Why are they called tonneau covers?

Why are they called tonneau covers?/Tonneau Covers in current automotive terminology is a hard or soft cover that spans the back of a pickup truck in order to protect the contents of the payload or improve aerodynamics. Tonneau covers come in a wide variety of styles that fold, retract or tilt open, and can generally be locked to secure the contents of the pickup truck bed. Tonneau covers are also used in the boating industry to cover and protect any open areas of a boat. Many of these covers are made from a waterproofed canvas material and are secured to the edges of the area to be protected with snaps.

Which Are The Best Tonneau Covers?

MaxMate Premium Roll-Up Tonneau Cover

The MaxMate tonneau cover works with Chevy Silverado (1988-2006) and GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500. It suited for an 8-foot bed and is crafted from a sturdy 24-ounce marine-grade vinyl material. It’s dual-coated for extra strength and is supported by strong powder-coated aluminum clamps and rails. The Velcro strip on the sides ensures it remains tight and firm, whereas the secure latch lock system offers the desired protection. You don’t need any extra hardware or drilling additional holes since it will fit perfectly.

Reasons To Buy This

  • It’s very easy to install
  • The cover is strong and durable
  • Has a simple and reliable locking system
  • No drilling or extra hardware is required

Tyger TG-BC3T1530 Tonneau Cover

Measuring 5 feet long, this cover will fit Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks (2016-2019). It’s constructed from a sturdy 24-ounce marine-grade vinyl for strength and reliability and is supported by heavy-duty powder-coated aluminum frames. The materials are dual coated for extra protection and elegance, whereas the stainless steel clamps make installation easy. The cover lies flat to reduce drag and has a smooth surface for easy wiping or cleaning. It comes pre-assembled and will fit on the bed as it is without any additional hardware or drilling.

Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with 2016-2018 Toyota Tacoma | Fleetside 5' Bed (60") | TG-BC3T1530
  • US Design Patented
  • Cover is dual-coated and made out of heavy duty 24oz. marine-grade vinyl, with aircraft-grade aluminum frames, and comes with stainless steel clamps for easy installation and great durability.
  • Pre-assembled horizontal crossbars offer support and conveniently fold up with the cover providing full bed access when needed. For models with or without the Deckrail System
  • Easy no drilling installation with instruction and mounting hardware provided. | NOTE: Small holes will need to be cut in the bedliner for vehicles equipped with over-the-bedrail bedliner to secure the clamps for proper cover installation; cover will work with under-the-bedrail bedliner without modification.
  • LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY FOR US CUSTOMERS!

Reasons To Buy This

  • Doesn’t require additional drilling or hardware
  • The included instruction is clear
  • It’s strong and durable
  • Fits nicely without leaving gaps

Gator Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover

Installing this tonneau cover on your truck should take you less than 10 minutes, thanks to its simple design. It is 6.5 feet and fits on the Ford F150 (2015-2019) pickup truck bed. The tri-fold unit features a flexible folding design and is very protective. Although soft, the accessory is resistant to fading, wear, tear and will last for a long time if taken good care of. It unlocks from underneath for improved convenience and lays flat throughout to reduce drag. The tailgate lock keeps off prying eyes and ensures your items are fully secured.

GATOR ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 59313 | Fits 2015 - 2020 Ford F-150 6' 7' Bed (78.9')
4,168 Reviews
GATOR ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 59313 | Fits 2015 - 2020 Ford F-150 6' 7" Bed (78.9")
  • Fits 2015 - 2020 Ford F-150 6' 7" Bed (78.9")
  • FAST & EASY NO-TOOL INSTALL | The Gator ETX Tri-Fold can be installed in about 10 minutes by simply clamping the rails on without the use of a drill, providing quick, convenient cargo protection.
  • ELIMINATE THE ELEMENTS | This cover’s heavy-duty aluminum frame, industrial-strength vinyl and superior perimeter sealing keep rain, snow and dust out of the bed of your truck bed and protect your cargo in any weather condition.
  • SIMPLE OPERATIONS | To open the cover, simply fold the panels towards the cab and secure into place with the integrated buckling system. Drive with the cover in the 2/3 open position when you need bed access for hauling large loads.
  • SLEEK & DURABLE DESIGN | The Gator ETX mounts on top of your truck bed rails providing a clean, low-profile appearance that enhances the appearance of your truck. Each cover is custom fit to your truck’s year, make and model

