Trucks are great for many reasons, but one area that they lack is in adequate security. Sure, it’s easy to throw in what you need to carry around, but with that comes the prying eyes from strangers and a lack of privacy. To increase the security for things you place on your truck bed, consider investing in a roll up tonneau cover. They’re easy to install and one of the more affordable forms of tonneau cover available!
- How to Choose the Right Roll up Tonneau Cover
- Top 10 Best Roll up Tonneau Covers 2024
- 1. Best Overall Roll up Tonneau Cover: Tyger Auto T1 Soft Cover
- 2. Best Budget Roll up Tonneau Cover: MaxMate Soft Roll up Cover
- 3. Most Secure: Gator ETX Soft Roll up Cover
- 4. Best Premium Roll up Tonneau Cover: BAK Revolver X2 Hard Rolling Cover
- 5. Most Durable: TruXedo TruXport Roll up Cover
- 6. Lowest Maintenance: Lund Genesis Elite Roll up Cover
- 7. Best Weather Resistance: oEdRo Roll up Truck Bed Cover
- 8. Most Protective: TruXedo Sentry CT Cover
- 9. Best for Cold Weather: North Mountain Soft Vinyl Roll-Up
- 10. Easiest to Set-Up Tonneau Cover: Tonno Pro Lo Roll
- Guide to Picking the Perfect Roll up Tonneau Cover
- Final Thoughts
How to Choose the Right Roll up Tonneau Cover
The best roll up tonneau covers are durable, strong, and sturdy enough to keep all your possessions safe. We’ll cover some of the basic features to look out for and which types of tonneau covers are the best for you. You can also find a more in-depth guide here.
Types of Roll up Tonneau Covers
There are two main types of roll up tonneau cover, soft and hard, each with their benefits and drawbacks. This guide focuses exclusively on roll up covers, but if you want to know about different types of tonneau covers in general, you can read more about those here.
Soft Roll up Covers
Soft roll up tonneau covers are the most basic type of truck covers that you can invest in. They’re made from vinyl fabric and can be UV resistant or waterproof. They’re enough to keep your items safe in the back of the truck bed while you’re driving, though they may be too soft to provide security since they can be sliced through with sharp knives.
However, they’re the more affordable option of the two types. They also weigh less and can be easier to roll up and use on a day to day basis.
Hard Roll up Covers
Hard roll up tonneau covers can be made from metal or plastic. You’ll be able to protect your possessions much better, but the initial installation can be more difficult.
When they’re rolled up, they also take up more space compared to soft roll up covers. The process of rolling them up can also be more difficult due to their increased weight when compared to soft covers. They are also significantly more expensive than soft roll up covers.
Features to Consider When Buying Roll up Tonneau Covers
Tonneau covers come in many shapes, sizes, and covers. You’ll want to find one that strikes a good balance between its durability, size, safety features, and price point. Below, we’ll cover the main areas of interest you should consider when purchasing a tonneau cover.
Size
Even if you have a tonneau cover with all the right features, it won’t work well unless the size is suited for your truck bed. If it’s too small or too large, it won’t provide adequate protection or fit correctly over your bed.
Our reviews make sure to highlight sizing options so that you know what you’re buying is sure to fit your truck model specifically. You can also click through to the Amazon product listings in our reviews and enter your truck’s model details to quick-check the size.
If you have bed rail caps, truck bed liners, or anything else that impacts sizing dimensions, you’ll need to make sure the cover you choose can accommodate these, too.
Safety Features
Many people want a tonneau cover to know that their items are safe in the back of their truck when left unattended. A lot of roll up covers have a clamp or Velcro strap to hold them in place, but some covers come with locks and better features. These covers will give you better peace of mind when you leave your truck unattended, knowing that it’s safe from theft.
Installation
While roll up covers are easy to use when they’re installed, getting started with them is another story. Soft covers may only need clamps and fasteners, but hard covers require you to mount, secure, and align several different components to get the cover onto the truck bed safely. You can read more about the installation process here.
