What Is FRP Tonneau Cover?

What is FRP? FRP is the abbreviation of Fiber Reinforced Polymer. It is mainly made of various fiber-reinforced polymer matrices. Common fibers include glass, carbon, aramid, or basalt. FRP is a composite material. Its biggest feature is its strength and durability. Therefore, it is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automobiles, and construction. For example, it is used in building bridges, pipelines, and even bulletproof armor. What kind of upgrade will the application of FRP to tonneau cover bring to our pickup truck? Let's follow our experts to take a look!

What is FRP tonneau cover?

FRP tonneau cover is a product made of FRP material, which is strong and durable. We often see trucks with aluminum tonneau covers on the road, so many that it seems it is the only material for making hard tonneau covers. In fact, in addition to aluminum materials, tonneau covers made of FRP materials are also worthy of everyone's attention. FRP is not a metal, but a composite plastic. Through fiber reinforcement, the tonneau cover made of FRP has higher strength than ordinary aluminum. Therefore, it also belongs to a hard folding tonneau cover. In addition to the common advantages of all hard truck bed covers, FRP tonneau cover, as a new material, also has unique advantages, which will be the reason for you to choose it!

Advantages of FRP tonneau cover

Anti-dent and scratch: FRP is a reinforced polymer in which the glass fibers are arranged in a specific direction, providing rigidity and strength, and then undergo a special process to make it stronger than steel. This makes it less likely to dent and wear, and will not leave dents or scratches when it encounters impact or scratches, so you don't have to worry about hail attacks.

Anti-ultraviolet: FRP can withstand high temperatures, and even if you expose it to sunlight for an hour, it will not become hot, protecting the items in your car compartment in a cool environment. At the same time, the anti-ultraviolet function ensures that the FRP tonneau cover is not easy to crack, fade, and bend.

Anti-corrosion: FRP itself is widely used in the construction industry. In harsh and corrosive environments, wood will rot and steel will rust, but FRP can withstand the test. The same is true when it is made into a tonneau cover. It is not afraid of acid erosion at all. If you often have acid rain in your area, you can safely park your truck in the yard, and your FRP tonneau cover will no longer be corroded by acid.

Fashionable and beautiful: The FRP tonneau cover has a matte black finish and is textured. Installing this stylish and elegant truck bed cover will take your truck's appearance to the next level!

Disadvantages of FRP tonneau cover

The biggest disadvantage of FRP tonneau covers is that they are expensive, usually $200-300 more than aluminum tonneau covers.

FRP tonneau cover VS Aluminum tonneau cover

The following table summarizes the main features and differences between FRP tonneau cover and Aluminum tonneau cover. The detailed analysis will help you choose the one that suits your truck.

What brands offer FRP tonneau cover?

BAKFlip F1

BAKFlip F1 is one of BAKFlip's series, with glass fiber reinforced polymer panels and an aluminum base structure, which makes it strong and durable enough, impact-resistant, and weatherproof. After folding, it can lean on the rear window to fully use the space of the truck bed. The high-density foam core allows it to withstand enough weight to help you carry heavy objects on the top of the panel.

Features

• EPDM seals have excellent leak-proof performance.
• Flush installation, stylish and low-profile appearance.
• Automatic locking system with double-acting tailgate seal. Rear tailgate handle lock
• Weight 60 pounds
• Can support 400 pounds of weight evenly distributed

Price: $1350-1450

Pros

• Very durable, UV-resistant, scratch-resistant and dent-resistant.
• Full access to the bed without removing the cover.
• Elegant flush installation design, beautiful and aerodynamic.
• Excellent waterproof and effective drainage.

Cons

• Higher price compared to other cargo box covers.
• Installation may be more time-consuming due to the more complex structure.
• It is a bit heavy.

Extang Encore

Extang Encore tonneau cover uses an FRP top plate with an aluminum frame and hinges to provide top protection for your truck bed. Its biggest feature is that it has both front and rear opening panels, allowing you to open the cover from the front or rear of both sides of the vehicle bed. You have the flexibility to choose to access items from the front or rear without opening it completely.

Features

• The front panel provides quick access to the front of the cargo box.
• OEM matte finish can complement the appearance of your truck.
• Aluminum frame and hinges and fiberglass reinforced top plate
• Self-positioning function

Price: $950-1050

Pros

• Front panel access is a unique feature that adds convenience.
• A high-quality bolt lock system provides security.

Cons

• Front panel operation may not be practical for those who often need to use the entire bed.
• Price is high

MOSTPLUS

MOSTPLUS FRP tonneau cover is a basic hard fold tonneau cover. It is a material upgrade from the aluminum tonneau cover. It can partially enter the truck bed, and your cargo is safe when your tailgate is closed. It is the best choice that allows you to have both quality and safety when you are on a budget.

Features

• Made of fiberglass and PP honeycomb design, it has better heat dissipation, scratch resistance, and UV resistance
• Over 30HBa hardness and over 350 pounds of load-bearing capacity
• Higher wear resistance, longer use time.
• The tri-fold bed cover adopts an insert clip design for easy adjustment.

Price: $550-650

Pros

• Affordable price, less than half the price of Extang and BAKFlip
• Easy and quick installation process.
• Effective weather resistance due to its sealing and design.

Cons

• Not as high-end as BAKFlip or Extang, single-function

FAQs

What is the weight of a fiberglass tonneau cover?

Fiberglass cargo covers weigh between 70 and 150 pounds, depending on the size of the cover and the specific model of the truck it's for. Due to the material, these covers are heavier than aluminum covers but are more durable and safer.

Can one stand on a fiberglass tonneau cover?

Yes, absolutely. FRP tonneau covers can bear more than 300 lbs. Generally speaking, the average weight of an adult male is 196 lbs, so you can stand on it with confidence. It should be noted that the load-bearing capacity of tonneau covers of different brands is different. Before standing on it, you need to understand its true load-bearing capacity.

How much does a fiberglass tonneau cover cost?

Fiberglass tonneau covers usually cost between $800 and $1500 or more depending on the brand, the model you want to buy, the design and features. You can get an FRP tonneau cover for $550 at MOSTPLUS.