Pickup Truck Cover
Whether you’re looking to haul tall items or protect your cargo bed from dirt, grime, and rust, a pickup truck cover is an essential.
You can choose from a variety of styles to fit your needs. However, it’s important to note that material selection can be a big factor in how well a cover performs.
1. Ease of Installation
When it comes to protecting your truck bed and cargo, you need a Pickup Truck Cover that’s easy to install and use. A quality tonneau cover will protect your belongings from dirt, rain and sun rays while also helping to improve fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag.
There are several options available to choose from. Some of these include roll-up covers, retractable covers and hard folding tonneau covers. The installation process for each type of cover is different, so be sure to check the instructions carefully when installing your new Pickup Truck Cover.
A tri-fold tonneau cover is an extremely popular type of tonneau that folds out from the rear of the bed. These are simple to install and are generally very inexpensive.
First, place side rails that come with your cover onto the bedrails of your truck. This should be a tight fit to ensure that the rails form a weather-tight seal. The cab end of the Pickup Truck Cover side rails should be flush with the front of the bedrail, while the tailgate end should be just under the cover.
Once the side rails are in place, secure the cover with the clamps that come with your cover. Make sure to align the bolt holes on your cover with the bolt holes on the rails. Some covers have elevator bolts that snap into the rails, making them even easier to secure.
Next, adjust the tension of the cover until it lies perfectly flat from the tailgate to the cab end of the side rails. Some covers have a small hand-tightened screw that can be used to adjust the cover’s tension. Once the cover is properly positioned, tighten all of the clamps.
The final step is to install any additional rubber seals that are included with the cover. Some models also include larger corner plugs that are designed to protect the cab of your pickup from weather damage.
There are many different types of Pickup Truck Covers to choose from, so be sure to select one that best fits your needs and budget. The expert accessory specialists at D&S Automotive can help you decide which is right for your vehicle and your lifestyle.
2. Ease of Use
A Pickup Truck Cover is an essential piece of equipment that can enhance the way you use your pickup bed, providing protection for your cargo and enhancing the look of your vehicle. Today’s covers are easy to fold, roll up, slide, lift or lock, depending on your specific needs and preferences.
Hard quad-folding tonneau covers are an excellent choice if you frequently need full truck bed access, but want a cover that is as lightweight and convenient as possible. These covers are typically made of heavy-duty vinyl or aluminum slats, and they operate on a track system that makes them easy to open and close.
If you prefer a more traditional look, consider a one-piece hinged tonneau cover. These lids prop up on hinges near the cab, and stay in place via struts. This design blends into the body of your truck, giving it a refined appearance and offering a great level of security.
These covers come in a variety of designs and colors, so you can find one that matches your style. They also offer a secure locking mechanism, so you can feel confident that your belongings are safe from theft or damage while in the truck.
While a lot of these covers are relatively inexpensive, you will have to pay more for tri-fold and retractable models. They also restrict access to at least a portion of your truck bed, so you will not be able to haul items that are too tall without removing them first.
Retractable tonneau covers are the most expensive option, but they are easy to set up and can be operated from the driver’s seat with a key fob. Some are electric, so they can be used with a single push of a button.
Retractable covers can be operated by hand, but they are more convenient with an electric power source. They also hide Pickup Truck Cover away out of sight when not in use, making them ideal for people who prefer a sleeker look for their truck. In addition, these styles are more versatile than other types of tonneau covers, so they are an excellent choice for those who use their vehicles in a variety of ways.
3. Functionality
Pickup Truck Covers offer a range of functional benefits and are available in a wide variety of designs. They are an essential accessory for many truck owners, allowing them to keep valuable cargo safe from the elements while keeping their bed clean and organized.
When selecting a truck bed cover, it’s important to consider the needs of your vehicle and your personal preferences. For example, if you want to keep your truck looking great on the road, you may want to choose a tonneau cover with a sleek design. If you’re hauling a lot of heavy equipment, however, you’ll need a cover that can stand up to harsh weather conditions and protect your gear from corrosion, dirt, and other debris.
Then, you can also consider your budget. Some tonneau covers can be purchased for under $200, while others are more expensive. The cost of a cover will depend on the make and model of your truck as well as the type you’re choosing.
If you’re looking to add a bit of extra security, a hard-folding or retractable tonneau cover will help keep your cargo in place while also improving your gas mileage. These kinds of covers are more permanent than soft-rolling versions and can be installed with a simple bolt-on bracket system that requires no drilling into the truck bed.
Another option is a hinged tonneau cover, which can be mounted at the front or sides of your truck. These types of covers are usually made from a composite material and can be installed with an easy-to-use clamping system.
These types of covers are the most popular and come in a variety of styles, from simple tonneau designs to high-end paint-matched options. They’re made from either vinyl or aluminum, and some even offer locking systems to secure your gear. The best part? They’re also designed to look great while helping to improve your truck’s aerodynamics. And, they can be retracted into a canister in the truck bed, which allows for full-bed access when not in use.
4. Style
Truck bed covers are an easy way to enhance your pickup’s style. They’re available in a wide variety of styles, from paint-matched to matte black. They can also reduce fuel use and keep your personal items safe from the elements.
Soft tonneau covers come in a range of styles, including snap-on, roll-up and hard-folding models. The type you choose depends on how you’ll be using your truck. If you haul tools and other materials, then a heavy-duty tonneau is best for keeping those items out of the weather and protecting them from theft.
If you’re more likely to leave items in the back of your truck for a few days at a time, consider a hard-folding cover. These models are a little more expensive than snap-on or roll-up styles, but they’re more durable and can last longer.
Hard tonneau covers are made of a series of aluminum slats. They’re usually vinyl-coated for a long lifespan. They can be rolled up to provide more bed access or retracted for a sleek flush mount look.
They are easy to install and do not require drilling into your truck bed. They’re also a great option for trucks that don’t have factory side storage boxes or power tailgates.
Retractable tonneau covers are another popular choice. They retract automatically when you’re ready to load the truck bed, which makes them easy to store and use. However, they take up a lot of space behind the truck cab when fully retracted and can be difficult to uninstall if you need to carry cargo in the bed.
For the explorer on the go, a low-profile tonneau like the Vanish from Tonno Pro can fit your needs. It sits a half-inch above the bed and has an XT-DIAL tension adjustment that offers hassle free direct tension control, without any tools needed. It also fits three different truck bed sizes and comes preassembled so you don’t have to drill any holes into your truck bed.