Because of its extended lifetime, security elements, and elegant style, the hard tonneau cover is among the most often used models among the many ones available on the market. Whether your car is used for business, leisure, or just as a flexible tool, its bed demands the finest defense against the elements and intruders.
All the information you require concerning hard tonneau covers will be covered in this post. Its various varieties, benefits, installation procedure, and reasons for consideration will also be covered.
What Is a Hard Tonneau Cover?
One can cover pickup truck beds with a soft or hard tonneau cover. Made to offer a better degree of protection and safety, the hard tonneau cover differs from soft coverings. These covers are usually stronger and last longer than soft ones because they are made from solid materials like metal, fiberglass, or composite.
Designed to fit on top of the truck bed, hard tonneau covers protect your goods from the elements, stop theft, and give your car a generally more neat appearance. Hardcovers, depending on the design and material, can be locked to provide your things with great security.
Why Should You Consider a Hard Tonneau Cover?
For your truck, buying a hard tonneau cover provides various benefits. Here are some main factors influencing many truck owners' choice of a hard tonneau cover:
Ultimate Protection
A rigid folding tonneau cover offers far better protection than a soft cover. These covers are made to withstand strong storms like snow, heavy rain, and even rare hailstorms. Their components could be fiberglass-reinforced polymer, composite panels, or aluminum.
Furthermore, they offer an additional safeguard against theft, guaranteeing that your valuable cargo remains secure regardless of where you go.
Convenience and Versatility
The adaptability of rigid folding tonneau covers is one of their prominent qualities. Hard folding covers provide for easy sectional opening and closing, in contrast to hard-shell coverings that might be difficult to remove. With a robust folding tonneau cover, you can effortlessly transport heavy loads or get to your gear quickly.
Impressive Weight Limits
Hard folding tonneau coverings have a weight capacity of 400 lbs when spread evenly. On the other hand, whereas most soft tri-fold covers can support 20-30 lbs equally distributed, roll-up covers usually only manage 15-30 lbs.
Sleek and Stylish Design
Your vehicle will look even better with a hard folding tonneau cover. The low-profile design and sleek finish enhance your truck's already intimidating road presence.
Boosted Fuel Efficiency
You might be surprised to hear that a hard tonneau cover might make your truck use less gas. Your car will be able to cut through the air more effectively with these covers since they reduce drag. This can result in significant fuel savings in the long run.
Depending on the truck and cover design, the exact impact on fuel efficiency can vary. However, several customers have reported gains of up to 10%. Your bank account and the planet will both benefit from this.
Versatile Options
You can find a hard tonneau cover that fits your needs and your budget among the many types available on the market. Discovering which style complements your way of life the most is worthwhile because each has its benefits. Among the most common types are:
Folding Covers: You can quickly access the truck bed with these covers because they are divided into pieces that fold up.
Hinged Covers: These coverings open like a trunk lid, making them perfect for anyone who wants complete access with no effort.
Retractable Covers: The covers are sleek and simple to use, and they slip back into a little housing when they are not being used.
Different Types to Choose From
Hard tonneau covers come in several varieties, each with unique advantages and features. You can choose the option that best suits your truck and lifestyle by being aware of these options.
Retractable Tonneau Covers
Retracted tonneaus are either metal or fiberglass. If you have to get to the cargo area quickly, stow them in the canister or roll them in front of the bed. Drivers who want quick access to their truck bed usually as well as those who drive regularly for recreation or business and enjoy the outdoors will find these covers ideal. They open swiftly as well.
Foldable Tonneau Covers
The segmented architecture of foldable tonneau covers makes storage easy when not in use. For pickup drivers who occasionally need access to their truck beds, these covers are a perfect choice because of their simplicity and quickness with which they may be opened.
Foldable tonneau covers are more costly than conventional tonneau models and can restrict the cargo area available when folded, which would make moving bigger things challenging.
Rollable Tonneau Covers
Simply roll a rollable tonneau cover into a tube and secure it to the front of the bed when not in use. Customers who only occasionally need to access their truck bed will find these coverings ideal because they are very simple to open.
Rollable, soft tonneau covers are usually more reasonably priced even if other types of tonneau covers provide better protection from the elements and security.
Aluminum or Fiberglass Lids
Use a strong material lid, such as aluminum or fiberglass, for the most peace of mind when moving expensive items.
Hard vs. Soft Tonneau Covers
Understanding the differences between hard and soft coverings can help you choose the finest tonneau cover for your truck.
Durability and Security
Compared to soft folding covers made of fabric or vinyl, hard folding covers consisting of composite panels, fiberglass-reinforced polymer, or aluminum are substantially more secure and protective. Soft covers are not as durable as hardcovers, despite the fact that they assist deter theft and offer some weather protection.