Material
The material that makes up your roll up cover determines how much protection your items get, both from potential thieves and from the outdoor elements. Some softer materials can offer waterproofing, and harder materials can offer more protection from theft. The material may also impact the cover’s durability and overall sturdiness, which we note in our reviews.
Waterproofing
If you live in a climate where rainfall is an issue, it may be worth paying extra for a waterproof (or at least water-resistant) tonneau cover. As well as the lining itself, some options come with water-resistant seals to help ensure your possessions are kept safe in all weather conditions. Where this is the case, it’s always noted within our reviews.
Price
The price of the tonneau covers can range from affordable to very expensive. Some covers (often soft covers) can be found under $300 and will keep your items from falling off the truck bed, though they may not be as durable. Others range from $300-$1000, with a good mix of soft and hard covers. A few covers over $1000 have extra security features and offer the most protection.
Now that you know what to consider, here are the best roll up tonneau covers available today.
| Product | Type | Material | Sizes | Weight | Waterproofing | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyger Auto T1 Soft Cover | Soft | Marine-grade vinyl, aluminum powder coated rails | 5’6”, 6’6”, 8’0” | 25 lbs. | Water-resistant and watertight | 5 |
| MaxMate Soft Roll up Cover | Soft | Marine-grade vinyl | 5’8”, 6’6” | 4 lbs. | Water-resistant but not waterproof | 5 |
| Gator ETX Soft Roll up Cover | Soft | Industrial strength leather-grain vinyl | 5’8”, 6’6”, 8” | 27 lbs. | Water-resistant, not completely waterproof | 4.5 |
| BAK Revolver X2 Hard Rolling Cover | Hard | Gloss vinyl and aluminum slats | 5’9”, 6’7”, 8’2” | 81 lbs. | Comes with a rubber seal, waterproof | 4.5 |
| TruXedo TruXport Roll up Cover | Soft | Commercial grade leather-grain vinyl | 5’8”, 6’6”, 8’0” | 26 lbs. | Water-resistant material | 4.5 |
| Lund Genesis Elite Roll up Cover | Soft | Twill-weave matte canvas | 5’7”, 6’4”, 8’0” | 25 lbs. | Water-resistant material | 4.5 |
| oEdRo Roll up Truck Bed Cover | Soft | Double layer PVC | 8 ft., 6.5 ft. | 27 lbs. | Made of waterproof material | 4 |
| TruXedo Sentry CT Cover | Hard | Woven fabric and aluminum slats | 5’8”, 6’6”, 6’7”, 8’0” | 75 lbs. | Water-resistant but not watertight | 4 |
| North Mountain Soft Vinyl Roll-Up | Soft | Double-sided vinyl tarp and aluminum frame | See Amazon sizing guide | 7 lbs. | Improved water runoff design | 4 |
| Tonno Pro Lo Roll | Soft | Double-sided vinyl tarp | 5’5”, 6’5”, 8’0” | 36 lbs. | Water-resistant seals | 3.5 |
Top 10 Best Roll up Tonneau Covers 2024
1. Best Overall Roll up Tonneau Cover: Tyger Auto T1 Soft Cover
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Soft
- Material: Marine-grade vinyl, aluminum powder coated rails
- Sizes: 5’6”, 6’6”, 8’0”
- Weight: 25 lbs.
- Waterproofing: Water-resistant and watertight
For an all-around solid option, the Tyger Auto T1 Soft Roll Up might be the best option. The cover is sturdy and durable, evident by the limited lifetime warranty offered by the company. In addition, it comes with special weathertight sealing strips so that your items stay safe and dry in the truck bed, no matter how wet the outside environment is.
The latch lock and tension system that comes with this cover is enough to keep your items secure, while the material is durable and hard for thieves to cut through. Installation shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes, and the built-in crossbars keep the product stable and secure when you’re using it. However, since this is vinyl, you may want to use Tyger’s own vinyl cleanser rather than just using soap.
The rails do extend a little above the bed rails, which can take away from the overall appearance. It also covers the stake pocket holes, so you won’t be able to use it with a ladder rack or side rails. However, by covering all the stake pocket holes, you end up with a watertight tonneau cover that’s capable of keeping all outside elements out when you’re on your next road trip.
