how do you pimp your soft trifold

[jubreunig]

You need a sheet of hardboard ($ 9), measure your size between the frame and cut it for each third. Between the 1st and 2nd strut (from the cab side) is the largest gap to get the sheet in. My middle strut is bended, therefore i kept the middle part without.

With cable ties to fix it and avoid from moving.

What is the benefit?
You can put something on it without fear that it could tip over (maybe a can of beer) or destroying the tarp. You will feel better if you use the car wash and the dryer fan comes closer or if you drive 80 mph on the HW.
Or i was bored and needed such a project (LOL)

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[AzScorpion]

I like #1...Beer rest lol

 

[FULLSCALE]

That’s not a bad idea at all. Does that hardboard stand up well to moisture?

 

[Rinn69]

That’s not a bad idea at all. Does that hardboard stand up well to moisture?

No, it won't since it's just compressed wood fiber. Moisture will cause it to get soft and fall apart. You could use a primer-sealer like Kilz to seal it....not sure how long that will last. Great idea, just need a better material. Maybe Coroplast ? (corrugated plastic) Light, yet fairly stiff.

 

[jubreunig]

A friend of mine has an 2010 Chevy with this kind of trifold, same material. Maybe it was treated, idk.
But you are right, it should be water resistant.

I will report how it works

 

[AzScorpion]

A friend of mine has an 2010 Chevy with this kind of trifold, same material. Maybe it was treated, idk.
But you are right, it should be water resistant.

I will report how it works

You could always try using Durock or Hardie Board which will hold up better for moisture and mold. You can get it in 1/4" and 1/2" at Lowes.

 

[Sandman Ranger]

Or just buy a hard top cover next time.

 

[TommyAtomic]

Or just buy a hard top cover next time.

I did buy a hard cover folding tonneau . However not everyone has that option or has it in their budget. They are absurdly expensive for what they are. The OP's idea seems like an OK stand-in for actually getting a hard cover.

However hardboard is not a great material. As mentioned earlier hardboard disintegrates with exposure to weather. I had an IKEA bookshelf unit that used hardboard structurally. That bookshelf was next to a window. Went on vacation. Window accidentally left open. A couple unforecasted days of rain later and the light misting through the window had soaked the hardboard back of the bookshelf through and the bookshelf collapsed on itself. Thanks for nothing IKEA.

My point is not that hardboard was a bad idea but it has some flaws. For the cost you really cant beat it as an option but I would strongly suggest going next level arts and crafts. Get a couple sampler cans of gel epoxy floor coating and coat both sides and the edges of the hardboard. This will absolutely weatherproof/humidity-proof it. It will also make it more rigid. I still wouldn't use it structurally but assuming you dont crack it - epoxy coated it will last basically forever whereas I give bare hardboard a single spring-fall-winter moisture/humid season.

 

[jubreunig]

Or just buy a hard top cover next time.

for my use is a hard cover over priced. But with the invest from $200 for the soft top plus some dollars for reinforcement - it full filled my use

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