Tonneau Covers Research Guide

Tonneau Covers Research Guide Glossary Terms

• "Hook & loop"
• "Peel & seal" / "tongue & groove"
• Actuator
• Aftermarket
• Bed rails
• Bow
• Drag
• Fiberglass
• Leather grain
• Padded polymer
• Powder coated
• Tarp

Tonneau Covers Research Guide Glossary Definitions

"Hook & loop"

"Hook & loop" style fasteners, more commonly known by the proprietary name Velcro, consists of two layers: a "hook" side, which is a piece of fabric covered with tiny plastic hooks, and a "loop" side, which is covered in equally tiny plastic loops. When the two sides are pressed together, the hooks catch in the loops and hold the pieces together. When the layers are separated, the strips make that signature ripping sound.

Tonneau Velcro and "hook & loop" fastening systems employ wider, more heavy-duty materials than standard shoe or wallet Velcro. Tonneau "hook & loop" fastening systems make a solid seal in all weather conditions.

"Peel & seal" / "tongue & groove"

"Peel & seal" "tongue & groove" tonneau seals refer to a closure type with a protruding flexible edge that fits into a corresponding track in the tonneau frame. This type of closure forms a strong seal around the edges that can be quickly opened by simply pulling up on the tonneau tarp.

Actuator

In the case of tonneau covers, an actuator refers to a knob or dial at the tail of a retractable tonneau cover that latches closed or unlatches the cover. The actuator on our retractable tonneaus allows the cover to be latched closed and locked with a separate locking mechanism.

Aftermarket

Aftermarket parts are accessories and replacement parts designed for your specific vehicle, though not made by the motor company that originally produced your vehicle. Aftermarket parts include a wide array of items for your vehicle that are usually more than just replacements for an original manufacturer or "OEM" part. Aftermarket parts can be substantial improvements on original part designs, or may be an accessory not made by the vehicle's original manufacturer.

Bed rails

Bed rails, when referring to your truck, describe the top of the left and right sides of your truck bed, specifically the top lip on each side. Tonneau covers use the rails to clamp frames or tracks to your bed.

Bow

Bow, in Tonneau discussion, refers to the support beams that run from left to right between the frame pieces on your bed rails. Most often referred to when talking about soft tonneau covers, bows come in a variety of shapes and styles.

Design differences depend on how the individual bows are removed for full-bed access. Some bows are spring-loaded, others fit into specific spots in the frame. Plus, there's tonneau bows that are attached to pockets in the tonneau tarp that roll-up with the cover for the fastest full-bed access.

Drag

Drag is the word for air resistance that slows down your vehicle while driving. The effect is more pronounced at higher speeds. Though many parts of your truck contribute to drag, the main culprit is the tailgate, which acts as a large catch that snags passing air, slows you down and eats gas mileage.

Many methods are used to reduce drag. You've probably noticed the more curved, less upright shape of modern trucks, SUVs and cars — these are design changes meant to combat drag. Pickup owners will drive with their tailgate down, replace their tailgate with a cargo net, or remove the tailgate altogether to reduce drag. Studies have show, however, that adding a tonneau cover is much more effective at improving gas mileage than these alternate methods.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass generally means any material containing thin fibers of glass formed into a woven layer or used as reinforcement. When referring to tonneau covers, the glass fibers are integrated with a honeycomb pattern for added strength, then combined with resin to form the lid panel. This is typical of the same type of construction used in race cars and body repair.

Leather grain

Leather grain pattern tonneau cover tarps are designed to simulate the look of natural leather, including the crack and fold lines that appear. This pattern is imprinted into the tonneau vinyl strictly for appearance purposes.

Padded polymer

Padded polymer tonneau cover tops are found only in retractable covers. These covers are composed of a center link of aluminum planks, surrounded by a soft plastic or "padded polymer" layer. The outer surface employs smooth heavy-duty vinyl.

Powder coated

Powder coating has become a popular process for treating metal with a uniform color coat that's chip-, scratch- and corrosion-resistant. The process involves spraying metal with fine dry resin particles that are electro-statically charged so that they stick to the surface. The coated metal is then baked at 400° F, melting the clinging particles into a smooth, durable finish. The overwhelming number of powder coat finishes are done in gloss black.

Tarp

A tonneau tarp refers to the soft heavy-duty vinyl cover that attaches to the frame for covering your cargo. Though it's called a tarp, it bears no resemblance in material or function to standard rain or camping tarps you may be used to. These vinyl tarps boast durable edge stitching, solid attachment of the sealing type (snaps, "hook & loop" or "peel & seal"), shaped corners and a water-resistant lining.