AUTOSAVER88 Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover Ford Maverick Review: The Budget-Friendly Upgrade Your Truck Bed Needs?

The day I drove my Ford Maverick off the lot was a game-changer. It’s the perfect blend of a practical daily driver and a capable workhorse. But it didn’t take long to run into the classic pickup truck dilemma. On a trip to the hardware store, I carefully loaded up bags of mulch and soil, only for a surprise afternoon thunderstorm to turn my truck bed into a soupy mess. Another time, I wanted to leave my golf clubs in the back while grabbing lunch, but the thought of leaving them exposed felt like an open invitation for theft. The open bed, a symbol of utility, quickly became a source of anxiety. Without a cover, your truck’s cargo area is vulnerable to weather, prying eyes, and shifting loads. It’s essentially an unsecured, open-air container, limiting its use to little more than a fair-weather hauler. This is where a quality tonneau cover transforms a good truck into a great one, and our search for an affordable, effective solution led us directly to the AUTOSAVER88 Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover Ford Maverick.

What to Consider Before Buying a Truck Tonneau Cover

A truck tonneau cover is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for security, weather protection, and even aerodynamics. It effectively transforms your open truck bed into a massive, lockable trunk. This simple addition protects your cargo from rain, snow, and sun, keeping everything from groceries to expensive tools safe and dry. It also provides a significant security boost; with the cover closed and your tailgate locked, your gear is out of sight and much harder to access for opportunistic thieves. An often-overlooked benefit is the potential for improved fuel economy. By creating a smooth, flat surface over the bed, a tonneau cover reduces aerodynamic drag, which can lead to a slight but noticeable improvement in gas mileage over time.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a truck owner who values versatility and practicality. If you’re a Ford Maverick driver who uses your truck for daily commuting, weekend projects, family road trips, or light commercial work, a tonneau cover is almost a necessity. It’s for the person who needs to keep luggage dry on the way to the airport, secure tools between job sites, or simply wants a cleaner, more finished look for their truck. However, a soft roll-up cover might not be the best fit for those who require maximum, impenetrable security, like contractors who regularly store thousands of dollars in equipment overnight. In those cases, a more expensive hard-folding or retractable aluminum cover might be a better, albeit costlier, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

  • Dimensions & Fitment: This is non-negotiable. A tonneau cover must be specifically designed for your truck’s year, make, and model to ensure a proper seal. For the Ford Maverick, this means a cover designed for its unique 4.5-foot bed. A poor fit will lead to water leaks, wind noise, and a sloppy appearance, defeating the entire purpose of the purchase.
  • Cover Type & Bed Access: Tonneau covers come in various styles: soft roll-up, hard roll-up, soft tri-fold, hard tri-fold, and retractable. The AUTOSAVER88 is a soft roll-up model, which offers the significant advantage of providing 100% bed access when rolled up. Tri-fold covers are quick to open partially but will block the top third of your bed against the cab when fully opened. Consider how you typically use your bed to decide which style is right for you.
  • Materials & Durability: Soft covers are typically made from industrial-grade, tear-resistant vinyl or PVC, stretched over an aluminum frame. Hard covers use materials like aluminum or fiberglass-reinforced polymer. The AUTOSAVER88 uses a double-layer PVC material, which we found to be impressively tough and resistant to scuffs and UV fading, offering excellent longevity for its price point.
  • Ease of Use & Installation: Look for a “no-drill” installation that uses clamps to secure the frame to your bed rails. This prevents permanent modification to your truck and makes the process much simpler. The AUTOSAVER88 excels here, with a clamp-on system that most users can install themselves in under an hour. Daily operation, such as latching, unlatching, and rolling it up, should be smooth and intuitive.

Choosing the right cover is about balancing your specific needs for security, weather protection, bed access, and budget. For many Maverick owners, a soft roll-up cover hits the sweet spot of functionality and value.

While the AUTOSAVER88 Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover Ford Maverick is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing and Assembling the AUTOSAVER88 Tonneau Cover

Our experience with the AUTOSAVER88 Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover Ford Maverick began with a surprisingly compact box. Inside, the components were well-packaged and protected. The kit includes the main vinyl/PVC cover pre-attached to the front header rail, two side rails, six stainless steel clamps, weather stripping, and a small bag of hardware. Pulling the cover out, the first thing we noticed was the material’s substantial feel. The double-layer PVC has a textured, matte vinyl finish that looks premium and feels surprisingly durable—certainly more robust than its budget-friendly price tag would suggest. The aluminum side rails and crossbars are lightweight yet rigid, finished in a clean black powder coat that complements the Maverick’s black trim perfectly.

