Pickup manufacturers offer many options for drivers, from upgraded audio systems to fancy wheel and tire packages. One accessory rarely receives the spotlight, but it is one that has a coveted place in the aftermarket world: Covers for truck beds are so practical that pickup drivers come to see them as essential, and owners seek out the one that they can live with. Because truck bed covers vary in style and material, you have to take measure of what will fit your needs and protect your gear from the local elements. Depending on where you live and work, use these criteria to help you select your next pickup bed cover.
Cover Profiles
Note that the terms bed cover and tonneau cover are generally synonymous and used interchangeably. These covers are secured to your truck’s bed to shelter and hide your tools and materials. Covers also hold bed contents in place as you speed down the road. Without the protection provided, a passing thief, sudden shower or highway wind gust can put a damper on your day in the blink of an eye.
Styles
Tonneau covers are configured in different styles:
- Folding
- Hinged
- Retractable
- Roll-Up
Each offers its own advantage. Hinged covers are secure, though they do not open far enough for large cargo. Folding covers can unfold partially so that you can reach gear without opening the entire unit. Retractable tonneaus open readily for quick access. And roll-ups allow you to carry even large items. As a consequence, if you are researching a cover such as a BAKFlip MX4 for sale, you need to work with a retailer that wants you to ask questions about the product you are purchasing to fully understand its implementation.
Materials
Overall, you will choose either a hard or soft bed cover. Aluminum, thermoplastic, fiberglass and even heavy canvas are used in hard-cover construction; some covers combine more than one material. Soft covers are made primarily of vinyl.
Climate Factors
Weather conditions where you drive can be a primary factor in your tonneau cover purchase decision. When compiling your checklist, be open to all form-factor and material-type candidates.
Sun
Any cover will protect your cargo from harmful ultraviolet light radiation. Soft vinyl, however, can fade over time; if you drive at high altitudes, in sunny California or around other locations where the sun’s rays shine unimpeded, consider applying UV protection spray several times per year.
Rain
All covers, as well, provide some level of water protection. Hard covers secure your contents against the rain better than do soft ones. Folding covers, for example, can latch to a secure frame that seals particularly well. Soft-cover roll-ups may shed water, but they may not provide an airtight barrier against driving rain.
Snow
Snow can weigh heavily on a truck cover. Soft covers are less durable under these conditions. The weight can stretch and tear the vinyl if you let the snow pile up. Hard covers are designed to handle the weight; hinged one-piece, because they lack seams, will provide the ultimate protection. However, folding covers like the BAKFlip MX4 tonneau cover are also rated to handle a significant amount of evenly-distributed weight.
A well-constructed tonneau cover can last through years of rugged use. As with any specialty product purchase, however, researching your bed cover choices ensures you find one that is optimal for the conditions it will face.