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10 Best Truck Bed Covers [Buying Guide]

Protect Your Cargo With The Best Truck Bed Covers On The Market

Best Overall Choice

TruXedo TruXport Roll-up Cover

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Best Premium Choice

BakFlip MX4 Hard Folding Cover

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Best Budget Choice

MaxMate Roll-up Cover

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Best Truck Bed Covers

You probably purchased a truck, in part, for the amount of space you get in the bed. Trucks are obviously more practical than cars for transporting large or bulky items. But one concern with an open truck bed is security. Suppose you don’t have the time to move all your stuff out of the truck, and you need to leave it somewhere overnight. You don’t want everything out in the open, right? For your peace of mind and the safety of your things, a truck bed cover is a great option. 

A truck bed cover also gives you more enclosed storage space if you want to keep your gear clean and dry. The best truck bed covers will keep whatever you’re hauling out of the elements. We’ve rounded up some of the best truck bed covers to get you started. 

What To Look For When Purchasing A Truck Bed Cover

When you are looking at truck bed covers, the word “tonneau” will come up. Tonneau refers to any soft or hard covering that protects the bed of a truck. Soft coverings are lighter weight and often easier to fold or roll-up. Hard coverings are more secure but tend to be a bit bulkier and are not as convenient to remove or store. 

Additionally, you will have the choice of a few different types of truck bed covers including soft-folding, hard-folding, and roll-up. In making your selection, a few things to think about include security and durability. Depending on your use case, you may want a secure, weather-proof hardcover that remains on your truck bed all the time. Or you might be fine with a lighter weight soft-folding cover that is easier to fold up or remove.

Whatever style truck bed cover you purchase, always make sure it fits your specific make and model of truck, and be sure to order the correct size to fit your truck beds. 

Hard Folding Truck Bed Covers

The appeal with hard folding covers is durability, sturdiness, and security. Hardcovers are secure and not easily ripped or torn. Another plus is that solid covers won’t make any kind of flapping noise. Hard folding covers are significantly more expensive than the other two types of covers — but if you’re looking for added security for your cargo, it might be worth the extra money. Hard folding covers still have a clean, sleek appearance, although some might be more raised or noticeable than other soft or roll-up covers.

Soft-Folding Truck Bed Covers

The look of a soft-folding cover is very similar to a roll-up. It is usually sleek and low to the truck bed, giving it a sporty look. The cover will usually have a folding system, such as a tri-fold. One disadvantage of this type of cover is the tear-resistant material is not ideal for hauling sharp or bulky items. If you are on a budget, you can often get a high-quality soft-folding cover for a moderate price.

Roll-Up Truck Bed Covers

Roll-up covers are similar to the soft-folding kind, with a rolling feature instead of a folding feature to access the truck bed. The roll-up function makes it easy to get in and out of the truck bed, and they are typically quick and easy to install.

Best Overall Choice

1. TruXedo TruXport Roll-up Cover

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This rolling cover by TruXedo is an Amazon best-seller. According to reviews, users love the easy installation process because it requires no drilling or cutting, and you can easily install the cover in under 20 minutes. The leather grain black material is durable and intended to hold up well to harsh weather.

This cover is sleek, sitting only 1.5 inches above the bed, giving your truck a sporty look. You can easily roll the cover up and back, and it includes a sturdy, easy-to-use dual paddle latch for extra security. Some critical reviews mention that it doesn’t fit flawlessly, specifically along the tailgate. 

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Easy roll-up operation
  • Dual paddle latch for extra security

Cons

  • Might not be perfectly waterproof
  • Does not seamlessly fit all truck beds
Best Premium Choice

2. BakFlip MX4 Hard Folding Cover

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BakFlip markets this cover as “America’s #1 selling hard folding cover,” and they might just be right. It is made of durable aluminum panels and a four-panel fold instead of the common tri-fold design.

