Installing a tonneau cover onto the bed of your truck is a simple solution to two fundamental issues: how can you keep cargo secure from theft and also protect it from the harsh elements of nature. Of course there are multiple types of tonneau covers to consider, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
• Roll-Up Tonneau Covers
It used to be that a roll-up tonneau cover was great for keeping your things out of sight but didn't really offer all that much protection. Well things have certainly changed. Now you can get a roll-up tonneau cover with a locking device just as strong as any other tonneau cover. It is made of a softer, more pliable material that allows you to easily roll back the cover whenever you need to get something. This gives you the added bonus of only rolling it up a certain amount to get access to what you need. Of course, the softer material also means that it's not going to be able to handle as much of a weight load as other tonneau covers. However, it is also most likely your cheapest option.
• Folding Tonneau Covers
A folding tonneau cover provides similar flexibility to a roll-up tonneau cover with a little more support. These covers are built so that they can fold up in three or four segments, which is a faster and more precise way to gain access than having to roll up the material. A previous disadvantage was that the tonneau cover would stop with the last segment, leaving you with only partial access to your truck bed. These days, however, you can find folding tonneau covers that go the extra mile and fold up to rest against the rear window, granting you full access. However, their weight load is going to be similar that of a roll-up tonneau cover, which is slightly less than other options.
• Retractable Tonneau Covers
A retractable tonneau cover offers the easiest access to your truck bed. It glides smoothly back, allowing you complete access with almost no effort. Plus, most retractable tonneau covers come with a number of locking positions, so you can determine exactly how much you want it to open. This heavy-duty option provides some of the best weight support, so almost no amount of snowfall can take it down. Of course all the extra support and ease comes with a price - this is likely to be the most expensive option.
• Hard Tonneau Covers
Hard tonneau covers use hinges to grant you access to the bed of your truck. From the back of the truck, all it takes is one hand to lift it up and let the hinges catch and support it while you load or unload your cargo. The one-piece construction gives it basically the heaviest weight capacity of any tonneau cover. Of course, the fact that you tilt the tonneau cover up means that access to the part of the truck bed closest to the cab will be limited; it doesn't make it impossible, just a little more awkward.
No matter which tonneau cover you end up choosing, you can rest assured that it will be incredibly weather resistant and keep your cargo safe from possible theft.
Truck Seat Covers
