Choosing The Right Tonneau Cover
Shopping for a Tonneau Cover
When choosing a tonneau cover for your truck, there are many options. From materials to how they open and close, the choices can be overwhelming. This guide will help you find the perfect cover to protect your cargo. If you need more help, feel free to call us at 01789 339 339 or use our contact form.
Most Popular Tonneau Covers
Here are the most common types of tonneau covers:
- Soft Roll-Up Covers
- Soft Folding Covers
- Hard Folding Covers
- Retractable Covers (Roll Top)
- Solid Covers (1-piece or 3-piece)
Things to Consider When Choosing a Cover
Security:
Think about how secure you need the cover to be. If you're just covering items while driving, a soft cover is an affordable choice. But if you're leaving tools or goods unattended for long periods, you’ll want a retractable or solid cover for better protection.
Truck Bed Access:
If you often carry tall or large items, consider how much space the cover takes up. Retractable covers are easy to open but reduce your load space due to the canister at the front. Soft roll-up covers take up little space but are less secure when closed.
Ease of Use:
Most covers are easy to operate, but electric retractable covers are the easiest—they work with a remote or app. Soft roll-up covers are simple to open but can be tricky to close and seal.
Durability:
A tonneau cover is an investment, so you want it to last. Soft covers can stretch and fade over time but offer great value. Manual roll-top covers are more durable, though springs or locks may wear out after a few years. Electric retractable covers are the most durable, with the motor being the only part that may eventually need replacement.
Budget:
Your budget will play a big role in your choice. If price isn’t a concern, go straight to the electric roll covers for ease and durability. If you're on a budget, weigh the pros and cons of each type and pick the one that fits your needs.
Weatherproofing:
Is there a tonneau cover that keeps everything 100% dry? Maybe not, but some come close. Solid 1-piece covers and the EGR RollTrac offer great protection against the elements. While other covers provide good weatherproofing when installed correctly, soft and hard folding covers are less waterproof due to their hinge points.
Which Cover Should You Buy?
We’ve rated each cover type based on the criteria above with a 5-star system. Each cover is excellent for its intended purpose—you just need to match your needs to the right one. If you're still unsure, give us a call at 01789 339 339.
Soft Roll Up Cover
| Security | ★ |
| Bed Access | ★★★★ |
| Ease Of Use | ★★ |
| Durability | ★★ |
| Budget | ★★★★★ |
| Weatherproofing | ★★★ |
Soft Folding Cover
| Security | ★★ |
| Bed Access | ★★★★ |
| Ease Of Use | ★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★ |
| Budget | ★★★★★ |
| Weatherproofing | ★★ |
Hard Folding Cover
| Security | ★★★ |
| Bed Access | ★★★★ |
| Ease Of Use | ★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★ |
| Budget | ★★★★ |
| Weatherproofing | ★★ |
Manual Retractable Roller Shutter
| Security | ★★★★ |
| Bed Access | ★★★ |
| Ease Of Use | ★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★ |
| Budget | ★★★ |
| Weatherproofing | ★★★ |
Electric Retractable Roller Shutter
| Security | ★★★★★ |
| Bed Access | ★★★ |
| Ease Of Use | ★★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★★ |
| Budget | ★★ |
| Weatherproofing | ★★★ |
1pc & 3pc Solid Covers
| Security | ★★★★★ |
| Bed Access | ★★ |
| Ease Of Use | ★★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★★ |
| Budget | ★★★★ |
| Weatherproofing | ★★★★★ |
Can I install a tonneau cover myself?
Yes, some covers come completely assembled and ready to mount to the truck bed in just minutes. Other covers come with all the necessary hardware you need to install yourself. Eagle 4x4 offer an advice helpline and our library of installation videos on our YouTube Channel is growing all the time.
The only tonneau cover we don't recommend DIY installation on uis the EGR RollTrac which is ultra-sophisticated and requires professional installation.
Do tonneau covers improve fuel economy?
Yes, tests have shown that a closed tonneau cover improves aerodynamics to give you better fuel economy than an open truck bed. The amount of improvement in fuel economy depends on the type of cover and the type of truck but it will have some impact.