Upgrading is a very common and nearly essential phase when owning pickup trucks. If you’re seeking choices, one of the most common is to obtain accessories—such as a tonneau cover. But what kind of pickup truck accessory is this cover exactly?
Find that out in this article. Learn everything about tonneau covers. From their types to their common materials and especially their benefits. Use this to determine whether it’s the perfect upgrade for your pickup truck.
What Are Tonneau Covers?
Tonneau covers are vehicle accessories made to safeguard a pickup truck's bed. Although they fulfill different functions, they are primarily recognized for their aesthetic and functional advantages. They even come in different materials and styles to fit various pickup truck configurations, uses, and owner preferences.
Hard vs. Soft Tonneau Covers
There are two primary types of tonneau covers: soft covers and hard covers. Due to their affordability and ease of use, soft truck bed covers are very popular. They may be installed and removed with ease because they are usually composed of soft materials like vinyl, leather, or fabric.
Hard truck bed covers, on the other hand, are more well-known for their strength and durability. They are mostly made of fiberglass, metal, or ABS plastic, giving them those qualities. However, this can complicate their installation and removal.
Common Truck Bed Cover Materials
Tonneau covers are available in different materials with their own advantages and disadvantages. But three of the most common cover materials include:
Vinyl Covers
This is the most common cover material, especially for soft cover kinds. It’s durable enough to provide good protection for your cargo and bed. However, vinyl is more susceptible to many kinds of damage. These include vandalism, UV ray damage, and even wear and tear. Plus, the heat can cause a vinyl cover to stretch and affect how it fits in your truck bed.
Fiberglass Covers
Fiberglass is a more durable material than vinyl and offers better protection. It can provide a sturdier barrier against theft and weather. However, fiberglass covers can be harder to use and store when not in use. They can also be more expensive and heavier than vinyl covers.
Aluminum Covers
Aluminum is regarded as one of the most durable types of cover. It offers robust protection and is not easily harmed, particularly by UV radiation. Nevertheless, they can be fairly difficult to set up and might not be as convenient to store when not in operation.
Benefits of Getting a Tonneau Cover for Your Truck
The main purpose and benefit of tonneau covers is protection. But to be specific, here are all the benefits you can enjoy by getting a truck bed cover:
Increases Security
Having cargo in your truck bed is a sight for thieves. However, using a cover allows you to hide your valuable items, which is an effective method of safeguarding them. In addition to covering them, there are models equipped with locking systems that enable you to securely lock the cargo—ensuring that no unauthorized person can gain access.
For example, some hard cover types, like one-piece covers, can lock with your truck’s tailgate. This provides added protection for theft prevention, which is essential if you often keep valuable cargo in your truck.
Weather Protection
Uncovered cargo in your truck bed is also exposed to the outdoor environment—the weather. Whatever type, a tonneau cover can shield your cargo from different elements. These can be rain, wind, snow, dust, and even dirt. This is an important advantage if you live or drive in a place where the weather is harsh or unpredictable. It will ensure the safe transport of your cargo.
Additionally, aside from the cargo, tonneau covers protect truck beds from these elements. This often results in the prevention of serious damages and repairs.
Enhances Truck Appearance
A pickup truck can achieve a more finished appearance with a truck bed cover. Additionally, there are styles such as one-piece covers and variations that you can personalize more to fit the visual appeal you desire for your truck. This allows you to give your truck a smoother, more streamlined appearance.
Improved Gas Mileage
This is an often overlooked benefit but is still a good benefit. Because of the aerodynamic designs of these covers, the truck bed will generate less air drag when on the road. This can increase a truck’s gas mileage by about 5% and even up to 10% for some, compared to an open truck bed. You can then use these savings for other upgrades or other expenses.
Cargo Organization
It’s not uncommon for cargo to shift and spill in the back of your truck when you’re driving around. Tonneau covers can also help solve this problem. When closed, tonneau covers can help keep things in their place. They can also protect the cargo from the wind, which is often a contributing factor to their shifting when driving around. With this, you don’t have to worry about finding your things in a mess after a drive.
Increased Truck Resale Value
With your truck bed protected from potential damages, you can easily resell your truck. It will look in much better shape and condition. Plus, tonneau covers improve a truck’s overall appearance. With one, you can increase the resale value of your truck when selling.
5 Main Types of Tonneau Covers
Depending on your needs and preferences, there are different types of covers you can get. These include:
1. Retractable Covers
Retractable tonneaus are covers that retract on themselves and tuck away at the back of the truck cabin. They’re easy to open and provide quick access to the truck bed—they retract in sections. This will allow you to open the cover however you want to—fully exposed or only a portion. You can leave it open in different positions, making it easy to access and get your cargo.
These covers are mostly the hard kind, so they’re often made of aluminum or fiberglass. This makes them durable and is one reason why it’s a popular choice for many truck owners. Additionally, many retractable covers can be controlled remotely or with a press of a button, making them convenient to use.
2. Folding Covers
Folding covers are another popular choice, especially for people who need occasional access to the truck beds. These are often available as tri-fold or quad-fold covers, which means they have three or four panels respectively. They can also be hard or soft tonneaus and often have locking mechanisms.
This makes it just like retractable covers—you can expose only a portion of the bed. However, take note that not all foldable covers provide full access to the truck bed. When the cover is completely folded up, it can restrict cargo space to hold larger items as well. Some models also fold up against the truck and can lessen rear visibility when driving.
3. Roll-Up Covers
A rolling tonneau is a soft cover that rolls into itself, just like how you would roll a mat. Since roll-up covers are rollable, you can easily store them when not in use. These covers are also ideal if you want a cover that you can open in seconds. They are even easy to use if you have large cargo in the bed.
This is the most popular type because it’s the most affordable option. However, take note that since they’re made of soft materials, they aren’t as durable as hard tonneau covers. They’re susceptible to wear and tear. This means that they can’t provide the same level of protection as the other cover types.
4. Hinged/Solid One-Piece Covers
Hinged or one-piece tonneau covers are hard-top covers and are the most durable covers. They’re essentially a truck bed cover lid that you can lift and lock into an open position to access your truck bed. This means that you can’t open it partially or one section at a time—you have to open the whole lid.
Because of this design, these covers aren’t ideal for oversized cargo. However, another great advantage of these covers is their customizability. You can paint one in a color or design that matches your truck, enhancing its overall appearance.
5. Snap Covers
Lastly, although not as popular as the rest, there are also snap tonneau covers. These are typically tonneau covers with an aluminum frame that you clamp to the bed and a vinyl cover that snaps into that frame. Like rolling covers, they allow you easy and open access to your truck bed and can accommodate different cargo sizes. They’re also lightweight and easy to install and remove.
Conclusion
Tonneau covers provide protection for both your truck and cargo. They’re available in various types, styles, and materials to fit your needs and whatever truck you have. If you’re looking for a good accessory to upgrade your pickup truck, getting a cover is a good start.
If you want to check out some actual cover options, you can visit our tonneau cover collection. We offer quality covers of different types from different reputable brands. Find the best cover that matches not just your needs but your truck’s style as well!