Perfit Liner Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover 5.8 FT Review: An Unbeatable Value or a Budget Compromise?

There’s a universal moment of dread every truck owner experiences. You’ve just finished a long day, you’ve loaded up your tools, camping gear, or the week’s groceries into the bed of your trusted Chevy Silverado. Halfway home, the sky opens up. That gentle drizzle turns into a torrential downpour. You grip the steering wheel, picturing your expensive power tools getting soaked or your groceries turning into a soggy mess. Or perhaps it’s the unease you feel leaving your truck in a parking lot, the contents of your bed fully exposed and acting as a tempting target for opportunistic thieves. An open truck bed is a liability—a constant source of worry about weather damage, theft, and items flying out on the highway. This is precisely the problem that drives owners to seek a reliable, effective, and affordable solution. The challenge isn’t just finding a cover; it’s finding one that doesn’t break the bank, isn’t a nightmare to install, and actually holds up to daily use.

What to Consider Before Buying a Truck Tonneau Cover

A truck bed tonneau cover is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for transforming an open, vulnerable truck bed into a secure, weatherproof, and versatile cargo space. Its primary benefits are threefold: security, protection, and efficiency. By covering the bed, you create a visual deterrent against theft, keeping your belongings out of sight. You also shield your cargo from rain, snow, sun, and dirt, ensuring everything from tools to luggage arrives in the same condition it left. Finally, the sleek profile of a tonneau cover can reduce aerodynamic drag, potentially leading to a modest but noticeable improvement in fuel economy over time. It’s an investment in your truck’s functionality and your own peace of mind.

The ideal customer for a soft roll-up cover like the Perfit Liner Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover 5.8 FT is a practical truck owner who needs flexibility and protection without the high cost and rigidity of a hard-shell cover. This includes daily commuters, weekend adventurers, and homeowners who frequently haul items that need to be kept dry and out of sight. It’s perfect for someone who values full bed access when needed—simply roll it up to haul large items—and a sleek, low-profile look. However, it might not be suitable for those who transport highly valuable equipment daily and require maximum, impenetrable security. A contractor with thousands of dollars in tools might be better served by a hard-folding or retractable aluminum cover, which offers a much higher level of defense against determined thieves.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Fitment: This is non-negotiable. An ill-fitting cover will leak, flap in the wind, and fail to provide adequate security. You must ensure the cover is designed for your truck’s exact year, make, model, and bed length (in this case, the 5.8 FT bed for 2007-2026 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500s). Also, check for exclusions, like compatibility with or without a Multi-Flex Tailgate, as these details can drastically affect the fit.
• Security & Weather Protection: Evaluate your primary needs. A soft cover like this one provides excellent protection from the elements and keeps honest people honest. The double-coated PVC is designed to be an impenetrable barrier against rain and dust. Security is achieved via the tailgate lock; when your tailgate is locked, the cover cannot be opened. If you need to defend against a knife or crowbar, you must upgrade to a hard cover.
• Materials & Durability: The material dictates the cover’s lifespan and performance. The Perfit Liner Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover 5.8 FT uses a heavy-duty, double-coated PVC vinyl stretched over an aluminum frame. This combination is lightweight, strong, and resistant to UV fading and tearing. Cheaper covers might use thinner vinyl that stretches or cracks over time, while premium hard covers use materials like aluminum, fiberglass, or composite panels.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: How often will you need full access to your bed? A roll-up cover is incredibly convenient, allowing you to open it in seconds without removing the entire unit. Installation is another factor; a no-drill, clamp-on design means you can have it on your truck in under an hour with basic tools. Maintenance is simple: regular cleaning with a vinyl-safe cleaner will keep it looking great for years.

Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a tonneau cover that perfectly aligns with your needs, budget, and lifestyle, turning your truck bed into a far more useful part of your vehicle.

While the Perfit Liner Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover 5.8 FT is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at different styles and top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Simplicity and Quality Right Out of the Box

Unboxing the Perfit Liner Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover 5.8 FT, the first thing we noticed was its surprising lightness. At just over 25 pounds, it was easy for one person to handle, a welcome change from cumbersome hard covers that often require a second set of hands. The components were neatly packaged and included the pre-assembled soft cover and front rail, two side rails, six mounting clamps, and a roll of weather seal stripping. The vinyl material itself felt substantial and durable, with a slight texture that suggested it could repel water effectively and resist scuffs. The stitching along the edges was clean and consistent, and the aluminum framework felt solid without adding excessive weight. Compared to some other budget-friendly options we’ve tested, there were no signs of flimsy plastic parts or questionable manufacturing shortcuts. It immediately gave the impression of a well-thought-out product designed for straightforward functionality.

