Truck Bed Covers
Whether you drive truck models such as Toyota, Dodge, Ford, or Chevy, truck bed covers, also known as tonneau covers, are the ultimate bed protection against harsh weather conditions. Covers come in various design types and sizes to fit most pickup trucks and are used for protection against dirt and debris or simply adding a custom look to your vehicle. The type of cover you choose depends on how you plan to use it. For example, if you need to keep the cargo area clean and you don’t haul large items, then a hard shell tonneau cover is probably best suited for you.
Top 5 Brands
- Truxedo
- BAKFlip
- MaxMate
- Gator
- Tyger
Average Cost By Material
When shopping for truck bed covers, you’ll find the two primary materials used most are vinyl and aluminum. However, covers also come in plastic, leather, fiberglass, steel, and wood. Prices will range from $200 for soft tonneau covers to over $2,000 for a hard electric retractable cover. Below are the average prices for the different truck bed protection options by material type.
- Plastic tonneau covers – This type of cover is usually cheaper than other materials, but they easily crack if not installed correctly. The average price of a plastic tonneau cover ranges from $300 to $500.
- Fiberglass tonneau covers – The fiberglass covers are very durable and last longer than plastic ones. The average price of this type of truck bed cover is around $400.
- Aluminum tonneau covers – The aluminum sheet for these covers are very lightweight, provide superior protection, and are usually the most expensive option available. The average price of an aluminum tonneau cover ranges from about $600 to $800.
- Steel tonneau covers – High-impact models such as steel-made ones are heavy-duty and robust but also costly. The average price of these covers ranges from $900 to $1,200.
- Wooden tonneau covers – These tonneau covers are typically the cheapest option available and used by most DIYers. However, they do require some maintenance and care. The average price of wooden tonneau covers ranges from $150 to $250.
- Leather truck bed cover – These covers are made from top-quality leather and are incredibly durable. They are one of the popular options among truck owners. Leather tonneau covers can run anywhere between $500 to $1,500 depending on how much work goes into making them.
- Vinyl – Vinyl covers are the most affordable style available. They are easy to install and maintain and have an average price range of $100 to $200.
Overall Benefits
There are many benefits to adding a truck bed cover to your vehicle, such as protecting the bed against dirt. Below are some of the top benefits.
- Keeps Cargo Area Clean & Dry – Besides protecting the bed from dirt, truck bed covers also prevent rainwater and other contaminants from getting into the cargo area, ultimately saving the truck bed’s contents from damage.
- Protects The Paint – It also protects the truck’s paint job from being damaged by outside elements, including bird droppings, road salt, and bugs. Each of these items causes damage to the clear coat and paint if not removed regularly.
- Adds Custom Look To Your Vehicle – Tonneau covers add a customized appearance to your truck that makes it unique. Many people like this feature because it helps their trucks stand out from others.
- Saves Gas – Fuel consumption is a big concern with today’s high gas prices. Leaving the tailgate down or adding a tonneau cover reduces the drag caused by the open cargo area. Thus, you will consume less fuel while driving.
Pros & Cons For Different Types
A popular choice among the extensive selection available seems to be the retractable tonneau cover. However, each bed cover will provide a similar level of protection from outside elements to help keep your valuable cargo safe. To help with your decision, below is a list of truck bed cover options and their pros and cons.
Hinged Lid Hard Shell Covers
- Pros
- The ultimate level of weather resistance
- It can be locked to help prevent theft.
- Available in multiple colors
- Cons
- Challenging to install without assistance
- Limited cargo space when hauling large items
- The surface can be dented or scratched.
Hard Retractable Cover
- Pros
- Precise fit for all truck models
- Retracts to allow for quickly hauling large items
- Super durable
- Cons
- The container limits overall bed space
- More expensive than soft covers
- It can be challenging to install
Folding Cover
- Pros
- Tri-fold covers are easy to store and transport.
- Very light and easy to remove
- Very affordable for most budgets
- Cons
- It can be ripped or cut by sharp objects.
- Unable to support heavy weight loads
- Unable to lock
Hard Roll-Up
- Pros
- Affordable, Lightweight, and durable
- Easy to use
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Cons
- Unable to be locked
- Low weight tolerance
- Blocks part of the rearview when opened
Soft Roll-Up
- Pros
- Easier to install and remove
- Lightweight
- More affordable than hardshell options
- Cons
- If you live in a cold climate, soft covers may not protect your cargo as well as hardcovers.
- Unable to be locked
- Prone to cuts, tears, and punctures by sharp objects
Installation Process
There is some technical skill required to install some of the types of truck bed covers we’ve been discussing, but most installations are relatively straightforward. All you need is a few tools and a little bit of time. In most cases, the steps are as simple as those listed below.
Step 1: Remove Tailgate – The first step in installing a retractable truck bed cover is removing the tailgate. This process involves lifting on the hinges at the back of the tailgate and pulling it off.