Compared to OEM options that can cost over a thousand dollars, the value proposition here is immediately apparent. While it may not have the vault-like security of a hard cover, the initial quality of the materials felt more than adequate for everyday protection. The instructions were serviceable, though we agree with some users that a quick search for an installation video can clarify the process. Assembly is a one-person job, and as many owners attest, it takes about 30 to 45 minutes from unboxing to completion. The entire system felt thoughtfully designed for a straightforward, DIY-friendly installation.

What We Like

  • Exceptional value for the price compared to OEM and premium brands.
  • Simple, no-drill installation that can be completed in under an hour.
  • Provides full, unobstructed access to the entire truck bed when rolled up.
  • Durable, dual-layer PVC material with a sleek, low-profile appearance.

What We Didn’t Like

  • Included instructions could be clearer and more detailed.
  • May allow for minor water intrusion during heavy downpours or car washes.

Performance Deep Dive: Putting the AUTOSAVER88 Cover to the Test

A tonneau cover’s worth is measured in its day-to-day performance. It needs to be easy to operate, stand up to the elements, and integrate seamlessly with the truck. We spent several weeks evaluating the AUTOSAVER88 Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover Ford Maverick across the three areas that matter most: installation and fit, material quality and design, and real-world weather resistance.

Installation and Fitment: A Perfect Match for the Maverick

The hallmark of a great aftermarket accessory is an installation process that doesn’t require a degree in engineering or a weekend of frustration. The AUTOSAVER88 delivers on this promise emphatically. The no-drill installation is a massive plus, preserving the integrity of the Maverick’s bed rails. The process is logical: first, you apply the included adhesive weather stripping across the bulkhead (the front wall of the bed behind the cab). This is a critical first step for weather sealing. Next, you lay the side rails on the truck’s bed caps and loosely attach them using the provided stainless steel clamps. Three clamps per side provide a secure, distributed hold.

With the rails in place, the main cover assembly, which is already attached to the front rail, simply drops into place and bolts to the side rails. The final step is tensioning the cover. We found the adjustable tension mechanism near the tailgate to be effective, allowing us to dial in a perfectly taut, drum-like fit that eliminates any flapping or sagging, even at highway speeds. From start to finish, we clocked the installation at just under 40 minutes, working at a relaxed pace. This aligns perfectly with feedback from numerous owners, one of whom mentioned, “Took me 45 minutes by myself and I’m no engineer.” Another noted, “Installation only took about 20 minutes by my self.” The fit on our 2024 Maverick was precise, contouring perfectly to the 4.5-foot bed with no awkward gaps. It’s a testament to the product’s vehicle-specific design that it installs so easily while achieving a near-factory look.

Design, Material, and Everyday Usability

Beyond the simple installation, the design of the AUTOSAVER88 cover is impressively clever. The three integrated crossbars are arched, a subtle but critical feature. This slight bow prevents water from pooling on top of the cover, encouraging it to run off the sides. During our testing, even after a heavy rain, there was no sagging or water accumulation. The cover itself is made from a tear-resistant, double-layer PVC. It feels thick and substantial, easily repelling dirt and grime while resisting UV damage. After weeks in the sun, we saw no signs of fading or chalking.

Day-to-day operation is a breeze. To open it, you simply drop the tailgate, pull the spring-loaded latch release cord, and begin rolling the cover toward the cab. The crossbars roll up right along with the vinyl, creating a neat, compact bundle. Two built-in straps with quick-release buckles secure the rolled-up cover against the bulkhead, allowing you to drive with the bed fully open. This is the roll-up cover’s biggest advantage over a tri-fold: you get 100% of your bed space back for hauling tall items like furniture or appliances, without having to remove the cover entirely. The spring latch system at the rear provides a satisfying click, confirming the cover is secure. Combined with a locking tailgate, it creates a reliable deterrent, turning your bed into what one user aptly described as a “trunk” for golf clubs or luggage.

Real-World Weather Resistance and Security

The primary job of a tonneau cover is to protect what’s underneath. We put the AUTOSAVER88 through its paces with several simulated rainstorms from a garden hose and a trip through an automatic car wash. The results were excellent, especially for a cover in this price range. The combination of the bulkhead weather stripping and the seals along the side rails did a fantastic job of keeping the bed dry. After a prolonged soaking, we found only a few stray drops of water near the tailgate corners—a common area for minor intrusion on almost any tonneau cover. As one owner confirmed, “Keeps out 98% of the water when it’s raining and that’s good enough for me.” Another reported that after several heavy rain storms, it “has not leaked a drop.”

