Which One Is Proper for You?

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This text was up to date September 9, 2022 with new merchandise and recent data.

Pickup homeowners love their vehicles. That is identified. What’s additionally clear is that almost all of pickup homeowners do not want or use their truck beds fairly often. Overlaying your truck mattress with a tonneau cowl can defend it from the weather and particles. And there is loads of proof to recommend that overlaying your truck’s mattress can cut back aerodynamic drag and, due to this fact, enhance gasoline effectivity.


Table of Contents

Prime-Rated Tonneau Covers by Sort

A tonneau cover protects your truck mattress whenever you’re not utilizing it and probably improves your gasoline mileage. However with so many varieties and kinds of tonneau covers available on the market, which one is best for you?

The reply lies in how you employ your truck. For those who’re utilizing your truck mattress for work, hauling provides each day and getting out and in of the mattress typically, you will need a tonneau cowl that is sturdy and simple to make use of. In case your truck is especially for stylin’ and profilin’, with the occasional grocery run or moving-day haul thrown in, you will need a protecting cowl that appears nice—and works whenever you want it.

No matter the place you’re on this pickup-truck spectrum (we’re guessing most truck homeowners fall someplace in between the 2 extremes), a tonneau cowl is an funding value contemplating. Along with retaining your truck mattress freed from filth and particles, it is going to defend the paint. Furthermore, whereas any bump in gasoline effectivity will probably be negligible—and may very well be negated by the extra weight—the financial savings can add up. Particularly when the typical fuel-tank measurement of an ordinary pickup is round 25 gallons.

Listed below are the most well-liked varieties of tonneau covers and their advantages—and downsides.

9 Pickup Truck Tonneau Covers That Anyone Can Afford

Sorts of Tonneau Covers


Retractable Tonneau Covers

For absolutely featured protection that is simple to make use of and disappears out of sight for a smooth look, think about a retractable tonneau cowl. Retractables are nice as a result of the unused portion of the quilt rolls up into itself towards the cab of the truck, exposing as a lot or as little of the mattress as you want. That is often carried out by hand, however a lot of immediately’s retractable tonneau covers are electrical powered, making them a snap to make use of. Simply push a button (often on a key fob) and the quilt retracts routinely.

RetraxPRO XR Retractable Truck Mattress Tonneau Cowl | T-80378 | Suits 2021 – 2023 Ford F-150 (incl. Raptor/Lightning) 5′ 7

RetraxPRO XR Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | T-80378 | Fits 2021 - 2023 Ford F-150 (incl. Raptor/Lightning) 5' 7

RetraxPRO XR Retractable Truck Mattress Tonneau Cowl | T-80378 | Suits 2021 – 2023 Ford F-150 (incl. Raptor/Lightning) 5′ 7

Professionals
  • Select Handbook or Distant energy
  • Choices for many truck fashions

Spec Sheet

Dimensions LxWxH74 x 5 x 7 Inches
Weight90 Kilos

Retractable tonneau covers look incredible, they usually’re smooth and simple to make use of. If there is a draw back, it is that they are usually made of soppy cloth, like a roll-up or snap-on tonneau cowl. This makes them extra prone to rips and tears, in addition to water injury. However like roll-ups, a lot of immediately’s retractable tonneau covers are manufactured utilizing laborious composite in dozens of section slats which might be hinged each inch or so, making them extra sturdy. Better of all, most have locking mechanisms, offering trunk house and safety. For our cash, an electrical retractable tonneau cowl is without doubt one of the best-looking and best to make use of truck-bed coverings.


Folding Tonneau Covers

Folding covers are most frequently manufactured from three panels that fold again towards the cab, exposing simply as a lot of the truck mattress as desired. Whether or not they’re trifold, or have two and even 4 panels, folding covers are most likely the most well-liked fashion of tonneau cowl. Often manufactured from hard-composite plastic with steel hinges, they’re dearer than their mushy counterparts, however not as pricy as retractable or paint-matched hard-shell covers. In order that they’re nonetheless comparatively reasonably priced.