Reasons To Buy This

  • Installing the cover is easy
  • The cover, although soft, is very durable
  • Looks nice and stays firm
  • It’s high-quality and affordable
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Tyger TG-BC3D1011 Tri-Fold Cover

Installing this cover is pretty easy and straightforward. It’s designed for Dodge Ram pickup truck models 1500, 2500, 3500 from 2002 to 2019. It’s made of a tough material that will keep your items as well as truck bed dry and free of dirt, dust, sun, and other debris. It comes with all the necessary hardware for easy and quick fitting and stays firm all through. Thanks to the weather seals, you won’t worry about water or moisture getting inside the bed. It’s sleek, stylish and looks good on the truck.

Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with 2002-2018 Dodge Ram 1500; 2003-2022 2500 3500; 2019-2023 Classic 6'4" (76") Bed TG-BC3D1011
  • FITMENT - Compatible with 2002-2018 Dodge Ram 1500; 2003-2023 2500 3500; 2019-2023 Classic | 6'4" (76") Bed | Fit models without Utility Track System | Not compatible for models with RamBox
  • DESIGN - US patented. Cover is dual-coated and made out of heavy duty 24oz. marine-grade vinyl, with aircraft-grade aluminum frames, and comes with stainless steel clamps for easy installation and great durability.
  • FEATURES - Pre-assembled horizontal crossbars offer support and conveniently fold up with the cover providing full bed access when needed.
  • INSTALLATION - Easy no drilling installation with instruction and mounting hardware provided. | NOTE: Small holes will need to be cut in the bedliner for vehicles equipped with over-the-bedrail bedliner to secure the clamps for proper cover installation; cover will work with under-the-bedrail bedliner without modification.
  • WARRANTY - LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY FOR US CUSTOMERS.

Reasons To Buy This

  • It’s easy to fit
  • Provides good cargo protection
  • Looks elegant
  • It’s made of a sturdy material

Maxime Premium Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover

Owners of Dodge Ram 1500(2002-2019) or Dodge Ram 2500, 3500(2003-2019) then this bed cover is worth thinking about. The 6.5 ft accessory comes ready to fit on the track and will only take a few minutes, even if you aren’t very experienced. It’s quite tough and should serve you a long time thanks to the dual-coated 24-ounce marine-grade vinyl. For support, it depends on the powder-coated aluminum frames. The stainless steel clamps ensure it stays firm even at high speeds or rough remains. In contrast, the low profile reduces drag that can affect the fuel economy.

Reasons To Buy This

  • It’s easy to fit
  • Comes with simple clear instructions
  • Fits perfectly without any modification
  • The material and quality is good

Tonno Pro 42-200 Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover, Black

This cover is known to be functional, durable, and reliable. It’s amongst the easiest to fit and is suited for Dodge Ram (2002 – 2013) and Dodge Ram Mega Cab (2006 – 2008). It boasts of a tough vinyl polyester material for extra protection to the cargo and has a sleek design for minimizing drag and maximizing fuel efficiency. Additionally, it ensures you move your stuff without attracting attention. The tight rubber seals keep water, moisture, dust, and dirt at bay. In contrast, black powder-coated aluminum frames provide the necessary support.