A Deep Dive into the Perfit Liner’s On-the-Road Performance

A tonneau cover’s true worth is proven not in the box, but on the truck—through rainstorms, highway speeds, and the rigors of daily use. We mounted the Perfit Liner Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover 5.8 FT on our test GMC Sierra 1500 and put it through its paces for several weeks to see how its key features hold up in the real world.

Installation: A True DIY Project in Under 30 Minutes

Perfit Liner claims a simple, no-drill installation, and we are thrilled to confirm they deliver on this promise spectacularly. This is arguably the product’s single greatest strength and a massive win for the average truck owner who doesn’t want to spend a Saturday wrestling with a complicated accessory. The entire process, from unboxing to final adjustments, took us a leisurely 25 minutes. The instructions were clear, but the design is so intuitive you can almost figure it out just by looking at the parts. The process is simple: you lay the side rails on the truck bed rails, secure them with the provided C-clamps (three per side), and then place the pre-assembled cover unit at the front. It bolts directly to the side rails. That’s it. No drilling, no cutting, and no permanent modifications to your truck.

The clamps are robust and provide a solid grip on the bed rails. We found them easy to tighten and felt confident they wouldn’t loosen over time. This ease of installation was a recurring theme in user feedback, with multiple owners stating it was “pretty easy to install” and “really simple.” One reviewer noted their weather strip was missing from the box, which is a valid concern. We advise every buyer to do a quick parts check before starting, but our kit was complete. The final step involves rolling the cover out and locking it at the tailgate. We did find, as one user mentioned, that a bit of fine-tuning was needed. We had to slightly reposition the entire assembly forward to close a small gap near the tailgate, but this adjustment only took a couple of minutes. Overall, the installation experience is top-tier and makes this cover accessible to anyone, regardless of their mechanical skill level.

Material Quality and Weather Resistance: An Impenetrable Barrier

For a soft cover, durability and weatherproofing are paramount. The Perfit Liner Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover 5.8 FT utilizes a dual-coated PVC material that feels significantly more rugged than standard vinyl. It has a high-quality, marine-grade feel, suggesting excellent resistance to tearing, stretching, and UV damage. We put it to the test with a high-pressure hose, simulating a heavy downpour from multiple angles. The water beaded up and rolled right off, and upon opening the tailgate, the bed was bone dry. The included weather stripping, applied to the front bulkhead of the truck bed, helps create a tight seal, and the side rails have built-in seals that press firmly against the cover.

Several users from weather-prone regions, like one from Florida, expressed initial hope about its strength against intense sun and rain. Based on our testing and the material’s construction, we believe it’s well-equipped for the job. The blackout fabric not only looks sleek but also serves to block harsh sunlight, protecting the cargo underneath. The true test of any vinyl cover is how it fares after years of sun exposure, but the quality of this PVC gives us confidence in its longevity. One user compared it favorably to a similar cover that held up for five years, which aligns with our assessment of its robust build. For protecting your gear from the elements, this cover performs well above its price point.

On the Road: Aerodynamics, Stability, and Security

A flimsy tonneau cover can be a noisy, vibrating nightmare on the highway. Perfit Liner addresses this with an “advanced tail-lock system” and internal cross-bows that support the vinyl. When the cover is closed and the tailgate is shut, the system allows you to adjust the tension, pulling the cover taut. We found this system to be highly effective. During our highway testing at speeds up to 75 mph, the cover remained incredibly stable with minimal flutter or noise. It was significantly quieter than many other soft covers we’ve reviewed. This stability is key to the product’s aerodynamic claims. While the exact fuel savings will vary by vehicle and driving habits, a smooth, stable cover that reduces wind turbulence in the bed will inherently decrease drag, contributing to better efficiency.

In terms of security, it’s important to set realistic expectations. This is a soft cover. Its primary security feature is concealment—”out of sight, out of mind.” It will stop the casual passerby from seeing what’s in your bed and grabbing it. The latching system can only be opened when the tailgate is down. Therefore, if your truck’s tailgate has a lock, the cover is reasonably secure against opportunistic theft. It won’t stop a determined thief with a knife, but for everyday peace of mind in a shopping mall parking lot or at a job site, it provides a crucial and effective first line of defense. The security it offers is perfectly adequate for its intended user and price range.

Day-to-Day Usability: The Roll-Up Advantage

Living with a tonneau cover is all about access and convenience. The roll-up design of the Perfit Liner Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover 5.8 FT is simple and effective. To open it, you drop the tailgate, release the two latches at the rear, and simply roll the cover toward the cab. Two built-in straps with quick-release buckles are there to secure the rolled-up cover, allowing you to drive safely with the bed open. This process takes less than 30 seconds and provides access to the majority of the truck bed.