Pros
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Weathertight sealing strips keep items dry in the truck bed
- The latch lock and tension system is secure
- Easy installation which takes around 30 minutes
- Built-in crossbars add to the strength of the tonneau cover
Cons
- Covers the stake pocket holes
- Rails extend slightly above the bed rails
2. Best Budget Roll up Tonneau Cover: MaxMate Soft Roll up Cover
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Soft
- Material: Marine-grade vinyl
- Sizes: 5’8”, 6’6”
- Weight:4 lbs.
- Waterproofing: Water-resistant but not waterproof
If you’re looking for an affordable option that’ll last you a while, the MaxMate roll up cover is right up your alley. It comes with a 10-year warranty, so you can be sure the brand owners know their cover is durable enough to last. In addition, the cover is strong when locked, making sure that nothing will fall out as you drive. Unfortunately, while this is a great deal, it comes in very limited sizes, so you may not be able to find one that fits your truck bed.
It’s made out of marine-grade vinyl that can hold its own against the elements. However, while the material itself is water-resistant, the lack of seals means that water can end up getting into the truck bed. While you can buy some stake hole plugs to keep water from leaking in, it is an extra cost that you’ll need to consider.
The side rails themselves are also a bit bulky, which can take away from the overall look of your truck. If you are concerned about the appearance, you can opt for a sleeker tonneau cover such as the TruXedo TruXport roll up.
It’s easy to install, like many other tonneau covers, and comes with aircraft-grade aluminum side rails that’ll keep it stable and secure. In addition, the vinyl itself remains wrinkle-free and won’t shrink or warp after months of use. As with many other covers, it’s also smooth enough to save you a bit on gas mileage.
Pros
- Affordable and sturdy option
- 10-year warranty
- Locks securely over the truck bed
- Aircraft-grade aluminum side rails
- Vinyl remains wrinkle-free and won’t warp
Cons
- Doesn’t come in all sizes
- Water can slip into the truck bed
- Side rails are bulky
3. Most Secure: Gator ETX Soft Roll up Cover
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Soft
- Material: Industrial strength leather-grain vinyl
- Sizes: 5’8”, 6’6”, 8”
- Weight: 27 lbs.
- Waterproofing: Water-resistant, not completely waterproof
The Gator ETX soft roll up clamps onto your truck securely enough that you can be sure your items won’t fall out. With an inside mount process and a no-drill install, this cover sits low and unobtrusively over your truck bed, adding to the overall look. In addition, it also comes with adjustable tension controls to help you get the most secure fit over your truck bed.
The cover itself is made in the USA, which speaks to the high-quality materials sourced for its production. In addition, the special design of this cover also includes 2 crossbars, which increase its strength, both against thieves and items that could fly out as you’re driving. To add to the quality, it also comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and a 10-year warranty for the tarp itself.
This tonneau cover may be all you need for the next decade! If you want a slightly cheaper roll up cover that also has a 10-year warranty, you should consider the MaxMate soft roll up cover. However, keep in mind the hook and loop rail closures are not as durable as the rest of the cover and can be easily damaged over time. In addition, some water can also leak into the truck bed, since soft covers don’t protect as well against water when compared to hard covers, like the BAK Revolver X2 Hard Rolling Cover.
Pros
- Secure clamps with adjustable tension control
- High-quality ingredients sourced from the USA
- Lifetime warranty on frame
- 10-year warranty for the tarp
- Two crossbars increase the strength and security of cover
Cons
- Hook and rail closures aren’t durable
- Some water may leak into the truck bed
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Hard
- Material: Gloss vinyl and aluminum slats
- Sizes: 5’9”, 6’7”, 8’2”
- Weight: 81 lbs.
- Waterproofing: Comes with a rubber seal, waterproof
The BAK Revolver X2 cover comes with everything you might want, from its sturdy construction to the way it automatically locks onto the side of the bed as you roll it down. It’s durable, and the aluminum slats are also lined with rubber at the end to create a weatherproof seal.
While this is definitely on the pricier side, the quality and level of protection are hard for soft covers to match. However, keep in mind that this cover only comes with a 3-year warranty, so you’ll want to take good care of it when you have it.