Gator EFX Onerous Tri-Fold Truck Mattress Tonneau Cowl | GC24029 | Suits 2021 – 2023 Ford F-150 5′ 7

On Sale

Gator EFX Hard Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | GC24029 | Fits 2021 - 2023 Ford F-150 5' 7

Gator EFX Onerous Tri-Fold Truck Mattress Tonneau Cowl | GC24029 | Suits 2021 – 2023 Ford F-150 5′ 7

Now 18% Off

Professionals
  • Is available in 5’7″, 6’7″, and eight’2″ sizes
  • Most makes/fashions accessible

Spec Sheet

Dimensions53 x 35 x 7 inches
Weight53.6 kilos

Folding covers are extra sturdy than mushy rolling or snap-on tonneau covers and are tremendous helpful for hauling small, awkwardly sized objects that rise above the extent of the mattress. Get one with a lock, and also you’re successfully including a trunk to your pickup, which is super-handy. Nonetheless, they’re additionally heavier, they usually positively price extra. We predict it is value it.


Hinged Tonneau Covers

Successfully a lid to your pickup truck’s mattress, a hinged tonneau cowl props up on hinges close to the cab and stays put through struts. Usually manufactured from hard-shell composite materials however generally made of soppy cloth with an inner body, they’re nice for safeguarding your mattress end and decreasing aerodynamic drag.

UNDERCOVER UnderCover SE One-Piece Truck Mattress Tonneau Cowl | UC3076 | Suits 2009 – 2018, 2019 – 2020 Basic Dodge Ram 1500, 2010-20 2500/3500, Std/Quad/Crew/Mega 6′ 4

UnderCover SE One-Piece Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | UC3076 | Fits 2009 - 2018, 2019 - 2020 Classic Dodge Ram 1500, 2010-20 2500/3500, Std/Quad/Crew/Mega 6' 4

UNDERCOVER UnderCover SE One-Piece Truck Mattress Tonneau Cowl | UC3076 | Suits 2009 – 2018, 2019 – 2020 Basic Dodge Ram 1500, 2010-20 2500/3500, Std/Quad/Crew/Mega 6′ 4

Professionals
  • Sizes for many makes/fashions accessible
  • Three-year guarantee
Cons
  • Dearer and heavier than roll-up or snap-on varieties

Spec Sheet

Dimensions78 x 86 x 5 incheses
Weight96 kilos

Whereas the advantages are apparent, hinged tonneau covers aren’t excellent for everybody. When opened, they expose your complete truck mattress—whether or not you want it or not. Additional, hard-shell tonneau covers stop you from hauling something taller than the extent of your mattress. You possibly can’t go away it propped open whereas driving; the quilt will catch air like a sail on a ship, doubtless ripping the struts proper out of their moorings. Onerous-shell hinged tonneau covers look smooth and may typically be paint matched for an excellent purer aesthetic. We do not advocate a material hinged tonneau cowl; for those who’re trying to economize or weight, a roll-up or snap-on cowl will probably be way more purposeful and almost as safe.


Roll-Up Tonneau Covers

A roll-up tonneau cowl rolls up towards the truck cab, exposing as a lot or as little of the mattress as you need. It is nice for hauling odd-shaped objects, in addition to for fast and easy accessibility to a portion of the mattress for small masses, like baggage of groceries. Search for roll-ups with detachable crossbeam helps, too, as these can get in the best way whenever you want the entire mattress for selecting up your annual Christmas tree or serving to your buddy transfer.

Truxedo TruXedo TruXport Comfortable Roll Up Truck Mattress Tonneau Cowl | 297701 | Suits 2015 – 2023 Ford F-150 5′ 7

On Sale

TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 297701 | Fits 2015 - 2023 Ford F-150 5' 7

Truxedo TruXedo TruXport Comfortable Roll Up Truck Mattress Tonneau Cowl | 297701 | Suits 2015 – 2023 Ford F-150 5′ 7

Now 11% Off

Professionals
  • Light-weight, reasonably priced, and simple to put in
  • Sizes to suit most vehicles
Cons
  • Not as sturdy or safe as a tough shell tonneau cowl

Spec Sheet

Dimensions80 x 7 x 7 inches
Weight5 kilos

Whereas they carry out principally the identical perform of a snap-on, exposing solely as a lot of the mattress as is required, roll-ups may be extra dependable than snap-on tonneau covers. There are not any snaps to interrupt and corners to tear whereas stretching. Nonetheless, most roll-ups are additionally made of cloth materials and will probably be much less sturdy than hard-shell tonneau covers. In addition they have to be secured as soon as rolled up. Some newer roll-up tonneau covers are being manufactured with laborious composite and roll up part by part. They price a bit extra, however, in our opinion, their sturdiness will repay ultimately.


