Not determined to buy a soft or hard canvas cover? Well, you might want to consider a soft tonno that is hinged and opens like a hard version. While there are many versions of these on the market, Extang FullTilt is still the number one choice.
If, like me, you have or have previously owned a hard shell, you will know all about the pros and cons. They’re safe, weather-resistant, won’t move on the road, they’re easy to open despite their weight, and when the paint mixes they really enhance the overall look of your truck.
But, if there is a major problem that I have encountered with hard covers, it is that when you need to transport something that is large, you have the problem of removing the cover. This is not always so easy; some fiberglass versions require two people to remove them. And what about those impromptu decisions you sometimes make? You drive somewhere with your spouse, then you discover a bargain, you decide to buy it there, but there is the problem of the lid. It’s still in the truck bed and you don’t want to risk damaging it by driving down the highway with the cover in a semi-closed position.
But soft cases also have their downsides. Most are roll-top, which means every time you put something a little big in the truck bed, you have those complicated snaps to undo and then redo after you’ve loaded your load.
Ideally, a soft case would behave like a hard canvas case most of the time; When you want to load something in the back, just open a latch and lift it up like a hard cover. But, if you need to carry something very large, you can roll it up and tie it up.
Well, that’s exactly what you get with soft, full-tilt tonnes. Some manufacturers make them, but the market leader is the Extang FullTilt cover.
So what’s good about it?
First, the cover is hinged along the entire front rail. The tarp is industrial grade vinyl that mounts on spring loaded aluminum arches. Tarp can be closed with TuffSnaps closures or a “peel & seal” J-channel tongue and groove system. Two gas shock absorbers make opening and closing it smooth and effortless; When you open it, the dampers keep it open. It is also adjustable for summer and winter weather conditions: a simple adjustment of the studs.
The cover comes pre-assembled and mounting it directly from the box to the truck takes just a few minutes. The whole set weighs only about 30 pounds. You can remove the cover completely in 5 minutes.
This type of cover is extremely versatile. It behaves like a tarp cover lasts most of the time, but when you need to haul large loads you have the option to roll up the tarp, remove the frame and make use of the entire truck bed.
Most reviews of the Extang FullTilt tarp cover give it an extremely high rating. If there are any concerns, it would be that at times, depending on the truck model and how well the tarp has been laid, it can flap a bit when driving at highway speeds. But, most soft cases suffer from this.
Overall, Extang FullTilt is a good investment. You will get a well-made product that is very easy to install, versatile, safe, will save you gas, and enhance the overall look of your truck.