Chevrolet Tonneau Cover

Commonly known as a truck bed cover, the tonneau cover is a popular truck accessory with both practical and decorative applications. A Chevrolet tonneau cover can be quite a hefty investment, so it helps to consider certain factors before finalizing a purchase. Below are some simple pointers to determine the perfect tonneau cover for your Chevrolet truck:

Before starting to source for a Chevrolet tonneau cover, understand first the main aim of purchasing it, whether it is for work, security, style, or versatility. If your main purpose is for security, a hard tonneau cover is the better choice, albeit more expensive. On the other hand, soft covers are less costly and are more flexible.

Ask yourself why you’re buying a Chevrolet tonneau cover. Is it for work, security, style, or versatility? If security is your main concern, a hard tonneau cover is the appropriate choice because of its sturdy material and construction. On the other hand, soft covers are more affordable and structurally flexible.

Depending on how often you access the truck bed, manufacturers offer Chevrolet tonneau covers that are foldable, retractable, and hinged.

Some hard covers feature tailgate access that secures itself when the cover is locked up. For fast and total access to the truck bed, a soft roll-up or retractable cover is recommended. Most tonneau covers are designed with a clamp-on style, which needs hand tools. Although, there are also soft tri-fold covers that have integrated hand clamps for easy installation and fast full removal.

Generally, a soft truck bed cover costs less compared to a hard cover. Soft tonneau covers averagely cost a third to a half of a hard cover's price.

Some types of tonneau covers are not recommended for lifted Chevrolet trucks because of the increased height. These incompatible types include folding, hinging, snap-on, and roll-up forms.

An under-the-rail bed liner can easily accept a tonneau cover. However, if the bed liner goes over the rail, it makes installation much more difficult. Check the Chevrolet tonneau cover for its compatibility with an over-the-rail bed liner. This also applies to truck cargo beds with tie downs or bed caps.

In general, soft Chevrolet tonneau covers are easier and faster to install compared to hard counterparts. Mounting a soft cover takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, while a hard cover can take up to 2 hours. The time it takes to install a tonneau cover depends on the installer’s mechanical skills.

It’s important to ensure the tonneau cover is properly installed. A badly-installed cover may let rainwater leak inside the cover, while a misaligned rail can prevent you from closing it.

Each type of tonneau cover comes with its own maintenance guidelines. Motorized covers require more maintenance to prolong their service life and give optimum performance. Vinyl covers of soft bed truck covers need regular cleaning with the right products while hard covers also have their own washing directions. Retracting covers also have special requirements for cleaning the rails and canister.