Truck bed covers offer many benefits, with security being one of the most valued ones. They protect not only the truck bed but the items in it from elements and theft. Since there are many types of covers available, some of the best ones are often overlooked, like retractable covers.
These covers are popular for truck owners who prioritize ease of use and durability. That’s why in this article, we’ll help you get to know more about this type of truck bed cover. We’ll list down all its types and what things you must consider when buying your own retractable bed cover.
Types of Retractable Truck Bed Covers
There are many different types of retractable covers you can get based on your personal taste, budget, and needs. Here are your options:
Soft Top Covers
These are retractable covers made of a variety of softer materials, like vinyl or a blend of plastics. There are also some brands and manufacturers that use polycarbonate or durable thermoplastic for a strong yet flexible surface of the cover.
Soft-top covers offer a smoother look for your truck bed and a lower profile. They also tend to have aluminum rods to ensure that the cover doesn’t dip in the center. If you’re looking for a cover that doesn’t rust, dent, or scratch, this is a good option.
Glossy Aluminum Covers
If you want a sophisticated look for your truck bed, this type of cover would be a good option. Although they’re made of aluminum, these covers have glossy designs, making them suitable for most modern truck designs. The glossy aluminum finish can make your truck look more luxurious and you’ll get the same features of a standard aluminum cover.
Remote/Electric-Powered Covers
Although most retractable covers are easy to use, some users may still find it difficult to maneuver, especially when they’re holding gear or have mobility issues. But with remote covers, you can open and close the retractable cover with just a click of a button. The cover will automatically open and close with a key fob.
Most of this type of cover is available in durable materials, like aluminum and polycarbonate. Since you don’t need to manually open and close the cover, you can access your truck bed even if you’re holding something. If you want to prioritize convenience and ease of use, this type of cover is a good choice.
All-Aluminum Covers
These aluminum covers offer extreme durability and great design. Aluminum as a material is both lightweight and tough, making it resistant to fading, denting, and scratching. Most aluminum covers have heavy-duty construction that can support loads of up to 500 lbs and feature water sealing to protect the bed and cargo from water damage and other elements.
Retractable Covers With Rails
These are truck bed covers that allow truck owners to add rails to their trucks. The rails can help you transport more items, especially larger ones while making the most out of your truck. For instance, you can use the rail to transport bikes or kayaks. Most covers under this type come with quality rails, some of them having a weight capacity of up to 1250 lbs on top of the retractable cover.
Things to Consider When Buying a Retractable Truck Bed Cover
Aside from choosing the specific type of retractable cover you prefer, there are more factors and features you need to consider when buying one. These include:
Compatibility
Truck beds vary in shape and size and that’s the case with truck bed covers too. Most retractable cover manufacturers produce the same model in different versions and sizes to fit different trucks. Before buying a cover, make sure to check if the model you want is suited for the make of your truck and in the right size for its truck bed.
Truck Bed Cover Material
Retractable truck bed covers can be made of various materials and the material can affect their prices. For quality, look for models with slats made from aluminum and are powder-coated. Covers that use aluminum are stronger and harder to break into compared to those that use vinyl and other softer materials.
Look for one that comes with a waterproof sealant to ensure that your bed and cargo will be dry. This means that the cover meets the bed rail. A cover with UV protection and scratch-resistant would also be ideal for any truck model.
Pricing
Retractable covers are considered by some truck owners to be on the expensive side. But, for the value it offers, we can say that it’s worth it. Most retractable truck bed covers cost between $1,000 and $2,000, some even costing more than that.
With this price range, you can get a quality and reliable cover made with good materials. They also come with some handy features like torsion springs that help retract the cover and are waterproof and resistant to damage.
When buying your retractable cover, make sure to check the price and if it’s within your budget. If you’re tight on budget, you may find some covers that can cost from $700 to $1,000. But if you really want a high-quality cover that you can use for a long time, set aside a higher budget for that.
Locking Mechanism
To ensure that you can keep your truck bed secure, look for a retractable cover with a reliable lock. Some covers come with heavy-duty locks on the top of the covers, making them convenient for accessing and securing the truck bed quickly. Other covers have latches that connect to the tailgate. So when you lock the tailgate, the truck bed cover will also be locked.
For maximum functionality, look for a cover that would allow you to lock it anywhere along the truck bed’s rails. This way, you can secure your belongings that protrude above the top of the bed. However, do keep in mind that some covers don’t have this feature. Instead, they will feature certain lockable positions that you can customize.
Conclusion
There are many truck bed covers available in today’s market. Retractable covers are one of the most overlooked types. They’re known for the high durability and security they offer. You can get one for your truck in different types, like a remote, or electric-powered type, or a soft type. When buying, make sure to consider the cover’s locking mechanism, material, price, and compatibility with your truck and truck bed.
If you’re looking for high-quality options, you can check out our retractable bed cover collection. We have all types of retractable covers that fit all kinds of truck models!