Tonno Pro Tonno Fold, Soft Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 42-200 | Fits 2009 - 2018, 2019 - 2020 Classic Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 6' 4' Bed (75.9')
698 Reviews
Tonno Pro Tonno Fold, Soft Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 42-200 | Fits 2009 - 2018, 2019 - 2020 Classic Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 6' 4" Bed (75.9")
  • Fits 2009-2018, 2019-20 Classic Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 6' 4" Bed (75.9")
  • E-Z clamping system locks down the cover from the inside, securing your belongings from the elements and any on-lookers
  • Powder-coated aluminum frame is sturdy but lightweight enough for one-hand use
  • Comes pre-assembled, with heavy duty side-rail clamps for a 5-minute install
  • Hinged sections fold back into a compact unit for more truck bed access

Reasons To Buy This

  • It’s high quality and affordable
  • Installation and use is very easy
  • Cleaning the cover is simple and easy
  • Looks great on the pickup’s bed

Lund 96893 Genesis Roll-Up Tonneau Cover

Coming in the 4th position in the list of the best tonneau covers, this cover does not only conceal the items but also protects them from water, wind, sun, dust, dirt, and the sun. It’s made of a sturdy premium twill weave material that can tolerate the elements and won’t rip or tear easily. It comes in a nice thickness and weight and won’t add any unnecessary stress or weight. And thanks to its low profile, it stays straight without depressions or bows and will help to improve the car’s fuel economy.

Lund Genesis Elite Roll Up Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 96893 | Fits 2014 - 2018 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 6' 7' Bed (78.8')
261 Reviews
Lund Genesis Elite Roll Up Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 96893 | Fits 2014 - 2018 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 6' 7" Bed (78.8")
  • Fits 2014 - 2018 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 6' 7" Bed (78.8")
  • PREMIUM MATTE CANVAS | Premium twill-weave textured material tops this soft roll-up truck bed cover and engineered to be resistant to water, UV. Simply, rinse with water and hit the road - no special cleaners required
  • EASY BED ACCESS | Entry to your truck bed and gear has never been easier. This roll-up cover opens at just the driver's side of your truck and rolls up neatly against cab in seconds, allowing access to every inch of your truck bed and your cargo
  • LUND PROMISE | Extreme seals to keep bad weather out, hassle-free tension control to keep your cover tight, & low profile, good looks are what you can expect with any Lund tonneau cover; and is exactly what you'll get with Genesis Elite Roll-Up
  • INSTALL & GO | From box to truck in under 20 minutes! Sturdy aluminum rails mount quickly without drilling or special tools required. Best of all – this roll-up truck bed cover is backed by a limited lifetime guarantee, with a US based support team

Reasons To Buy This

  • It’s easy to fit and maintain
  • Suitable for several pickup trucks
  • Made from a premium and long-lasting material
  • It doesn’t trap dirt
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Truxedo 245901 TruXport Bed Cover

Owners of Dodge Ram 1500 (2009-2019) will find this tonneau cover suitable. It measures 5.7 feet and comes with easy roll-up design for easy access to the truck’s bed. It’s made of durable and strong material to stop the elements, dust, dirt and a watertight seal for keeping moisture and water away. The low-profile design reduces drag when driving and also helps save fuel usage. It comes with a simple clamping system for easy fitting and improved performance. In contrast, the smooth surface makes cleaning the cover is easy.

Amazon Best Seller
TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 245901 | Fits 2009 - 2018, 2019 - 2020 Classic Dodge Ram 1500 w/o RamBox 5' 7' Bed (67.4')
2,554 Reviews
TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 245901 | Fits 2009 - 2018, 2019 - 2020 Classic Dodge Ram 1500 w/o RamBox 5' 7" Bed (67.4")
  • Fits 2009 - 2018, 2019-20 Classic Dodge Ram 1500 w/o RamBox 5' 7" Bed (67.4")
  • UNBELIEVABLY FUNCTIONAL | TruXport is designed to be exceptionally easy to use: Simply unlock the tailgate latches & roll up your cover. TruXport is engineered with a heavy-duty 1.5” frame, and equipped with high quality leather-embossed vinyl
  • STAND GUARD AGAINST WEATHER | Keep your cargo dry and secure during all weather situations. Pre-set tarp tension keeps cover tight and leaves water out. TruXport's support bows allow it to withstand several inches of snow when closed
  • NO DRILL INSTALLATION | Fully install this roll-up truck bed cover in under 30 minutes! Easily clamp the rails onto your truck bed, attach the cover, roll and go. No drilling or special tools necessary
  • WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED | TruXport is backed by a 5-year, no hassle warranty. We are committed to providing you the best service at all times, if you need replacement parts simply call our team

