Using truck bed covers, or tonneau covers, is the best way for truck owners to protect their truck beds. However, there are different types of covers out there, and finding the right one can be pretty challenging. Of course, it mainly depends on your taste and needs, but having enough knowledge about them would make the search easier.
That’s why in this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about a truck bed cover. This includes its benefits, the different types, and what to look for when choosing one for your truck.
Benefits of a Truck Bed Cover
Although most truck owners know how valuable truck covers are, there are still some that don’t. Generally, these covers offer many benefits that will help you get the most out of your truck. If you’re still unsure whether to get a truck bed cover or not, here are some of the most common reasons why you should:
- Weather Protection
Whether it’s the rain, sun, or snow, the weather can damage your truck and the things in there. Truck bed covers help keep these elements out so you don’t have to worry about your things getting wet, shrunk, or destroyed by the weather. Besides, you can never be sure what kind of weather you’ll pass by while driving.
- Security
It’s not just the weather that you’d have to keep out. It’s safe to assume that there are many prying eyes and potential thieves anywhere you go, which poses a real threat to your belongings. If you leave your things out in the open, people can easily walk up to your truck and grab them. But with a cover, you can hide them and keep them safe, even when you’re not looking.
- Maintains Cleanliness
Dirt, leaves, mud, and debris can easily accumulate in your truck bed if you leave it uncovered. It’s tiring to clean all the time as well. With a truck bed cover, you can keep everything clean by keeping everything out of your truck and your cargo.
6 Types of Truck Bed Covers
There are many styles and types of covers to choose from. To help you narrow down which one you need and want for your truck, we’ll also discuss the potential pros and cons of each of them.
1. Folding Covers
Folding truck covers have three to four panels and can be either soft or hard covers. With the panels, you can unfold them to cover your entire truck bed or fold a few of them up if you want to leave some of the bed exposed. It’s an easy-to-use cover since you just need to fold and unfold the sections to use it.
Pros
- Comes in different materials
- Can be low-budget depending on your preferred material
- Tri-fold mechanism makes it easy to use
Cons
- The folding points may leave gaps where water can enter
- Can be pretty hard to install and remove
2. One-Piece Solid Covers
One-piece lid covers are made of one single solid piece that’s hinged and attached to the cab of your truck. This type is considered the most heavy-duty one since these covers are usually made of hard, durable materials, like fiberglass. Moreover, since they’re in one piece, you can paint them to match the body of your truck.
Pros
- Solid cover with built-in locks
- Heavy-duty and offers high-level security
- Looks like an extension of your truck
Cons
- The heaviness makes it hard to install
- Hard to remove
- Expensive
3. Roll Up Covers
This is one of the most popular types of covers and comes in two variations: soft and hard. They’re usually made of soft materials like soft vinyl and they use velcro on the sides to keep the covers in place. But, depending on your preferences, your roll-up cover can also be made of hard plastic or lightweight metal slats like aluminum.
Pros
- Easy to use if you’re carrying large or awkwardly-shaped items
- Most materials used to make them are tear-resistant
- Can support lightweight items on the top
Cons
- Rear view can be obstructed since they’re bulky when all rolled up
- Soft roll-up covers aren’t as heavy-duty as the hard ones
- Velcro sides can wear out quickly while driving
4. Retractable Covers
These covers automatically open and close just with a hit of a button. Because they require little effort to operate, it’s also a popular option for many truck owners. Moreover, because of this mechanism, you can leave the cover in various ranges of open or closed positions.
Pros
- They can be left partially open if you have large items to carry
- Effortless opening and closing mechanism
- Tend to look sleek
Cons
- Can be pricey
- The storage canister of the cover takes up space
5. Expandable Covers
This is a relatively new type of cover and is currently only licensed to be made by the company Sawtooth. If you usually have items or cargo that sit above your bed rails but still require to be covered, expandable covers are a good option.
Pros
- Can protect large and tall items
- Sturdy and durable material
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not many options in the market
- No locking device
6. Snap-On Covers
This is the first type and an entry-level type of truck bed cover but isn’t really a favorite of many truck owners. A snap-on truck bed cover comes with an aluminum frame and a vinyl cover that attaches to it with metal snaps. When installing, you only need to attach the frame to your truck bed rails and you can use it.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to install and use
- Good option for short-term use
Cons
- Not heavy-duty and durable
- Not very weatherproof
- The material can shrink during winter conditions
What to Look for in a Truck Bed Cover
When choosing a truck bed cover, look for these qualities:
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Security Lock: Check if the cover has an excellent security mechanism so you can ensure that you can keep your things out of sight and covered properly.
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Durable: It’s important that you can use the cover for a long time. That’s why you should check if the material of the cover is tough enough to withstand wear and tear, water, dirt, and the weather.
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Easy to Use: If you’re new to using covers, it’s best to look for one that you can install and remove quickly and easily. Moreover, choose a cover that you’ll have no problem closing and opening all the time.
Conclusion
Truck bed covers not only protect your truck bed but they also help secure and protect your cargo. With your truck having one, you won’t have to worry about everything getting dirty, damaged, or wet. Moreover, you don’t have to worry if your things are flying out of your truck while driving or if someone will steal them if you’re parked.
Since you have enough knowledge about covers, you can now start looking at your options with our high-quality collection of different types of covers. Look and you shall find what you want and what your truck needs!