Truck bed covers, also known as tonneau covers, are used in pickup trucks and utility vehicles. They are used to cover and secure the truck bed. An open truck bed is exposed to the vagaries of nature. Sun, wind, snow, rain can lead to weathering, rusting, and corrosion of the truck bed. Plus, anything visible is an easy target for thieves. Truck bed covers not only improve the aesthetics of your automobile but also ensure the safety of the cargo.

With a truck bed cover, not only is the look of your truck refined but the truck also gets more aerodynamic. So while driving the truck, there is less drag. You get a higher mileage which translates to saving in cost of the gas.

Types of truck bed covers

When you’re looking for truck bed covers, you have ample choices. Take your pick.

Soft/vinyl bed covers

The best part of this type of bed cover is they can be easily installed. There is no need for drilling to put the cover on. Instead, the cover is fixed across a frame that has support bows. These support bows clamp on to the truck. Light on your wallet, these covers protect the bed and the cargo from harsh weather conditions.

Rolling bed covers

The roll-up bed covers are very similar to the soft/vinyl covers. There is a frame that attaches to the bed, enabling the cover to be rolled up and stored for easy access.

Fiberglass lids

Fiberglass lids are very strong and durable. They are removable as well. They are a tad heavy, weighing up to 100 pounds. You can paint the lid to match the color of the truck. Depending on the model, you can buy the quick release system or choose the one which is mounted on a framework and secured with clamps. The clamps have to be released to remove the lid. When the lid is attached to the truck bed, it does not allow the tailgate to open. Fiberglass lids are expensive. Considering their durability, it makes sense to invest in one for your truck’s safety.

Hard plastic lids

Matching in strength and durability with the fiberglass lids, the hard plastic lids which weigh about 60 lbs, can be easily removed. Quite affordable, the hard plastic lids offer protection to the bed. When locked in place, they do not allow the tailgate to open.

Folding bed covers

Folding bed covers come in both soft and hard variants. They fold halfway up the bed, giving easy access to the truck bed and cargo. Hard folding covers lock the tailgate and prevent it from opening.

Benefits of truck bed covers

Truck bed covers, no doubt, enhance the truck’s aesthetics. They offer a host of other benefits as well.

Safety during transport

Whatever is the cargo that is being carried in the truck, an open truck bed leaves the cargo exposed to rain, sun, snow, and wind. Having a truck bed cover secures the cargo and ensures its safe transportation. If you live in a place that experiences frequent bad weather conditions and pollution, a truck bed cover is just the right to protect the truck bed from rust, corrosion, and weathering.

Enhanced security

Open cargo is always at the risk of theft. A truck bed cover secures the cargo, and no one can know what is being carried in the truck bed. Further, they have a locking mechanism, offering 100% protection to the cargo being carried.

Better fuel efficiency

Isn’t it great to save on your fuel bills? Well, a truck bed cover precisely does that. A truck bed cover has indeed proven to increase the gas mileage. This is because of its aerodynamic design that reduces the air drag. You can save fuel to the extent of 5% to 10%, which is quite significant.

Well-organized cargo

As you drive the truck, the changing wind can dislodge the cargo from its original place and cause all to spill on top of one another. The mess can leave you in utter confusion once you have to unload. With a truck bed cover on, be rest assured that you will find the cargo just as how you had arranged before hitting the road.

Better resale value

A truck bed which has been secured by a cover is less likely to incur repair and wear-out costs. With the result, it will look relatively new, fetching you a good price on resale.

With a truck bed cover in place, you are secured against theft, loss, and damage to cargo. Plus you save on your gas bills and also gain a higher resale value. You can buy truck bed covers online and reap the benefits.