Reasons To Buy This

  • Simple and easy clamp-on installation
  • High quality and affordable
  • Easy to clean
  • The seals are watertight

Best 16212-01 EZ Tonneau Cover

The best tonneau cover will fit perfectly and provide maximum protection. This one from Bestop fits this definition quite well. It’s suited for truck beds measuring 5.8 feet and is a good choice for GMC 1500 Crew Cab and Chevy Silverado (2007-2013). It’s very sturdy to tolerate the wand, sun, rain, moisture, dirt, and dust thanks to the marine-grade 24-ounce vinyl and the strong powder-coated aluminum frames. It fits easily without using any special skills or tools and has an LED light for improved safety.

Bestop 16212-01 EZ Fold Truck Tonneau Cover for 2007-2013 Chevy Silverado/GMC 1500 Crew Cab (w/o bed management system; won't fit classic body style), 5.8' bed,Black,Large
140 Reviews
Bestop 16212-01 EZ Fold Truck Tonneau Cover for 2007-2013 Chevy Silverado/GMC 1500 Crew Cab (w/o bed management system; won't fit classic body style), 5.8' bed,Black,Large
  • Leather-grain premium vinyl/polyester fabric stays flexible in cold weather, features limited lifetime warranty
  • Low-profile hinge and rail design with reinforced corner construction for stability
  • Sectional aluminum frames for great support, smooth appearance; install or remove in 5 minutes or less
  • Integrated buckle straps secure folded tonneau to front bed rail, or remove entire tonneau for 100% access to truck bed
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

Reasons To Buy This

  • It’s crafted from high-quality material
  • Provides good protection
  • Looks amazing and minimizes drag
  • It rolls away easily

TruXport 272001 Cover By Truxedo

It takes less than 20 minutes to install this cover fully. You only need to follow the included instructions and use the normal tools to fit in on your truck. The 6.6-foot accessory will fit on the GM truck (2015-2019) and features a soft roll-up design. It won’t add any unnecessary weight or cause any drag as this may affect the vehicle’s fuel economy. The tonneau cover has easy clamps and stays put even in demanding situations. You can easily adjust the tension control to suit different situations, whereas the dual latching systems improve protection. This product no doubts the best tonneau cover in the market.

Amazon Best Seller
TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 272001 | Fits 2014 - 2018, 2019 Limited/Legacy Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500, 2015-19 2500/3500HD 6' 7' Bed (78.9')
1,648 Reviews
TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 272001 | Fits 2014 - 2018, 2019 Limited/Legacy Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500, 2015-19 2500/3500HD 6' 7" Bed (78.9")
  • Fits 2014 - 2018, 2019 Limited/Legacy Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500, 2015-19 2500/3500HD 6' 7" Bed (78.9")
  • UNBELIEVABLY FUNCTIONAL | TruXport is designed to be exceptionally easy to use: Simply unlock the tailgate latches & roll up your cover. TruXport is engineered with a heavy-duty 1.5” frame, and equipped with high quality leather-embossed vinyl
  • STAND GUARD AGAINST WEATHER | Keep your cargo dry and secure during all weather situations. Pre-set tarp tension keeps cover tight and leaves water out. TruXport's support bows allow it to withstand several inches of snow when closed
  • NO DRILL INSTALLATION | Fully install this roll-up truck bed cover in under 30 minutes! Easily clamp the rails onto your truck bed, attach the cover, roll and go. No drilling or special tools necessary
  • WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED | TruXport is backed by a 5-year, no hassle warranty. We are committed to providing you the best service at all times, if you need replacement parts simply call our team