In addition, the rubber seal that it arrives with is not as sturdy for waterproofing, but you can easily buy your own water seal to completely waterproof the truck bed. The material itself is water-resistant and high quality, much stronger than any of the soft covers. If you want a waterproof cover from the start, take a look at the TruXedo TruXport roll up.
Like other hard covers, this one is also a fair bit heavier and bulkier than traditional soft cover roll ups. However, with it comes increased security without you having to shell out thousands of dollars for a hard folding cover. In addition, you’ll be able to roll it completely out of the way for full truck bed access when you need to get something.
The aluminum construction of the cover also means that it can withstand up to 400 lbs. of weight on top, something far greater than what any soft cover can withstand.
Pros
- Aluminum slats lined with rubber for waterproofing
- More sturdy and durable than soft covers
- Increased security
- Cheaper than hard folding and retractable tonneau covers
- Can withstand 400 lbs. of weight on top
Cons
- May need to invest in a better rubber seal
- Only has a 3-year warranty
- Heavier and bulkier than soft covers
5. Most Durable: TruXedo TruXport Roll up Cover
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Soft
- Material: Commercial grade leather-grain vinyl
- Sizes: 5’8”, 6’6”, 8’0”
- Weight: 26 lbs.
- Waterproofing: Water-resistant material
The TruXedo TruXport roll up cover is made with high-quality leather-grained fabric and is designed to last. This fabric also protects your valuables and possessions from most weather elements without increasing the weight of the cover. In addition, the material not only adds to the strength of the cover, but it also adds to the overall sleek and stylish aesthetic.
However, keep in mind that it’s not completely waterproof, and some water may leak into your truck bed. If you are concerned about water getting into the truck bed, your safest option would be the oEdRo roll up cover.
On the bright side, the material itself isn’t prone to warping or shrinking when wet and holds up under rain or snow. It also has dual paddle latches at the ends that can keep your tailgate in a locked position whenever the cover is closed, adding an extra level of security. Best of all, the cover is made in the USA, so you’re helping out the economy with your purchase.
One installation perk that jumps out is the pre-set tension controls added to the dual latching system. Adjusting the tension is one of the hardest parts of the installation process, and TruXedo takes care of that for you. However, when you are installing, to get the perfect fit, you may need to install the cover lower than the guideline provided in the instruction manual.
Pros
- Made with high-quality leather-grained fabric
- Dual paddle latches at ends add extra security
- Doesn’t shrink or warp when exposed to rain and snow
- Made in the USA
- Pre-set tension controls make installation easier
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
- Water may leak into the truck bed from the sides
- May need to install lower in the truck bed to get the right fit
6. Lowest Maintenance: Lund Genesis Elite Roll up Cover
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Soft
- Material: Twill-weave matte canvas
- Sizes: 5’7”, 6’4”, 8’0”
- Weight: 25 lbs.
- Waterproofing: Water-resistant material
Tonneau covers can be hard to clean and maintain, but the Lund Genesis Elite cover takes care of that for you. You can wash it with basic soap and water without needing to invest in any extra specialist cleaners. The twill-weave material is resistant to water, mold, mildew, UV, dirt, and dust, so you won’t have to worry about cleaning it often, either. Once you get it set up, you can go a while before needing to deep clean the cover.
There’s a single latch mechanism that’s easy to use with this cover when you need to get it up or down. It’s also low profile, meaning it’s mounted inside the truck bed and won’t interfere with your current truck design and appearance. Paired with its resistance to dirt and grime, you have a cover that looks good almost all year round!
However, the material does start to shrink and warp after a few months of use. While most soft covers may end up having this problem in the long run, you can avoid it by investing in a hard cover such as the BAK Revolver cover.
In addition, the tension adjustment during installation can be difficult to get right, and the cover itself may not fit perfectly on your truck. Make sure you check the amazon style guide to check that the specifications fit your truck well. In addition, while the material is water-resistant, the seams do not have special waterproof sealing, so water may be able to get in if you didn’t install it securely.