Snap-On Tonneau Covers

Snap-on tonneau covers are the least costly—and least sturdy. That mentioned, they’re additionally the lightest in weight and may be ordered in {custom} sizes. Once more, any gasoline effectivity gained by overlaying your truck mattress may be negated by including all that additional weight to the automobile, so a snap-on tonneau cowl is a light-weight, cheap resolution. In addition they present simple, fast entry to all or a part of the truck mattress.

Lund Lund 90084 Genesis Snap Truck Mattress Tonneau Cowl for 99-06 Silverado & Sierra 1500; 99-04 Silverado & Sierra 2500; 01-06 Silverado & Sierra 2500 HD, 3500; 2007 Basic Fashions | Suits 5.8′ Mattress

Lund 90084 Genesis Snap Truck Bed Tonneau Cover for 99-06 Silverado & Sierra 1500; 99-04 Silverado & Sierra 2500; 01-06 Silverado & Sierra 2500 HD, 3500; 2007 Classic Models | Fits 5.8' Bed

Lund Lund 90084 Genesis Snap Truck Mattress Tonneau Cowl for 99-06 Silverado & Sierra 1500; 99-04 Silverado & Sierra 2500; 01-06 Silverado & Sierra 2500 HD, 3500; 2007 Basic Fashions | Suits 5.8′ Mattress

Professionals
  • Most reasonably priced; simple to put in and use
  • Made within the USA; restricted lifetime guarantee
Cons
  • Flimsy; not for securing instruments or valuables

Spec Sheet

Dimensions75.5 x 5 x 7.75 inches
Weight24 kilos

The draw back is apparent: Snap-on tonneau covers are made of soppy cloth materials that may put on and (actually) tear extra simply than laborious tonneau covers. Most have an aluminum body that bolts onto the highest of the truck mattress and make the most of steel crossbars for assist. Nonetheless, these crossbars may be unwieldy or obtrusive whenever you need to haul massive objects. Search for snap-ons with detachable crossbeams.

In our opinion, snap-on tonneau covers additionally do not add a lot in the best way of aesthetic enchantment. Frankly, we would not advocate one except you are in a bind and wish a fast repair. Spend somewhat extra, and you will get a lot extra.


FAQs About Tonneau Covers

Q: Do Tonneau Covers Enhance Fuel Mileage?

Frankly, the jury remains to be out on this. Some research (often these touted by tonneau-cover producers and retailers) declare an emphatic “sure!” Others, like this outdated 2013 research from Client Reviews, declare that any aerodynamic benefit is negligible, and general mileage is definitely compromised by the added weight a tonneau cowl brings. We’re trying ahead to placing this principle to the take a look at ourselves sooner or later.

For now, whereas a tonneau cowl can theoretically cut back aerodynamic drag and enhance gasoline effectivity and, due to this fact, gasoline mileage, in our opinion the best worth right here lies within the safety and safety it offers—and the general improved appears to be like of a truck. However for those who’re actually taking a look at a tonneau cowl to avoid wasting you cash, go for a light-weight one.

Q: Ought to I Get a Onerous-Shell or Comfortable-Cloth Tonneau Cowl?

If you would like waterproof safety and a locking mechanism to guard any valuables you could need to preserve in your tuck, you need to go for a hard-shell tonneau cowl. However be suggested, it is going to add weight to the automobile and probably negate any added gasoline effectivity. A mushy cowl will probably be lighter weight, however will not be as safe or sturdy. Your name.

Q: Can I Set up a Tonneau Cowl Myself?

Positive, you can. Most fashionable tonneau covers may be put in by any moderately useful do-it-yourselfer with the correct instruments—and the willingness to experiment on his personal automobile. To that finish, for those who’re not sure, we positively advocate skilled set up. Hey, it is your truck.

