What is the Best Truck Tonneau Cover? It Depends On How You Use Your Pickup

You've decided to buy a truck tonneau cover - maybe because of security, improving your gas mileage or you simply want your truck to look good. But you could be wasting hundreds of dollars if you buy the wrong cover for your vehicle. Here are a few things to consider before you make your purchase.

Is your vehicle mainly used for work or recreation?

If you primarily use your vehicle for recreational purposes, then consider how a tonno cover is going to look when fitted. Soft covers are cheaper but look for ones that are low profile. Fiberglass is a great choice if you want to color-match your truck. Hard covers do give you very good security and are very weather-tight. As well as fiberglass, you could look into ones manufactured using polymers, like Undercover tonneau covers. Polymers are a lot lighter than fiberglass and self-installation of these types is a one-man operation - fiberglass covers can weigh as much as 150lbs and will require two people to fit them.

Using your vehicle for work is more problematic. You're probably better off avoiding hinged versions, especially those made of fiberglass - hinged doesn't offer the best access and fiberglass can easily be dented and scratched.

Instead consider aluminum, retractable or soft covers. If you're frequently going to be transporting goods that are above the rail line you need a cover than can be easily opened and locked into position while you drive - soft versions are still the best choice for this purpose.

Will you frequently need to take off the cover?

Soft tonneau covers are pretty easy to take on and off and to store away when not in use. The same really can't be said for fiberglass. They're heavy and they'll take up a lot of wall space in the garage. Polymer versions, like the Undercover tonno cover, are easier to take off because they're lighter, but storage is still an issue.

What about security?

If security is important to you then fitting a hardcover tonneau cover is your best option. Make sure though, that the lock system is good - look for high caliber locks with bitten keys etc. Electric, retractable covers made from aluminum are the perhaps the most secure version, however, these are expensive and the motor is mounted in the truck bed so you will lose some cargo space.

The best truck tonneau cover is the one the best suits your needs. Don't go for style over function and always buy the best you can afford; a well fitted, quality tonneau cover, no matter what type will add value to your truck.

If you want to buy the best tonneau cover follow the links, where you'll soft and hard tonneau covers from leading manufacturers like Extang, Lund and Undercover Tonneau Covers.