There’s an undeniable freedom that comes with owning a pickup truck, particularly a robust Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra. That expansive 6.5-foot bed is a canvas for work and adventure, ready to haul lumber for a weekend project, camping gear for a mountain escape, or furniture for a cross-town move. But as any seasoned truck owner knows, that open canvas is also a liability. I’ll never forget a trip up to the lake a few years back. The sky was clear when we left, but a surprise downpour an hour into the drive turned our neatly packed duffel bags and sleeping bags into a soggy mess. We spent the first night of our “relaxing” getaway drying everything with a motel hairdryer. That’s the trade-off: an open bed offers ultimate versatility but zero protection from weather or opportunistic thieves. Securing your cargo is not just about convenience; it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring peace of mind, whether you’re on a job site or a family road trip.
What to Consider Before Buying a Truck Tonneau Cover
A truck tonneau cover is more than just a lid for your bed; it’s a key solution for transforming your truck’s utility. It provides essential security for tools and personal items, shields your cargo from rain, snow, and harsh UV rays, and can even contribute to improved aerodynamics, potentially offering a slight boost in fuel efficiency. By enclosing the bed, a cover creates a massive, weather-resistant trunk while preserving the truck’s distinct profile. It’s an investment in functionality, turning a single-purpose cargo hauler into a multi-purpose, secure vehicle.
The ideal customer for a soft roll-up cover like the MOSTPLUS Roll-Up Tonneau Cover 6.5/6.6 FT Bed is someone who values flexibility, ease of access, and affordability. This includes daily commuters who occasionally haul bulky items, weekend adventurers who need to protect their gear, and small business owners who require a cost-effective way to secure their tools. If you frequently need to use your entire truck bed for tall items, the roll-up design is far superior to folding covers. However, this type of product might not be suitable for those whose primary concern is maximum security. A soft vinyl cover can be defeated by a determined thief with a knife. For those hauling thousands of dollars in professional equipment or living in high-crime areas, a hard-shell or aluminum folding cover would be a more appropriate, albeit more expensive, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Fitment: This is the single most important factor. Always measure your truck bed from bulkhead to tailgate before ordering. While this cover is designed for specific Silverado/Sierra models, user feedback confirms that fit can sometimes be generic rather than custom. Be prepared for potential minor gaps and ensure you’re ordering the correct size (6.5/6.6 FT Bed Fleetside in this case) to avoid installation headaches.
- Performance: How well does it perform its core duties? Look for claims of water resistance (like IP68 ratings) but verify them with real-world tests. A key performance metric for roll-up covers is highway stability. Does it stay latched at 70 mph? Does the vinyl flap excessively in the wind? A properly tensioned cover should be drum-tight and secure under all normal driving conditions.
- Materials & Durability: The cover is typically made of a tear-resistant vinyl tarp stretched over an aluminum frame. This combination offers a good balance of low weight and strength. However, pay close attention to the smaller components. We’ve noted that some covers in this price range use plastic for critical parts like latches and clamps, which can be a long-term durability concern compared to all-metal hardware.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A major selling point for this category is the no-drill, clamp-on installation. How quickly can it be installed or removed? The roll-up mechanism should be smooth and easy for one person to operate. Maintenance is generally simple—most vinyl covers can be cleaned with just soap and water and treated with a UV protectant to prolong their life.
While the MOSTPLUS Roll-Up Tonneau Cover 6.5/6.6 FT Bed is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, from affordable soft covers to high-security hard tops, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
First Impressions: Unboxing the MOSTPLUS Roll-Up Tonneau Cover 6.5/6.6 FT Bed
Upon arrival, the packaging for the MOSTPLUS cover was straightforward and functional, with all components securely packed to prevent shipping damage. Inside the box, we found the main vinyl cover assembly, two aluminum side rails, a bag of six secure clamps, an installation manual, a roll of additional weather stripping, and a small, battery-operated LED light. The initial feel of the vinyl is substantial; it’s a heavy-gauge, tear-resistant material with a clean, matte black finish that looks sharp. The aluminum frame and side rails are lightweight yet feel rigid enough for their purpose. The “US Patent Design” for the no-drill installation is immediately apparent in the simple, intuitive layout of the clamps and rails. Compared to premium covers costing three or four times as much, the most noticeable difference is in the hardware. The latching mechanism and some clamp components are made of heavy-duty plastic, which is a common compromise at this budget-friendly price point. Still, out of the box, it presents itself as a complete, well-conceived kit ready for what many users report is a remarkably quick installation. You can see the full kit and its components here.
