The best tonneau cover for towing depends on your needs. The RealTruck BAK BAKFlip G2 is best for heavy-duty hauling with its 100% bed access and aluminum construction, while the Rough Country Hard Roll-Up excels at quick access with its 600lb weight capacity. For budget-conscious truck owners, the MOSTPLUS Quad Fold stands out with its affordable price and solid weather protection.
When you’re towing a trailer or fifth wheel, you need a tonneau cover that can handle the job without getting in your way. The right cover protects your cargo while giving you easy access to your truck bed whenever you need it.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Cover Type | Weight Capacity | Installation | Bed Access | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rough Country Hard Roll-Up | Hard Roll-Up | 600 lbs | No drill | 100% | 5 years |
| MOSTPLUS Quad Fold | Soft Quad Fold | N/A | No drill | 100% | N/A |
| Rough Country Soft Roll-Up | Soft Roll-Up | N/A | No drill | 100% | 5 years |
| Gator ETX Soft Roll Up | Soft Roll-Up | N/A | No drill | 100% | Lifetime frame |
| AUTOSAVER88 FRP Hard Tri-fold | Hard Tri-fold | 450 lbs | No drill | Partial | N/A |
| TruXedo TruXport 8’2″ | Soft Roll-Up | N/A | No drill | 100% | N/A |
| BAK BAKFlip G2 | Hard Folding | N/A | No drill | 100% | N/A |
| TruXedo TruXport 6’10” | Soft Roll-Up | N/A | No drill | 100% | N/A |
Best Tonneau Covers for Towing
1. RealTruck BAK BAKFlip G2 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover – Premium Heavy-Duty Protection
Best for: Heavy-duty truck owners who need maximum security and full bed access while towing.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Material | Durable aluminum panels |
| Operation | Quick-release cables |
| Bed Access | 100% full access |
| Profile | Low-profile design |
| Made In | USA with global materials |
The BAK BAKFlip G2 is the best hard folding cover for serious truck owners who tow regularly and need bulletproof protection. This premium cover delivers unmatched security with its aluminum panel construction.
The build quality is exceptional with thick aluminum panels that resist dents and weather damage. The automatic latching system locks securely without any fuss.
You can operate this cover from either side of your truck bed, making it incredibly convenient when you’re hooking up a trailer. The prop rods hold the panels upright and stow away cleanly when closed.
The low-profile design means you can drive with the cover in any position without blocking your third brake light. This is crucial for safe towing.
At over $1,000, it’s a significant investment, but the quality and functionality justify the price for heavy-duty applications.
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2. Rough Country Hard Roll-Up Tonneau Cover – Best Heavy-Duty Roll-Up
Best for: HD truck owners who want hard cover security with the convenience of quick roll-up access.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Weight Capacity | 600 lbs evenly distributed |
| Frame Material | Powder-coated aluminum |
| Opening System | Quick-release cable |
| Water Management | Built-in drain tubes |
| Warranty | 5-year replacement |
The Rough Country Hard Roll-Up is the best choice for Chevy and GMC HD truck owners who need serious weight capacity. This cover can handle 600 pounds of evenly distributed weight, perfect for loading gear on top.
The aluminum slat construction with powder-coated frame resists corrosion even in harsh weather. The matte black finish looks sharp and matches most truck aesthetics perfectly.
Access is lightning fast with the quick-release cable system that lets you roll the cover toward the cab in seconds. The auto-latching system clicks it back securely with no manual locking required.
Built-in drain tubes channel water away from your truck bed, keeping cargo dry. Nylon safety straps with quick-release clips hold the cover firmly when open.
Installation takes just minutes with no drilling needed, and the 5-year warranty shows Rough Country stands behind their product.
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3. TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll Up (8’2″ Bed) – Best for Long Bed Super Duty
Best for: Ford Super Duty owners with 8-foot beds who need reliable weather protection while towing.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Tension System | Spring-loaded SureTension |
| Closure | RTxGrip hook-and-loop |
| Material | Tear-resistant RTxVinyl |
| Latch | Automatic slam-latch |
| Assembly | USA assembled |
The TruXedo TruXport is the best soft roll-up for Ford Super Duty trucks with long beds. This cover fits perfectly on 8’2″ beds and stays tight thanks to the exclusive SureTension system.
The spring-loaded tension control prevents edges from curling and requires zero manual adjustments. Once installed, it maintains perfect tension automatically in all weather conditions.
