Extang FullTilt Tonneau Cover Review - The Best of Both Worlds?
Undecided about whether to buy a soft or hard tonneau cover? Well, you might want to consider a soft tonno that's hinged and opens just like a hard version.
While many versions of these are on the market, the Extang FullTilt remains the number one choice.
If, like me, your have or have previously owned a hard tonno cover you'll know all about the advantages and disadvantages.
They're secure, weather-proof, don't flap around on the highway, easy to open despite their weight and, when paint matched, they really do enhance the overall look of your truck.
But, if there's one major problem I've found with hard covers it's that when you need to transport something that's large, you have the problem of removing the cover.
This isn't always so easy; some fiberglass versions need two people to remove them.
And, what about those spur-of-the-moment decisions you sometimes make? You drive somewhere with your spouse, then happen to spot a bargain, decide to buy it there and then, but there's the problem of the cover.
It's still on the truck bed and you don't want to risk damaging it by driving down the road with the cover in a semi closed position.
But, soft covers have their disadvantages too.
Most are roll-top, which means each time you put something a little large in the bed of the truck, you have those fiddly snaps to undo and then redo after you've loaded your cargo.
What would be ideal would be a soft cover that behaved like a hard tonneau cover most of the time; when you wanted to load something in the back you simply open a latch and lift it just like a hard cover.
But, if you needed to load something very large, you could roll it up and tie it down.
Well, that's exactly what you get with soft, full-tilt tonnos.
A few manufacturers make them but the market leader is the Extang FullTilt cover.
So, what's so good about it? First, the cover is hinged along the entire front rail.
The tarp is industry grade vinyl which is mounted on spring-load aluminum bows.
The tarp can be closed with TuffSnaps closures or a "peel & seal" J-Channel tongue and groove system.
Two gas shocks make opening and closing it smooth and effortless; when you open it, the shocks keep it open.
It's also adjustable for both summer and winter weather conditions - a simple adjustment of the studs.
The cover comes pre-assembled and fitting it straight from the box to truck takes just minutes.
The whole assembly weighs only around 30lbs.
You can completely take off the cover in 5 minutes.
This type of cover is extremely versatile.
It behaves like a hard tonneau cover most of the time, but when you need to carry large loads, you have the option of rolling back the tarp, taking down the frame and making use of the entire bed of the truck.
Most reviews of the Extang FullTilt tonneau cover give it an extremely high rating.
If there are any concerns it would be that sometimes, depending on truck model and how well the tarp's been fitted, that it can flap a little when driving at highway speed.
But, most soft covers suffer from this.
Overall, the Extang FullTilt is a good investment.
You'll be getting a well-made product, that's a breeze to install, is versatile, secure, will save you gas and will enhance the overall look of your truck.
While many versions of these are on the market, the Extang FullTilt remains the number one choice.
If, like me, your have or have previously owned a hard tonno cover you'll know all about the advantages and disadvantages.
They're secure, weather-proof, don't flap around on the highway, easy to open despite their weight and, when paint matched, they really do enhance the overall look of your truck.
But, if there's one major problem I've found with hard covers it's that when you need to transport something that's large, you have the problem of removing the cover.
This isn't always so easy; some fiberglass versions need two people to remove them.
And, what about those spur-of-the-moment decisions you sometimes make? You drive somewhere with your spouse, then happen to spot a bargain, decide to buy it there and then, but there's the problem of the cover.
It's still on the truck bed and you don't want to risk damaging it by driving down the road with the cover in a semi closed position.
But, soft covers have their disadvantages too.
Most are roll-top, which means each time you put something a little large in the bed of the truck, you have those fiddly snaps to undo and then redo after you've loaded your cargo.
What would be ideal would be a soft cover that behaved like a hard tonneau cover most of the time; when you wanted to load something in the back you simply open a latch and lift it just like a hard cover.
But, if you needed to load something very large, you could roll it up and tie it down.
Well, that's exactly what you get with soft, full-tilt tonnos.
A few manufacturers make them but the market leader is the Extang FullTilt cover.
So, what's so good about it? First, the cover is hinged along the entire front rail.
The tarp is industry grade vinyl which is mounted on spring-load aluminum bows.
The tarp can be closed with TuffSnaps closures or a "peel & seal" J-Channel tongue and groove system.
Two gas shocks make opening and closing it smooth and effortless; when you open it, the shocks keep it open.
It's also adjustable for both summer and winter weather conditions - a simple adjustment of the studs.
The cover comes pre-assembled and fitting it straight from the box to truck takes just minutes.
The whole assembly weighs only around 30lbs.
You can completely take off the cover in 5 minutes.
This type of cover is extremely versatile.
It behaves like a hard tonneau cover most of the time, but when you need to carry large loads, you have the option of rolling back the tarp, taking down the frame and making use of the entire bed of the truck.
Most reviews of the Extang FullTilt tonneau cover give it an extremely high rating.
If there are any concerns it would be that sometimes, depending on truck model and how well the tarp's been fitted, that it can flap a little when driving at highway speed.
But, most soft covers suffer from this.
Overall, the Extang FullTilt is a good investment.
You'll be getting a well-made product, that's a breeze to install, is versatile, secure, will save you gas and will enhance the overall look of your truck.
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