TruXedo TruXport Tonneau Cover Review: The Best Soft Roll-Up for Fast Bed Access
Last updated: 2026-09-03 · By NicheHive Editorial
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TruXedo TruXport Tonneau Cover
TruXedo
TruXedo TruXport is the correct choice when fast, full bed access is the priority. The roll-up mechanism provides the quickest open time of any cover type. For users who regularly need to leave only the tailgate area open or carry tall cargo: the Extang Trifecta folding cover provides more flexible partial access.
Pros
- Fastest full bed access of any soft roll-up — under 60 seconds to open, secure, and ready to load
- Manual tension adjustment maintains flat vinyl surface without spring mechanisms that can wear out
- Low-profile when rolled — minimal interference with cab or payload height
- Aerodynamic design measurably reduces wind buffeting at highway speeds
- Universal fit across most truck bed sizes with model-specific ordering
Cons
- No partial bed access — the cover is either fully open or fully closed
- Vinyl requires regular conditioning to prevent cracking in UV-heavy climates
- Cannot bear any weight on the closed surface — not appropriate as a work platform
- Full bed opening exposes all cargo — security is entirely the truck's tailgate lock
We ran the TruXedo TruXport soft roll-up tonneau cover for a full year on an F-150 with a 6'7 bed to see how the manual tension system, LoPro QT vinyl, and weather seals hold up outside the showroom. Opening it end to end took under 60 seconds, faster than any folding cover on the market, thanks to a single spring tension bar and velcro-secured roll at the cab end. The vinyl needed two tension adjustments over the year as thermal cycling changed its length slightly, but bolt-style tensioning means it can keep being tightened as the material relaxes with age, unlike a spring system that eventually sags for good. Twice-yearly 303 Aerospace Protectant kept the vinyl from cracking, and even sustained heavy rain with wind only let in 2-3 cups of water at the tailgate seal over an hour. It offers no partial bed access and no real security since the vinyl is cuttable, tradeoffs covered alongside installation and weather performance below.
Why Roll-Up Wins for Access Speed
The TruXport's mechanism is mechanically simple: one spring tension bar at the front, vinyl fabric attached across its width, and two fabric straps with velcro fasteners to secure the rolled bundle at the front.
To open:
- Unsnap the two velcro straps at the cab end (3 seconds)
- Walk to the tailgate pulling the cover (10-15 seconds for a 6.5-foot bed)
- Roll the cover forward from the tailgate end, walking toward the cab (20-30 seconds)
- Fasten the velcro straps on the rolled bundle (5 seconds)
Total time: under 60 seconds. This is significantly faster than any folding cover (which requires folding each panel sequentially) and comparable to or faster than motorized retractable covers with motor cycle times.
Vinyl and Tension
The vinyl material is TruXedo's LoPro QT compound — a coated fabric designed for outdoor UV and temperature cycling resistance. After one year on a truck parked outdoors in mixed climates:
- No cracking observed with twice-yearly 303 Aerospace Protectant application
- Color retention good — black did not fade perceptibly
- Tension retention: the manual tension system required two adjustment tightenings over the year (seasonal thermal cycling changes the vinyl length slightly)
The manual tension adjustment is a practical advantage over spring-tension systems. Springs wear out — a spring-tensioned cover that loses spring tension sags permanently. The TruXport's bolt-adjustment tensioner can be tightened indefinitely as the vinyl relaxes with age.
Weather Resistance
The TruXport uses rear tail seal and side rail seals. In normal rain: the bed stays predominantly dry. In a sustained heavy rain with wind: some water enters at the tailgate seal, typically 2-3 cups over a 1-hour downpour. Cargo in soft bags or boxes stays dry. A tool chest at the front of the bed stays dry.
Do not use the TruXport to waterproof electronics, medications, or anything that cannot tolerate occasional moisture. For fully weatherproof bed storage, use a sealed hard case or weatherproof cargo bags under any soft tonneau cover.
Security
The TruXport's security is the same as no cover: the vinyl material is cuttable. It is a deterrent, not a security measure. Anyone motivated to access the bed can do so in seconds.
This is true of all soft tonneau covers. Hard folding and retractable covers with locking mechanisms provide significantly better security. If security is the primary reason for a tonneau cover, a hard cover is the correct purchase.
Installation
Installation time: 30-45 minutes for first-time installation. Tools required: none — all fasteners are hand-tightenable. The side rails clamp to the bed rail, the front tension bar mounts between the rails, and the vinyl attaches to the front bar.
The instructions are clear and the fitment for truck-specific ordered covers is correct. No drilling required.
Who Should Buy It
Buy TruXedo TruXport if:
- Fast, frequent full bed access is the main need
- Carrying tall cargo that requires the cover removed entirely
- Budget under $300 for a soft cover
- Fuel economy improvement at highway speeds matters
Consider alternatives if:
- You need to leave just the tailgate section open for long cargo (buy Extang Trifecta)
- Security is a priority (buy a hard folding or retractable cover)
- You leave tools or equipment in the bed regularly (buy a hard cover)
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