A tonneau cover turns the pickup be to a useful vault with increased security for cargo.
Bed covers continue to be one of the most often installed options for pickups.
The main types of covers include soft covers, fiberglass lids, retractable covers and folding covers.
Read on for details about the features of each.
Soft Covers Most of the least expensive choices you can make are of this variety.
Roll up versions offer good value since they are cheap but still offer good protection.
One distinct advantage of soft roll up covers is easy access.
By simply rolling the cover forward you get complete access to every area of the bed.
Soft covers include other types too.
You can get a folding version as well as tilt-up models too.
For just a small price you get a cover to put any cargo completely out of sight.
But you get weather protection too.
Much design effort goes into sealing these, but of course the protection can't compare to some of the hard covers.
Watch for the sealing designs too.
You can choose from several closure methods including snaps and zip type seals.
For the money this type of cover provides much value.
Fiberglass Lids A step up in price brings on the hard tilting covers.
Turn a pickup bed into a hard sided locked vault with one of these.
That way you get a step up in security and potentially better weather protection too.
Fiberglass doesn't truly describe it either.
The material for hard lids may actually be plastic and not fiberglass.
Choose more modern plastics and get superior impact resistance, a slicker finish, lighter weight and lower profile as well.
These covers give trucks that race truck look especially if finished in paint to match the rest of the truck.
Look out for clearance problems though.
See, the lid won't close on cargo higher than the top of the bed sides.
That means with higher loads, you either take the cover off or it stays open.
That could be a major aggravation depending on how you use a truck Retractable Tonneau Covers Highest in price of these choices, retractable covers match fiberglass lids for security and offer some further advantages.
Security is high since the retracting part consists of a metal panel that's hard to get through without a key.
Plus you get a look that puts the cover right at bed level.
There's not much of anything up above the level of the bed.
That makes for a superior look and a really finished appearance.
The real appeal here is ease of use.
Just slide the cover forward or backward to open and close the lid.
The retracted cover panel just slides into a special storage canister right at the front of the bed.
As an option, choose an electrical open and close system.
Like a remote trunk, just push a button to slide the cover open and closed.
It couldn't be easier.
All this will cost you though.
This is the most expensive tonneau but the others can't match the features.
Folding Covers A compromise comes in the form of a hard cover but one made in sections.
That way you get security from prowlers and weather too.
But you get easier access than a hard tilting cover.
These tilt forward one section over another to open the bed for access.
Premium in function and appearance, these cost you a moderate entry price as compared to some other choices.
A tonneau cover turns a pickup bed into a more useful area.
Improve security for cargo and provide your pickup with a more finished look.
Each type available has desirable features.
If money were no object, the retractable covers provide more features.
On the other hand, soft covers offer much value for the money.