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A pick-up truck can be great for transporting large amounts of goods, but what happens when you’re faced with unexpected rain.
A tonneau cover will provide the items in the rear of your truck with excellent protection against adverse weather conditions. They will also keep your truck secure and leave your vehicle looking impressive too.
The market offers an expansive range of tonneau covers, some of which are going to be more compatible with your vehicle than others.
Therefore selecting the right cover can be a little challenging. We have done the hard work for you and selected our top five picks of the best products available.
Below we have also included a handy buyers guide outlining our top tips for choosing the best product. This is going to come in handy for buyers who could benefit from additional guidance before making their purchase.
If you are in a hurry and don’t have the time to continue reading, we have selected our top pick for you below.
- Backed with a lifetime warranty there is help available if your cover is faulty.
- Made using high-quality materials, this cover is going to protect your belongings from unexpected weather conditions.
- There are multiple size options available so you can select the appropriate cover for your specific vehicle.
- As this cover has been made in the USA, you can be confident in the source of your purchase.
- The cover is available in different sizes and each offers a custom fit for your vehicle.
- Retailing at an affordable price, this cover is a budget-friendly option.
- Affordably priced, this cover is a great option for those on a budget.
- Covered by a 10-year warranty there is help available if you are unhappy with your purchase.
- This cover can be installed within minutes as it doesn’t require the use of tools.
1. Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold Truck Tonneau Cover
With a dual-coated heavy-duty marine-grade vinyl construction and aircraft-grade aluminum frame, this cover has been designed for structural robustness and durability. Even when exposed to the elements, this cover is both dustproof and waterproof.
As a pre-assembled cover with horizontal crossbars, it is easy to install, offering maximum support and convenient access to the rear of your vehicle when required. It is also lightweight which makes it easier to handle and lift. This is going to be useful for those who require constant access to the vehicle bed.
Following installation, the cover seals securely ensuring that the belongings stored inside are protected against adverse and unexpected weather conditions. The clamps and steel rods also ensure that you can lock the cover into place to eliminate the risk of unwanted access to your vehicle.
- Backed with a lifetime warranty there is help available if your cover is faulty.
- Made using high-quality materials, this cover is going to protect your belongings from unexpected weather conditions.
- There are multiple size options available so you can select the appropriate cover for your specific vehicle.
- Impressively, this cover can be installed within minutes.
- This cover is affordably priced, ideal for vehicle owners on a budget.
- This cover is prone to vibrating when the vehicle exceeds a certain speed which some may find off-putting.
2. Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
The Gator ETX Soft Tri-fold Tonneau Cover has been designed for quick and convenient installation and can be done so within minutes without requiring the use of tools.
As a tri-fold cover, it is also easy to access, simply requiring you to fold the cover back towards the vehicle. The cover can also be removed easily if you require access to the whole vehicle bed.
With a sleek but durable design, this cover is going to add an impressive look to your vehicle and it is going to be long-lasting too. The strong aluminum crossbows feature offers maximum strength and support.
Designed with a clamping system, you can easily secure this cover to your vehicle and adjust it when required. This ensures that your vehicle is secure against unwanted access when unattended. If you choose, you can also drive with the cover ⅔ open, ideal if you are likely to be transporting large items.
- As this cover has been made in the USA, you can be confident in the source of your purchase.
- The cover is available in different sizes and each offers a custom fit for your vehicle.
- Retailing at an affordable price, this cover is a budget-friendly option.
- Installation can be done within 10 minutes without the need for tools.
- This cover is lightweight which makes it easy to remove when required.
- The clamps can be a little difficult to tighten and this is likely to be inconvenient for those who require constant access to the rear of their vehicle.
3. MaxMate Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
Durably designed, the MaxMate Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover has been made using heavy-duty marine-grade vinyl and aircraft-grade aluminum rails which provide strength and protection against adverse weather conditions.
This vinyl is also tear-resistant which is going to prevent the cover from becoming damaged easily. The addition of horizontal crossbars offers enhanced support and makes the cover easy to roll up when you require access.
