What is a tonneau cover? Is it just for pickup trucks? What are the different types and how do they work?
How can you determine if you need one and what’s the best type for your vehicle? Keep reading to find out!
A tonneau cover often called a truck bed cover, is a soft or hard panel that covers the bed of a pickup truck. It is usually made of vinyl, rubber, or plastic.
Tonneau covers have many different purposes such as protecting cargo from the elements, improving fuel economy, enhancing the look of your truck, and more.
Each type has unique advantages and disadvantages that you’ll need to consider before making a purchase.
Why is it Called a Tonneau Cover?
Tonneau is actually a French word that means “cask,” “barrel,” or “keg.” In the early days of motoring, when trucks were first becoming popular, many truck beds were open and unprotected.
As a result, the cargo would often shift around while the truck was in motion, making it difficult to keep anything securely in place.
To solve this problem, some manufacturers began offering covers that could be placed over the bed of the truck, essentially creating a “barrel” for cargo.
These covers became known as tonneau covers, and the name has stuck ever since.
Today, tonneau covers come in a variety of styles and materials, but their purpose remains the same: to provide protection for your cargo.
Whether you’re looking to keep your belongings safe from the elements or simply want to prevent them from shifting around while you’re driving, a tonneau cover is an ideal solution.
Types of Tonneau Covers
When you are in the market to buy the truck covers, there are a few different types of tonneau covers, these include:
1. Roll-up Tonneau Covers
A roll-up tonneau cover is a great way to keep your truck bed covered and secure. They are easy to install and use, and they provide a high level of security for your cargo.
Roll-up tonneau covers are made from a durable vinyl material that is easy to clean and maintain. They are available in a variety of colors and styles to match your truck’s paint job.
Most roll-up tonneau covers come with a built-in locking system that helps to deter thieves.
They are also weather-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your cargo getting wet or damaged by the elements.
If you are looking for an easy way to keep your truck bed cover, a roll-up tonneau cover is an excellent option. They are durable, secure, and easy to use.
Whether you are hauling cargo for work or for play, a roll-up tonneau cover will help you keep your truck bed protected.
2. Soft Folding Tonneau Covers
A soft-folding tonneau cover is a great option if you are looking for an easy-to-install and remove the cover.
They are made from a soft, vinyl material that can be easily folded up when you need to access your truck bed.
Soft folding tonneau covers are available in a variety of colors and styles to match your truck’s paint job.
3. Hinged Tonneau Covers
Hinged tonneau covers are a great option if you need easy access to your truck bed. They are made from a hard, durable material that is easy to clean and maintain.
Most hinged tonneau covers come with a built-in locking system that helps to deter thieves. Hinged tonneau covers are also weather-resistant.
4. Retractable Tonneau Covers
A Retractable Tonneau Cover is a great way to protect your truck bed and cargo. These covers mount on the inside of the bed rails, and they close with a heavy-duty zipper.
They’re easy to open and close, and they’re weather-resistant to keep your cargo dry.
Retractable Tonneau Covers are a great way to keep your truck bed looking good and your cargo safe.
5. Tool Box Tonneau Covers
A toolbox tonneau cover is a hardcover that fits over the bed of a pickup truck. It is used to protect tools and other equipment from weather damage, theft, and debris.
Toolbox tonneau covers come in a variety of materials, including aluminum, fiberglass, and plastic.
6. Hard Folding Tonneau Covers
A Hard Folding Tonneau Cover is a cover that is hard and folds. This type of cover is hinged in the middle and can be opened from either side.
The hard folding tonneau cover provides better security than a softcover because it cannot be cut or torn open.
In addition, the hardcover will protect your cargo from the elements and keep it clean. The hard folding tonneau cover can be used on any type of truck and is easy to install.
Most covers come with all the necessary hardware and instructions. The hard folding tonneau cover is a great way to protect your investment and keep your cargo safe.