For the vast majority of users, this level of water resistance is more than sufficient for protecting luggage, groceries, and everyday gear. Security is another key consideration. While no soft cover can match the brute-force resistance of a hard panel cover, the AUTOSAVER88 provides excellent “out of sight, out of mind” security. The heavy-duty vinyl cannot be easily cut with a simple pocketknife, and with the cover latched and the Maverick’s tailgate locked, there is no way to open it without causing significant, noise-making damage. This setup provides ample security for running errands or leaving your truck parked for a few hours. Considering its impressive performance in all key areas, this cover offers an incredible return on a very modest investment.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring feedback from other Maverick owners, a clear consensus emerges: the AUTOSAVER88 Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover Ford Maverick delivers outstanding value. The most frequently praised aspect is the combination of low price and high quality. One user summed it up perfectly: “For 135 bucks this soft roll up bed cover exceeds my expectations.” Another echoed this, stating it’s a “Great value compared to OEM at $1400.” This sentiment highlights the product’s core appeal for budget-conscious owners who don’t want to sacrifice essential functionality.

Ease of installation is another consistent theme. Owners, many of whom identify as not being particularly handy, report successful solo installations in under an hour. One female owner proudly stated, “…it only took 30 minutes to install by myself.” However, a recurring piece of constructive criticism involves the instructions. Several users found them to be a bit vague, with one commenting, “…the instructions could have been a little bit better…” Many, like us, recommend supplementing the paper manual with a quick online video search for a smoother process. A few also noted the need for minor adjustments to get a perfectly watertight seal, but were ultimately successful, calling the cover “fantastic” once dialed in.

How Does the AUTOSAVER88 Compare to the Alternatives?

While the AUTOSAVER88 is specifically for the Ford Maverick, it’s helpful to understand how it stacks up against other popular cover types and brands in the wider market, even if they are for different trucks. This comparison helps illustrate the differences in style, features, and target audience.

1. Tyger Auto T3 Tri-fold Tonneau Cover 5.5′ Bed

The Tyger Auto T3 is a soft tri-fold cover, representing a different operational style. Unlike the roll-up design of the AUTOSAVER88, a tri-fold opens in large sections. The primary advantage is speed; you can fold back the first two sections in seconds for quick access to most of the bed. However, when fully opened, it rests against the cab, blocking about a third of the bed and the rear window. The AUTOSAVER88, in contrast, provides 100% bed access. A buyer might prefer the Tyger T3 if they prioritize quick, partial bed access over the ability to haul very tall items without removing the cover entirely.

2. MOSTPLUS Tri Fold Soft Truck Bed Cover

The MOSTPLUS Tri Fold is another competitor in the budget-friendly soft cover space, operating similarly to the Tyger T3. It emphasizes a simple, pre-assembled design that can be installed very quickly. The main trade-off remains the same: convenience for partial access versus the complete bed availability of a roll-up like the AUTOSAVER88. For a truck owner who rarely needs to haul anything taller than the bed rails, the simplicity of a tri-fold can be appealing. However, for the Maverick owner who bought their truck for its ultimate versatility, the AUTOSAVER88’s ability to get completely out of the way is a significant advantage.

3. Tyger Auto T1 Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Cover 6’6″

The Tyger Auto T1 is the most direct competitor in terms of style, as it is also a soft roll-up cover. Being from a well-regarded brand like Tyger, it features high-quality materials and a lifetime warranty on the frame. The core functionality—rolling up for full bed access—is identical to the AUTOSAVER88. The main differentiator often comes down to brand reputation, warranty, and slight variations in latching mechanisms or tension control. A customer might opt for the Tyger T1 if they prioritize a longer warranty and are willing to potentially pay a bit more for the brand name, whereas the AUTOSAVER88 stands out as the undisputed champion of sheer value.

Our Final Verdict: Is the AUTOSAVER88 Tonneau Cover Worth It?

After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the AUTOSAVER88 Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover Ford Maverick is an absolute home run for the price. It flawlessly addresses the fundamental needs of a Maverick owner by providing excellent weather protection, practical security, and a massive improvement in truck bed usability, all without breaking the bank. Its no-drill installation is simple, the fit is precise, and the quality of the materials far exceeds expectations for a product at this price point. The ability to roll it up completely for 100% bed access maintains the core utility that makes the Maverick so appealing in the first place.

While the instructions could be a bit clearer and it may not offer the same level of security as a hard cover costing five times as much, these are minor trade-offs for the incredible value it provides. We wholeheartedly recommend it to any Maverick owner looking for a functional, stylish, and highly affordable way to protect their cargo and enhance their truck’s versatility. If you want to transform your Maverick’s bed from an open box into a secure, all-weather trunk, this is one of the smartest and most cost-effective upgrades you can make. You can check the current price and get one for your Maverick right here.