Pickup Bed Covers - 6 Top Tips Before Choosing One

Among the hottest add-ons for trucks are pickup bed covers. Some truck owners see a bed cover as a must-have rather than an option. If you're thinking of adding one to your truck, read on to get some thoughts that may help you decide on the best cover for you.

Why Do You Want One?

Tonneau covers look great on trucks, but there's more to choosing one than just looks. Some covers are more weatherproof than others. Does your truck stay outside most of the time or in the garage? Are you concerned about locking your cargo away? Some covers work better for security than others. Did you think that covering up that big opening behind the cab can save you some money? Some say that improved aerodynamics with a cover cuts fuel usage.

The Four Types Of Covers

Covers are several types. There are the soft vinyl covers that usually, but not always, roll up to expose the bed. Then there are the hinged lids. Either a type of plastic or fiberglass, these hinge forward like a trunk lid. A third type is the tri-fold. These can be soft covered or hard. In both cases the cover is a three piece hinged unit that folds in sections to allow access to the truck bed. The last category is the retractable cover. This cover is usually an aluminum sheet that rolls forward into a can.

What's Your Cargo?

If all your cargo is short and fits below the bed side rails, any cover will work. But if you haul larger loads, even like a lawn mower or a refrigerator, some won't wo

k. A hinged lid, like a trunk lid, will not let you haul tall items unless you take the lid off. That's a big problem. Some tri-fold covers may only allow access to part of the bed, with 1/3 of the bed covered all the time. Think about your cargo and be sure it fits with the cover you choose.

Appearance Differences

No cover is sleeker looking than a plastic or fiberglass lid, especially one painted to match the truck finish. Also retractable covers look especially great since the covers mount flush or a little below the surface of the bed rails. But even the cheapest vinyl covers add a finished look to any truck.

What's It Gonna Cost?

A custom painted hinged lid cover will probably be your most expensive option with a retractable close behind. A low-end vinyl cover may cost only about one-fourth of the cost of the most expensive options.

Keep Them In Or Out?

Cargo that's out of sight is automatically more secure. But to really lock it away you need a hard cover that can't be easily cut or broken. The most secure covers are your metal retractable covers or your tough hard tilting lids. You'll need a good locking tailgate too.

Pickup truck tonneau covers are a valuable option and almost a necessity for some truck owners.

Puzzled about choosing a truck tonneau cover? Visit our site for tips to help choose pickup bed covers.

We invite you to visit http://www.TruckBedStuff.com for answers to your truck bed questions.