Tonneau covers are an essential upgrade for anyone looking to expand the capabilities of their truck bed. Also referred to as a truck bed cover, this accessory alone can transform the usability of a truck bed. Here are some common questions to consider when looking to purchase a tonneau cover. Security, functionality, and weather-resistance are three common benefits of a tonneau cover. We recommend weighing the potential benefits of a tonneau with your own needs when determining which cover to purchase. Security is one of the most important things to consider when buying any truck bed cover. All covers will protect important cargo as your valuables will be out of sight and out of mind. However, someone who wants ultimate security should consider a retractable, hard-folding, or one-piece heavy duty tonneau cover. These tonneau covers either include a locking system or secure your bed completely when the tailgate is locked. Bed covers are intended to provide additional features and benefits that allow you to use your truck to the fullest.
It is important to consider what kind of functionality you need, and pick a tonneau that fits your lifestyle. Truck bed covers can all offer full bed access, ensuring you can haul anything at a moment's notice. You can purchase a roll-up, folding, or even retractable tonneau based on your needs. Most tonneau covers are made with weather-resistant materials and will protect your cargo from sun, rain, and snow. While some are better than others, installation is truly key to proper protection from the elements. Covers that sit on top of the bed rails provide decent weather-resistance, while covers that mount to the inside of the bed are excellent. The absolute best are covers that wrap over the bed such as a painted or one-piece style. There are two basic bed liner styles: those that tuck under the bed rail, and those that go over it. The classic, under-the-rail bed liners present no issue for tonneau covers, and represent 98 percent of installed liners. Although over-the-rail bed liners are tempting as they protect the bed rail from getting scratched, they can make installing a tonneau cover difficult as they narrow the truck bed, altering the way the cover fits.
These tonneau covers will still work, but the installation will be more difficult and your cover may not fit as well. Some tonneau covers sit on top of the bed rails which in turn block the stake pocket holes. This is insignificant to most shoppers who have no use for these. However, for the truck owner who wishes to use bed accessories such as tie downs or a truck rack, it is important to have the stake pocket holes accessible. The ideal tonneau would be one that mounts to the inside of the bed as it would leave the stake pocket holes unblocked and ready for any bed accessories. Even if hard folding covers are lighter than they used to be, they can start to feel heavy when using them on a lifted truck. Soft tonneau covers such as roll ups and soft tri-folds are lightweight and are easier to manage. Electric retractable covers are extremely popular for lifted trucks, and are definitely the most convenient. These covers can be opened with the press of a button, and make life easier.
Most tonneau covers can be installed in 30-45 minutes with common garage tools and do not require drilling. Some tonneau covers may require slight modifications such as a retractable cover with a plastic bed liner. Please contact our experts with any questions or concerns. We offer lifetime installation support. Most tonneau covers do not require any maintenance besides cleaning with soap and water. Vinyl cleaners can also be used on vinyl tonneau covers (such as the Bakflip VP Hard Folding Cover) to keep the surface clean and looking new. The only tonneau covers that require mechanical maintenance are retractable tonneau covers as the track system should be kept cleared of debris. ReTrax and GatorTrax retractable tonneau covers are exceptions as they include sealed ball bearings, and require no maintenance.Types of Flat Covers Flat bed covers are manufactured from either a hard or soft material and will be either locking or non-locking. The flat cover category encompasses: soft tonneau covers, roll-up covers, soft and hard folding covers, retractable covers, high impact plastic and painted fiberglass lids.
Popular manufacturers include: BAK, Extang, Access Cover, Retrax, Undercover, ATC, and Century. Flat covers work best for individuals where: 1) the height of their cargo will fit into the existing bed space; 2) the height of their cargo is taller than what would fit under a truck cap. Flat covers are also popular with truck owners who want to keep the original vehicle style lines and driver’s visibility unchanged. Roll-Up covers also protect the truck bed from the elements, keep the cargo out of sight and provide easy access for hauling taller items. Roll-Up Covers have a frame that clamps to the truck bed without drilling, but there are significant material and design differences between this type of cover and a standard soft tonneau cover. When comparing an Access Roll-Up Cover and a standard tonneau cover, the Access is an “all season cover.” The Access Cover features a vinyl coated surface on both sides of the cover and a rear rail tensioning system that allows the cover to be re-attached even in extreme cold.
The rear rail locks into the side framework offering additional security when the vehicle is equipped with a locking tailgate. These features are not found in a standard tonneau cover. Soft and Hard Folding Covers Folding covers have grown in popularity in recent years because of their ease of use. Soft folding covers, like the Extang Trifecta, allow for easy truck bed access and cover removal. Hard folding covers, like Extang’s Solid Fold and the BakFlip G2, feature the same ease of use, but also add an element of security when the vehicle is equipped with a locking tailgate. Depending on the specific cover, these may sit above the truck bed or relatively flush giving a clean appearance. Because these covers provide easy access to the truck bed, they are especially popular with truck owners who routinely carry taller cargo. Truck owners with ATV’s appreciate the BakFlip G2 and its ability to provide almost complete access to the truck bed without cover removal.
Retractable covers are unique in that they retract into a canister at the front of the truck bed. They also are available in a wide assortment of different materials. The cover exterior can be a vinyl, aluminum or polycarbonate surface over a retractable reinforcing structure. For example, the Retrax Retractable Cover has tempered aluminum i-beams imbedded into the polycarbonate sheet for strength. These covers are relatively flush providing a clean appearance. Retractable covers provide locking security and the benefit of a cover that doesn’t require removal for truck bed access. Truck owners with in-bed fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches can do their towing, reach their destination, unhook their trailer and close their retractable cover securing the truck bed. Some retractable covers can also be secured when partially open – a feature not typically found in other types of truck covers. High Impact Plastic Lids High impact Plastic Lids – the industry leader being Undercover – are one of the most popular choices in a flat locking cover.
When locked, the cover secures the truck bed and prevents the tailgate from being opened. The Undercover is lightweight, easy to remove, very strong and durable. The cover weighs less than 60 lbs and can be removed in minutes providing complete access to the truck bed. The Undercover includes wall mount hardware for storage when the cover is off the truck. This Undercover is popular with the truck owner that wants a locking flat cover that is easy to remove when hauling taller cargo. The cover has clean lines and a black textured finish that complement any truck. Painted fiberglass lids are popular when the truck owner wants a cover in the same color as the truck. Our fiberglass lids are from SNUGTOP, Century, and ATC and are painted with an Axalta (DuPont) Automotive finish. With the painted fiberglass lid, the cover looks like it came with the truck. Fiberglass lids weigh approximately 110 lbs and are removable. Some models have quick release hardware allowing easy removal of the lid while leaving the framework on the truck bed.