Different Types of Truck Bed Covers

You’ve got a job to do, come rain, shine, wind or snow. You want to protect your gear from the elements, accidents or prying eyes, but wonder how to choose a truck bed cover that’s best for you. 

There are several types of truck bed covers, also known as tonneau covers, on the market. Knowing the best one for your truck depends on understanding the differences.

This article will lay out the truck bed cover types you need to know and guide you through finding the right one for you. But first, how will buying the right truck bed cover help you?

Benefits of Truck Bed Covers

There are many good reasons to put a cover on your vehicle:

• Protection: Bed covers protect your equipment from rain, snow, wind and sun. This means you can keep hauling all year long, no matter the weather.
• Security: Your haul is valuable. Keep it out of sight, safe and secure by covering it up.
• Cleanliness: Keep your cargo clean with a cover that shields it from splashing mud, floating dust and falling debris.
• Tidiness: A cover can help keep cargo items organized and secure in their spots. This prevents damage and makes items easier to find and more presentable when you reach your destination.
• Safety: Covering your load helps keep items in place at high speeds. This is good for business, but also for the environment and the safety of other drivers.
• Mileage: Truck covers may improve fuel efficiency by reducing drag on your vehicle. A more economical haul can pay off over time.
• Looks: Present a slick style that suits your taste.

Using a truck bed cover is the safe, smart and stylish way to go. But what sets one kind of cover apart from another? To answer that, we’ll look at the different types of truck bed covers.

Types of Truck Bed Covers

There are several types of truck bed covers available, but most can be divided into four categories — roll-up covers, retractable covers, folding covers and fiberglass covers.

Roll-Up Covers

Also known as rolling covers, they come in soft and hard varieties. Vinyl is the material of choice and it is reinforced in hard roll covers. Whether the design is soft or hard, the material used will be flexible so the cover can roll up into itself when you want to access the truck bed. 

Roll-up covers are easy to use. The hard roll versions offer added protection and security compared to the more affordable soft roll covers.

Retractable Covers

Retractable covers are a higher-end option. At the press of a button, they slide in and out of a canister in the truck bed to cover or uncover your load. This makes them a convenient choice, ideal for frequent use. They can be made from sturdy materials like heavy-duty aluminum for optimal protection.

Folding Covers

Folding covers are available in three and four-panel designs, but the tri-fold cover is the most popular. These come in hard and soft varieties. Soft tri-fold bed covers are a good lightweight choice, while hard tri-folds are your heavy-duty option for maximum durability. 

The panels fold up one at a time, making it easy to cover your bed to varying degrees depending on your needs.

Fiberglass Covers

Fiberglass truck bed covers are the ultimate in durability for those positioned to invest in a higher-end product. Fiberglass covers require professional installation. 

They are attached to the back of your truck and often painted to match your vehicle for a seamless look. They flip open like the hood of a car. The material is resistant to all kinds of weather and debris and most come with locks for your peace of mind.

How to Choose a Truck Bed Cover Type

The best type of truck bed cover for you depends on your needs and priorities. Each type has its strengths, offering varying degrees of convenience, style, cost-effectiveness, fuel efficiency, protection, security and durability. 

Which of these characteristics do you need the most? Which do you value most?

Here are some tips to guide you as you choose a truck bed cover. Remember that individual models within each type could have distinctive features, and it’s important to shop for reliable brands and quality products. However, these tips will be useful in narrowing down the different types of truck bed covers you’re likely to prefer:

• Soft covers tend to be more lightweight and inexpensive than hard covers.
• Roll-up covers tend to be a little more lightweight and inexpensive than folding covers.
• Soft roll covers have an advantage in affordability and mileage.
• Hard tri-fold covers have an advantage in protection, security and durability.
• Soft tri-fold covers and hard roll covers will fall in between soft roll and hard fold options.
• Retractable and fiberglass covers are high-end choices that can be even more durable.
• Retractable covers are simpler to install and open with the convenience of a single button press.
• Fiberglass covers are the gold standard for security and can match your vehicle for superior style.

So, for example, if you need a quick, affordable covering solution, consider a soft roll cover. If you want an option that will last and that will maximize weather resistance and security, go for fiberglass. Alternatively, a retractable cover also offers high protection with a bit more ease of use. A hard tri-fold cover could be a versatile middle-ground choice between all these.

Once you’ve narrowed your search for the best type of truck bed cover for your needs, you’ll be ready to shop for the right model and reap its benefits.

Find the Right Truck Bed Cover at Truckfitters

Purchasing and fitting a quality truck bed cover will give you peace of mind that your cargo is protected. Whichever type of truck bed cover you’re shopping for, you can find it at Truckfitters.

Explore truck bed covers with state-of-the-art latch technologies from top brands like Bak Flip, Retrax and Leer. We carry:

• Rolling covers
• Folding covers
• Retractable covers
• Fiberglass covers

If you’re looking for truck upfitting services near you, we have multiple locations in nine states ready to meet your needs. Our experienced team provides superior service to help you find and fit the perfect parts for your truck. 

We know that your truck is more than a vehicle — it’s your livelihood. When you choose Truckfitters, you find an expert partner who can assist you with every step in customizing your truck to best serve your goals.

Whether you’re ready to buy your cover of choice or need professional advice about top-of-the-line parts for your truck, contact Truckfitters today for help.