Weight and Ease of Use
They may be heftier, but hard folding covers are great for everyday usage because of their convenient folding portions. A soft folding cover is an excellent choice if you have frequent access to your truck bed since it is lightweight and simple to fold and remove.
Aesthetic Appeal
Protect your truck's finish with hard folding covers for a more modern appearance. While they serve their purpose, soft covers have a more simplistic and practical style that some may find unappealing.
Price Point
Buyers on a tighter budget will appreciate the lower price of soft folding coverings. The increased security and longevity of hardcovers, however, make them a better investment in the long run.
Installation of a Hard Tonneau Cover
Although the type and brand will affect the process, installing a hard tonneau cover is usually quite simple. Though you may need an extra set of hands for bigger or heavier covers, most hardcovers can be placed at home with few tools. Here is a quick summary of what to expect throughout installation:
1. Gather the Tools You Need for Installation
Tonneau covers are usually sold and shipped with the assembly already done. The cover is simple to install; just place it over your truck bed and fasten it. That reduces the number of tools you'll require for the task. Standard safety equipment and tools include:
- Eye protection
- Gloves
- Measuring tape
- A power drill and drill bits
- Screwdrivers
- A utility knife or scissors
- Wrenches and/or a ratchet and socket set
2. Prepare the Truck Bed
Installing the tonneau cover requires minor preparation of the vehicle bed. If the rails get scratched or become stuck on anything rough, it can be because of dust, grime, or another abrasive substance. Not to mention that bed liners, especially spray-in or over-rail varieties, can obstruct the rail mounting spots.
Before installing your new tonneau cover, wash your truck well, pay special attention to the bed rails, and check the installation manual for clearance requirements. Installing the weather seals that are included with your package must be done before installing the tonneau cover rails and hardware.
3. Lay Out the Parts
Put the components in the correct order as shown in the installation manual. Please check that all of the necessary components are there, in good condition, and fit your car.
4. Position the Rails
On top of that, the rails are where the tonneau cover is fastened. Secure the side rails to the box rails using the supplied clamps for folding and retractable coverings. The rails on the sides and the tailgate should be positioned so that the Velcro and plastic clips may adhere to the roll-up tonneau cover. Take your time and do not tighten the clamps just yet.
5. Align and Tighten the Clamps
Place the rails precisely by measuring the specified areas, as instructed in the installation manual. Secure the clamps to the specified torque while maintaining their alignment. Verify that they are remaining in the correct place after they are snug. Additionally, at this time, any crossmembers should be installed by rolling coverings.
6. Install the Cover on the Truck
In front of the vehicle, behind the cab, is where you should put the cover. Because the box containing the retractable cover is large and heavy, you will need assistance positioning it. Use the included clamps and hardware to secure the cover to the truck bed. Then, verify alignment after closing the tonneau cover.
The tonneau cover can be fully extended by rolling it out from the front or folding it once it is in position. You can do this by following these steps:
1. Check that the tracks of any retractable covers are free of binding and that they glide smoothly.
2. Make sure the folding cover fits tightly on the bed rails and that every clasp is engaged before using it.
3. The roll-up cover should be just stiff enough to prevent the top from flapping in the wind without being so taut as to tear.
If the cover isn't snug but allows unfettered operation, adjust it as needed.
7. Install Drains
In order to remove any water that may accumulate in the rails, most folding and retractable coverings are equipped with drain tubes. Set up the drainage tubes by threading them into the pre-drilled holes on the box. If you don't see any holes, simply use your drill to create them in the designated areas as directed.
8. Secure Your Tonneau Cover
To guarantee seamless operation of the tonneau cover, open and close its cover. Should shocks exist on your cover, be sure they let it open and close without any problems. Then, test your tonneau cover's locking mechanism to be sure it correctly locks the cover.
Tightly secure the seals around the cover's borders to keep dust or water out of the truck bed. Make sure your cover, should it have a rear seal, is tight at the tailgate. Verify that the hinges on a tonneau cover you are installing with over-bed rail liners are correctly linked.
9. Final Checks and Test Drive
Once the tonneau cover is in place, be sure everything is in alignment. There should be no spaces between the cover and the truck bed and should lie exactly across the bed. Make sure that all of the parts are there and that they are fitted correctly. See the manual or a professional if any parts are absent or if directions are unclear.
Lastly, test drive your truck once everything is firmly in place to make sure the tonneau cover stays in place and operates as it should. Pay attention to any movement or rattling and correct as required.
Is a Hard Tonneau Cover Right for You?
Choosing the right hard tonneau cover for your truck will greatly enhance the security, functionality, and look of your vehicle. A hard tonneau cover can protect your load from the elements and thieves and improve your pickup's fuel economy.
Ultimately, a hard tonneau cover is a smart investment for truck owners who prioritize security, durability, and convenience. So, what are you waiting for? Buy a hard tonneau cover today! It’s an upgrade that not only improves the functionality of your truck but also adds an element of sophistication to your ride.