Truck beds are versatile and help haul many things. The truck bed is often not secure enough to leave the cargo unattended. The best roll up tonneau covers will help keep cargo safe. Get complete peace of mind using tonneau covers to secure the bed.
What is a Roll Up Tonneau Cover and What Does It Do?
The best roll up tonneau cover is a soft or hard cover that goes over the trucks’ bed. There are various things that a good-quality tonneau cover does. It includes:
When the tonneau covers enclose the truck’s bed, it makes it weather tight. It helps protect the bed’s contents from rain, snow, grime, dust, and dirt. The contents are also protected from harmful UV rays of the sun.
How do Tonneau Covers Work?
One of the ways that the best roll up tonneau cover gets installed is using bed rails. A series of clips help affix the bed rails to the truck’s bed. It prevents the need to drill to complete the installation process. Permanent drilling often affects the resale value of the pickup truck.
Different Types of Roll Up Tonneau Covers
1. Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover
A soft roll up gets installed on rails and the rails are attached to clamps. It is easy to install and costs less in comparison to hard counterparts. All you need to do is roll up the cover to get bed access.
The cover rolls up in seconds. It is beneficial for anyone who wants to unload the cargo quick. Another big benefit is that you can completely roll over the cover to access the pickup truck’s entire bed.
Soft roll up covers can be installed in two different ways.
Top Mount Installation
The top mount style installation closes the pocket holes. It means you will not be able to use ladder racks or tie-downs without taking off the complete tonneau cover.
Flush Mount Installation
You will be able to use tie-downs in flush-mount installation. It is an easy way to install the tonneau.
2. Hard Roll Up Tonneau Cover
A hard roll up tonneau combines the sturdy security of a hard cover with a soft cover functionality. The hard rolling cover made of aluminum slats get covered in vinyl. It makes them sturdy. A hard roll up will take up more space than a soft roll up cover.
3. Soft Folding Roll Up Tonneau Cover
A soft folding roll up tonneau cover combines a folding cover’s functionality and the soft vinyl look. The vinyl pulled over a metal frame allows you to fold the cover. The clamps can be turned using only one hand. It helps secure the soft folding cover to the bed rails. Installation and removal are also quite easy.
4. Hard Folding Tonneau Covers
The hard folding tonneau covers are the most popular style available in the market. These covers consist of three to four panels that fold and secure the cargo.
5. Retractable Tonneau Cover
The retractable tonneau covers are the most high-tech and stylish bed cover model available. It slides in and out of the opened position. When the cover is not in use they coil inside the built-in canister.
6. Hard Shell Tonneau Covers
The hard-shell tonneau cover functions like a hinged lid. As there are no moving parts and the tonneau covers get assembled as one, it offers the best weather protection. The security offered is also good.
What are the Benefits of Roll Up Tonneau Cover?
1. Secure the Truck Bed
Truck beds don’t have lids. It means there is little security or protection to things kept in the truck. Thieves take advantage of this and steal cargo and other personal belongings from the truck.
A roll up tonneau cover acts as a barrier and prevents thieves from taking anything from the truck. The best security for the pickup truck will depend on the construction and design of the roll up tonneau cover.
2. Protects from Damage
A roll up tonneau cover not only protects the cargo from theft but also protects the truck from damage. Truck beds are strong and sturdy, but damage can occur when they get exposed to the elements.
The roll up tonneau cover protects the bed during bad weather, be it heavy rain and snow. It also offers protection against heavy winds, dirt, dust, and grime.
3. Improves Fuel Efficiency
Pickup trucks are not fuel-efficient. When you install a roll up tonneau cover, the bed becomes aerodynamic. It improves fuel efficiency. An empty bed causes air drag which means the truck uses more fuel to overcome the drag.
The roll up tonneau cover reduces the air drag. It results in less fuel consumption. Even though the savings will not be much from one trip, you will be able to save over a period of time.
4. Stylize the Pickup Truck
Tonneau covers help create an aesthetic appeal. The customized colors and styles of composite covers add a visual flair to your pick up. Hard covers are an ideal choice for adding functionality. The low-profile dimensions of the roll up cover enable them to blend with the truck.