The RTxGrip hook-and-loop system is far superior to standard velcro, holding strong even in high winds. The automatic slam-latch system means the cover closes securely with just a push.
The gloss RTxVinyl material resists tearing and won’t fade over time. It’s assembled in South Dakota by American workers, ensuring quality control.
For long bed Super Duty owners who tow regularly, this cover delivers excellent value with professional-grade features at a mid-range price.
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4. TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll Up (6’10” Bed) – Best Mid-Size Super Duty Cover
Best for: Super Duty owners with shorter beds who want proven TruXedo quality and convenience.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Bed Length | 6’10” (81.9″) |
| Fit System | SureTension Control |
| Closure | Slam-latch automatic |
| Material | Gloss RTxVinyl |
| Origin | USA assembled |
The TruXport 6’10” version brings the same excellent features as its longer sibling to shorter Super Duty beds. This is the ideal choice if you have a mid-size bed on your F-250, F-350, or F-450.
The SureTension Control System keeps the cover perfectly tight without any manual tweaking. Spring-loaded tension adapts automatically to temperature changes and wear over time.
The RTxGrip closure system holds firm in all conditions, including highway speeds while towing. The automatic slam-latch makes closing effortless after loading cargo.
The tear-resistant vinyl withstands years of UV exposure without fading or cracking. Assembly in the USA ensures consistent quality and supports American workers.
This cover delivers professional-grade performance at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value for Super Duty owners who tow regularly.
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5. AUTOSAVER88 FRP Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover – Best Budget Hard Cover
Best for: Ram 1500 owners who want hard cover security without spending over $1,000.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Material | FRP with PP honeycomb |
| Weight Capacity | 450 lbs |
| Fit | Ram 1500 5.7ft bed |
| Installation | Six clamp system |
| Security | Locks with tailgate |
The AUTOSAVER88 FRP Hard Tri-Fold is the best budget-friendly hard cover for Ram 1500 owners. At under $325, it delivers impressive features typically found on covers costing twice as much.
The fiberglass reinforced polymer construction with internal honeycomb frame provides excellent durability. It resists scratches and supports up to 450 pounds of weight.
The tri-fold design gives you partial bed access without removing the entire cover, perfect for quick cargo grabs. When the tailgate is locked, the cover locks too, providing complete security.
Installation is straightforward with six robust clamps that require no drilling. The smooth profile gives your truck a clean, modern appearance.
While not as feature-rich as premium options, this cover delivers solid protection and security at an excellent price point for Ram owners.
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6. Gator ETX Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover – Best for MultiPro Tailgate
Best for: Chevy and GMC owners with MultiPro or Flex tailgates who need guaranteed compatibility.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Tailgate Compatible | MultiPro and Flex |
| Frame Warranty | Lifetime |
| Tarp Warranty | 10 years |
| Origin | Made in USA |
| Installation | Clamp-on, no drill |
The Gator ETX is the best choice for Silverado and Sierra owners with MultiPro or Flex tailgates. Many covers don’t work properly with these advanced tailgate systems, but this one is specifically designed for them.
Made in the USA with globally sourced materials, this cover features quality construction backed by impressive warranties. The frame carries a lifetime warranty, while the tarp is covered for 10 years.
The roll-up design provides 100% truck bed access when you need it. Simply roll it toward the cab and secure with the storage strap for full loading capability.
Installation is fast with simple clamp-on rails that require no drilling. Everything you need comes in the box, and USA-based customer service is available if you need help.
The combination of MultiPro compatibility, strong warranties, and USA manufacturing makes this an excellent choice for modern GM trucks.
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7. Rough Country Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover – Best Value Soft Cover
Best for: Budget-conscious truck owners who want quality weather protection at an affordable price.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Material | Marine-grade vinyl |
| Profile Height | 3/4 inch |
| Frame Material | 6061 aluminum |
| Installation Time | 20 minutes |
| Warranty | 5 years |
The Rough Country Soft Roll-Up is the best value option for truck owners who want solid protection without breaking the bank. At under $220, it delivers features typically found on covers costing much more.
The marine-grade vinyl with tight front and rear seals blocks out rain, snow, and dust effectively. The 6061 aluminum frame resists corrosion and provides excellent durability.
The seamless roll-up design with quick-release latches gives you 100% bed access in seconds. A single cable pull system makes opening and closing effortless, even with gloves on.
At just 3/4 inch above the bed, this low-profile cover maintains your truck’s sleek appearance. Hook-loop side seals and spring latch closure keep it secure and quiet while driving.