Reasons To Buy This

  • It installs easily
  • It’s very strong and secure
  • Doesn’t requires extra skills or hardware
  • It doesn’t get dirty quickly
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Tonneau Cover Guide & FAQ’s

There was already a brief introduction and a summary of the different types of tonneau covers. In this section, we compare them and list their individual advantages and disadvantages. This is to guide you as to what tonneau cover is actually the best for you and your car.

Roll-up or Rolling Covers

As you may have noticed, the list of the best tonneau covers of 2020 is filled with roll-up covers. There are two reasons for this. First, they are the cheapest. Second, they are the easiest to access. Thus, they are also the easiest to recommend.

You can simply look up the internet for a good rolling cover, purchase them at a low price, and they will serve you adequately in most cases. Naturally, they have their own disadvantages.

Advantages

  • Soft
  • Cheapest
  • Easy to install
  • Easily accessible

Disadvantages

  • May last shorter
  • May tear
  • Less secure than other types

Foldable Covers

Foldable covers are similar to roll-up tonneau covers in terms of convenience and ease of installation. Naturally, the materials used for foldable covers are much more durable to their nature. However, they can also be a lot bulkier.

Advantages

  • Hard
  • Durable
  • Easy to install
  • Offers more protection than roll-ups

Disadvantages

  • Clunky
  • Looks worse than other types
  • Less secure than hinged and retractable ones

Retractable Covers

Retractable covers offer more protection than both roll-ups and foldable ones. It’s biggest advantage when compared to the two is its safety against thieves since it can be locked. Also, the method of opening and closing can also be less tedious since you only need to slide the shutter.

Advantages

  • Offers protection from thieves
  • Can be locked
  • Easy to open and close
  • Durable materials that look good

Disadvantages

  • A bit more expensive
  • Harder to install

Hinged Covers

Hinged covers are the best ones in terms of quality. However, they are also the most expensive. They offer everything that others have and more. Hinged covers are the most customized, so they look the best. They also last the longest. Typically, they will last as long as the car itself.

Advantages

  • Quite versatile
  • Lasts for a long time
  • Customized and can match your car color
  • Easy to open and close
  • Looks the best
  • Technically the best in quality

Disadvantages

  • Extremely expensive
  • Hard to remove once installed
  • You will need help in installing this

You can classify tonneau covers based on their type. These types are differentiated by their different characteristics such as materials used, convenience, nature of installation, hardness, and more.

The different tonneau cover types will be discussed in more detail later in the article.

History of Tonneau Covers

In current times, cars with open passenger seats are not actually as common as completely closed ones. In contrast, automobiles in the 1900s are the opposite. It is not uncommon for them to have passenger compartments without any roofs.

In those times, covers are even more of a necessity. This is largely due to the fact that automobiles from then are more easily prone to damage. Furthermore, they are more expensive. Hence, it is only natural that owners want to protect their car by using covers.

Due to these circumstances, tonneau covers were born.

According to Wikipedia, the term ‘tonneau’ means cask or barrel in French. Tonneau or cask is the term used to describe the automobile’s compartment. Hence, tonneau covers are used to protect a car’s open compartments.

Types of Tonneau Covers

As mentioned before, tonneau covers can be classified and separated into different types. Specifically, there are four types of tonneau covers.

Rolling or Roll-up Covers

As their name implies, rolling covers can be used by simply rolling them open. Obviously, you can also close them by rolling when not in use.

Naturally, the materials used for rolling covers are soft, like cloth. After all, you are not able to roll hard materials.

Installing this type of cover in your pickup truck or convertible should be very easy and short. It should take around a quarter of an hour to finish. It may take longer but not by much.