It has a dual-action tailgate seal, and comes with finished corner caps, secure rail end caps, and prop rod clips. The cover has an integrated buckle system and automatic latching mechanism that allows you to drive with the cover partially or fully opened. For full bed access, you can unlock the cover from either side and fold the cover all the way up against the cab.

Pros

  • Extremely durable
  • Good quality

Cons

  • Expensive
Best Budget Choice

3. MaxMate Roll-up Cover

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This roll-up truck bed by MaxMate is a customer favorite. It is dual-coated and furnished with a marine-grade vinyl top. The side rails and clamps are heavy-duty, powder-coated aluminum with built-in crossbars for support. 

The installation process is simple, with no drilling, and the cover comes with instructions for an even easier process. The velcro strips on the sides seal the bed, along with a latch lock system at the tailgate. The tension system can be adjusted on the sides and ends to keep the cover tight.

Pros

  • Easy installation
  • Tight fit
  • Inexpensive 

Cons

  • Some customers have had issues with the clamp design

4. Lund Genesis Elite Roll-Up Cover

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The Lund Genesis Elite cover is made of a premium twill weave material, which is why it is at a higher price point than other roll-up covers. This cover was engineered to be resistant to water, UV, dust, dirt, and mildew. It’s easy to wash and no specific cleaners are needed – just rinse it down with water.

The low-profile roll-up is tight to the bed and will give your truck a sleek look. It sits on sturdy aluminum rails, and the cover rolls up neatly against the cab. The installation process is quick and easy, with no drilling required, and can be done in about 20 minutes. This cover comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • Easy roll-up
  • Premium, high-quality fabric

Cons

  • More expensive than other roll-ups

5. BakFlip G2 Tonneau Cover

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The BakFlip G2 is a hard folding tonneau cover with solid panels in a tri-fold design. One of the main features that reviewers loved about this cover is that, since it comes with its own rails, it lays completely flush over your truck bed. The quality perimeter seal is durable, and you won’t have to compromise on your truck’s aesthetic with these flush-mounted panels. The panels are UV resistant and made out of aluminum, giving you extra security. 

The installation process is simple and user friendly. With a clamp-on install instead of a drill installation, it’s easy even for new truck owners. And once you release the cables, the cover folds open, allowing you full truck bed access. And to fully secure your bed, all you have to do is lock the tailgate cover. Although the panels are flush over the bed, multiple reviewers on Amazon and Bak Industries have complained that they have had problems with water leaking through the cover, so this isn’t the most weather-proof design on the market.

Pros

  • Easy installation
  • Sits flush to the truck bed
  • Simple open and close mechanism

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Possible water leakage

6. American Tonneau Company Soft Tri-Fold Cover

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Though this vinyl soft-folding cover may be a bit more pricey than other soft covers, you do get some added bonuses. American Tonneau Company decided to throw in some gifts — this truck bed cover comes with TonnoTonic cover cleaner, a cargo retrieving device, a tailgate sealer, and a rescue hammer.

Manufactured in the U.S.A. the company claims that this cover is tear-resistant and will not stretch, fade, or crack. Along with a quick installation process, it also had a weatherproof seal to help keep your cargo dry. The simply latching system and folding design make accessing the inside of the bed convenient.

Pros

  • Comes with extra equipment and accessories
  • Good quality vinyl cover
  • Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • More expensive than competing products

7. Tonno Pro Soft Folding Cover

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The Tonno Pro cover is made from soft but tear-resistant vinyl. The cover is supported by a durable frame made out of epoxy coated aluminum. The tri-fold design makes it easy to fold up this cover when you need to access your truck bed. It has water-resistant edging to help keep your cargo dry.

You can easily install this cover with the clamp-on and off design, which takes minutes to assemble. If you need to remove the truck bed cover, for example when you’re transporting large items, you can quickly and conveniently take it off. 

