When it comes to securing loads in a pickup bed, few options are as popular as tonneau covers. Unlike traditional truck bed canopies, tonneau covers have a thin profile that doesn't detract from your truck's appearance nor does it cause drag when you are driving. You have several options for these pickup bed covers. Knowing what they are ensures that you pick a model and style that works well for both your truck and your lifestyle needs.
1. Material Type
You typically have two main choices -- soft cover or hard cover. Soft covers are typically the most cost effective option and they are lightweight enough to operate easily. Hard covers tend to be more durable, secure, and long lived. You can find soft covers in retractable and rollup styles, while hard covers are available for all mechanism styles.
2. Opening Mechanism
There are three main options for opening mechanism. The simplest is the roll up cover. These are usually soft covers but a few brands do make hard rollup covers. The main benefit is you can roll the cover open to just the desired point and you can completely open up the bed. Retractable covers pull back, but they do not open completely because the cover must retract somewhere. Hatch-style covers are lifted up, like a hatch, revealing the whole bed. Only hard covers are an option for hatch-style covers.
3. Fastening Options
Roll up covers are typically fastened down with velcro, which is part of the reason for their lower cost. Velcro isn't the most secure, but if theft isn't a major concern then it can be the best option. Track options are available for rollup and retractable covers. The cover fits into a track, so it can't simply be pried open like velcro. This option tends to be more secure. Hatch covers are fit to the bed walls so that the fit is secure and often water tight.
4. Security Concerns
A locking cover is a must if security is a concern. Track and hatch-style covers can be locked so that the tonneau can't be opened without a key. If security is a major concern, then it's also a good idea to opt for a hard cover. Even a locking soft cover can be cut through, so it isn't the ideal material if theft is a major worry.
Contact a tonneau truck bed cover dealer like FTM Land, Mobile and Marine Solutions to see all of the available options.
