Types of Truck Bed Covers

Often referred to as tonneau covers, truck tool box covers are a common aftermarket addition for a variety of reasons. The right truck bed cover blends performance, style and ease-of-use. Here are some of the main reasons to add a cover to your truck:

• Covers help hide valuable tools and equipment in the back of your truck from view. Some covers also lock, safeguarding your possessions.
• A durable cover protects items in the back of your truck from rain, snow and sun. This is particularly important if you regularly keep metal tools, tool boxes or sensitive materials in the back of your truck for work.
• A cover helps keep your truck bed clean, so you’re ready for action and hauling at any time. Leaves, dirt, water and debris can accumulate in your truck bed without a cover.
• Many people prefer the look of a truck with a bed cover. Available in a range of styles, a truck bed cover can be a sleek accessory that gives your vehicle more personality.

Roll-up covers are a popular choice for many truck owners. They're flexible and easy to install, making them the ideal option for those who need a simple truck bed cover to start using right away.

Benefits:

• Roll-up covers are a cost-effective choice. They’re the most affordable style if you don’t need a heavy-duty cover for your truck bed.
• They’re easy to install. Roll-up covers typically have a frame that you can attach to the truck bed without fasteners or drilling. You won’t have to modify your truck to use a roll-up cover.
• They provide ample protection from the sun and inclement weather. Vinyl-coated models tend to last the longest and perform moderately well in rain and snow.
• They don’t need to be removed to haul taller items. They simply roll up to provide more truck bed access.

Considerations:

• Roll-up covers don’t provide a lot of protection from theft. Since roll-up covers are made of soft materials, they can be cut and torn easily.
• They don’t last as long as some other covers. The soft material of a roll-up cover is likely to get worn faster than other types of covers.
• These styles don’t perform as well in heavy rain and snow, especially as they age.

Tri-fold covers come in both hard and soft varieties, with hard versions typically providing added theft and weather protection. Keep in mind, however, that moving parts and gaps between the sections of the cover can allow leaks to seep through. These covers have folding panels, giving you access to your truck bed in sections. This is a great option if you need bed covers for trucks with tool boxes.

Benefits:

• Tri-fold covers are simple to install. Most models are no more difficult than a standard roll-up cover.
• Hard tri-fold covers provide more theft protection since they can’t be cut into. They’re also far more durable.
• Many tri-fold covers sit flush against the top of the truck bed, offering a built-in appearance many users prefer.

Considerations:

• Tri-fold covers restrict access to at least a portion of your truck bed. This may be an issue if you need to routinely access the back of your truck bed.
• Tri-fold styles make hauling large and tall items more difficult due to partially restricted access.
• These often cost more than roll-up covers. This may be offset due to a longer lifespan, depending on your unique needs.

Designed to offer protection without compromising flexibility, retractable designs are ideal for people who use their vehicles in different ways.

Benefits:

• Retractable covers can fold up into a canister when not in use. This means they’re easy to get out of the way if you’re hauling large or tall items and need your entire truck bed.
• They come in many different styles with unique coating materials, allowing you to tailor the look of your bed cover. Common coating materials include aluminum, polycarbonate and vinyl.
• Some retractable covers can be locked in place while partially open. These are some of the best covers for trucks with tool boxes that need to be accessed routinely.

Considerations:

• Retractable covers tend to cost more than roll-up and tri-fold designs. Many people feel the added flexibility still makes them a smart buy.
• They can be more difficult to install and remove from your truck.

If you need an extra-durable truck bed cover for your vehicle, high-impact models made of plastic, vinyl or aluminum may be an ideal choice for you.

Benefits:

• High-impact models are easy to install. This is great if you need to put it on your truck and remove it down the road. Many people can tackle installation and removal in minutes.
• They are extremely durable and designed to last for years. A high-impact truck bed cover can stand up to frequent use and harsh weather conditions.
• Many high-impact models lock, allowing for maximum security and protection. This is a benefit if you routinely keep expensive tools, materials and supplies in your truck on a job site or parked overnight.

Considerations:

• They can be expensive. Though durable, high-impact covers require a higher up-front investment. If you don’t need a heavy-duty truck bed cover, a more cost-effective option might be ideal.
• High-impact models can interfere with tool boxes and other in-truck devices and storage options. Low-profile toolboxes or raised high-impact covers can help alleviate this problem.
• They can be heavy. High-impact covers typically need to be removed to haul large and tall items. Some models may be too heavy for one person, though strong lightweight models are also available.

With exceptional performance and smart style, fiberglass is a top pick if you’re on the hunt for a premium truck bed cover.

Benefits:

• Fiberglass is an extremely strong and durable material. A fiberglass bed cover should last for many years, even if you use your truck for work every day of the week.
• Covers made of fiberglass look like they’re part of your truck. Offering sleek style, many people prefer the way fiberglass covers look over other options.
• Fiberglass bed covers provide a secure lock, keeping your tailgate from being opened. They’re an exceptional choice if you need a secure truck bed cover.

Considerations:

• Fiberglass covers are expensive. For many people, this is offset by their performance and built-in look.
• They can be difficult to install. In some cases, you may need a professional to install a heavy-duty fiberglass truck bed.
• They’re heavy. Most models weigh roughly 100 pounds or more. That means you won’t be able to remove yours on your own. This may be a problem if you need to haul tall or oversized items on a regular basis.