If you have a pickup truck, you have most likely given a bed cover some thought. Among the most helpful purchases for your truck for security, weather protection, and a general sleeker look is a pickup bed cover. With so many choices, though, choosing which bed cover is ideal could be overwhelming.
From its characteristics and advantages, this article will walk you through all you need to know about truck bed covers. You will also learn how to decide which best fits your requirements.
What is a Pickup Bed Cover?
French for "barrel" or "cask", the tonneau was the unique rear section of early 20th-century touring cars. The intended usage of a removable cover to protect that area from precipitation and other weather risks shapes the word "tonneau cover."
Years later, the word was used again when it was applied to covers for pickup truck beds. During the 1980s, snap-on soft covers were popular; they served their purpose, but were a pain to use.
Nowadays, since those cumbersome snap versions, tonneau coverings have made great strides. A new era of truck bed covers has been made possible by advancements in both design and materials.
The latest generation of gen coverings is user-friendly and provides far better protection from the elements and theft, thanks to advancements in compositing technology and aluminium used by vehicle makers. There are enough options to suit everyone's tastes among the many contemporary styles that are accessible, ranging from matte black to paint matching.
Types of Pickup Bed Covers
There are many designs to choose from when looking for a truck bed cover. Every kind provides benefits based on your tastes and needs.
1. Soft Roll-Up Covers
Usually, a soft roll-up tonneau cover is the most affordable approach to shield your tools or other items from the outdoors. Whether the fabric panel is vinyl or something else like canvas, rails are laid atop the bed rails to fasten it.
When being rolled, the cab stays there thanks to the straps that fasten it. To avoid collapsing under heavy loads, such as snow, certain models use crossbars.
2. Hard Roll-Up Covers
One may argue that hard folding covers are the most sought-after tonneau covers available nowadays. There are a few designs that are mounted flush, while others are over-rail. Panels made of strong plastic or foam-core metal are possible options.
When your tailgate is locked, it's more secure because it's flush installed. If the cover doesn't lock, you can use the side locks to keep prying eyes out. Take the BAK Revolver X2 Hard-Rolling Tonneau Cover, for instance. It has a tailgate handle lock for better security. You may open the box by simply flipping the panels forward.
Additionally, some even detach and fasten to the rear of the vehicle, providing unintentional protection for the rear window.
3. Folding Covers
The most common form of folding truck bed cover is the tri-fold, although there are sometimes three or four panels. Both hard and soft tonneau covers are possible with them. If you want to show off a portion or all of your truck bed, you may either fold the panels that cover it up or leave them down.
4. Retractable Covers
Retractable truck bed covers are somewhat prevalent, mostly because they are so easy to open and close. In addition, they add a touch of contemporary style. You may partially close retractable coverings to cover just a portion of the truck bed, adding even more versatility to the cover.
However, even when completely retracted, they increase the amount of space in your truck bed. Plus, compared to other truck bed covers, their price is usually higher.
5. Hinged (Single-Piece) Covers
A hinged truck bed cover is a unified unit that fastens to your truck's side rails. Covers constructed of firm, long-lasting materials are thought of as the most robust kind. One of the greatest options for a painted, sleek appearance is fiberglass truck bed covers, which may be painted to match the body of your vehicle.
6. Snap-on Tonneau Covers
The vinyl cover fits onto the truck bed rails from an aluminum snap-on tonneau frame attached there using metal clips. This simple and economical option is wonderful. Although most owners of pickup trucks would rather not use them, those on a tight budget who require protection could find these fluffy bed covers a decent interim solution.
Features to Consider When Buying a Pickup Bed Cover
Not all truck covers are made equally, so the appropriate one depends on several elements. Here are the key features to consider:
Budget
Tonneau bed covers are priced differently. The type of coverage you choose will be dictated by your budget. Compared to softcovers, hardcovers cost more. Get the cover that works with your budget, taking into consideration your needs.
It doesn't imply, though, that you should skimp on vehicle bed covers. Find one that's priced about average instead. If the cover is pricey, it is undoubtedly made by a well-known brand; if it is cheap, the quality can be inadequate. If you're still unsure, you might want to seek advice from friends or coworkers who have previously bought truck bed tonneau coverings.
Compatibility
Even the best tonneau cover could not be appropriate for your truck depending on several factors, including the presence of a bed liner or variances in bed size. There can be various causes for compatibility problems. Therefore, you need to make sure the cover you choose fits your specific truck type.
Before purchasing a tonneau cover, always evaluate your vehicle bed's proportions and design to avoid installation issues. A badly fitting cover could annoy you and perhaps call for changes to your truck bed.
Measure your truck bed precisely and know its construction before you buy. This knowledge will enable you to choose a cover that not only satisfies your requirements but also fits tightly, thereby guaranteeing both longevity and usefulness. As crucial as selecting a premium tonneau cover is a great fit.