Nonetheless undecided about which tonneau cowl is best for you? Take a look at a few of these nice picks.

Top-rated Light Bars for Your Truck


Lund Genesis Elite Tri-fold Tonneau Cover

Lund Lund Genesis Elite Tri-fold Tonneau Cowl
Credit score: RealTruck
Professionals
  • Simple set up, no instruments required
  • Lifetime guarantee in opposition to defects
Cons
  • Canvas cloth not waterproof

Buy at Amazon

For those who’re in search of a reasonable, no-frills tonneau cowl you possibly can’t go improper right here.

TruXedo Edge Tonneau Cover

TruXedo TruXedo Edge Tonneau Cowl
Credit score: RealTruck
Professionals
  • Manufactured from leather-based
  • Obtainable for a number of manufacturers and kinds
Cons
  • Comfortable covers aren’t as safe as laborious shell

Buy at Amazon

This actual leather-based tonneau cowl provides a bit extra class, and it installs simply with simply three clamps.

Extang Trifecta Toolbox 2.0 Tonneau Cover

Extang Extang Trifecta Toolbox 2.0 Tonneau Cowl

Now 46% Off

Professionals
  • Comfortable tarp materials is light-weight
  • Self-locking clamps

Buy at Amazon

This mushy cowl is good for the job web site. It really works with most 18″-20″ software bins.

TruXedo Deuce 2 Tonneau Cover

TruXedo TruXedo Deuce 2 Tonneau Cowl
Professionals
  • No-drill set up
  • Computerized stress management retains cowl tight in all temperatures
Cons
  • Vinyl not as nice-looking as leather-based or as safe as composite

Buy at Amazon

Distinctive dual-action design rolls up towards the cab or folds again from the entrance.

Access Limited Tonneau Cover

Entry Entry Restricted Tonneau Cowl
Credit score: RealTruck
Professionals
  • Simple to put in
  • Auto-latch system
Cons
  • Hook-and-loop seal is not as sturdy or safe as another choices

Buy at Amazon

Manufactured from commercial-grade, double-coated, strengthened vinyl, this is without doubt one of the greatest mushy tonneau covers you will discover. 

Best Seller

BAK Revolver X4 Tonneau Cover

BAK BAK Revolver X4 Tonneau Cowl
Credit score: RealTruck
Professionals
  • No-drill, simple set up
  • Works with most Fifth-wheel hitches
Cons
  • Climate-resistant, not weatherproof

Buy at Amazon

Rotational locking aluminum slats below a vinyl cowl lock into aspect mounting rails for unbeatable soft-cover safety.

UnderCover SE Tonneau Cover

UnderCover UnderCover SE Tonneau Cowl
Credit score: RealTruck
Professionals
  • Climate-tight seal
  • Constructed-in inside LED gentle
Cons
  • Provides about 60 kilos of weight to your truck

Buy at Amazon

Sturdy ABS composite development and distinctive x-frame design make it powerful, whereas the easy matte black end means it is common for many fashions.

Patriot Eagle SE Tonneau Cover

Patriot Patriot Eagle SE Tonneau Cowl
Professionals
  • Hinged struts will not bend
  • Inside dome gentle
Cons
  • Particular orders solely; no cancellations

The contoured design of this fiberglass laborious shell tonneau cowl is custom-made particularly to your truck and paint-matched.

DiamondBack 180 Tonneau Cover

DiamondBack DiamondBack 180 Tonneau Cowl
Credit score: RealTruck
Professionals
  • Butterfly opening offers entry to each side of the truck mattress
  • 3/8-inch keyed deadbolt lock offers full safety for instruments and extra
Cons
  • Middle backbone limits hauling capacity

A critical cowl for critical work, it is made of .080-inch alloy aluminum diamond plate and may assist as much as 400 kilos.

Pace Edwards JackRabbit Tonneau Cover

Tempo Edwards Tempo Edwards JackRabbit Tonneau Cowl
Credit score: RealTruck
Professionals
  • “Latch & Lock” system ensures the quilt locks each 12 inches
  • Clamp-on, no-drill set up

Buy at Amazon

Manufactured from heavy responsibility aluminum with a matte black end, the quilt retracts out of the best way and right into a canister on the entrance of the truck mattress.

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