Pros

  • Easy clamp-on installation and clamp-off removal process
  • Less expensive than other covers
  • Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Not as high quality as other covers

8. Extang Solid Fold 2.0 Hard Folding Cover

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This hard folding cover is easy to install and comes fully assembled. The Solid Fold 2.0 is equipped with lightweight, automotive-grade polymer panels. Extang claims that this cover is dent and scratch-resistant, while also resisting UV rays, and can handle all types of cargo, from cinder blocks to groceries.

All you have to do to assemble this cover is tighten the two cab clamps, and unfold the cover and pull down on the EZ-Lock tailgate clamps to secure. The clamps can only be accessed by lowering the tailgate, so you can securely lock your truck bed when desired. The seal is weatherproof, with claims of being “the most water-resistant hard folding cover on the market.” 

Pros

  • Good quality, tight seal for weatherproofing
  • Durable and sturdy
  • Easy install

Cons

  • More expensive

9. Tyger Auto T3 Tri-Fold Cover

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You may be skeptical about a soft folding cover being as protective as a hard cover, but this Tyger Auto cover will prove you wrong. It comes with everything you need including the cover, of course, an LED bed light, instructions, and hardware for mounting and weather sealing. The cover is sturdy with dual coated marine-grade vinyl and a heavy-duty powder-coated aluminum frame. 

This cover has a tight fabric that fights snug over your truck bed and added front and rear weather seals for additional weather-proofing. Customers report that it can withstand snow and rain, so no need to change it out with the seasons. It fits on to most common-sized pickup bed and is super easy to install. There is no drilling involved, just stainless steel clamps for added protection and easy install.

Pros

  • Good weather protection
  • Additional gear and accessories included

Cons

  • Softcover is not ideal for sharp objects in the truck bed

10. Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold Cover

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Gator makes it easier than ever to assemble this tri-fold soft truck bed cover. Secure the simple clamp on the rails of your truck bed, and it’s on within 10 minutes. This is convenient if you need to take the cover on and off often.

The frame is aluminum with an industrial-strength vinyl cover, which Gator claims will seal the truck bed from dust, rain, and snow. The tri-fold system allows you to fold the panels toward the cab to access the bed, and you can even drive with the cover 2/3 open in case you need to haul a large load. 

Pros

  • Sturdy and weatherproof
  • Limited lifetime warranty on the frame
  • 10-year warranty for the tarp

Cons

  • Not 100% weatherproof




Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I get a truck bed cover?

Truck bed covers are useful for weather protection and added security. With a cover, you can keep your cargo dry and clean. Truck bed covers also give you added security for any items you might want to leave in your truck bed.

 

 

Is a roll-up or tri-fold tonneau better?

It really depends on personal preference and what you are putting in the truck bed. Both types of truck bed covers are practical for security and weather-proofing. The main difference is the functionality and how you use your truck bed.

If you usually don’t need to open the truck bed cover all the way, then a tri-fold tonneau will likely work for you. However, if you normally carry larger, bulkier items in the bed and need access to the entire bed often, a roll-up could be the better option for you.

Is soft or hard tonneau cover better?

Again, it depends on personal preference and your use case. Soft covers are cheaper and more low-profile, giving the truck a sleeker look. Although most soft covers are made of tear-resistant material, there are some items that might rip through the covering.

Hard covers are known for their durability and security. Due to the materials that they are made out of, they are often more expensive. And, though they still have a sleek look, some might be a little more raised or noticeable on your truck bed.

How long do soft tonneau covers last?

Generally, most soft tonneau covers usually last around five years before the material starts to show signs of wear. This will vary, of course, based on how you use your truck bed and what type of conditions you drive in. The more wear and tear you put on your truck bed cover, the more quickly it will wear out. If you want a more durable option, consider a hard cover.





About Rhea Jha

Rhea is currently pursuing a B.A. in Journalism and History at Penn State University. In her downtime, you can find her enjoying a cheese board, petting her dog, or probably watching Chopped.

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