17 Best Tonneau Covers for Most Popular Pickup Truck Beds

Best Tonneau Covers for Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500

Best Tonneau Covers for Ford F150

Its appearance is stylish yet it is quite affordable. Your truck will have a sharper look wearing this particular cover. When it comes to design, it is made of some durable material of vinyl which is tear resistant and it is attached to aluminum bows which make it keep tight. It comes with a weather seal, which goes around the bed to keep things dry and nice.

The vinyl material is strong and thus, very durable. It comes with an added feature of high quality, textured finish. Its durability has been proven during bad weather conditions like snow, hail, and heavy rain.

You will need to reach under the cover in order to unlock it, meaning your cargo will be securely protected. The lock at the tailgate is normally used to secure anything you have inside the truck and under the cover. 

Best Tonneau Covers for Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500

#5. MaxMate Tri-Fold without Ram Box

#6. UnderCover Flex Hard Folding FX 31004

Best Tonneau Covers for Toyota Tundra

#7. TruXedo Lo Pro Soft Roll-up 563801

#8. Retrax 80841 PRO MX Retractable

Best Tonneau Covers for Toyota Tacoma

#9. Tyger Auto TG-BC3T1530 TRI-FOLD

#10. BAK Industries BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding 448426

Best Tonneau Covers for Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon

The underside bed rails are secured to the aluminum frame that has E-Z clamps. During installation, you don’t have to drill, making the installation very simple. It took him 20 minutes to do the installation and the Tonneau cover was ready for you. Apart from the functionality and security that you will get with the cover, it also offers low profile styling that will look great on your truck and you save gas consumption.

Best Tonneau Covers for Nissan Frontier

Best Tonneau Covers for Nissan Titan

Its ability to offer full access to the truck bed is one thing that makes me admire this Tonneau cover. You will be able to access your truck bed without having to fully remove it. All you need to do is fold the panels of the coverto the truck bed’s front, the prop rods are then attached in order to ensure that it is secured in an upright position. You can drive with the cover in this position at highway speed. It comes with a 3-year warranty on manufacturer’s defects.

Best Tonneau Covers for Honda Ridgeline

Best Tonneau Covers for Ford F-250/ F-350

What Is The History Behind Truck Bed Tonneau Covers?

Some people refer to them as truck bed covers and they have been around for a while, evolving from different versions, designed by different users and thus, it is very hard for one single person to claim to have invented a Tonneau cover. Major speedways made the soft covers to gain more popularity. They were used by sport truck racers to improve the aerodynamics and reduce the drag. For hard top Tonneau covers, they became popular as an alternative option to the camper shells. You will get them in different designs and sizes to fit your needs.

How Did The Name Truck Bed Tonneau Come Into Existence?

The word Tonneau comes from the French word which denotes rear seating compartment of a vehicle. Even though your truck bed is not a seating compartment, Tonneau is still appropriate to be used with some people spelling it tonno.

Reasons Why Every Truck Has To Have A Tonneau Cover

Having a Tonneau cover on your pickup will add organized storage for your cargo. You will not suffer weather change disappointments like extreme sun, rain, or snow. A Tonneau covers are an important accessory when you have a pickup. It doesn’t matter how you use your rig, the fact remains that, you will need your bed covered to make a world of difference in how you use your truck. There are several benefits that come with using a Tonneau cover including protecting your cargo from being stolen or destroyed by bad weather. You will need to decide on the right style of cover, what brand you want and how much you want to spend.

1. Weather Protection

At a given time, due to changes in the weather, your truck will need a cover from torrent rains, rocky hail, and heavy snow piles which could bring havoc on your truck, power tools, and other cargo which are delicate. The Tonneau cover will provide your truck bed with a reliable all-weather shield against the weather elements and thus, there will be no need to unload your bed in a panic when caught up in bad weather while on the go.

