Tonnaue vs topper help me decide...GO!

[RS_Non-Res]

What advantages do you guys find for a tonneau cover over a topper (besides price)?

I've had toppers on all 4 trucks (>1M miles total) but I'm willing to consider a change.
The only time I removed a cover was when I had to move 3 cu yds of driveway gravel and the front-end loader couldn't tuck the load in under the topper (not that I expected it could).

 

[wyosteve]

I use the tonneau (Diamondback) because I seldom need the extra room in the bed. It's easy for me to install and take off in about 15 mins. and I can do it myself. Plus, I tow gooseneck and a 5th wheel camper so need it off the bed then. And I feel it is slightly more secure since there are no windows to break by a thief.

 

[handwerk]

I have used toppers for the last 30+ years, I can't imagine a pickup without one.

 

[Thehillbillee]

I’ve been kind of looking at getting a topper for a few years now. I’ve owned pickups (w/ 6/6.5’ boxes) for most my adult life though and have gotten by with just the tonneaux cover. Found a used topper though recently that’s a perfect match and is nearby, but I’m still hesitant. The cost is still north of a grand and that’s quite a bit for something I’m not really convinced I want.

How well does a topper keep dust and water out? especially compared to the tonneaux, which does a terrible job. Seems like the area around the tailgate will still let the dust in.

 

[MuleyFever]

I've had a Diamondback on my trucks since 2017 and can't imagine not having one now. Easy to remove if needed and you can put a lot of weight on top if needed. I hauled my SXS on my first one.

 

[RS_Non-Res]

How well does a topper keep dust and water out? especially compared to the tonneaux, which does a terrible job. Seems like the area around the tailgate will still let the dust in.

The key to keeping dust out is positive air pressure inside. The Smartcap “Positive Pressure Air Vent” on the EVOa Adventure is an air scoop on the top that puts air in the cap that goes out through the tailgate gaps to reduce dust. Some guys say leaving the front window open works too or "custom" fan systems.

Half price/used is a great way to test. You could always resell w/o much loss.

 

[mthayr]

I’ve always gone with the Softtopper. So easy

Softopper – Truck Tops, SUV Tops, Accessories

softopper.com

This