The tonneau cover protects the truck bed and its contents from exposure to harsh elements. It also reduces the risk of cargo getting stolen, especially if it comes with a lock. Furthermore, the tonneau cover improves your truck’s aerodynamic profile by providing a streamlined surface.
Truck manufacturers usually offer options to add a tonneau cover to new-build vehicles. If you didn’t take this option or currently need a replacement for a damaged or worn-out factory-issue tonneau cover, you have an opportunity to get a new tonneau cover.
There are many factors to consider when you pick a tonneau cover for your truck. The tonneau cover must meet your vehicle’s standards and precisely fit over the truck bed. From there, you can choose the style and material that suits your requirements. Tonneau covers also come in various colors, so you can also make your truck look good.
Tonneau covers that follow this style have several panels that fold back toward the cab. Most products feature three panels, but some have two or four. You can flip open one or two panels to fit objects that rise above the sides of the truck bed.
The folding tonneau cover is perhaps the most popular style for this truck accessory.
Also called a rolling tonneau cover, it rolls up toward the cab. The roll-up tonneau cover offers more precision for fitting irregular shapes on the truck bed while keeping the rest of the storage area covered. It also lets you open just enough of the bed to load and unload small cargo, such as grocery bags.
This style of tonneau cover retracts into a container behind the truck cab when not needed. When it’s time to cover the truck bed, the retractable tonneau cover rolls out of its storage canister.
Many retractable tonneau covers require you to manually extend or retract them across rails on the top of the truck bed walls. Once the tonneau cover reaches where you want it to be, you can lock it in place.
Electric retractable tonneau covers automatically retract and extend the cover at the push of a remote control button. They usually have a manual device to release them from storage and extend them over the truck bed if their electric motor stops working because of power loss, damage, or wear.
The hinged tonneau cover is the simplest style available. It works like a flip lid for the truck bed. Hinges attach the tonneau cover to your vehicle, allowing you to raise and lower the accessory. You can prop up the cover with struts to keep it open while you work on the truck bed.
There are also tonneau covers with an internal frame, and the soft material stretched across the framework.
Also called the hard-shell tonneau cover, this type uses materials that feel rigid and stiff. Hard tonneau covers are often made of aluminum, fiberglass, or plastics like ABS composite, TPO with polypropylene, and polycarbonate.
Soft tonneau covers get their name from the softer, flexible materials that comprise the main body of the accessories. The most popular materials for this type of tonneau cover are canvas, leather grain vinyl, twill weave, and vinyl.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.