Truck Bed Covers
Truck bed covers are installed for three main reasons:
Security
Any tonneau cover is an improvement over an open bed since it puts the cargo out of sight. Just keeping your stuff out of sight may be good enough. But if you want to lock your valuables away, you'll want a cover that's tough plastic, fiberglass or metal. The most secure covers are the metal retractable truck bed covers with locks. You'll want a secure lock on your tailgate to complete the security system. With a metal cover and locks, only the most determined thief can get in.
Looks
A covered bed has a slicker look than an open bed. Many of the inexpensive vinyl covers include tension systems to keep the truck bed covers tight all the time. As you move up in cost to the hard covers and retractable covers, the covers get really slick looking. Many covers are very low profile too. Many mount flush with the top of the bed for that NASCAR race truck look. It's up to you what appearance you like, but many of these covers give a truck a custom finished look.
Weatherproofing
Even hauling groceries is a lot better with a way to cover your truck bed. Keep your cargo out of the wind, rain and snow and don't worry about your stuff. Also, you can forget about light things blowing away from an open bed.
There are several types of tonneau covers. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Depending on how you use your truck and how much you want to spend one of the cover types may be an easy choice for you.
Vinyl roll up covers
Vinyl roll up covers are the cheapest choices. Another advantage of the vinyl covers is they can be rolled out of the way and your bed is open for any size cargo. If you haul something that is machine loaded, like mulch for example, this may be the best cover for you. The better covers include built in support bows and tension systems to keep the covers tight.
Other vinyl
You can get tilt up vinyl covers plus fold up covers too. These are cheaper than the hard versions but still have some of the advantages of these styles.
Hard folding
A three piece fold-up cover is easy to use and very secure. These covers have either metal or plastic cover made in three sections that fold on each other. SOme are lockable and just about as secure as any covers. You can still quickly and easily open the whole truck bed to carry any kind of load.
Hard tilt up
If you use your truck bed like a big trunk, this design may be what you want. Just start lifting up on the rear handle of this cover and hydraulic cylinders assist with lifting. Store any cargo and lock it away securely. Don't plan on carrying tall cargo since you won't be able to shut the lid.
Retractable Tonneau Covers
These covers are the top of the line. Aluminum panels are secured in side rails. The panels retract forward into a plastic can out of the way when you need an open bed. Or you can stop the cover at points along the way forward and lock the cover in a partly open position.
For more truck bed covers details and pricing info go to this link....