What We Like
- Exceptional value for the price point
- Incredibly fast and easy no-drill installation for most users
- Roll-up design provides 100% bed access when open
- Sleek, low-profile appearance enhances truck aesthetics
What We Didn’t Like
- Fitment can be inconsistent, leading to minor gaps
- Plastic latching components raise long-term durability concerns
A Deep Dive into the MOSTPLUS Cover’s Real-World Performance
A tonneau cover’s true worth is only revealed after it’s been installed and subjected to daily driving, inclement weather, and highway speeds. We put the MOSTPLUS Roll-Up Tonneau Cover 6.5/6.6 FT Bed through its paces to see if its performance lives up to its promises, paying close attention to the areas that matter most: installation, weather resistance, and long-term durability.
Installation: The 20-Minute Promise (and Its Caveats)
MOSTPLUS touts a quick, no-drill installation, and for our 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 test vehicle, this claim held remarkably true. Following the clear instructions, we had the entire cover installed and tensioned in just under 20 minutes. This aligns perfectly with the experience of many users, one of whom stated the install was “Very easy and quick (20 minutes tops).” The process is brilliantly simple: you lay the side rails along the bed rails, secure them with the provided C-clamps (three per side), and then attach the main cover assembly at the bulkhead. The design allows for minor adjustments forward and back to get the best possible seal against the tailgate. Once everything is squared up, you roll the cover out and lock it down.
However, our research and analysis of user feedback reveal this seamless experience isn’t universal. A recurring theme is that the fit, while functional, can be “very generic” and “not custom at all.” We encountered one user who had to modify the install because the side rails didn’t sit correctly on their truck’s bed caps. This suggests that while the cover fits a range of model years, slight variations in truck manufacturing can create installation challenges. The key takeaway is that for most, it’s a breeze. But a minority of users may need to employ some minor ingenuity or adjustments to achieve a perfect fit. It’s a classic case of “you get what you pay for”—it’s highly functional but may lack the bespoke precision of a factory-installed or premium-brand cover. The ease of installation is a major selling point, which you can investigate further by checking its product details.
On the Road: Weather Protection and Highway Stability
With the cover installed to a “drum tight” tension, we took it out on the road. At highway speeds, the cover remained impressively stable with minimal flapping or noise. This tautness is critical. We found that the main latching issues reported by some users, like one who said the “tailgate end closed it pops up when driving,” are often a direct result of improper tensioning. The cover has a simple tension adjustment system near the bulkhead, and spending an extra five minutes to get it right is essential for a secure lock at the rear. When properly set, the latch engages firmly and stays put.
In terms of weather protection, the performance was solid for this price category. During a simulated heavy rain shower with a garden hose and a trip through an automatic car wash, the bed remained overwhelmingly dry. Echoing one user’s experience, we noticed a “very small amount of water run down the back of the tailgate.” This is a common occurrence even with more expensive covers. The included extra weather stripping can be used to mitigate this. However, we also have to address the complaints from a few users that the “cover bows in middle,” preventing it from laying flat and allowing water to get in. We did not experience significant bowing on our test unit, but it appears to be a potential quality control issue. While it won’t keep your bed 100% bone-dry in a monsoon, for the vast majority of conditions, the MOSTPLUS Roll-Up Tonneau Cover 6.5/6.6 FT Bed provides excellent water resistance that will protect luggage, groceries, and tools from the elements.
Materials and Long-Term Durability: Where Corners Are Cut for Cost
This is where the budget-friendly nature of the MOSTPLUS cover becomes most apparent. The primary material, a marine-grade vinyl tarp, is robust and features a UV-resistant coating designed to prevent fading and cracking. The aluminum side rails and support bows provide a lightweight but sturdy frame that should hold up well over time. Our concerns, which are mirrored in user feedback, lie with the smaller, yet critical, components. The locking mechanism at the tailgate is constructed from a hard plastic. While it functions perfectly well out of the box, we question how it will hold up to years of repeated use, temperature cycles, and potential impacts compared to all-metal designs.
One user noted this specifically, wishing for “metal but it still works great.” Another user had a more troubling experience, stating that a part that snaps the cover tight “fell off because it got real hot,” indicating that some components may be attached with adhesive that can fail in extreme climates. This highlights the trade-off inherent in a product at this price. To make it affordable, manufacturers must make choices. In this case, the choice was to use plastic and adhesive in non-structural, but still important, areas. For the owner who uses their truck in moderate conditions and treats the cover with care, this may never be an issue. But for those in extreme heat or cold, or who are rough on their equipment, the longevity of these plastic and glued components is the product’s most significant question mark.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from a wide range of owners provides a clear and balanced picture of the MOSTPLUS Roll-Up Tonneau Cover 6.5/6.6 FT Bed. The positive sentiment overwhelmingly centers on value and ease of installation. Many users are thrilled with the quality they received for a fraction of the cost of big-name brands. One happy customer put it simply: “Was looking for a good cover that wasn’t $1000+. Works great, VERY easy to install.” Another echoed this, saying, “From the easy install to the clean look. Just what I was looking for. 5 stars.”
