Trucks are the most sold utilitarian 4-wheelers out there. Even in their stock form, these cabins with a bed behind them fare capable of a wide variety of purposes. But there are a few tweaks and add-on components that can be added to improve its already useful perks. The bed is what makes a truck so utilitarian. But adding a tonneau cover also gives it an added level of security which helps you convert the truck's bed into the world's largest cargo compartment, along with its standard functionality. We compile the best truck tonneau covers that you can buy in 2021.
What Is A Tonneau Cover?
A tonneau cover is basically a hard or soft cover that is used to enclose the bed of a truck. Most truck owners go for a tonneau cover as it helps keep the cargo dry and clean and adds a layer of safety. In the long run, it also adds to the truck's fuel efficiency because of lesser drag. A truck's bed is layered with a rugged grippy coating to help keep the contents sternly.
This coating tends to wither away over time due to various reasons, with natural forces being one of them. With the tonneau cover, no foreign elements enter the bed, thus preserving its life. And lastly, the truck looks cool and the cover adds to its aesthetic appeal.
Different Types Of Tonneau Covers
Tonneau covers are divided based on materials used and folding mechanisms. Each of them has a fair share of pros and cons, and this versatility makes sure that there is a tonneau cover for everyone's needs and tastes. Tonneau covers are offered in either hard or soft casing. But majorly these are differentiated based on the folding method.
Foldable Tonneau Covers: Folding tonneau covers are mostly flaps that told flat into 3 or 4 layers. These are the most popular ones on the market as their rugged construction with a compact form factor and added security with a locking tailgate, makes it tick all the boxes of what more buyers look for. The installation process is fairly simple and also provides added weatherproofing. These are offered in both soft as well as hard materials, with the soft folding ones being cheaper.
Roll-Up Tonneau Covers: Roll Up tonneau covers are also offered in both hard and soft materials. The root formula is similar to the folding ones but instead of folding flat, these roll into a cylindrical form. These are also easy to install and comes with rails or clamps to hold the rollable sheet in place. This mechanism has a key advantage of opening up more bed areas for access as opposed to 3/4 in a folding tonneau cover. The hard roll-up ones have the same function but add a sturdy skeleton mostly made of aluminum rails or tubes for added rigidity.
Retractable Tonneau Covers: These are the most magical type of tonneau covers. We say that because the cover is mostly built out of sturdy aluminum stripes. These are the most futuristic type of this bunch and can be had with either manual or automatic functionality. These can also be had with a locking tailgate for added safety. So, a retractable tonneau cover basically adds up all the perks of a soft and hard folding and rolling tonneau cover and adds a pinch of modernness to it. It comes with a built-in canister that stays plush to the cab side. It is quite durable and is weatherproof.
Hinged One-Piece Tonneau Covers: These are the oldest style in the book. A huge solid chunk of cover is put over the bed and is hinged to one side. The other lockable end can be opened up to a maximum of 30-40 degrees and held in place with a piston or struts. As it doesn't have any movable part, this type of tonneau cover offers the best-in-class weather protection and waterproofing. It can also be colored as per your wish and is the most secure tonneau cover out there. But it is the least practical of the bunch with very limited usage.
Things To Consider While Buying A Tonneau Cover
Measurement: The first thing to do while shopping for a new tonneau cover is to take the dimensions of your truck bed. Not all tonneau covers are offered in varying shapes and sizes. So, it is wise to measure your truck bed dimensions first and then start shopping accordingly.
Choosing The Type Of Tonneau Cover: As mentioned earlier, there are varying types of tonneau covers based on the materials used and the type of opening mechanism. So, choose between hard and soft type first, and then between rollable, foldable, or single-piece liftable as per your work demands.
Additional Features, If Needed: Many tonneau covers come with additional features like a bed light, additional toolbox, or even clamp risers. All of these can be added according to your usage, and mostly doesn't cost much if bundled with the tonneau cover.
Here Are The Best Tonneau Covers From Every Type To Buy In 2021
Undercover Elite LX One-Piece Tonneau Cover
This is the priciest option of this bunch and for strong reasons too. It is a one-piece hinged hard-case tonneau cover that is made of rigid ABS composite. It comes pre-painted in 80 different factory-finishes and so finding one for your truck will be a breeze. It also has something called the X-effect design that helps increase strength and durability. Perimeter seals help keep the contents safe from water and dust. This tonneau cover comes with a 3-year warranty and is proudly made in the USA. Order yours today!
