[Upstater]

I'm looking for opinions on a one piece or hard, folding type that allows tailgate to open AND close without having to open tonneau. Soft type doesn't provided good security of gear. The more weather proof the cover the better. Its for a 2012 1500 crew cab. Thanks.

Almost any modern good quality tonneau (hard or soft) allows you to open the tailgate without opening the cover; snaps on the bed are a thing of the past. I've owned a number of Extang products for my trucks and have excellent luck with them.