Best for:

Rolling covers are very convenient since they are easy to open and close. Hence, they are typically used in pickup trucks if the owner frequently moves around things in and out of the compartment. This is great if you want the cheapest type of cover that still remains reliable.

Foldable Covers

If rolling covers are made soft, foldable covers are the opposite. They are made up of hard materials and are built to withstand harsher weather conditions.

Since you only need to fold them to open and close, foldable covers are quite convenient as well. In fact, they do not lose out to rolling covers in this area.

Foldable covers are separated into two, bi-folds and tri-folds, with tri-folds being the more common one.

The only downside of foldable covers in comparison to the rolling covers is that the former requires more installation time. It may take at least three-quarters of an hour to install. Fortunately, this should likely be a one-time thing.

Best for:

The best part about foldable covers is that they offer both solid protection and convenience. Hence, if you have important things in your truck bed that require more care, foldable covers are a better choice for you. At the same time, you can still move them in and out easily.

Retractable Covers

Do you know those shutters that shops use to lock up when they close in the evening? Retractable covers are basically those, except they’re used for cars.

Just like window shutters, tonneau covers of this type are used to protect the things inside the truck bed. It offers protection not only from weather conditions but also from thieves. You can use a lock at the end of the retractable cover to completely secure the items inside.

Retractable covers are not exactly inconvenient either. You can simply retract them to open the compartment and slide them instead to close it.

Furthermore, not only are retractable covers convenient, but they are also more pleasing to the eye. They are mostly made of aluminum, and their consistent gray color can be quite stylish.

Lastly, some expensive covers can even be electric and be controlled to open and close by a remote.

Best for:

Retractable covers are best for owners that have important items to put in the compartment. Furthermore, you can also just buy them for style points. After all, retractable covers are certainly more dashing than the casual rolling covers.

Hinged Covers

Hinged covers are the most expensive type of tonneau covers. However, they contain almost anything that you can ever hope for from a tonneau cover. They can only be described as ‘totally worth the price’.

First, hinged covers can be opened in a way similar to a van’s back door. A single press of the handle can open the tonneau cover using a shocking technology.

Next, they can offer protection, convenience, and style all at the same time. Installing a hinged cover in your pickup truck will really make your back compartment look like a ‘cask’, completely enclosing the truck bed away from thieves and weather conditions.

You can customize hinged covers to match your car. This makes the tonneau cover look completely natural. Even though retractable covers look nice, you will gain fewer style points with them compared to hinged covers.

As long as you can afford this type of tonneau cover, you can never go wrong by using it.

Best for:

Hinged covers should be used by basically everyone who can afford it. Once you buy hinged covers, it can follow your car until the end of its machine life.

How to Find the Right Tonneau Cover Size?

You can manually measure the dimension of your truck bed and simply pick the size of the tonneau cover accordingly.
A more reliable approach is to identify the model of your car and search for details of that particular model. You should be able to find something regarding the size of your truck bed.

Alternatively, you can even ask for information from your car dealer, the cover seller, or other owners who have the same car model as yours. This is easily overlooked but there is actually no harm in doing this.

If all else fails, you can sign up for a warranty, buy a tonneau cover, and return it if it does not work out. You should find a reliable company that will allow you to do that though.

Conclusion

Although it may look like a simple accessory, the tonneau cover is essential for pickup truck owners and users. It helps to keep dirt, dust, water, moisture, creatures off the bed. The unit minimizes the drag due to the wind, and this improves performance and fuel economy. It protects the bed from damaging UV rays that will make it fade or shorten its life. The device also safeguards the items on the truck’s bed. Finding the ideal tonneau cover is hard for many people. Reviewing every product isn’t easy, and it’s also daunting to compare the many covers. Fortunately, to own the right tonneau cover, you only need to choose an item from the above list. We have selected the very best in the market and are certain that you will enjoy the best service for quite a long time.

References