
Further, hard-shell tonneau covers prevent you from hauling anything taller than the level of your bed. When opened, they expose the entire truck bed-whether you need it or not. While the benefits are obvious, hinged tonneau covers aren't perfect for everyone. Usually made of hard-composite plastic with metal hinges, they're more expensive than their soft counterparts, but not as pricy as retractable or paint-matched hard-shell covers. Whether they're trifold, or have two or even four panels, folding covers are probably the most popular style of tonneau cover. For our money, an electric retractable tonneau cover is one of the best-looking and easiest to use truck-bed coverings.įolding covers are most often made of three panels that fold back toward the cab, exposing just as much of the truck bed as desired. Best of all, most have locking mechanisms, providing trunk space and security. But like roll-ups, many of today's retractable tonneau covers are manufactured using hard composite in dozens of segment slats that are hinged every inch or so, making them more durable. This makes them more susceptible to rips and tears, as well as water damage. If there's a downside, it's that they're generally made of soft fabric, like a roll-up or snap-on tonneau cover. Retractable tonneau covers look fantastic, and they're sleek and easy to use. Just push a button (usually on a key fob) and the cover retracts automatically. This is usually performed by hand, but many of today's retractable tonneau covers are electric powered, making them a snap to use. Retractables are great because the unused portion of the cover rolls up into itself toward the cab of the truck, exposing as much or as little of the bed as you need. Here are the most popular types of tonneau covers and their benefits-and drawbacks.ĩ Pickup Truck Tonneau Covers That Anyone Can Afford Types of Tonneau Coversįor fully featured coverage that's easy to use and disappears out of sight for a sleek look, consider a retractable tonneau cover. Especially when the average fuel-tank size of a standard pickup is around 25 gallons. Moreover, while any bump in fuel efficiency will be negligible-and could be negated by the additional weight-the savings can add up.
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In addition to keeping your truck bed free of dirt and debris, it will protect the paint. Regardless of where you are on this pickup-truck spectrum (we're guessing most truck owners fall somewhere in between the two extremes), a tonneau cover is an investment worth considering. If your truck is mainly for stylin' and profilin', with the occasional grocery run or moving-day haul thrown in, you'll want a protective cover that looks great-and works when you need it. If you're using your truck bed for work, hauling supplies daily and getting in and out of the bed often, you'll want a tonneau cover that's sturdy and easy to use. The answer lies in how you use your truck. But with so many types and styles of tonneau covers on the market, which one is right for you? Snap-On Tonneau Cover- Lund Genesis Snap Truck Bed Tonneau CoverĪ tonneau cover protects your truck bed when you're not using it and potentially improves your gas mileage.Roll-Up Tonneau Cover- TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover.Hinged Tonneau Cover- UnderCover SE One-Piece Truck Bed Tonneau Cover.Folding Tonneau Cover- Gator EFX Hard Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover.Retractable Tonneau Cover- RetraxPRO XR Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover.And there's plenty of evidence to suggest that covering your truck's bed can reduce aerodynamic drag and, therefore, increase fuel efficiency. Covering your truck bed with a tonneau cover can protect it from the elements and debris. What's also clear is that the majority of pickup owners don't need or use their truck beds very often. This article was updated Septemwith new products and fresh information.
