There are many types of truck bed covers to choose from. Truck bed covers are designed to protect your cargo from theft and weather and add a touch of style to your truck.
They are made of heavy-duty materials to offer protection against the elements. Some also have a locking mechanism to keep your goods safe from theft or damage.
Hard Folding Tonneau Covers
A hard folding tonneau cover is an excellent option for truck owners who want to keep their gear out of sight. It also protects cargo from theft.
The best hard folding tonneau covers are designed to fold out of the way, providing 100% bed access when needed. Some fold straight up, while others fold against the rear window.
Hard folding tonneau covers are typically easier to operate than soft-folding tonneau covers, and many come with easy latches and folds that allow you to carry different types of equipment. These are especially important for anyone who works at a job site, as a hard tonneau cover can provide a smooth, flat surface for placing and unloading materials or equipment.
UnderCover’s Flex line of hard-folding tonneau covers, for example, can fold out of the way entirely when you need to access your truck bed. This means you can get to your gear in seconds, with less fuss and effort.
Soft Folding Tonneau Covers
If you don't need the full protection of a hard tonneau cover but want to keep dirt, debris and wind from blowing into your truck bed, a soft folding tonneau cover might be right for you. These covers combine a vinyl or canvas cover with an aluminum frame to provide a lightweight and affordable tonneau that's easy to install.
These soft tonneau covers come in a range of sizes to fit most pickup beds. They attach to your truck bed with hand-tightened clamps that require no tools to adjust. They can be opened to expose up to two-thirds of your truck's bed or removed in minutes for full bed access.
A good tonneau can reduce your fuel use by 1.8%, which adds up quickly. And it can help improve your truck's look by providing a cleaner, more modern appearance that you'll appreciate for years to come.
There are many different kinds of tonneau covers available, and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. You need to choose the best option based on your preferences, such as ease of use, budget and type of cargo you haul.
Some of the best options are made by Extang. Their Trifecta 2.0 and 2.0 signature series are affordable and offer reliable performance. Both of these designs feature easy installation and operation. They also open and latch from both sides of your truck bed with a simple snap that requires only two fingers to release.
Hard Rolling Tonneau Covers
Tonneau covers are an accessory that can improve your truck’s style, help protect your cargo from weather, and increase your fuel economy. Some studies have shown that a closed tonneau can improve gas mileage by up to 1.8%.
Hard rolling tonneau covers typically feature a set of slats made of metal or vinyl. They roll up or down via a track system that installs to your truck bed in minutes with no drilling required. They also offer security, as you can lock the cover with your tailgate.
These types of tonneau covers are often made from aircraft-grade aluminum and are coated with a UV resistant powder coating for increased UV resilience. They also feature built-in drainage channels along the sides to keep water out of your truck bed.
The Truxedo Sentry CT is a popular option for those who want a stylish and durable product. It is available in a variety of sizes to fit most trucks and includes a lifetime warranty on the materials it uses.
Soft Rolling Tonneau Covers
A tonneau cover can help keep your truck bed safe and free from debris. It also can improve your gas mileage by reducing the aerodynamic drag of your truck bed.
Soft rolling covers can be easy to install and are available in a variety of materials. The best ones provide excellent protection for your truck and cargo while keeping them protected from rain, snow, and other weather elements.
If you’re looking for a simple solution that offers great protection for your truck, a soft roll-up tonneau cover is the way to go. These covers can easily be rolled up and stored away when you’re not using your truck.
Unlike hard rolling tonneau covers, soft tonneau covers are made from thin sheets of vinyl and fabric that fold over each other to form a durable and secure tonneau cover. These covers offer a more affordable option than hard rolling tonneau covers and are popular with truck owners who don’t need a lot of protection from the elements or a heavy load.
These covers are available in a variety of materials and can be made to fit most trucks. They’re easy to install and models like the Truxedo LoPro come with a lifetime warranty. They’re also the least expensive of all tonneau covers. The best one for you depends on how often you use your truck and how much protection you need.
Retractable Tonneau Covers
If you want to maximize your truck bed space without sacrificing the security of a hard top, consider a retractable tonneau cover. These mechanized systems are designed to roll open and close automatically, offering you complete bed access as needed.
They offer a high degree of security because they use slats made from durable aluminum or composite material. These are usually powder-coated and textured to resist scratches.
Some models also feature a waterproof seal that reaches where the tonneau meets the bed rail, keeping your cargo dry. In addition, they often have a locking mechanism that prevents theft.
Most retractable tonneau covers fall within the $700-1,500 price range. These tend to be reliable and use good materials, but you can find more expensive models with extra features like T-slot rails that allow you to add a truck bed rack to the cover.
A top-of-the-line retractable tonneau cover like the Retrax Pro XR is a great choice. At $2099, the Retrax Pro XR is at the top of the retractable cover price range but the extra dough is worth it. These covers come with a lifetime warranty, integrated locking mechanism, drainage system, T-slot rails and more.
One Piece Tonneau Covers
One of the simplest types of tonneau covers is the one-piece hinged cover. They are typically made of an ABS composite or fiberglass slab that attaches to the front of your truck bed by hinges.
They provide a great amount of protection for your cargo. However, these covers are more expensive than other options. They are also more difficult to install. In addition, they don’t offer the same level of versatility as folding or rolling covers. The hinged design severely limits the height of items you can haul in your truck bed.
There are many different types of tonneau covers on the market, and choosing the right one is crucial for your pickup’s performance. You should consider the type of storage you need, how much space is available in the bed, and the amount of security you require.
The best way to determine which tonneau cover is right for you is to take into consideration your specific needs and budget. You’ll want to compare prices, features, and customer reviews before making a final decision.