BAK Revolver X4 Tonneau Cover
This is a roll-up tonneau cover but made with patented stainless steel aluminum locking rails. Despite its added material, BAK has managed to keep the Revolver X4 flush with the profile of the truck. It is installed rather cleverly to the side of the bed which keeps the bed liner, free and open to installing other accessories. Installing this is an easy process and only needs you to clamp on at the right points. It comes with a 3-year customer protection warranty and is made in the USA. Order yours today!
BAK BAKflip MX4 Tonneau Cover
This is a hard tri-fold tonneau cover that is built out of aluminum. It opens up completely unlike other hard foldable options out there. It comes in a cool matte-black finish which also adds character to the overall look. The finish is scratch-resistant and protects the cargo from UV rays as well. It has a dense foam core that helps in taking in strong thuds and abuse with ease. It gets a new rear universal seal that allows you to close the over when the tailgate is open as well. The cover can also take on about 400 pounds of evenly distributed weight on top as well. It is made in the USA and comes with a 5-year warranty. Order yours today!
Extang Solid Fold 2.0 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
This is a tri-fold solid tonneau cover that is made up of lightweight polymer panels. This allows for an easy interaction without compromising on its rigidity. It provides a certain degree of water protection and comes with rubber-wrapped corners and protective hinge caps for a smooth experience. It is offered in 3 varying bed sizes and comes with a factory warranty as well. This comes out to be on the pricier side of things but is available for a wide variety of trucks, the versatility of which tires to cope up for the pricing. Order yours today!
Pace Edwards Switchblade Tonneau Cover
This is a retractable tonneau cover that is built out of padded polymer. This thing provides some rugged cargo protection and the retracting function gives it an impressively compact form factor. Apart from the chunk sitting upfront, you wouldn't feel the presence of a cover, and it provides for close to 100% workable area, when open. The deck is made of aluminum and looks cool too. It also has continuous spring tension that allows the cover to slide in with ease. It is made in the USA and comes with a 1-year warranty. It is a bit on the pricey side but puts a lot on the table for that price. Order yours today!
Lund Genesis Elite Roll-Up Tonneau Cover
This tonneau cover is for those whole love compact stuff. The Lund Genesis Elite Roll-Up tonneau cover is made of twill weave material that has water-repelling properties. It can also combat UV rays, mold, and dust with ease. The best part about being rollable and made of fiber is that it is easily detachable and can be washed. The transition between roll-up and flat-out is easy and you are provided with plastic buckles to hold the roll firmly in place. You also get a lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects. Order yours today!
American Tonneau Company Soft Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover
This vinyl-based tri-fold tonneau cover is a self-sufficient offering that comes with a few extra commodities in the box. It is made with love at home and comes in 3 sizes. The extra components included are the 'TonnoTonic' tonneau cover cleaner, tailgate sealer, a rescue hammer, and a cargo retrieving device. It comes pre-fit from the factory and installing it is an easy affair. The connecting layers are snugly fit and provides for a watertight layout. It comes out to be on the pricier side when compared to other vinyl-based tonneau covers but backs it up with a well-rounded package. Order yours today!
TonnoPro TonnoFold Tonneau Cover
This is a hard duo-fold option that is built out of aluminum with marine-grade vinyl coating on the outside. The combined rigidity and ruggedness make it perfect for the rough ones out there. The fabric is stitched in close-knits which makes the bond stronger and in turn, waterproof. It comes with 2 sets of hinges at equal intervals which makes folding it up easier and has a mellow look even when all folded-up. It comes pre-assembled for easy installation and TonnoPro provides with lifetime customer protection warranty. Order yours today!
TruXedo TruXport Roll-Up Tonneau Cover
This is a very user-friendly roll-up tonneau cover built of tough leather-grain fabric. It comes with pre-set tension controls that keep it tight and a dual latch system for ease of usability. The rollable layer comes with feathered bows that can take on a considerable weight with ease. It sits higher on the bed, thus not eating into its volume. The TruXedo TruXport roll-up tonneau cover comes with a 5-year warranty and can be installed easily without any modifications to the bed. Order yours today!
Tyger Auto Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover
This is the versatile and cheapest option of this bunch. The Tyger Auto Tri-Fold tonneau cover is made up of very durable marine-grade vinyl. It is surprisingly thin which gives a subtle look to your truck (no protruding layers here). It has a weather-tight seat that keeps your bed contents safe at all times. Apart from the pre-assembled tonneau cover, the retail box also contains an LED bed light setup, weather seals, and tools required to mount this tonneau cover onto the bed with ease. Tyger offers a limited lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects and also has a return policy if you order the wrong size by accident as well. Order yours today!