Pros
- Only need soap and water to clean
- Resistant to most outdoor elements
- The single latch mechanism is easy to use and roll up
- Twill cover is water-resistant
- Low profile and black cover matches with all truck designs
Cons
- Material shrinks or warps after a few months of use
- No waterproof sealing
- Tension adjustment can be difficult to get right
7. Best Weather Resistance: oEdRo Roll up Truck Bed Cover
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Soft
- Material: Double layer PVC
- Sizes:8 ft., 6.5 ft.
- Weight: 27 lbs.
- Waterproofing: Made of waterproof material
The oEdRo tonneau cover specifically aims to keep your items safe from the outside environment, with an included weather strip for sealing. The material it’s made of is entirely waterproof, and the weather strip keeps dust, rain, and snow from getting onto your truck bed. If you have any delicate items you’re transporting that you can’t afford to get wet, this option is for you.
It also comes with dual tailgate paddle latches that can only be opened when you open the tailgate first. This adds an extra layer of protection against people who may try to break into your truck bed.
The cover is also designed to be slim, so you can save up to 12 percent on gas costs when using it, and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty, so it’s definitely built to last.
In addition, oEdRo simplifies the installation process by providing aluminum quick clamps to secure the rails to the truck bed. However, the clamps do come with rubber protectors that make installation a little trickier to latch on and adjust correctly.
The directions for the installation process can also be confusing to read, so if you want a cover that’s easier to install, try the Tonno Lo Roll cover. The width of the cover itself is also a little too large for some trucks, so make sure you use the amazon sizing guide.
Pros
- Weather strip protects your valuables from the environment
- Made of waterproof material with special seals
- Dual tailgate paddle latches for added security
- Save up to 12 percent on gas due to slim design
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Installation with clamps can be difficult
- The instruction manual is hard to understand
- The width is a little too large for some trucks
8. Most Protective: TruXedo Sentry CT Cover
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Hard
- Material: Woven fabric and aluminum slats
- Sizes: 5’8”, 6’6”, 6’7”, 8’0”
- Weight: 75 lbs.
- Waterproofing: Water-resistant but not watertight
While it’s a little more expensive than other options, this truck cover offers significantly more protection for your valuables. The hard cover is difficult for thieves to cut through, especially with the pressure-bonded aluminum slats on the underside of the black fabric.
In addition, installation isn’t difficult as you’ll just need to mount this to the inside of your truck bed. However, when compared to the installation for soft covers such as the Tonno Lo Roll cover, you’ll notice it takes more effort to get this cover completely set up.
However, while this material is durable, it’s not completely waterproof like the other options. Some water may leak in from time to time as there are no water-resistant seals. In addition, the added aluminum slats make this cover heavier, so it may also be harder to roll up with one hand. You’ll also have to take good care of the cover since it is so expensive.
While it is heavy to manually roll up, the quick release system added to this truck does help you out slightly, letting you remove the entire cover when activated. In addition, the cover is completely blacked out with a matte finish, which pairs well with any truck you might have.
Finally, there’s one more extra security latch at the center of the cover that helps with protection and keeping your cargo safe when you drive.
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Hard for thieves to cut through material
- Matte black finish pairs well with all trucks
- Quick-release system opens cover quickly
- Extra security latch keeps cargo safe during transportation
Cons
- On the pricier side
- No water-resistant seals
- Much heavier than other options
9. Best for Cold Weather: North Mountain Soft Vinyl Roll-Up
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Soft
- Material: Double-sided vinyl tarp and aluminum frame
- Sizes: See Amazon sizing guide
- Weight:7 lbs.
- Waterproofing: Improved water runoff design
Some tonneau covers are difficult to roll up when it gets cold, becoming more brittle and prone to tears. However, North Mountain’s cover is just as easy to roll up in cold weather, barely changing no matter how extreme the temperature gets. After all, it’s specifically designed to be tear-resistant, no matter the weather. The aluminum rails also have an epoxy coating to help against lower temperatures.
However, keep in mind that this cover only has a 3-year warranty. If you want a soft roll up cover with a longer warranty, you should definitely consider the Tyger Auto T1 option.
