that allows you to lock Encore’s front panel with your OE key.
Thanks to the Extang-tuff exclusive 1-inch thick panels that are made of automotive thermo-plastic (TPO) for unmatched impact resistance, superior UV protection and thermal stability.
With the impressive quality and protection Extang also take care of your style- yes! It comes with textured, powder-coated frame and matte black rubber components combine to make the Extang Encore Tonno more stylish, easier to use and even more water resistant than any other hard folding truck bed cover.
The low profile, hard panel tri-fold offers easy access from both the front and rear of your truck bed.
Don’t worry about the installation as The EnCore’s self-latching design quickly attaches and detaches the cover from the rails within seconds.
The ultimate strength Extang Tonneau cover is backed by 3 years warranty.
Check out Customer Reviews & Ratings
Key Features
- Perfect way to upgrade your truck fits- Ram (6 ft 4 in) 09-18
- Installed or removed in seconds with self latching design
- Aircraft grade aluminium panels and 1 inch thick alloy frame for incredible strength
- Comes with Attractive textured, powder coated aluminum frame gives Matte Finish
- Low profile design gives easy access
- Featuring BOLT Breakthrough one-key lock technology
- Convenient Cargo Storage
- 3 Panel Hard Folding Cover Provides Front Opening & Rear Fold Up
#3 Undercover FX31004 Flex Hard Folding Truck Bed Cover
Undercover brand is the product and company to meet all of your needs and expectations and its main goal is to build a company that sets the standard for high product quality, value and superior customer service.
The UnderCover Flex is a hard folding tonneau cover that gives you the ultimate control of your truck bed, offering three secure riding positions.
Comes with Three positions -full coverage, 3/4 bed access, and full bed access with the cover in a propped position for maximum storage.
The Flex cover features a sleek black profile designed to add a touch of style to most any pickup truck.
The UnderCover Flex offers the best in function, providing bed protection and improved gas mileage up to 10% by way of its well-conceived aerodynamic design.
The cover is easy to remove, requires no drill for installation, and is mounted flush with your trucks bed rails making it the most water-tight hard folding cover on the market.
Each panel is made of high quality FRP composite material; which is lighter, stronger, and more dent resistant than aluminium
The bed cover comes with Slam latches that attached flex panels to the covers mounting rails making it simple to operate from either side of the truck.
Each Flex has a bed rail mounting system that is equipped with rubber seals and drain tubes to carry water away from and out of the bed, keeping your gear dry and secure.
It also comes with the pros rods that conveniently stow in rubber coated clips and stay out of the way.
It is backed by 3 year warranty.
Check Out Customer Reviews & Ratings
Key Features
- Custom fit to 2002-2017 Ram 1500-3500
- Ultimate control by three secure riding position
- Ultra low profile design
- Easy to remove and allow full access to your bed
- Installation is easy in just 20 minutes with No Drilling and cutting and can be removed in seconds without tools
- Plastic buckles and straps included
- FRP Composite material resistant than aluminium
- Backed up with 3 year warranty
#2 Gator FX3 Hard Folding Tonneau Bed Cover
If you’re not aware about Gator then let me tell you Gator is well known brand that offers best in class products and customer service.Gator offers high class truck bed covers that protects your valuables from being damaged.
You don’t have to compromise when choosing a tonneau cover for your truck as the Gator FX3 encompasses the best features of different types of covers.
Hard cover is known for its ultimate security and so as the Gator FX3 that features fibreglass reinforces polymer top panels and aluminium bottom panels for its perfect security.The Reinforced Polymer stays more cooler and resist any impact.
The specially designed hinges allow it to fold up all the way to the cab of the truck for unrestricted bed access like a soft tonneau cover.
This cover is so durable and weather resistant that even the high rains does not destroy your valuables due to its extremely durable seals made of EPDM which keeps your bed dry.
You can easily operate it – Just slam latches and lock each panel into place and to unlock just pull the cable.
The FX3 cover is so reliable and strong that you can load up to 300 lbs of evenly distributed weight on top of the cover to make your camping or trip much easier.
Coming to its installation,It takes hardly an hour and there is not any drilling required as it comes with drill free clamps -so no need to drill!
Along with these features the cover backed up with 2 year warranty.
Check out Customer Reviews and Ratings
Key Features
- Fits to 2002-2018 Dodge Ram 6.4 ft Bed w/o RamBox
- Fiberglass Reinforced polymer Top Panel
- Aluminum Below panel
- Protects from UV and weather resistant
- Can handle up to 300 pounds of distributed weight
- Each panel locks individually into the side rails for added security
- Resist Impacts
- 2 year Warranty
- EPDM Seals keeps bed dry
- Drill Free Installation
#1 BAK Industries BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Cover 448203
Safeguard your cargo and valuables from the outside weather and thieves with the top rated BakFlip MX4 Truck bed cover.
