Hard covers are one of the primary styles to use to protect and customize your pickup trucks. This is true if you’re using your truck to carry and transport items from one place to another. A hard cover will be a reliable option if you want to upgrade your truck bed situation to withstand such a task.
Explore the numerous benefits of hard tonneau covers to see whether it’s the right cover for your truck bed. With this guide, learn about all the reasons why it would be such a great modification to your pickup truck. Find out the most important factors to consider when choosing one for a smoother shopping experience.
Types of Hard Truck Bed Covers
Hard covers are generally truck bed covers made of more solid or hard materials. The specific types of hard covers you can get for your truck include:
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Hard folding covers (Three or Four folds): These are covers divided into sections or panels. When you have to access the bed or cargo, you can simply open a number of sections.
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Retractable covers: These are automatic covers that you can open and close with a click of a button.
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One-piece lids: These are made with a single piece of solid material. You can’t fold them and you’d have to open and close them like a trunk lid.
5 Benefits of Using Hard Tonneau Covers
There are five main reasons why hard truck bed covers are preferred by many truck owners. These include:
1. Extreme Durability
Hard covers are known for their durable construction. Compared to soft covers, hard types offer a more solid and stronger cover. They're usually constructed using high-quality materials like steel and aluminum. But, others are made of fiberglass. This means that they’re dependable when it comes to physical damage.
Moreover, hard cover materials can handle more weight on top and wear over time. For instance, aluminum panels in covers, although they're lightweight, can hold up to 400 lbs of evenly distributed weight.
2. Great Security Features
One of the most significant advantages of using a hard tonneau cover is that it offers great security. It secures not just your truck bed but its cargo as well. Your cargo is prone to get targeted by thieves, especially if they're uncovered and the truck is out of your sight. But since hard covers are solid and strong, they can prevent this. Like soft cover materials, they won’t be easily cut, damaged, or ripped.
Additionally, most hard covers come with locked tailgates or latches only you can open. This keeps all your belongings secure so you can leave them alone anytime and anywhere. Plus, a visible lock and solid cover are already a theft deterrent.
3. Rigid Visuals and Aesthetics
Protection and security aren’t the only ones you can get from adding a hard tonneau cover. Hard covers also look great and can improve your truck's visuals and look. They come in various styles and finishes. This ensures you get one that suits your truck model and color scheme.
Many people even get theirs customized to add their preferred or signature style to their trucks. Plus, hard covers are made of tougher and more solid materials. They look more rigid in shape and appearance. Their robust construction enhances both durability and aesthetics.
4. Better Fuel Economy
This is an underrated advantage that many people overlook. With a hard cover, you can get a noticeable increase in your truck’s fuel efficiency. Trucks aren’t fuel efficient when driving at high speeds because of their truck beds. This is because air flows into the bed, producing drag that reduces fuel efficiency. But with a hard cover, the drag and wind resistance is reduced.
This enhances the gas mileage and aerodynamics of the pickup truck. The energy requirement to move through air resistance is less. Plus, with the design of hard covers, the truck’s engine doesn’t have to exert too much effort in pushing through the air. It can effectively maintain its speed. This can result in lower fuel consumption and savings on your gasoline or diesel costs. This also improves the overall ride experience of both drivers and passengers.
5. Weather Protection
Aside from theft, hard covers are good for protecting your truck bed and belongings from weather elements. They can keep everything out of your truck bed, whether it’s wind, rain, dirt, snow, or the harsh sun. This is extremely useful if you’re transporting items that these elements could damage. They can keep everything dry and safe.
Most hard covers have durable and watertight vinyl coatings. Some even have seals on the sides to ensure that no water or moisture can go through and get into the bed.
Key Factors to Consider When Picking a Hard Tonneau Cover
There is a wide range of hard covers available in the market. To help you determine which would be good for your truck, here are three factors to consider to choose among them:
Material
Hard truck bed covers can be made of various materials, including aluminum, fiberglass, and steel. When checking which would suit your needs best, check what kinds of advantages they have to offer. For instance, fiberglass can be more durable than aluminum. Choose one that protects your bed and cargo from theft and elements. If you don’t experience extreme weather conditions in your area, getting an aluminum cover can be enough.
Cost
These covers can cost anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. Their costs depend on factors such as the material used and the features they come with. To narrow your choices, consider your budget and the features you prioritize.
Installation
Some specific hard covers may require professionals. Others, however, can be installed in a DIY style. This would depend on your capabilities in installing the cover. Are you confident that you can install it by yourself or without professional help? If you’re not, it’s also best to consider the cost of professional installation.
Conclusion
In short, hard truck bed covers are a smart choice for those looking to improve their trucks. This guide ensures satisfaction with your choice and maximizes your truck's benefits. Choosing a hard truck bed cover significantly upgrades your pickup, enhancing its strength, safety, and appeal.
Hard tonneau covers come in different types, materials, styles, and finishes. But, they’re known to be reliable truck accessories that protect your bed and belongings from various threats. If you’re still unsure what kind of truck bed cover to get, you might want to consider getting a hard tonneau cover.