2. Fuel Economy

Most of the time, you will likely use your pickup truck for cargo space or payload. When in motion, the flow of air over your truck is trapped by the tailgate, wind drag happens in excess as it acts as a parachute. What it means is that your engine is forced to work harder than expected and thus, consuming a lot of gas. To lessen this pattern, you can try driving with your gate open which will be dangerous for you or removing the tailgate which will be difficult. But if you decide to add a Tonneau to your truck, its aerodynamics will improve greatly. You will have roughly a 5 percent fuel improvement. With a hardcover, you will be able to achieve between 10 to 11 percent improvement.

3. Cargo Security

There are a lot of valuable items you carry on your truck, which you wouldn’t want to lose. Whether you are returning home from a holiday or a shopping spree, or you are carrying some construction material to the site, then need to be safe. If you leave the cargo in the open, there is a possibility that they will be nabbed along the way. When you use a Tonneau cover, it will hide your items from the eyes of the thief. So if you have one that can lock up with the truck tailgate to ensure that your truck bed is fully secured.

4. Style

Your truck will look stylish if you add a Tonneau cover on it. It doesn’t matter what type of cover you use as whatever it is, it is going to tie your rig’s style together. If you go for a quality hardcover, you can as well paint it to match with your truck for a great customized look.

Factors To Consider Before Buying a Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

You will have to consider how you are going to use your bed first before deciding on which type of Tonneau cover you will have to buy. If you fall in the field of contractors, then definitely you need to have a cover that is different from that of typical homeowners.

The frequency of use is also important to be considered. Are you going to use it on monthly, weekly, daily or rare occasions? What will be the contents to be carried in your truck bed? What will be the value of your cargo? How long and where will your truck be parked? The aforementioned questions are necessary to ask yourself before considering the following factors.

1. Material

When buying a Tonneau cover, you will have to decide on what type of material you require for it. There are those made from vinyl, others from fiberglass, aluminum, and molded ABS and plastic. You will need to consider which one will work well for your type of truck.

• Vinyl Tonneau cover: Vinyl Tonneau covers are some of the most common types in the market. They are found in various designs featuring roll-up opening and aluminum frames. They have fasteners ranging from Velcro to button snaps to weather stripping. If you want a classic covered look, then the vinyl material is the best to go for.
• Aluminum truck bed covers: If you want a lightweight, which is strong, then go for aluminum truck bed covers. It is durable yet easy to handle performing in folding covers, but you can as well find them in retracting covers. It also comes in a roll up to form by utilizing a higher number of narrow panels. Some of them may be more susceptible from denting and other damage from hail and impacts as compared to fiberglass material or plastic covers. As a light package, they offer excellent security.
• Fiberglass Tonneau cover: They are made from rigid, one-panel design and they are capable of turning truck beds into a rock solid trunk. It offers durability and strength and thus good if you are working and riding in rugged conditions or climates which are demanding. The finishes for such covers are paintable and thus, you have an option of matching them with your pickup. There are some hard folding Tonneaus which are made from fiberglass. Even though it is bulkier, it offers maximum security and protection.
• Molded plastic and ABS Tonneau covers: When it comes to choosing a Tonneau cover, weight is normally an issue. If you would wish to be grabbing things from your truck every now and then, you don’t want a lid which is heavy. The Molded plastic and ABS is a light material which is super durable, quality and offer great security as well as being able to be lifted easily and removed when you need full access to your truck. The plastic material will definitely resist impact and thus, not succumb to debris and hails as other materials do. some manufacturers include a vinyl top layer.

2. Design

A Tonneau cover can either sit under your bed or reach up over the rails to provide extra protection. When therail bed is under and it is your preferred design, then in most cases, you won’t have issues because it is compatible with most designs for Tonneau covers, though those which are retractable might need you to trim the cover at the ends. If you are using the over the rail bed covers, then the lip of the bed is used as a fastening point. While the cover can be placed in place, you will need to notch it in those areas where the Tonneau cover clamps attach to ensure a secure installation.