From its sleek contemporary styling to its state of the art function, the BAKFlip MX4 hard folding heavy-duty truck bed cover has been enhanced with a premium density foam core, upgraded latch housing components, and an all-new integrated tailgate seal that allows the tailgate to be closed with the cover up or down.
The Bed cover has all the features along with ultimate security.
This hard folding tonneau cover easily clamps on with no drilling and provides outstanding security against rain, snow, theft, dirt and sun.
Built with heavy duty aircraft grade aluminum panels coated with a premium matte finish for superior UV and scratch resistance.
Moreover the BAKFlip MX4 is relatively light, yet offers heavy duty durability. You can easily rely on this bed cover while travelling, camping or going anywhere.
The Bed cover comes with corrosion proof EPDM rubber hinges for complete security to your truck.
It operates easily from either side of the truck, gives you full access to your truck bed and provides unparalleled style. With this you can easily haul largo cargo without even remove the truck bed cover.
It can secure your cargo by locking you tailgate as it comes with durable prop rods that secures it in upright position and also can eb folded in minutes.
Talking about the maintenance-you can simply wash normally with soap and water.
It combines a resilient infrastructure with a sleek, flush-mount, low –profile design finish that makes it more attractive.
It comes with 3 year warranty.
Check out Customer Reviews & Ratings
Key Features
- Fits 2002-18 DODGE Ram W/O Ram Box 6′ 4″
- Easy Installation.no Drilling!
- Comes with durable aluminum panels that features Matte finish and gives Outstanding Security against weather
- Easy to wash and maintain
- Built with aircraft grade aluminum sandwich panels
- Relatively light, yet offers heavy duty durability
- Gives attractive look with sleep low profile design and also maintains visibility to the third brake light when folded toward the cab
- Backed up with 3 year warranty
Protection and Security for your Truck bed
The main benefit of having tonneau cover is the protection and security of anything whether it is cargo or anything else that you keep in your bed. Tonneau cover locks your bed and make it complete closed vault that will safe your cargo from being jumping out and also provide protection against any thieves.
Moreover it protects your cargo or bed from being exposed to UV rays while in rainy season keeps your cargo dry all the time. With some of the tonneau covers that comes with complete locking mechanism you can even safeguard your valuables along with other items.
Increase Durability and Life of truck bed
It also provides protection to your bed as due to rain, dust or UV rays or any other foreign material, there are high chances that your truck bed will damage due to corrosion– But with tonneau cover, you can ultimately increase the life of your truck bed by not letting it exposed to external weather.
Safe Transportation of Luggage or Cargo
Apart from providing security to your cargo, the tonneau covers also provide safe transportation of your luggage or any cargo. So whether you’re hauling or going to camping with your family, tonneau cover will allow you safely carry your camping gear or any other valuable without getting exposed to rain, snow, wind or any other foreign material.
So, if you’re planning to go out with your family or friends and finding difficulty in carrying your gears or tent with yourself then you must need a tonneau cover in your truck.
Even if you’re going to your work, you can easily keep your equipment safe in your truck bed with the bed cover installed in it.
Improved Fuel Economy
This is the other most important benefit you will get along with the first 2 advantages. This is one of the advantage of the tonneau cover that most of the truck owners fail to observe.
After installation of tonneau cover you will get to notice increase in fuel economy of your truck, no doubt that will not very high but yes… it will create impact in long run.
A tonneau cover will help reduce aerodynamic drag and can improve gas mileage. It will cover your truck into vault and your bed will generate less air drag as compared to open bed as showing in the pic below. This will increase your mileage by around 5%, some vehicles area also able to save even 10%.
Better Organisation of Cargo
With the tonneau cover installed in your bed you can better arrange your cargo in organised way as it will eliminate any impact of wind on the cargo. This will allow you to add more cargo or valuables in your bed as if you keep your cargo in proper organised way then then every inch of your bed is being used effectively.
Increase Resale Value
This is the long run benefit you will get after installing tonneau cover in your truck. As the cover protects your truck bed by not letting it exposed to external weather condition, it will make your truck look like new without any wear or corrosion signs that will automatically increase the value of your truck while reselling.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed the article Top 4 Best Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers for Dodge/ RAM 2500,3500 to its entire bits.
We do hope that this article helped you in making a definitive choice when it comes to choosing an Best and affordable tonneau cover for your Dodge/RAM Truck.
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Vicky Dwaj, Founder and CEO of TrucksEnthusiasts , is an automobile engineer passionate about pickup trucks and accessories. Follow his journey to discover the latest trends in off-road accessories, cars, and truck parts.
Can anyone tell me the best bed cover under $200?? I don’t want to spend much so..