How to Choose a Truck Bed Cover
Let’s talk about truck bed covers. We offer an impressive selection of covers for just about every make and model out there. Choices include soft rolling, hard rolling, soft folding, hard folding, retractable, one-piece lid and cap. Whew. So which cover is right for you? It depends on how you use your truck and what you carry in your truck bed. Let R & S and Truck Hero be your guide on the road to find the perfect truck bed cover.
BASIC DIFFERENCES
Truck bed covers can be basically split into two types: soft covers and hard covers. The material used for soft covers is an industrial-strength vinyl, which makes them seamless and lightweight. Hard covers use rigid materials, such as aluminum and offer an additional layer of security for tools and other valuables items.
Truck covers are further divided into groups based on how they open and operate. These groups are: soft rolling, hard rolling, soft folding, hard folding, retractable, one-piece lid and cap. Let’s discuss.
SOFT ROLLING
Some people just prefer the intuitive use of a rolling cover… a couple of pros: full truck bed access and ease of use. In general, rolling covers open from the rear and roll up to the front, like a carpet. Soft-rolling covers are designed for general family use – like keeping groceries dry and securing basic bed cargo. You can drive with the cover fully open. This full bed access is handy for hauling ATVs and other recreational vehicles. A great option in this category is the TruXedo TruXport. It features a heavy-duty hook and loop system that fastens the cover firmly along the side rails. And it opens as easy as releasing the dual triggers in the rear and securing it against the cab with the provided straps.
The premium choice in this category is the TruXedo Pro X15, featuring a black matte material bonded to a vinyl top. Its contemporary appearance looks great on any pickup. The Pro X15 sports a low profile, as it attaches using a rail system inside the bed. This allows the stake bed pockets to remain open and available for use. Another advantage is a one-handed, single trigger release. For all of those reasons, the Pro X15 should be on the top of your soft-rolling list.
HARD ROLLING
A hard-rolling cover gives you the ease of a soft-rolling cover, paired with the security of a hard top. They operate the same as a soft-rolling cover, but the top is reinforced with heavy-duty aluminum slats below the matte black vinyl top. A hard-rolling cover is a good choice for dirt bike owners. Its full bed access allows you to carry your bike to the trail, while keeping your extra gear/helmets safe and secure. The BAK Revolver X4 is a smart choice here. In spite of its rugged and sturdy construction, an innovative design allows the top to be rolled with the greatest of ease. It features a cable release on both sides that allows you to open the cover from either side.
SOFT FOLDING
Soft-folding covers are perfect for basic family use … things like protecting your sports gear from the elements and keeping your cargo from flying out and becoming projectiles. These types of covers feature a heavy-duty, leather-grained vinyl, drawn over a framework that allows them to be folded up in sections. A great choice here is the Extang Trifecta 2.0. It’s a breeze to install, thanks to clamps that attach the cover directly to your bed rails without the use of any tools – takes about five minutes. Its trifold design and lightweight construction also make it easy to remove when you need full bed access.
HARD FOLDING
Hard-folding covers work just like soft-folding ones, but with a major difference: an extra layer of security provided by a rigid surface as opposed to a soft top. That not only helps protect your valuables, it also makes the cover super strong. Believe it or not, covers in this category can hold up to 600 pounds of distributed weight. If you routinely need the use of your full truck bed, hard quad-folding covers are the ideal all-round choice. They offer real flexibility and great features, like full bed access when completely open and great security when closed. They are great for moving large furniture across town and securing your tools in the truck bed when you get there.
So, let’s talk about the BAKFlip MX4 … it opens fully in seconds with dual cable releases, allowing the cover to be opened from either side. It folds up vertically and is secured against the cab with prop rods for driving fully open. And the MX4 closes just as easily with slam latches that lock each section of the cover as it shuts. The versatility and good looks of the MX4 has made it the number-one selling hard cover on the market.
At R & S, we are loving the new Fusion from A.R.E. It provides you with a paint-to-match finish in a tri-fold cover. Fold the panels open for quick and easy full bed access or keep them closed for added security and styling. The Fusion’s paint-to-match panels - aluminum panels are painted-to-match your truck's color code and are backed by a lifetime warranty (see warranty information for full details). It’s weather resistant - exterior and interior seals help deflect elements from entering your bed. It also features a drain track that helps push any water to the front and out of bed. It has a finished tailgate edge - sleek, low profile design achieves a seamless edge appearance where the Fusion meets your truck's tailgate. Your truck's tailgate can be open or closed with the Fusion in it's closed position.
RETRACTABLE COVER
A retractable cover is a variation of a rolling cover – but instead of it rolling on top of your truck bed, it rolls into a canister inside the bed. The top surface is usually constructed from sturdy aluminum stats that glide on ball bearings for ease of operation. A popular choice here is the Retrax Pro XR. It has a great look, and since it's all metal, it’s one of the most secure covers on the market. Plus, you can lock it in place wherever you want, depending on how much bed access you need. The ease of use of a retractable cover makes it ideal for those who need to open and close their truck bed cover frequently. The canister that stores the rolled-up cover takes up a bit of space in the bed, but on the plus side, a retractable cover is the easiest to use and maintains the clean lines of your truck.
Another nice feature is the option of a track system – slots built into the top of the side rails which allow you to install third-party racks and other accessories to carry cargo over your bed, perfect for your next adventure. Installation for the Retrax Pro XR takes about thirty minutes with two people.
ONE-PIECE HARD LIDS
The one-piece lid is a great option for a seamless, clean look. They can be ordered to match your vehicle’s color, so the cover appears to be an integral part of the truck. It forms a weather-resistant seal on both sides and the rear, so it does a great job of keeping water out. A popular choice is the Undercover Elite LX. This sturdy cover opens and closes with a simple turn of a knob, letting the struts raise the ABS lid. And closing it is just as easy, by gently pulling it back down and locking into place. Our favorite is the LSII from A.R.E. The LSII Series offers truck specific styling, premium components, and a unique lift assist system for user friendly opening and closing. This industry leading tonneau cover is a best seller, and for good reason.
Because of their sharp appearance, hard lids are found on many show trucks. Their security and superior water resistance make these ideal for golfers and sportsmen.
CAPS
Truck caps are also called "camper shells" for good reason. They’re great for transporting lots of camping gear and provide peace of mind that your sleeping bag and firewood will still be dry after a heavy rain. When locked, they keep your hunting and fishing gear dry and secure. In short, they are perfect for the outdoorsman. The ARE Overland is a popular choice in this category. It’s color matched to your truck and really adds to your ride’s look, feel and vibe. Keep in mind that all cargo that rides under a cap has to be loaded in from the back of the truck.
So, there you go. You now know enough about truck bed covers to find the perfect one for your needs. And note that all of the covers mentioned here are proudly made in the USA.
Credit: Truck Hero