Types of Tonneau Covers

When you purchase a new truck, one of the first things many people will do is purchase a tonneau cover. There are different reasons for buying but the most popular is to keep cargo dry and secure. By covering the bed of the truck you create a large trunk space you can keep your cargo in to keep it dry from the elements and secure from thiefs.

There are many types of covers on the market, but most fall into one of 5 categories. The main styles are snap style, folding, roll up, retractable, and hard lift up.

Snap Style

Snap style tonneau covers are the oldest style available and have been around for many years. Today's style use a 4 piece frame you assemble on the truck and clamp down. Then you install the support bows that will support the vinyl and keep it from sagging, then you snap the cover on around the perimeter of the bed. There are other styles that use a plastic channel, but they are identical to snap style covers in construction they just don't have snaps. An example of a snap style tonneau cover on the market today is the Extang Classic Platinum.

Folding

Folding tonneau covers are fairly new, first making there appearance in the last ten years. These covers are made of 3-4 panels, depending on bed length and fold over top of one another to gain full access to the bed. You will find folding covers in a number of materials, ranging from soft vinyl styles up to hard aluminum versions. A few examples of folding covers on the market today include the BakFlip and the Extang Trifecta and Solid Fold.

Roll Up

Roll Up covers are very popular and include many popular tonneau covers such as the Access Cover, Truxedo Lo Pro and Extang RT. A roll up cover normally rolls up from the rear of the truck to the front and the newer style latch on the rail in the back. Most roll up covers are made of a different style of vinyl which is more weather resistant and will not shrink in the winter.

Retractable

Retractable tonneau covers are one of the nicer, but more expensive cover styles on the market today. Retractable covers have a canister in the front of the bed that the tonneau cover rolls up into when you open it. You are able to lock the cover in different positions to keep it secure when loading cargo and only needing access to part of the bed. You will have your choice of manual versions or also electric versions that will operate from a remote. Examples of retractable tonneau covers include the Roll N Lock and Pace Edwards Jack Rabbit.

Hard Lift Up

Hard lift up tonneau covers are also popular and have been around for a number of years. These covers come in a couple different types of materials and finishes, the main ones being painted fiberglass or black textured ABS plastic. These tonneau covers are one solid piece and open from the back of the truck, simply by unlocking and lifting up, acting as a large truck lid. Examples of hard lift up tonneau covers are the Undercover and fiberglass models from Leer, ARE, Swiss, Raider or Ranch.