Secure Tonneau Covers 101: Definition, Types, and Uses

Are you thinking about installing a tonneau cover for your truck? If so, then you’re in luck because there’s no shortage of tonneau covers to choose from. Unfortunately, this can also get pretty overwhelming.

Luckily, deciding on the best tonneau cover for your truck doesn’t have to be too hard as long as you know where to start.

What Is a Tonneau Cover?

A tonneau cover is a protective cover that goes on top of your pickup truck’s bed, where precious cargo is often left out in the open.

Tonneau covers keep your cargo out of sight while protecting it from the sun, rain, and wind. They can be hard or soft and also come in different styles, colors, and materials. In a way, a tonneau cover is a great way of personalizing your ride.

But that’s not all they have to offer. Another surprising perk of tonneau covers is their ability to improve a truck’s aerodynamics and reduce drag, which can both increase a vehicle’s fuel mileage.

How Tonneau Covers Protect Your Cargo

Here are some ways that tonneau covers protect your cargo:

Keeps Your Cargo Safe From the Elements

One of the most obvious benefits of having a tonneau cover is keeping your cargo safe from the elements. Tonneau covers can typically keep rain, dirt, and even fallen leaves from entering your truck bed.

Offers Secure Storage

Thieves are always looking for an easy way in, and what could be more tempting than cargo left out in the open in your truck bed?

The best tonneau covers come with locks that deter thieves from stealing your cargo. With a locked tonneau cover, you don’t have to worry about parking in public spaces anymore.

Types of Secure Tonneau Covers

The most secure tonneau cover is the one that best fits your preferences and your vehicle’s needs. With that in mind, consider these common types of tonneau covers:

Locking Covers

Looking for the best tonneau cover for security? You might want to focus your search on locking covers, a type of tonneau cover that comes with its own lock and extends over the tailgate.

It’s a great choice if your tailgate doesn’t lock on its own since you can only access the truck bed after you unlock the locking cover.

Covers With Locking Tailgate

Some tonneau covers work hand-in-hand with your tailgate’s lock. You can typically unlock them with a separate key, but some covers are designed to only open after you unlock your tailgate first.

Folding Covers

This is probably the most common type of tonneau cover you’ll find on the market. Folding covers fold in two, three, or four panels, and they come in both hard and soft versions.

Hard folding tonneau covers typically cost more, so you might want to consider their soft counterparts if you’re on a budget.

Roll-up Covers

As its name suggests, a roll-up tonneau cover lets you roll up the cover to expose a part of the truck bed. It’s a great choice if you often need quick access to only a portion of your truck bed.

Retractable Covers

Just like roll-up covers, retractable covers allow you to expose as much or as little of your truck bed as you want. The only difference is that the cover retracts toward the truck’s cab, freeing you from any annoying flaps that might fall down.

Some retractable covers are operated manually, but many versions on the market today are electric. With the simple push of a button, you can retract and adjust the cover to your liking.

Toolbox Covers

Did you know some tonneau covers come with a toolbox? Most toolbox covers are a combination of a heavy-duty aluminum toolbox and a retractable cover.

This type of tonneau cover is a great way to organize your cargo while keeping everything safe from the elements.

Hinged Covers

A hinged tonneau cover usually comes in one piece, with hinges close to the cab. It’s typically secured in place by struts, and it’s ideal for lowering aerodynamic drag.

Snap-on Covers

Snap-on covers aren’t the most secure tonneau covers on the market, but they’re the most affordable. They’re lightweight and easy to install, but they’re also easy to remove. You just have to snap them on and off your truck bed.

Snap-on covers don’t offer much protection from thieves or the elements, but they do keep your cargo out of sight at the very least.

How Much Does a Tonneau Cover Cost?

Tonneau covers can be pricey, especially if your vehicle has a large truck bed. In general, the price for a secure tonneau cover varies depending on your truck’s make and model. They can cost anywhere from $50 to a whopping $1770.