Top 8 Benefits of Tonneau Covers

By AmericanTrucks - September 14, 2021

If you’ve been considering a truck bed cover, a tonneau cover can be an excellent choice. Pickup truck owners find that these covers, in general, have multiple advantages. Better yet, there’s a wide variety of options from which to choose. You should be able to find one that perfectly fits your pickup and your daily demands.

Why Invest in a Tonneau?

Many truck owners find tonneau covers an excellent option for protecting their cargo, as well as adding to the pickup’s appearance. There are several reasons why tonneaus can be an excellent investment:

• They come in many variations (styles, shapes, sizes, colors).
• They protect your cargo from theft and vandalism.
• They protect your cargo from the elements.
• They improve your fuel economy.
• They’re functional.
• They’re versatile.
• They’re aesthetically appealing.
• They increase your truck’s value.

Types of Tonneaus

There are several different types of tonneaus from which to choose. Here are the most common kinds, each with its own benefits:

• Folding is the most popular style of tonneau. Typically, these covers are tri-fold with 3 separate folding sections. Folding tonneau covers are excellent if you want to cover part of the truck bed and leave an area uncovered (e.g., for cargo that won’t fit underneath).
• Rolling tonneaus roll up to the bulkhead. They can provide partial access to the load in different size areas (uncovered vs. covered). The roll-up variety is perhaps the most versatile tonneau if you regularly have diverse types of cargo; you can roll it up as much or as little as you want.
• Retractable tonneaus, similar to the rolling style, retracts into a canister at the truck’s bulkhead as it rolls up.
• Hinged tonneaus are an excellent option if you want something similar to a car trunk lid. It can be locked into its open position for easy access. However, this is not a practical option if you haul large cargo or need full access to the truck’s bed. They are limited in their usage and not easy to remove and replace, but many truck owners love the sleek look that a matching painted hard lid tonneau can provide.
• Locking tonneaus are essential if you haul more valuable cargo. Not all tonneau covers have a locking ability, so this could be a significant factor in your decision.

Do Tonneau Covers Really Save Gas?

Pickup trucks are clearly not aerodynamic; this is evident just by looking at the shape. The air flows over the roof, landing in the bed as the truck rolls down the road. It catches the airflow, creating more resistance. Because of this resistance, the truck’s engine is forced to work harder. Studies have shown that tonneau covers reduce drag, typically helping boost fuel economy by close to 2%.

Waterproof Tonneau Covers

If you must keep the bed of your truck free of as much moisture as possible, a single-piece hardcover is your best bet for remaining watertight. Other hardcovers (folding, retractable and roll-up) provide excellent water resistance but may not always be completely waterproof.

Conclusion

Whatever type of pickup you drive, there’s a good chance you can find a tonneau cover that suits your life. Take time to research and consider all the varieties. Then, you’ll soon be enjoying all the benefits a tonneau brings.