The design also has you covered when it comes to waterproofing and usability. It sits on top of the installed rails to allow the water to run off without getting into the truck bed. In addition, with connecting crossbars and low profile bows, it’s easy to roll up the tarp whenever you need to get full access to your truck bed. The installation itself isn’t too difficult, with easy clamps for assistance.
With that being said, you may need more tools to get the cover set up. You may want a hex key wrench to adjust the tension of the cover so that it stays in place. The crossbars also aren’t always secure in their elastic sleeves, so you may have to be mindful not to drive too quickly down the interstate.
Pros
- Flexible and tear-resistant in cold weather
- Aluminum rails have an epoxy coating
- Improved water runoff design
- Crossbars allow for easy roll up of cover
- Easy to install
Cons
- Only a three-year warranty
- Crossbars can be loose in their elastic sleeves
- Need a hex key to adjust the tension
10. Easiest to Set-Up Tonneau Cover: Tonno Pro Lo Roll
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Soft
- Material: Double-sided vinyl tarp
- Sizes: 5’5”, 6’5”, 8’0”
- Weight: 36 lbs.
- Waterproofing: Water-resistant seals
The Tonno Lo Roll tonneau cover is easy to install in just minutes, perfect if you don’t want to spend an afternoon getting the details of the tonneau cover down. It comes with heavy-duty clamps that are simple to align and get right the first time, with no drilling or cutting required. All you might need is a 17mm socket, a ratchet, and some clamps to hold the side rails in place during installation.
The material is created from a tear-resistant black tarp and double-sided vinyl for improved durability. The tarp itself is waterproof, and the added water-resistance seals keep your items from getting wet when it drizzles. In addition, it’s also pliable and makes rolling up the cover quick and easy, giving you full access to your truck bed at a moment’s notice. It also comes with a Limited Lifetime Policy, this cover’s form of warranty.
Unfortunately, over the course of a few months, the Velcro holding the cover in place becomes loose due to UV exposure, which is bad if you live in a sunny location. If you want a more durable option, you should consider the TruXedo TruXport roll up.
For this tonneau cover, you may have to resew the Velcro straps yourself once you see signs of tearing. In addition, the warranty doesn’t cover normal wear-and-tear. However, you can avoid some of these problems by keeping your truck out of the sun when not in use.
Pros
- Fast installation in minutes
- Needs very few outside materials for installation
- Comes with water-resistant seals
- Easy to roll up and use
- Limited Lifetime Policy
Cons
- Velcro disintegrates and becomes loose over months of use
- Becomes damaged from too much UV exposure
- Warranty doesn’t cover wear-and-tear issues
Guide to Picking the Perfect Roll up Tonneau Cover
When it comes to your truck, you want the best tonneau cover for keeping your items safe and secure when you’re driving on the interstate or when you leave the truck unattended. Below, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty details for tonneau covers, so you know exactly what to look for and what to avoid.
Types of Tonneau Covers
When it comes to tonneau covers, you have more than just the roll up covers covered in this guide. While roll up covers are the most inexpensive and beginner-friendly, we’ll cover some of the basics below for the main categories of flat tonneau covers.
Roll up Covers
Roll up covers are the least expensive and the quickest to install. These usually just need a few clamps, with no drilling necessary and very little setup time. However, they also offer the least protection and durability out of all the tonneau covers, evident with their lower price point. If this is your first tonneau cover, roll ups may be the safest option for you to test out.
Folding Covers
Folding covers often come in a tri-fold design, though some may have more or fewer folds. They take up slightly more space when folded up, but they’re good if you plan on carrying higher cargo that rises above the truck bed, and you need for your truck bed to be exposed to air. They’re also sturdy and can be extra secure when your truck has a locking tailgate.
Retractable Covers
Retractable tonneau covers are the most expensive and retract into a canister that’s located at the front of the truck bed. They can be made from vinyl, aluminum, or other strong materials, and provide the most security for your truck bed. These covers can also be secured when they’re only partially open, which the other types can’t do.
The Benefits of Tonneau Covers
Not sure why you should invest in a roll up tonneau cover? Here are some of the top benefits that they provide!
