The Different Styles of Tonneau Covers
Every pick-up truck owner has wished for more dry storage at some point. A tonneau cover often called a truck bed cover offers an economical versatile solution by providing a covered bed that can keep the weather off your cargo. Some additional benefits of tonneau covers are improved gas mileage, protection of cargo from theft and overall aesthetics.
There are a variety of tonneau covers on the market ranging in quality and price. There is certainly a suitable cover for every application. The most popular type is the soft leather cover that attaches either with a track or snaps. This type of cover can be rolled up and tucked away against the cab of the truck, or removed completely when not in use. The soft leather variety is the easiest to install and remove, while offering coverage and protection to cargo. These types become less flexible in cold weather and can be a challenge to install or replace by yourself.
Tonneau covers are also available in more permanent types, such as those that are hard plastic and are installed on tracks in the bed of the truck. These can be rolled up, but generally are not removed. The advantages of this type of cover include ease of storage and ease of use. It is often easier to unroll this type than it is to stretch the soft leather on a cold winter day. If you arrive at your destination, only to discover that you will need the cover, just unroll it and you are all set.
There are also covers that are made of fiberglass that are essentially permanent lids on the box of your truck. These lift up on hydraulic arms, but cannot be folded or rolled. You certainly increase your dry storage, but you are also locked into having the cover in place. This type of cover limits the type and size of cargo that can be carried. However, this type of cover can often be matched to the color of your truck and offers nearly weather-tight protection.
Whether you are a hunter, farmer, contractor or weekend warrior, everyone can find a tonneau cover that meets the needs of their application.