A tonneau cover is one of the essential truck accessories you can get. These covers protect security, weather, increased mileage, and enhanced vehicle styling. Given that there are many brands of tonneau covers to choose from, you can find it challenging to settle on one. Generally, an open truck bed will expose its contents to toxic elements. The cargo could become damaged by moisture or corroded when exposed to snow or rain.
This is likely to be the case when the water lingers on the truck bed. If the items are not secured on the truck bed, they might shift around and get damaged or damage the truck. Lighter items might be completely blown out of the truck on windy days. Besides, some of the articles left on the truck bed for extended periods might be damaged by UV rays or faded from the sun. In simpler terms, having an open or exposed truck bed will result in several inconveniences. It also negates the truck’s reliability.
When you get a tonneau cover, you will protect against forces of nature that might result in damages. These covers help increase The truck’s versatility and performance. It is vital to get a truck tonneau cover that guarantees protection no matter the weather conditions. Thankfully, most tonneau covers protect against UV rays and sunlight. They also prevent strong winds from blowing the cargo off the truck bed.
As mentioned, you might have challenges choosing the right tonneau truck bed cover, given the many types available on the market. This guide is meant to enlighten you on the types of tonneau covers available.
Roll-Up Tonneau Covers
Roll-up tonneau covers are the most common type available. This type of tonneau cover is ideal if you regularly need to access all parts of the truck bed. These covers make it easy by opening at the rear of the truck and then quickly rolling up at any point of the truck bed. Roll-up tonneau covers are also ideal for those who prefer leaving them fully open behind the cab.
Once the cover is closed, its piece is snugly secured onto the bed rail with solid seals. Remember that some roll-up tonneau covers only feature a layer of vinyl. However, others offer additional support under the already established vinyl top layer. There are two types of roll-up tonneau covers;
Soft Roll-Up Covers
You are likely to have come across a soft roll-up tonneau cover. These are special tonnes that come with rails. The rails allow them to sit lower and make it easy to access the cargo. Some of these covers feature curved cross braces that are bolted in place underneath the cover layer.
They tend to run across the truck bed from right to left, serving as great support braces for areas where a lot of weight accumulates. If you intend to transport solid cargo that can’t get easily damaged, try this type of roll-up truck tonnes.
Hard Roll-Up Covers
There are also hard roll-up tonneau covers that feature a soft vinyl layer. The layer covers a wall of individual aluminium slats. When the slats are fully closed, they line up and lock in place to form a hard shell. The shell is so hard that it can support a payload of up to 400 pounds.
If you transport cargo that regularly bounces or shifts underneath the tonneau cover, go for a hard roll-up tonneau. These covers are ideal because they are hard enough to serve as a barrier to keep the items in place. This prevents them from falling out and causing damage. Besides, the material is theft-resistant.
Retractable Tonneu Covers
Like hard roll-up tonneau covers, retractable covers also give a uniform barrier made up of many aluminium slats. The slats are placed in a unique sequence next to each other. However, instead of the cover rolling on top of itself, the retractable covers roll neatly into a storage canister mounted from the inside. Like a window shade gives some form of privacy, the retractable tonneau covers are comprehensive and water-resistant.
It also ensures locking bed security once it is closed. However, with the space taken up by the canister in front of the bed, it is tightly concealed. Remember that this may restrict you from carrying items extending to the bed’s very front. These covers are ideal for users that carry smaller loads.
Folding Tonneau Covers
Folding tonneau covers come in a wide range of versions. However, the hard versions are the most common ones. These versions are completely solid and ensure protection against possible damage. The soft versions have panels with a single sheet layer of vinyl fully stretched over the framework. Generally, these tonneau covers fold up into three sections, while some have four. This type of tonneau cover is ideal if you regularly transport oversize items like appliances, furniture, or dirt bikes.
Soft folding tonneau covers come with the benefits of lightweight, good-looking vinyl and reinforcement from the folding framework. If you want a tonneau cover that will enhance the appearance of the truck, the soft-folding tonneau covers will do a good job. This is because they feature a uniform, unbroken outline from side to side.
Summary
While tonneau covers do a good job in protecting the cargo, you should make an effort to get the right one. The fact that the market is flooded with a wide range of tonneau covers makes it difficult to settle on one. Thankfully, we have enlightened you on some crucial things to consider when looking for a truck tonneau cover. Even better, a full tonneau offers better features than any tonneau cover available. So, if you want something better, durable, and reliable, get a robust tonneau today!
