Tonneau Truck Covers - 5 Tips For Choosing

Tonneau truck covers add to your truck in several ways. You get more security for cargo by keeping your load out of sight of prying eyes. Your cargo is protected from weather too. Plus a tonneau cover just makes any truck look more finished and sleek.

You can choose from several different types of truck tonneau covers. Here are 5 tips for choosing one that works for you.

Tip 1: Your cargo makes the choice.

Hinged truck bed lids look great. But if you haul anything taller than the side of the bed, the lid won't shut. Also anything that must be loaded from overhead won't work. For example, bulk mulch loaded with a front-end loader won't work. Neither will a lawn mower or a small tree in a pot. Consider how you will use your truck.

Tip 2: You can spend a little or a lot.

Many truck owners like vinyl roll up tonneau covers more than any other kind. They happen to be the cheapest too. A soft roll up cover is easy to use, looks good and works for any load. The most expensive retractable covers are more secure, look more expensive and are also easy to use. The difference is price is a couple thousand dollars.

Tip 3: Mounting should be easy.

Is the thing easy to mount? Most owners who install any kind of tonneau cover complain about unclear instructions. But no matter what kind of cover, it seems that the cover gets installed in about two hours which is longer than the manufacturer said it should take! I want to know whether you have to drill holes or if mounting is with glue or clamps.

Tip 4: Does it look good to you?

Do you like the looks? Hard lids often just come in black. If you want the cover to match your truck, it'll have to be painted. Don't leave out that cost.

Tip 5: Buy it locally or order it?

You can get a tonneau cover installed at a local shop. The cover will probably not be in stock. You'll also probably pay full retail. If you install it yourself and buy it on the internet, you'll often save hundreds plus you'll get to compare many models right at home.

Truck tonneau covers are practical plus they just make your truck look better. You can save a lot of money and get just what you want by ordering a cover on the internet. Get it in just a few days and the shipping is usually free.