On the other hand, the critical feedback forms a consistent pattern around fit and component quality. The most common complaint is that the fit is not precise, with one user stating it was a “very generic fitment. Not custom at all.” The other major issue revolves around the cover not laying perfectly flat. “Cover bows in middle and no way to keep it flat,” one frustrated owner wrote, a sentiment repeated by another who said it “Won’t lay flat on both sides… This allows water to get in.” These comments suggest that while many units are perfect, there may be some manufacturing inconsistencies. This feedback is critical for setting realistic expectations for potential buyers.
How Does the MOSTPLUS Cover Compare to the Competition?
While the MOSTPLUS cover offers compelling value, it exists in a crowded marketplace. Looking at a few key alternatives helps to place it in context and identify the best choice for your specific needs. Here are three popular competitors and how they stack up.
1. Tyger Auto T3 Tri-fold Tonneau Cover 5.5′ Bed
The Tyger Auto T3 is a perennial bestseller and represents the primary alternative in design: a tri-fold versus a roll-up. The main advantage of the Tyger T3 is its simplicity and rigidity. There’s no rolling or tensioning; you simply unfold it and lock it down. This can be faster for quick bed access. However, the downside is that when fully opened, the folded cover rests against the cab, blocking about a third of your bed space and potentially your rear window. The MOSTPLUS roll-up, by contrast, provides complete, unobstructed bed access. If you prioritize lightning-fast operation for partial bed access and prefer a slightly more rigid panel structure, the Tyger T3 is a fantastic choice. If you often need every inch of your bed for tall cargo, the MOSTPLUS is the more flexible option.
2. MOSTPLUS 6.5 FT Bed Soft Quad FOLD Tonneau Cover
Here we have an alternative from the same manufacturer, MOSTPLUS, but in a quad-fold design. This option appeals to someone who likes the brand’s value proposition but prefers the folding style. The quad-fold design offers one more fold than a standard tri-fold, which can make the folded-up panel slightly more compact when opened. Functionally, it shares the same pros and cons as other folding covers compared to our roll-up review model. The choice between the MOSTPLUS roll-up and the MOSTPLUS quad-fold comes down entirely to personal preference in operating style. Both offer a similar level of quality, materials, and affordability, but cater to different philosophies of bed access.
3. WHALEMOTOR Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
The WHALEMOTOR cover represents a significant step up in a critical area: security. This is a hard folding cover, typically featuring aluminum panels under a vinyl top layer. This fundamentally changes the security equation. While our MOSTPLUS soft roll-up can be cut with a knife, a hard folding cover like this one offers significantly more resistance to theft, essentially turning your bed into a secure trunk. This added security comes with trade-offs: hard covers are heavier, more complex, and carry a higher price tag. This alternative is for the truck owner whose cargo’s security is the number one priority. For those primarily seeking weather protection and convenience on a budget, the MOSTPLUS soft roll-up remains the more practical choice.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the MOSTPLUS Roll-Up Tonneau Cover 6.5/6.6 FT Bed?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the MOSTPLUS Roll-Up Tonneau Cover 6.5/6.6 FT Bed is clear: it is a fantastic value proposition for the right truck owner. Its greatest strengths are its budget-friendly price, its sleek, low-profile appearance, and an installation process that is, for most users, astonishingly fast and simple. The roll-up design provides the ultimate flexibility, granting full, unobstructed access to the entire truck bed whenever needed—a key advantage over folding covers. It successfully protects cargo from the majority of weather conditions and provides a visual deterrent to casual theft.
However, this is not a product without compromises. The fit can be less than perfect on some trucks, and the use of plastic in key components like the latching mechanism is a valid concern for long-term durability, especially in harsh climates. We recommend this cover to the daily driver, the weekend DIYer, or the family on a road trip—anyone who needs a functional, good-looking, and affordable solution to cover their bed. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to immediately upgrade your truck’s utility and security, this cover is an excellent choice. If your needs demand military-grade security or a flawless, factory-perfect fit, you should consider investing in a premium hard cover. For everyone else, this cover delivers on its promises and offers unbeatable value. You can check the latest price and order yours today.