You can easily secure this cover to your vehicle thanks to the velcro straps and latch lock system. Although both can be adjusted when tightened they offer airtight protection that makes it difficult for water to enter.
Installing this cover is simple and doesn’t require the use of any tools. Additionally, the sleek design will see you saving money on your vehicle gas bills in no time.
- Affordably priced, this cover is a great option for those on a budget.
- Covered by a 10-year warranty there is help available if you are unhappy with your purchase.
- This cover can be installed within minutes as it doesn’t require the use of tools.
- With a quality designed this will be a great looking, sleek addition to your vehicle.
- With weatherproof qualities, this cover is going to protect your belongings from the rain.
- Some may find this cover to be a little too thin for their needs.
4. Gator EFX Hard Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
Made with heavy-duty aluminum panels, the Gator EFX Hard Tri-fold Tonneau Cover offers unparalleled protection that is scratch resistant, UV protected, and durable against unexpected weather conditions.
When the panels are closed they will automatically lock into place which offers enhanced security against unwanted intruders.
This cover can also be easily installed and doesn’t require the use of tools. When this cover is secured to your vehicle it will seal flushed against the truck bed for a sleek and unobtrusive look.
The cover has been designed with a water management system that works to prevent the water from entering the vehicle bed. Regardless of the conditions that you are faced with you can be assured that your belongings are going to be protected against the elements.
- Available in three sizes you can select the best fitting cover for your vehicle.
- The heavy-duty construction creates a durable, weather-resistant cover.
- Backed with a 3-year warranty there is help available if you experience any issues with your cover.
- The panels automatically lock into place for enhanced security.
- The installation doesn’t require the use of tools and can be done within 30 minutes.
- This cover retails at a higher price which may make it an unsuitable option for individuals on a budget.
5. North Mountain Soft Roll-up Tonneau Cover
The North Mountain Soft Roll-up Tonneau Cover is available in two sizes which are suitable for certain models of Silverado and Sierra vehicles. Made using a tear-resistant vinyl tarp with an aluminum frame, this is a durable cover that is likely to withstand the outdoor conditions.
With a built-in crossbar design, you can access the rear of your vehicle with ease. Simply roll up the cover towards the body of your vehicle and then you are provided with instant access. This is particularly useful for those that require constant use of their vehicle to load and unload cargo.
Installing the cover is a straightforward process and doesn’t require the use of tools. The cover simply needs to be clamped onto the rear of your vehicle and then you are ready to go.
- Backed with a 3-year warranty you are covered if your product is defected.
- This is an affordable option that is ideal for those on a tighter budget.
- The two size options allow you to select the appropriate size for your vehicle.
- You don’t need tools to attach this cover and installation can be done within minutes.
Impressively, this cover fits tightly to the vehicle for enhanced security.
- The clamps can be a little difficult to secure to the vehicle and may require some adjustments.
Best Tonneau Cover Buyer’s Guide
Before investing in your tonneau cover there is a range of factors that you will need to consider, from the type of cover to the quality, durability, and the cost.
Investing in the right cover for your needs will ensure that this is a worthy purchase. You don’t want to choose a cover, only to be disappointed to find that it is incompatible with your vehicle.
We have outlined our top tips for selecting the right tonneau cover for your vehicle below.
The Type of Tonneau Cover
The market offers many different types of tonneau covers. From roll-up covers to folding and retractable covers, hinge, snap or locking covers, and soft and hardcovers, the market is rather expansive.
Each type of cover is beneficial in its way. A roll-up cover provides security and easy access to your belongings in the rear of the vehicle.
A retractable cover provides you with easier access to your truck bed as it doesn’t need to be removed completely. A hinged cover provides enhanced security against intruders and protection against unexpected weather conditions.
These covers are then available in hard or soft variations. While soft covers are commonly sought after for their flexibility which makes them easier to handle when it comes to installation and use, hardcovers provide greater security.
The type of cover that you select is going to be largely dependent upon your personal preference and how you want your truck to look once the cover has been fitted.