7. Snap Tonneau Covers
Snap tonneau covers are a type of soft cover that uses a series of metal snaps to attach the cover to the side rails of the truck bed.
Snap tonneau covers are generally less expensive than other types of covers, and they are easy to remove and reinstall.
However, snap covers can be difficult to seal completely, and they may allow water and dust to enter the bed of the truck.
8. Paintable Hard Top Tonneau Cover
A Paintable Hard Top Tonneau Cover is a cover that can be painted to match your truck’s paint job.
This type of cover is made of fiberglass or ABS plastic and has a gel coat finish. The gel coat finish makes the cover smooth and glossy, which makes it easy to paint.
Painting the cover is a simple process, and you can use any type of paint you like. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Once the cover is painted, it will provide a tough, durable barrier against the elements. And since it’s custom-painted, it will also add a unique look to your truck.
Benefits of Using Tonneau Covers
There are many benefits of using tonneau covers. Some of the most common ones include:
1- Protection from the elements: Tonneau covers protect your cargo from rain, snow, sleet, and sun. They also keep dust and dirt out of the bed of your truck.
2- Deter thieves: A tonneau cover makes it more difficult for thieves to access the bed of your truck. This can help to deter theft and protect your belongings.
3- Improve fuel efficiency: Tonneau covers can help to improve fuel efficiency by reducing drag on the truck. This can lead to better gas mileage.
4- Increase resale value: A tonneau cover can add to the resale value of your truck.
So, if you are planning to sell your truck in near future, better invest in the cover.
How to Clean and Maintain a Tonneau Cover?
When you use truck toppers for long, it is essential to clean your tonneau cover on a regular basis to ensure that it remains in good condition.
There are a few steps to clean and maintain the tonneau cover. These include:
1. You can clean your tonneau cover with a mild soap and water solution. Use a soft cloth or brush to scrub the cover.
2. Rinse the cover thoroughly with clean water when you have removed the dirt and grime over it.
3. Allow the cover to air dry completely before putting it back on your truck.
4. You can also use a vinyl cleaner to clean your tonneau cover.
Especially if you notice any stains or dirt that are difficult to remove, you can use this cleaner with a soft brush.
5. Once you have cleaned the cover, be sure to apply a UV protectant to help keep it in good condition.
You can find UV protectants at most auto parts stores. Follow the instructions on the UV protectant to ensure that it is applied properly.
Fixing a Leaking Tonneau Cover
Just in case your tonneau cover is leaking, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem:
- Check all of the seals and gaskets to make sure they are intact and in good condition.
- If the seals are in good condition, try applying a sealant to the area where the leak is occurring. You can also try replacing the seals and gaskets, these are available at auto parts stores.
- If the leak is coming from the side of the cover, you may need to replace the side rails. However, if the leak is coming from the front or rear of the cover, you may need to replace the front or rear bar.
Differences Between Tonneau Covers and Camper Shells
Tonneau covers and camper shells (or truck caps) are both coverings that can be added to the bed of a pickup truck.
They both have their own benefits and drawbacks.
Here is a comparison of tonneau covers and camper shells:
1- Cost: Tonneau covers are typically less expensive than camper shells.
2- Installation: Tonneau covers are usually easier to install than camper shells.
3- Weight: Camper shells are generally heavier than tonneau covers.
4- Aerodynamics: Tonneau covers are more aerodynamic than camper shells, which can lead to better gas mileage.
5- Security: Camper shells typically provide better security than tonneau covers, as they are more difficult to break into.
6- Visibility: Tonneau covers can obstruct the driver’s view out the rear window of the truck, while camper shells do not.
Both tonneau covers and camper shells have their own advantages and disadvantages.
It is important to consider your needs and preferences before choosing one.
Conclusion
Tonneau covers come in a variety of styles, colors, and materials. There is sure to be a tonneau cover that meets your needs and preferences.
So, whether you’re looking for protection from the elements or want to deter thieves, consider investing in a tonneau cover. You’ll be glad you did.