3. Performance

Different truck bed covers perform differently. Depending on what you want to use it for, you will need to choose your truck well. The hardcover is good, especially if you are going to use your truck for carrying construction materials and other heavy loads. The soft cover is good if your truck is mainly for home use, carrying light items.

4. Price

If you consider the cost to be an important factor when purchasing a Tonneau cover due to a tight budget or you consider expensive to be quality, then I would advise you to go for the soft covers as they are inexpensive.

If you desire to have a hardcover, then I would recommend you look for one which is one piece and folding as I have seen most of my readers preferring them and saying they are a bit more affordable. The roll up and retractable covers are the most expensive ones due to the technology behind them which allows for open and close.

5. Ease Of Use

Ease of use is an important factor to consider and thus, you will need to find out how you want to access your truck. Do you desire to access it from the sides? Then a one-piece cover is out.

Are you yearning to have a cover that will enable you to use every inch of your truck bed? They I might suggest you go for a folding cover. Are you in need of a cover that will be able to open fully but at the same time, not be able to block your rearview mirror? Go for a retractable or roll up the cover.

If you are a do it yourself person, then you will need to go for a Tonneau cover that will be able to install easily. Be aware of how adept you are at installation before shopping for a cover.

Types Of Truck Bed Tonneau Covers

1. Folding

Folding Tonneau covers allows you to access your truck content at a record speed and thus, there will be no need to remove the cover. They are easy to remove and install and they are capable of protecting your cargo against harsh weather elements. In the soft elements, they are made from vinyl materials which are solid, but at the same time, easily manipulated. In the hard form, its construction is strong with panels which are strong but light, made from aluminum. Hard folding covers are capable of carrying several pounds of weight at once up to 400 pounds. They come in 3 folding sections.

2. Tri-Fold

According to reviews, there are so many truck owners who seem to be using the tri-fold Tonneau covers. There is a variety of these type from different manufacturers and thus you will be in a position to pick from your preferred supplier. They are easy to install and to remove when you don’t require them on your truck. There is no drilling required to do the installation. You only need to clamp it to secure it onto the truck, directly on the rails of the truck bed.

They are versatile. Within no time, they can change from being a full Tonneau cover for only 1/3 of your bed. This then will make you use the bed for several needs. You can also take off your cover in seconds and get back your full truck bed.

You will be able to secure your entire truck bed using the Tri-fold Tonneau covers. If your truck has a tailgate, you will need to lock on it, securing your truck bed. Cover the clamped down at its full length and then lock the tailgate.

3. Roll Up

They are made up of vinyl and they are at the same time aerodynamic. The vinyl is mostly marine grade, thus very durable and scratch resistant. This means that they are easy to fold away when you are not using it. It is very fast to pull it aside to access the truck. There will be no need to remove them when you want to access your cargo. Removing and installing is very easy. When you want to close, you will have options of clips, snaps or latches.

4. Retractable

They are hard, but it is easy to retract them in order to access your items without any problem. You can use one hand to access the entire truck bed. They are capable of sitting outside and inside the rails of your truck bed, although the inside is easier to fit. They are designed to work efficiently and are aerodynamic as well. Materials used to make them is aluminum, which is lightweight and at the same time strong. They are normally stored in a canister form when they are not in use. If you decide that is what you want to purchase, then ensure that you wash the canister quite often and store it in the front end of your truck bed. There are models which come with a key and lock for extra security.

5. Hinged

The hinged Tonneau covers operate using hinges. You will be assured that thieves will be kept at bay due to the fact that there over the tailgate design and their hinges ensures that they have a safe use. Apart from your protection, it is providing you also with durable, solid builds and aesthetic appeal due to their stylized ribs, contours, and low profile spoilers. Due to the fact that the painting is done at the factory, there is a likelihood of getting one that matches the body of your truck. You can remove and install to your truck within no time. Though most of them are hard, there are some which are soft allowing easier manipulation.