The Size of the Tonneau Cover
Before selecting your cover it is important to measure the rear of your vehicle so that you can select the cover that is going to fit accurately.
There are many different kinds of covers available and so it is paramount that you select one that is suitable for the size of your vehicle.
Certain covers will be marketed for specific vehicles so it is necessary to check beforehand that the cover is compatible with your vehicle.
Most will offer covers that are available in multiple sizes so you can select the cover that is going to be custom fitting to your vehicle.
The Cover Material
Tonneau covers are typically made using one of the four following materials; vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, or plastic ABS.
A soft tonneau cover is usually made using a sheet of vinyl-like material, while the hardcovers are made using fiberglass, aluminum, or plastic.
Each can differ in weight and cost. Fiberglass, aluminum, and plastic are considered to be the best for security and weather resistance. A vinyl cover is still considered to be good in these areas however they are more basically designed.
The Durability
Of course, your tonneau cover is going to be subject to adverse weather conditions when it is fitted to the rear of your vehicle.
For this reason, it needs to be durably designed to withstand these conditions without deteriorating in quality as a result. If your cover is made using cheap or weak materials it isn’t likely to be designed with long-term durability in mind.
You will find that most tonneau covers incorporate a weatherproof system that makes it difficult for the water to enter your vehicle.
Others are also equipped with UV protection that prevents your belongings from becoming damaged when subject to harsh and strong heat.
The Security
You may likely have belongings stored in the rear of your vehicle and so your tonneau cover needs to be secure to prevent intruders from entering your vehicle.
A tonneau cover that has been designed with multiple latch points is going to be the most secure and effective in preventing unwanted access to your vehicle.
Protection
Tonneau covers are often sought after by individuals who want to transport items and goods but fear that unexpected weather conditions may cause them to become damaged.
As they cover the rear of your vehicle you can transport items with peace of mind knowing that they are going to be protected from unexpected wind and rain for the duration of your journey.
Easy to Install and Use
Tonneau covers are available in a range of different models, however, the majority tend to follow a similar process of installation. Most covers can be installed in a matter of minutes and don’t require tools to do so.
You are likely to find a softer cover easier to install than a hardcover as they are more flexible. Your cover should also be easy to use once it is installed onto your vehicle.
If you require regular access to the rear of your vehicle, ideally it should be easy to open and close.
The Cost
Tonneau covers can retail at varying price points with some being considerably more expensive than others. Those that are deemed to be higher quality are going to retail at higher prices.
While it is important to ensure that you select a quality cover that has been durably designed, it is also important to ensure that you remain within your budget too.
The Warranty
You will find that the majority of manufacturers make products that are covered by a warranty.
While the length of the warranty can differ depending on the brand, it is beneficial to opt for a product that is backed by one as this ensures that you are covered should you experience any issues with your tonneau cover.
It is important to note that the majority of warranties cover faults and defects and don’t cover you if you have selected the wrong size cover for your vehicle.
The Brand
Many vehicle brands are known for producing good quality tonneau covers. You may choose to make your purchase with a particular brand for greater confidence in the quality of the product that you are likely to achieve.
However, there are also less known brands that produce tonneau covers that are just as good in terms of quality and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Tonneau Cover Worth It?
A tonneau cover is a worthy purchase for vehicle owners who are needing to cover their truck bed on a part-time basis. They can also help to reduce fuel consumption.
As the use of a fuel cover reduces aerodynamic drag it can improve mileage by 10% with noticeable differences between vehicles with a tonneau cover and vehicles without.
Is a Tonneau Cover Effective in Keeping the Water Out?
On the majority of occasions, yes a tonneau cover is effective in keeping the water out. Of course, it depends on the severity of the conditions that you are faced with and the quality of the tonneau cover that you have in place.
If your cover is sealed along the edges of your truck, it is more than likely to prevent the water from entering into your truck.
Should I Opt for a Soft or Hard Tonneau Cover?
The type of cover that you choose is going to be largely dependent upon the appeal that you are looking for.
A soft tonneau cover is going to appear smoother and sleeker while a hard tonneau is tougher and textured.