However, this is where a key user criticism comes into play, and it’s a valid one. The rolled-up cover and its frame do sit on top of the front portion of the bed rails, making about one-third of the bed inaccessible from above. If you need to load something tall against the front of the bed, this can be an inconvenience. This is an inherent trait of the roll-up style, not a flaw in this specific product. One user found the closing mechanisms “very inconvenient” for constant use. We found the dual-latch system to be secure, but it does require two hands to operate smoothly. For someone constantly opening and closing their cover multiple times a day, a tri-fold design might offer slightly faster one-person operation. For the average user, however, the system is perfectly functional and provides a secure closure every time.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our own extensive testing, we dug into broader user feedback to see if our experience was typical. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with most praise centered on the incredible value proposition. Phrases like “For the price it’s great,” “can’t beat it,” and “Great product for the price” dominate the reviews. Owners are consistently impressed with the quality they receive for a relatively low investment, confirming our assessment that this cover punches well above its weight class.

The ease of installation is the second-most celebrated feature, with numerous users calling it “easy to install” and “really simple.” This confirms our own 25-minute setup time was no fluke. On the critical side, the feedback is constructive and aligns with the typical trade-offs of this product style. One user noted having to adjust the cover to close a small gap by the tailgate, which we also experienced during our initial setup. Another user pointed out the inconvenience of the closing mechanism and the fact that the rolled-up cover blocks the front third of the bed—a fair and accurate observation for anyone needing 100% bed access without removing the unit. This feedback paints a clear picture: it’s a fantastic product for the price, with minor, predictable limitations inherent to its design.

How Does the Perfit Liner Compare to the Alternatives?

The Perfit Liner Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover 5.8 FT excels in the budget soft-cover category, but the market is filled with options catering to different needs and price points. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable alternatives.

1. YITAMOTOR FRP Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

The YITAMOTOR cover represents a step up in security and durability. Instead of vinyl, it uses FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) panels, which are significantly more rigid and impact-resistant. This hard-folding tri-fold design offers superior protection against forced entry compared to the soft-rolling Perfit Liner. A user who prioritizes securing expensive tools over saving money would prefer the YITAMOTOR. However, this comes at a higher price and a slight loss in flexibility; hard panels are heavier and can be more cumbersome to remove for full bed access. It’s an excellent choice for the security-conscious owner of a compatible Colorado or Canyon.

2. RealTruck BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

The BAKFlip MX4 sits in the premium tier and is one of the market’s most popular hard-folding covers. Its heavy-duty aluminum panels offer maximum security, and its ultra-low-profile, flush-mount design provides a sleek, integrated look that the Perfit Liner’s on-top mount can’t match. The MX4’s standout feature is its ability to fold up completely against the rear cab window, allowing for 100% unobstructed bed access without removing the cover. This is a significant advantage over the Perfit Liner. The trade-off is the price, which is several times higher. This is the cover for the truck owner who wants the best of all worlds—top-tier security, ultimate functionality, and a premium finish—and is willing to pay for it.

3. MOSTPLUS Soft Quad FOLD Truck Bed Tonneau Cover 6.5 FT Bed

The MOSTPLUS cover is a more direct competitor to the Perfit Liner, as both are affordable soft covers. The key difference is the mechanism: folding versus rolling. The quad-fold design of the MOSTPLUS may appeal to users who prefer the motion of flipping panels rather than rolling vinyl. It offers quick access to the rear portion of the bed by simply folding one or two panels forward. However, like the Perfit Liner, it will block a portion of the bed when fully opened. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference in operating style and aesthetics. Both offer similar levels of weather protection and security at a very accessible price point.

Final Verdict: The Undisputed Champion of Value

After extensive hands-on testing, we can confidently say that the Perfit Liner Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover 5.8 FT is a truly exceptional product for its price. It masterfully balances cost, quality, and functionality in a way few competitors can match. While it may not offer the iron-clad security of a premium hard cover, it was never designed to. Its purpose is to provide an affordable, attractive, and highly effective solution for protecting your cargo from weather and prying eyes, and it succeeds on all fronts. The dead-simple installation, durable materials, and taut, quiet performance on the highway make it a standout choice.

We recommend this cover without hesitation to any Silverado or Sierra owner who wants to add immense functionality to their truck without emptying their wallet. It’s perfect for the daily driver, the weekend DIYer, and the family adventurer. If you’re looking for an easy upgrade that delivers on its promises and offers unbeatable bang for your buck, your search is over. You can check the latest price and see if it’s the right fit for your truck today.