Tonneau Covers Research Guide

Tonneau styles
Tonneau Cover Styles

Every truck owner has different needs, uses and ideas for their truck bed. That's why tonneau covers are available in so many different varieties. It's easy to find one that fits your truck and all the uses you have in mind.

Heavy-Duty Soft Tonneau

Easy Installation

Soft Tonneau Installation

Soft tonneau covers boast the easiest bed cover installation possible. Soft tonneaus clamp on with no drilling or cutting required. Many can be mounted in as little as 10 minutes!

Soft tonneau covers top your truck with the toughness of heavy-duty leather grain vinyl. This ultra-durable material is stretched tight over a metal frame (typically lightweight aluminum) for smooth looks and complete aerodynamics.

These soft tonneau covers roll up fast for full-bed access and employ a number of seal types: tough snaps, industrial-strength hook & loop (Velcro style) edges, unique "peel & seal" tongue and groove closures and more.

Soft tonneau covers are designed with ease of use in mind. That idea extends to the installation, too, as soft tonneau covers can be installed in a matter of minutes with minimal tools needed.

Hard Tonneaus

Hard Tonneau Installation

Installing a hard tonneau cover takes about 1 hour. It's moderately difficult and may require minor drilling.

Total security, complete toughness, endless custom looks. Hard tonneau covers are the full package when it comes to your truck bed. They're custom-made from a variety of materials (most commonly fiberglass) that showcase a smooth surface sitting on your bed rails.

And, they're tough as nails. Most hard tonneaus boast dual key locks, plus an over-the-tailgate shape that provides total security. Not to mention, they're designed for excellent weather resistance.

Clean custom looks are king with hard tonneau covers, as most models can be paint-matched to blend perfectly with your vehicle's color. They're also specially shaped in a variety of race-inspired designs that expand on the traditional square cover. Wings, spoilers and more are no strangers to the hard tonneau covers on today's tricked-out trucks.

Retractable Tonneaus

Moderate to Difficult Installation

Retractable Tonneau Installation

With canister mounting, rail positioning and drainage system hookup, retractable tonneau installation can be the trickiest of all covers. It frequently takes more than 1 hour to position the rails and may require minor drilling.

From open to closed in a couple of seconds. Like a garage door for your bed, retractable tonneau covers roll closed or open for the ultimate in fast access. The retractable design has been around for decades, adding tracks flush with your bed rails for low-profile looks and a canister at the cab to hold the rolled-up cover.

With retractable tonneaus, a series of connected planks (think garage door style) pulls out as one cover to completely shield your cargo. There are smooth vinyl-covered aluminum and powder coated aluminum varieties. And, retractable tonneau covers latch or lock at the tailgate for excellent security.

Another fine retractable tonneau cover feature is smart latching positions on the rails designed for locking the cover part way open. Basic models have pre-set positions at specific distances (i.e. 12" apart) for part-open tonneau cover use; motorized or remote controlled retractable tonneau covers can be stopped at any position on the rails. Each of these stopping mechanisms is ideal for partial-bed access uses, such as fifth wheel hitches.

Toolbox Tonneaus

Soft and retractable tonneau covers can also be made to fit your truck bed tool box. Toolbox tonneau covers accommodate most any standard size box and still function as a full-length tonneau would. They also incorporate a seal between your toolbox and your bed cover to keep the elements from ruining your cargo. And, some of our toolbox retractable tonneau covers come with a specialized box. It's the ideal setup for any tradesperson or tool nut.