Types of Tonneau Covers

There are many different types of truck bed covers available on the market today - giving you a multitude of choices to cover the bed of your truck. Tonneau covers are manufactured for virtually every make and model of pickup truck now on the road. Truck bed cover manufacturers have kept up with consumer demands by creating tonneau covers that are easier to install, easy to maintain, and engineered in several different configurations. Years ago, tonneau covers were available in basically one configuration - a soft tarp material that snapped onto the edge of your truck bed. In cold weather, it was virtually impossible to hold the tonneau on your truck and if you had to open the tonneau, even more impossible to actually reattach the cover. Fortunately, times have changed and tonneau covers are now made from several different materials and are available in a variety of styles.

Roll-Up Tonneau Covers

Roll-up tonneau covers are usually made from some sort of soft material, such as vinyl or cloth-backed vinyl. The tonneau is fixed to the truck bed with snaps, velcro, or some sort of bedrail attachment system. This is the style that most people think of when they consider purchasing a tonneau cover. Generally, roll-up truck bed covers are the most affordable option when considering a cover for your pickup truck.

Folding Tonneau Covers

Folding tonneau covers are available in a wide variety of configurations. These truck bed covers are manufactured into two or more panels that fold up onto one another for quick and easy access to your truck bed. Some versions are removable, allowing you full and complete access to your truck bed. Other folding truck bed covers offer a self-storage system that permits you to fold the tonneau cover up and out of the way.

Retractable Tonneau Covers

Retractable tonneau covers are a relatively new innovation in hard tonneau cover engineering. These tonneau covers roll up into a canister at the front of the pickup truck bed. These tonneau covers offers a very sleek and streamlined look. Retractable tonneau covers are very weathertite and offer some of the best security features of any truck bed cover. Retractable truck bed covers give you virtually unrestricted access to your truck bed.

Hinged Tonneau Covers

Hinged tonneau covers are almost like a trunk lid for your pickup truck. They are normally hinged at the front of the truck bed, giving you quick access. They are made from either hard or soft materials, are lightweight and very strong. The hard hinged tonneau covers usually come preassembled from the manufacturer for easy installation. Most brands of hinged truck bed covers also allow you to completely remove it for complete access to the bed.

Low Profile Tonneau Covers

Low profiles tonneau covers add a sleek and streamlined look to your pickup truck bed and since most low profile tonneau covers are so easy to install, it adds a real custom look to your truck without all the wait! These covers can not only save you money at the gas pump, but add so much to the look of your truck. Low profile truck bed covers can be made from either hard or soft materials and are available in a wide variety of configurations.

Locking Tonneau Covers

Locking tonneau covers increase the security of your truck bed by providing you with a locking mechanism built into the tonneau cover for an all-in-one solution. These covers are usually made from some sort of hard material for added security, keeping your items out of sight and out of mind. Locking truck bed covers offer you peace of mind when protecting your valuables is a top priority.

Hard Tonneau Covers

Hard tonneau covers are made from some sort of solid material, such as aluminum, hard plastic, or fiberglass. They are usually available in some sort of hinged, folding, or retractable configuration. They usually provide the best in security for your cargo, feature easy installation, and are more resistant to damage than soft tonneau covers and are very durable. A hard truck bed cover doesn't rip or tear like a soft tonneau cover can.

Soft Tonneau Covers

Soft tonneau covers are usually made from vinyl or some type of coated fabric that is fairly durable. This is type of tonneau cover most people think of when they consider purchasing cover for their truck. Soft tonneau covers come in several different styles for various pickup truck applications. Soft truck bed covers are generally more affordable than hard tonneau covers.

Tool Box Tonneau Covers

Tool box tonneau covers were created for truck owners who wanted the benefits of a tonneau cover, but also wanted the ability to use a toolbox. Many trucks on the road are more than just for driving, they are the modern workhorses - hauling tools and supplies from one jobsite to another. Tool box truck bed covers give truck owners the versatility they demand with the features they deserve.

Snapless Tonneau Covers

Snapless tonneau covers are an improvement over the older snap tonneau covers. Snapless tonneau covers usually feature some alternative attachment system, such as velcro, to secure the tarp on the truck bed frame. Snapless truck bed covers are available from several different manufacturers in many different styles for the most descriminating shopper.

Snap Tonneau Covers

Snap tonneau covers are the old standby when it comes to covering your truck bed. The original tonneau cover featured a snap design to secure the soft cover onto the bed frame. While many people prefer the convenience of a snapless tonneau cover, the snap version is still an classic favorite. Snap truck bed covers are now available from some manufacturers as a no-drill installation - just attach a snap bar and you're all set!