Truck bed covers are one of the most popular truck accessories in the market. Truck owners use them to protect their truck beds and cargo. They come in different types and designs, with the roll-up truck bed cover type being one of the most popularly used ones. If you’re deciding on what type to use for your pickup truck, it’s a great option.
For further understanding of this exact type of truck bed cover, we made this article. We’ll discuss everything you need to know about roll-up covers. This includes their types and what advantages they offer compared to other cover types. We’ll also share some tips to help you choose the right cover for your truck.
Types of Roll-Up Truck Bed Covers
Like some of the other types of truck bed covers, roll-up covers come in two types as well:
These are the most common and the most basic versions. Soft roll-up covers are usually made of vinyl which are supported by metal frames that are bolted to the truck bed. The frame commonly extends down to the bedsides and comes with snaps or hook-and-loop systems to anchor the vinyl in place.
This type is popular mainly due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of use. Compared to most types of truck bed covers, they’re relatively inexpensive. They’re also easy to install and use because of their mechanism and material.
Hard Roll-Ups
If your top priority is better security and support, this is a better option than the soft type of roll-up. These hard roll-ups don't only use simple layers of vinyl or fabric, they also have layers of metal or plastic plates directly underneath them. These are narrow sheets that can be folded over each other, making it easy to roll the cover out of the way, just like a vinyl.
These harder materials allow this type of roll-up cover to prevent snow and other threats from causing the cover to collapse. They also offer better security from thieves. However, compared to soft roll-ups, hard ones can be more expensive. They’ll also need locking tailgates to make the most out of them.
Advantages of Roll-Up Covers Over Other Cover Types
Roll-up truck bed covers offer protection against elements and theft. They provide an extra layer of protection for your cargo as well. So, if you’re looking for a good cover for your truck, a roll-up cover is a good option.
Here are some of its features that make them a better option than other types of bed cover:
Easy Installation
Since roll-ups are easy to use, they’re also easy to install. Their design makes it easy to do so and would require a lot less time, effort, and skill compared to more complex cover types, like retractable covers. The installation process is much easier because of the less complex design, even for those who don't have much handy skills.
Lightweight Design
Soft or hard, roll-up truck bed covers have more lightweight designs than most bed covers. They’re easier to handle and use, making them one of the lightest options in the market. If you’re worried about the bed cover adding stress to the frame and suspension, a roll-up cover is the best option.
Aside from using relatively lighter materials, these covers also come with aluminum or hard plastic frames. This enables them to support and handle weight while remaining lightweight.
Better Access to the Truck Bed
Aside from being lightweight, the design of roll-up bed covers allows easier access to the truck bed and cargo than traditional covers. It would only take seconds to roll and unroll them. Unlike other covers, they also give you more storage space in the truck bed, especially when you’re using the cover for recreational purposes.
Furthermore, roll-up covers come with quick-release latches that are easier to work and use than fixed cover latches used in other cover types. This lessens the chances of the latch getting caught or tangled with anything or getting damaged during use.
Low-Profile Design
roll-up covers have low-profile designs as well. This means they lay flush with the truck bed rails and don't obstruct anything, providing a sleek and aerodynamic appearance to your truck. This is mainly because most of them are thin and use smaller frames.
They block less of your view out of the rear window and will look like a cohesive part of your truck, not an accessory. Moreover, since you have better visibility out of your window while driving, you can see more and make safer decisions.
Availability
If you’re using old, vintage pickup trucks, it might be hard to find a compatible bed cover. This is where roll-up covers come in handy. They usually come in specific designs that would fit older truck models, particularly those that were made before 1990.
Tips When Choosing a Roll-up Truck Bed Cover
There are a lot of roll-up cover products out there, making it challenging to choose. To give you some help on how to choose the right one for your truck, consider the following feature-focused tips:
Ensure Compatibility
This is the first detail you need to check when choosing a roll-up cover. This ensures whether or not the specific cover will actually fit in your truck. Because some covers are specifically designed for certain truck models only, this detail can be a little complicated to sort out. That’s why many truck owners make the mistake of choosing the wrong cover for their trucks.
Many manufacturers don’t necessarily stick to a standard when it comes to sizing. Cabin sizes don’t always pertain to bed size. The best way to ensure compatibility is to check the exact make and model of your truck and the ones the specific cover accommodates.
Decide on the Preferred Securing Method
Most roll-up covers feature hook-and-loop systems down the rails to keep the vinyl in place. Some still use snap buttons. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose between the two. Hook-and-loop is easier to install and does a fine job of securing the cover, and technically your bed and cargo. But, snaps can also offer positive engagements and can be easier to use for some truck owners.
Check the Quality of Materials
To ensure maximum security and durability of the cover, check the quality of the materials they’re made. Check if the manufacturer is using quality vinyl and if they feature certain finishes. Look at how well-made the latches are as well and if the frame material they used can hold up some weight on top.
When checking this, you also need to consider the elements that you and your truck are regularly exposed to. For instance, snow can add some weight on the top of the cover so you need to get a quality cover that can withstand that added weight.
Conclusion
roll-up truck bed covers are popular among truck owners, both the soft and hard types. Their lightweight and low-profile design offers enough security to your truck bed and cargo. They’re also easy to use and install. Just keep in mind to consider their compatibility, securing method, and material quality when choosing. With the right roll-up cover, you can protect your truck from the elements and theft.
If you want to take a look at some covers, you can check out our roll-up truck bed cover collection. We offer high-quality roll-up covers from top brands for different truck models!