Theft Protection
The primary reason is to keep your possessions safe, even when you’re not around your truck. While normal cars have trunks to store your valuables, your truck bed is open to the world, and anyone walking past can easily reach over and steal some of your items. To keep your things safe, a tonneau cover is the way to go. Our favorite tonneau cover for protection would be the BAK Revolver cover.
Organization
While it may sound odd, getting one of these tonneau covers makes it easier to keep your items organized in the truck bed. Because the cover protects against the wind, your things won’t shift around in the truck bed nearly as much, and you’ll find them in the same position when you finally arrive at your destination to make unpacking that much easier.
Keeping Items Safe During Transportation
If you’re planning on transporting something fragile, or something on the lighter side, you definitely don’t want your things shifting around on the truck bed as you drive. Tonneau covers keep the wind from knocking your things over and into one another.
Even better, it keeps your items from flying off the truck bed when you suddenly stop or start your vehicle! Your items are as secure in your truck bed as they would be in a traditional car truck. One tonneau cover that does that really well is the Gator ETX cover.
Better Gas Mileage
It might sound strange, but investing in tonneau covers can improve your mileage by up to 10%. With the cover, there’s much less air resistance when you’re speeding along the highway, and this definitely adds up over time. Once the truck bed is covered, it won’t generate as much air drag, and the covers are even designed with this idea in mind. In our experience, the oEdRo roll up cover does this really well.
Resale Value
The resale value of your truck can increase when you install one of these tonneau covers, which can be a real benefit if you ever plan on selling your truck. Because the covers offer extra protection, you can think of them as another investment that you’ve made for your vehicle. Buyers will appreciate the already installed cover, and a cover could end up earning you some more money come selling time.
Privacy
With a roll up tonneau cover, you’ll have an opaque cover over the truck bed so that people can’t tell what you’re carrying around. Perfect if you don’t like the idea of the world seeing the things you may put in your truck bed
Installing Roll up Tonneau Covers
After choosing the perfect tonneau cover, installing it is the most important step to keep it secure on your truck. You’ll want to open your tailgate first to make the process easier in the long run. The process can be difficult, and it’s best not to complicate it any further.
If you have a soft tonneau cover, you can simply attach the clamps and straps to the locations marked in the instructions manual. However, hard roll up tonneau covers require some more work from you. With hard covers, you’ll need to follow these steps.
- If your tonneau cover has side rails, clamp them in place, either on the outside or inside. Be careful, as this step will determine the overall stability of your cover.
- Ready the rubber seal next to keep elements from getting in.
- Add additional Velcro to make the cover even steadier.
- Unroll the cover tarp from the rear cab towards the tailgate.
Care and Maintenance for Tonneau Covers
Tonneau covers can be expensive, so you want to make sure that you take proper care of yours. While different materials need different levels of maintenance, you’ll want to regularly clean your tonneau cover, whether with water and soap or with specialized cleaning products.
For example, vinyl covers may need special vinyl cleaners, and covers with several moving parts will need you to check every few months to make sure nothing has come loose. For other materials, water and mild soap will suffice for cleaning unless the instruction and installation guide for the cover says otherwise.
Check that the clamps, bolts, and mounting equipment are still in place and haven’t budged. In addition, you’ll want to examine the cover overall to look for nicks, bumps, spots of corrosion, or any other imperfections. These covers can be large and heavy, so small issues can build up over time and end up ruining the cover.
Finally, to keep the cover in top condition, you’ll want to make sure not to leave heavy objects and equipment on top of the cover. Especially if you have a soft cover, doing this will cause it to sag and become damaged over time. Your instructions manual will likely have a maximum weight that can be put on it, so consult the guide first.
Some tonneau covers require less maintenance than others, such as the Lund Genesis Elite. Others, such as the BAK Revolver cover require a bit more care from you.
Final Thoughts
Getting a roll up tonneau cover is the perfect way to keep your items safe and increase your truck’s value without having to spend a fortune. It gets the job done, and the higher-quality roll ups can be used for years without becoming damaged.
Once you get past the installation phase, you’re good to go. No matter how intense your next road trip or expedition, a tonneau cover makes sure all your things are safe in the truck bed.
