Extang FullTilt Tonneau Cover Review – The Best of Both Worlds?

Undecided whether to buy a soft or hard tonneau 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, the Extang FullTilt is still the number one option.

If, like me, you have or have had a tonno hard cover, you will know all the pros and cons. They’re secure, weather resistant, don’t shake on the road, are easy to open despite their weight, and when combined with paint, really enhance the overall look of your truck.

But, if there is a big problem that I have found 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. And what about those spontaneous decisions that you sometimes make? You drive somewhere with your spouse, then you find a bargain, you decide to buy it then and there, but there’s the cover issue. It’s still in the truck bed and you don’t want to risk damaging it by driving down the highway with the top in a semi-closed position.

But soft covers also have their drawbacks. Most are roll tops, which means that every time you put something a little big in the truck bed, you have to undo and then redo those fiddly snaps after you’ve loaded your load.

Ideally, a soft cover would behave like a hard canvas cover most of the time; When you want to load something in the back, just open a latch and lift it up like you would a hard top. But, if you need to carry something very big, you can roll it up and tie it down.

Well, that’s exactly what you get with smooth, full tones. Some manufacturers make them, but the market leader is the Extang FullTilt cover.

So what’s so good?

First, the cover hinges along the entire length of the front rail. The banner is industrial grade vinyl that is mounted on spring loaded aluminum bows. The canvas can be closed with TuffSnaps or a “peel & seal” J-channel tongue and groove system. Two gas shocks make opening and closing 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 attaching it directly from the box to the truck takes just minutes. The entire set weighs only about 30 pounds. You can completely remove the cover in 5 minutes.

This type of holster is extremely versatile. It behaves like a tonneau cover lasts most of the time, but when you need to haul big loads, you have the option of rolling up the tarp, removing the frame, and using the entire truck bed.

Most reviews of the Extang FullTilt tonneau cover give it an extremely high rating. If there’s any concern, it’s that sometimes, 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 covers suffer from this.

Overall Extang FullTilt is a good investment. You’ll get a well made product that is very easy to install, versatile, safe, saves you gas, and improves the overall look of your truck.