6. Snap

Snap truck Tonneau covers bring durability, flexibility, and superiority to your snap Tonneau covers. They typically consist of an aluminum frame which clamps to the truck bed and a cover that is made from a vinyl material which snaps into place. They are a unique way to close and open a truck bed. It allows open access to part or all your truck bed, accommodating for varying sizes of cargo.

7. Tonneaus Cover with Tool Boxes

With these types, you will be able to keep your truck bed covered without having to sacrifice your crossover truck tool box. They are specifically built shorter than your bed to accommodate for you over the rail truck tool box. You will be able to enjoy the security and protection of a Tonneau with handy access to a toolbox.

8. Locking

If you will be hauling cargo, then you will benefit from the extra security you are going to get from this particular Tonneau. Remember that, not all Tonneau have a locking system to ensure that, the one you are buying has this capability. You will benefit as this is an extra deterrent to sticky hands and thieves.

9. Hard & Soft

A soft Tonneau cover will provide the basics in terms of keeping your cargo out of sight, but it will not provide the total security which the hard Tonneau cover. These particular covers lock up with your tailgate, enabling your truck bed to become impenetrable safe for your valuable cargo.

Soft Tonneau covers are classic and you will find them being used by several people on their trucks. They comprise of a grain vinyl made of heavy-duty leather tarp which attaches using snaps to the bed, tongue and groove or Velcro stripping weather style. Most of this design comes with folding design with a hinged frame which opens in section. You will get others which open by rolling the tarp up against your cab.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Does Tonneau Cover Lock?​

When the Tonneau is fully closed, it covers the bed of your truck and thus, a passerby may not be able to see what is inside. That is the private aspect of nonlocking fabric covers which are not able to work like the snap covers, which integrate well with the tailgate.

This means that all Tonneau covers provide a certain level of security from the fundamental elements of gear being kept away from eyes as it integrates well with the locks of the tailgate adn then the Tonneau covers which have a locking system that has a key specifiic mechanism.

2. Are Tonneau covers easy to install?

Typically, Tonneau covers are easy to install. Most of them utilize some kind of clamp system which is designed to exact truck for a precise fix to avoid a lot of hassle. So you will need to buy your cover depending on your model of truck.

3. Are truck bed covers waterproof?
No. They are water resistant.

4. Are Tonneau covers easy to clean?
It is very easy to clean a Tonneau cover as doing so is a very simple step by step process. The type of Tonneau will dictate how easy it will be to clean. If you have a hard top Tonneau cover, you will need to wash it just the same way you wash your car. If it is a soft Tonneau cover or a folding Tonneau cover that has a vinyl tarp, you will have to use a mild car wash soap and a brush.

To give it a shine, you will have to do the finishing with your Tonneau brand protection spray. Avoid using wax treatment and automatic car washes as they can cause damage to the cover. There are various materials that are used to make Tonneau cover and that is why it is important to consult with the manufacturer’s instructions before starting the cleaning process.

 Read More: Best Tonneau Cover Cleaner - Buying Guide & Reviews

5. Can Tonneau covers go through a car wash?
Due to Tonneau covers being made from different materials, they might require different cleaning measurements and thus, not advisable to generalize and take it to a car wash. It will be the best to read the manufacturer’s manual on how to clean your specific Tonneau.

6. Do Tonneau covers improve gas mileage?
Yes. When you drive without a cover, air usually flows into the bed and creates a drag. This is what slows you down and causes wastage of gas. With your cover in the closed position, the aerodynamics of your pickup is improved, because the airflow is blocked, resulting in increased mileage. Gas mileage, according to some research, can increase up to 11 percent.

7. How do I know if a certain Tonneau Cover will fit my truck?
Every Tonneau cover comes with mounting hardware which is custom designed for your model, make, and year of your truck. Trucks come with a varied length of their beds, and that is the reason you will have to reconfirm the measurements by measuring your bed before you order a cover.