Step 2: Install Cover – Next, place the cover over the opening. Make sure the edges of the cover match up with the edges of the bed, and there are no gaps. If the edges don’t fit perfectly, you may have to trim them to line up correctly.
Step 3: Secure Cover – Once everything looks good, secure the cover using the screws provided with it. Be careful when tightening the screws; make sure to tighten them firmly enough to hold the cover securely in place but not too tight.
Step 4: Attach Hardware – Some truck bed covers come with hardware attached to the underside of the cover. This hardware allows the cover to be opened and closed quickly without removing the cover entirely. Attach the hardware to the sides of the truck bed and then slide the cover onto the hardware.
Step 5: Adjust Hinges – Finally, adjust the hinges to access the truck bed easily.
History of Truck Bed Covers
The Ford Motor Company introduced the first truck bed cover in 1956. It consisted of a canvas tacked to the edge of the cab’s rear window. The canvas would fold down to allow for the loading and unloading of cargo.
In 1977, Universal Truck Accessories (UTA) created the first retractable truck bed cover. UTA also made the first roll-up truck bed cover. A year later, another company named Tonnage Industries began making truck bed covers hinged along one side. Tri-fold covers are easily folded into the bed to access the cargo area.
Since these early days, many companies have entered the market offering different styles of truck bed covers. Today, there are more than 30 companies selling truck bed covers. Most of them provide both hard and soft surfaces. You can install both types can be installed quickly and easily.
Other Truck Bed Products and Accessories
There are a lot of aftermarket products and accessories for the truck bed. They include things like ramps, tool boxes, and tie-downs. These items are handy, as described below.
Ramps – Ramps help get large or heavy objects out of the truck bed. You can also use them to load smaller items such as bicycles.
Tool Boxes – Toolboxes are perfect for storing small tools and equipment. They can also help keep track of important documents and other valuables.
Tie Downs – Ties downs are great for securing larger loads while traveling. They can also be helpful if you need to keep an item from falling out of the bed during transit.
Cargo Net – Cargo nets are great for holding items in place while driving, especially if these items are light or stacked above the edge of the truck bed.
Tailgate Nets – A tailgate net is excellent for preventing items from falling out of the truck bed, reducing wind drag, improving fuel consumption, and increasing rear visibility.
Plastic Bed Liners – Bucket liners are great for protecting the interior of your truck bed from damage caused by water or dirt. They are beneficial if you live in a region where it rains often.
Paint Protection Film – Paint protection film is ideal for protecting the paint from scratches. It will also protect your interior from dirt and debris.
Truck Bed Locks – It’s essential to keep the bed cover secure to protect items inside the truck bed from theft. Truck bed locks are the ultimate security option to help keep your things safe.
FAQ
Do truck bed covers come with a warranty? Depending on the manufacturer, options may include a limited lifetime warranty or a three-year warranty. Most of the time, a no-hassle warranty will come with your product. Check with the manufacturer or company you’re buying from for warranty options on the model you’re planning to purchase.
Do tonneau covers come in special lengths for trucks with tool boxes? Having a tool box in the back of your truck shortens the opening by about 12 to 24 inches. That’s why most truck bed covers will fit over the entire length of the stock bed sizes. However, some models come with shorter versions that work well for storing tools in the truck’s bed.
Can I install a cover myself? Yes, but some products may require special tools for installation. However, manufacturers typically sell kits that contain all the necessary parts to get started.
Can I use the whole truck bed when a tonneau cover is attached? Yes, the inside area remains open when it’s covered. However, if your body has hydraulic arms attached to the side of the bed, it can limit the amount of space on the sides slightly.
Is it okay to go through a car wash with a tonneau cover? Absolutely! However, brushless car washes are preferred to help avoid hard contact with the surface.
Can I put a bed cover and camper shell on a pickup simultaneously? Unfortunately, no. The two types of covers have different purposes.
Can truck bed covers be locked like a car trunk? Some models have locking mechanisms that allow you to lock them down securely. Others have latches that can be secured using a key.
Do truck bed covers come with instructions? Yes, almost every truck bed cover comes with detailed instructions. However, it would be best to read through these thoroughly before installing the cover to ensure you know how to secure it properly.
Can a truck bed cover hold a lot of weight? Truck bed covers handle different weight loads depending on their type of material. For example, lightweight covers will hold up to 30 pounds, and roll-up covers can typically hold up to 100 pounds. For the higher-end products, they can hold as much as 500 pounds. Check with the manufacturer for exact specs to determine how much weight the cover you’re buying can handle.
Does it take a long time to install a truck bed cover? No, installing a truck bed cover takes anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the cover.
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Key Takeaways
- They protect against dirt, debris, and other elements while keeping your truck bed clean and looking good.
- There’s a wide range available, including roll-up, hinged, and retractable designs.
- Some are available in various colors, materials, and styles.
- Locking covers provide maximum security over soft covers for theft protection.
- Depending on the material and complexity, the costs can range from $200 to more than $2,000.
We hope this article helped with your decision to find the perfect cover for your pickup. Below are the key takeaways for quick reference.