Installation takes about 20 minutes with the included bracket system that mounts to factory bed rails. The 5-year warranty shows Rough Country’s confidence in their product.
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8. MOSTPLUS Quad Fold Soft Tonneau Cover – Most Affordable Option
Best for: F-150 owners on a tight budget who still want decent weather protection.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Design | Quad fold |
| Material | Double-sided vinyl |
| Frame | Three aluminum crossbars |
| Fit | F-150 5.5ft bed |
| Bonus | Touch lamp included |
The MOSTPLUS Quad Fold is the most affordable tonneau cover option for F-150 owners with 5.5-foot beds. At under $160, it’s perfect for truck owners who need basic protection on a budget.
The double-sided tear-resistant vinyl with three heavy-duty aluminum powder-coated frames provides decent durability. Four horizontal crossbars prevent air lifting issues at highway speeds.
The quad-fold design with three mounting points gives you flexible access to your truck bed. The cover is waterproof and UV resistant, keeping your cargo dry in most weather conditions.
Installation requires no drilling and includes all necessary hardware. A stick-on touch lamp is included as a bonus, which is a nice touch for bed illumination.
While it lacks the advanced features of premium covers, this budget option delivers solid basic protection for casual truck users who tow occasionally.
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How to Choose the Best Tonneau Cover for Towing
Cover Type and Bed Access
The type of cover you choose directly impacts how easily you can access your truck bed while towing. Roll-up covers provide 100% bed access without removal, which is crucial when you need to load gear quickly at the boat ramp or campsite.
Hard folding covers offer the best security while still providing full access. Tri-fold covers give partial access, which works fine if you don’t need the entire bed regularly.
Weight Capacity and Durability
If you ever load cargo on top of your cover, weight capacity matters significantly. Hard covers typically support 400-600 pounds of evenly distributed weight, while soft covers aren’t designed for top loading.
Look for aluminum frames and FRP or aluminum panel construction for maximum durability. These materials resist corrosion from road salt and stand up to years of weather exposure.
Installation and Compatibility
No-drill installation is essential for most truck owners. Clamp-on systems mount to factory bed rails without permanent modifications, preserving your truck’s resale value.
Check specific compatibility with your truck model, bed length, and any special features like MultiPro tailgates. Covers designed for your exact truck fit better and perform more reliably.
Weather Protection and Drainage
Quality seals at the front, rear, and sides keep water out of your truck bed. Look for covers with integrated drain tubes that channel water away rather than letting it pool.
Marine-grade vinyl and powder-coated aluminum frames resist UV damage and corrosion. Good weather protection means your cargo stays dry even during heavy rain while towing.
Security Features
Hard covers provide significantly better security than soft covers, with locking mechanisms that integrate with your tailgate lock. This matters when you’re parked at rest stops during long towing trips.
Automatic latching systems lock the cover securely without fumbling with manual locks. Spring latches and slam-latch systems make closing quick and secure every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tow with a tonneau cover on?
Yes, you can tow with any tonneau cover installed. Most covers are designed to stay securely closed at highway speeds, and they won’t interfere with fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitches when properly installed.
Do tonneau covers improve gas mileage while towing?
Tonneau covers can improve aerodynamics and potentially save 1-2 MPG on highway driving, though the benefit is minimal when towing since the trailer creates most of the drag. The main benefits are cargo protection and security.
What’s better for towing – hard or soft tonneau cover?
Hard covers provide better security and weather protection, making them ideal for valuable cargo during long towing trips. Soft covers are lighter, more affordable, and easier to remove if you need to install a fifth-wheel hitch.
Will a tonneau cover work with a fifth-wheel hitch?
Most roll-up and folding covers work with fifth-wheel hitches because they can be opened or removed quickly. Some covers are specifically designed to fold forward and clear the hitch area completely.
How do I maintain my tonneau cover while towing frequently?
Clean your cover regularly with mild soap and water, check all mounting clamps monthly, and lubricate moving parts like hinges and latches. Inspect seals for wear and replace them if water starts getting through.
Final Thoughts
The BAK BAKFlip G2 is the top choice for serious tower who need maximum security and durability. For budget-conscious buyers, the Rough Country Soft Roll-Up delivers excellent value at under $220.
Consider your specific truck model, bed length, and how often you need bed access when choosing. Hard covers provide better security, while soft roll-ups offer easier access and lower prices.
Whichever cover you choose, make sure it’s compatible with your truck’s specific features and backed by a solid warranty for peace of mind on the road.