First things first. You will need to, first of all, determine what style of truck you have and depending with your model and make, there is a possibility that your truck would come with a regular cab, sidestep, extended cab or 4 door crew cab. Measure the bed from the tailgates inside to the bulkhead.

Once you get your truck head length and style, it will be easy for you to select a Tonneau cover which is built and designed for the exact measurements of your truck. (source)

8. Will my Tonneau Cover protect my cargo from rain and snow?
Every Tonneau cover is capable of protecting your cargo from basic weather protection. If you decide to go for a soft top Tonneau, it will be able to channel water away from the truck bed and many come with a tailgate seal strip which makes it possible to prevent water from seeping in.

If you are looking for a serious water protection for your Tonneau cover, then you will need to go for a hard top Tonneau cover. Many hard top Tonneau has extra weather sealing or consists of an over the rail design which makes it possible to keep the water away from the bed.(source)

9. Are Tonneau covers compatible with other bed accessories?

The short answers to the below questions are yes, but it will depend on your style and brand of cover as it will impact on whether it will be possible to use some accessories.

• Tie Down Rings
  Yes. It can be installed into the stake hole pockets of a truck bed to enable it to act as an anchor point for cargo ropes and straps. If you are having a Tonneau cover that is high profile like atri-fold soft, it will sit over the pockets, ensuring that no one can access them. In case you are in need to have access to the holes, you will have to use a low profile cover.
• Bed Extenders
  It is possible to use bed extenders with Tonneau covers. In some cases, you will have to do some modification or slight cutting off over the rail bed extenders to ensure that you have a perfect fit and if you are using under the bed rail liners, then there will be a need for small shims usage. Check the instructions on both the extender and the Tonneau to make sure that you are able to make the necessary modification.
  Read More: Best Truck Bed Extender – Buying Guide and Top Picks
• Truck Racks
  Truck racks resemble tie-down rings and thus, they require access to your stake hole pockets to ensure installation takes place. You will need the crossbars from a truck rack which can impede the use of folding cover. And that is why most truck racks only work with low profile retractable or roll-up covers and even after that, some modifications may be required during installation.
• Headache Racks
  Yes. Some manufacturers of headache racks offer adapters which will allow them to be able to work with different types of Tonneau covers. In case you have a headache rack, or you are doing a purchase when you are buying a Tonneau, you will need to check if an adapter is available with the manufacturer before deciding if it is what you are carrying home.
• A Utility Tracks Systems
  Yes. Many trucks, which are currently in the market come when they are equipped with a utility track system. It consists of rails built into the bed with cargo cleats that slide. While there is no standard degree of impact to the functionality of a cargo management system from truck to truck and cover to cover. The rule is, you will have to use the system which is impeded once a cover is installed. In other instances, a cargo seat will need to be removed completely or fixed in place.
• Truck Bed Mats
  Yes. Bed mats are compatible with Tonneau covers offering the truck with maximum protection that it requires. Most of the Tonneau covers are compatible with under the rail and spray on bed liners without any issues.
  
  In some cases, retractable covers will need some trimming of the mats at the bulkhead. You will require more effort and a lot of time to ensure that you install the Tonneau cover with an over the rail bed liner.
   Read More: Best Truck Bed Mats Reviews – Buyer’s Guide & Top Picks

Conclusion

Remember that the Tonneau covers on my list are just a guide to some of the best in the market. Ensure that you go through them and then decide on which one could work for your truck. A Tonneau cover is there to keep your belonging safe even when you are not around. It is like having the space of a car while riding a truck. I would say that the Auto from Tyger TG-BC3C1038 Tonneau Cover of Tri-Fold Make For The Truck is one of the best in the market due to the fact that, am using it and it is giving me all that a Tonneau cover should provide to you.