Ease-to-use
Try to get a tonneau that can be set up in no time at all and requires no particular tools for installation or removal. An additional advantage to seek out is the ability to install it independently.
Ruggedness
Some tonneaus are designed to last. Find something that can resist water, has high-quality craftsmanship, and is made of robust materials so it can take a beating.
Security
Tonneau covers should be able to conceal your possessions from prying eyes and have secure fasteners to ward off would-be thieves.
Versatility
Your tonneau cover mustn't restrict your ability to load your truck bed with all of your belongings. A cover that can be repositioned to avoid obstacles (or, better yet, expanded to accommodate the stuff you're carrying) is ideal for heavy loads.
To load anything substantial, you must first delete some styles. That eliminates some of the truck bed cover's adaptability, which could reduce its usefulness.
Warranty
You certainly won't want to risk your tonneau breaking down unexpectedly because you'll be putting it through its paces. If you want a tonneau cover that will protect your investment even if problems crop up years down the road, you should seek out a company with a strong warranty.
Benefits of Having a Pickup Bed Cover
Regardless of the model you choose, a truck bed cover has excellent and constant advantages. A set of truck bed covers is a basic and cheap truck addition that can make daily life better. Here are some ways that a truck bed cover can be useful for you:
1. Improved Gas Mileage
Even though it's easy to overlook, this is a major perk of a tonneau cover. Your bed will produce less wind resistance thanks to the tonneau cover's aerodynamic design. Your gas mileage will go up by about 5% with this, and some cars can get 10% better gas mileage than with an open bed. These savings will eventually cover the cost of your tonneau cover!
2. Increased Security
As a first line of defense against equipment theft, concealing your valuable cargo is a must. Just what it sounds like: a truck bed cover hides your goods from curious hands. Not only do tonneau covers cover your goods, but many of them also feature locking systems that guarantee your items stay safe in the truck bed at all times.
3. Keep Everything Clean
Dust, mud, and leaves in the truck bed are the last things you want to deal with. Nature has no business being on your vehicle or in your cargo.
4. Organization
After you load your truck, how frequently do you discover—after driving around—that anything moved or spilled in it? Hopefully, this annoying scenario won't resurface for you. Common offenders in supply movement include the wind, which can be protected against by tonneau coverings and helps to maintain everything in their appropriate location.
Trust that when you get to your destination, everything will be precisely as you left it after you load up your vehicle.
5. Safe Transport of Your Equipment or Luggage
The most obvious benefit of a tonneau is the protection of whatever you are transporting. Whether it's tools for the trade, travel bags, or a truckload of mulch for the spring, no load is too large or too delicate to securely move using this approach. A tonneau cover shields against any type of weather, including snow, wind, and rain.
6. Value
Great tonneau covers will shield your truck from the elements and boost its resale value. A tonneau cover can cost you money in three ways: theft, bad gas mileage, and damaged or misplaced cargo. It will protect the bed of your truck from damage and help prevent major damage that might call for repairs.
However, the truck's bed will be in far better condition when you want to sell it than if you left it open. More than paying for itself in the long run, this will help keep your car's worth high. Consequently, a tonneau cover is an investment rather than an upgrade.
How to Choose the Right Pickup Bed Cover
Given so many choices, choosing the ideal truck bed cover can be taxing. Thus, here are some pointers to guide your choice of one:
Assess your needs: Do you give cost, convenience, or security priority?
Consider your climate: If you get a lot of rain or snow, use a cover with robust weatherproofing.
Think about usage: If you move big goods regularly, a roll-up or retractable cover is more sensible.
Compare brands and reviews: To choose a dependable solution, read reviews and compare leading companies.
Set a budget: Since high-quality covers might be expensive, pick one that best values your money.
Truck Bed Cover Accessories
Now that you have an idea of how to pick the best pickup bed covers, you can consider getting a couple of accessories. You may customize it even further if you decide to buy it. Think about these common truck bed accessories:
- Bed extenders for transporting long cargo
- Cargo slides for easy loading and unloading
- Lock kits for added security
- Tonneau tool boxes for truck bed cargo bags for additional storage and organization
- Truck bed cover rails and racks for more storage space
Is a Pickup Bed Cover Worth It?
Absolutely! Whether you need to secure your tools, protect your cargo from bad weather, or simply enhance your truck’s look, a pickup bed cover is a smart investment. With multiple types and features to choose from, finding the right cover for your truck is easier than ever.
Just remember to consider your needs, budget, and the level of protection you require before making your purchase. By investing in a quality pickup bed cover, you’re not just improving your truck’s functionality but also ensuring peace of mind every time you hit the road.
So, choose the best pickup bed covers today. Take the time to explore your options and choose the one that fits your lifestyle.