5. Holds Things in Place
Most cargo items shift in a truck. There are also instances where the items get flung off as you speed along the highway. A tonneau cover will help prevent this and hold the cargo items in place. The cover also ensures that no items get lost or damaged in transit.
6. Adds Value to Pickup Trucks
One thing that the cover does is to add value to pickup trucks. As the bed gets protection from the elements, it will last long. The addition of the roll up tonneau cover to the truck also increases its resale value.
7. Full Access to Trunk Bed
The roll up tonneau cover gives full access to your bed. When it is completely open, the roll up cover sits above the rails. It allows you to access the truck bed to haul any cargo fully.
8. Easy to Install and Remove
The lightweight construction of the tonneau covers makes them easy to install and remove. You will be able to complete the entire installation and removal process within minutes. Depending on the truck bed cover, there are different types of installation methods.
The no-drill clamp method is one such installation process that enables you to attach the cover to the bed rails. It is easy, and you don’t need any special tools for the installation.
9. Available in Different Materials and Patterns
The tonneau covers are available in different materials and patterns. Vinyl, canvas, leather-backed covers are lightweight and available in attractive designs. Metal and aluminium-backed roll up covers are strong and durable. You can choose the cover materials depending on the weather and the type of cargo you will be transporting daily.
10. Low Profile and Lightweight
The sleek design of the roll up covers enables you to mount them inside the truck bed rails. It gives the covers a low-profile look. The lightweight materials don’t add extra weight to the truck.
How to Choose the Right Tonneau Cover – What to Look for or Things to Consider
1. Retracting Mechanism
The rolling design is the unique thing about tonneau covers. Compared to single-body and panel covers, the rolling design of the roll up covers takes little space. The best tonneau covers are designed to provide convenience. It is beneficial if you have to open and close the covers quickly.
The roll up cover’s final design determines how much space it will use and how easy it will be to operate. The hard covers get designed to provide more space, whereas the soft cover rolls up tightly. The hard covers need more space for housing the metal panels.
2. Cover Surface
If you want to protect your truck bed, you will need a cover with a durable exterior surface. The cover surface helps resist damage from the elements. It also helps protect against any attempt at theft.
The choice of material of the tonneau cover is important. If you choose a basic material, it will only offer a little bit of weather protection. The material may also not last long. You can choose an expensive option if you want higher quality material.
Vinyl is a soft material that offers basic weatherproofing. One other thing that you need to remember about vinyl is that you can tear it easily. If you want the best protection from weather and theft, you can choose a hard material.
3. Safety and Security Features
Pickup truck cover manufacturers have different ways to secure the bed when it's closed. The most basic safety level is to Velcro or clamp down the cover onto the edge of the truck bed. The convenient design doesn’t offer much security.
There are covers that offer a lock. Truck covers with one or many lock systems are available. You can open the locks with a key. One lock system would be more than enough to secure the cargo in the truck bed.
You will not be able to open the bed cover when the tailgate is up. A roll up designed to provide the best security features will give you complete peace of mind.
4. Bed Size
If you want the truck cover to be effective, you should ensure that it fits the truck bed. If the cover doesn’t fit properly over the tailgate and bed, it will not offer adequate protection from theft and weather.
One of the things you need to remember before choosing a truck cover is the exact dimensions of the truck bed. Awareness about the width and length of the bed will help you choose wisely.
Most manufacturers offer truck covers in different sizes and styles to fit different models and make of trucks. Measure the truck bed to be aware of the right size of roll up you need to buy.
5. Weight
The roll up soft covers are lightweight. The hard covers made of metal weigh more than the soft covers. You should make a choice depending on the type of truck or van you own. Even though hard covers provide the most protection from theft and weather, the extra weight will make it hard to access the truck bed.
When it comes to the weight of the best tonneau cover, you should strike a balance between the amount of security that the cover provides and the ease of opening and closing.
6. Installation
Most soft roll up models can be installed within minutes. All that you need are some basic clamps and fasteners. Installation of hard cover models can pose a challenge as you have to align, mount, and secure.
Installation is usually completed within 15 minutes to an hour. The best tonneau covers take the least time for installation as no drilling required. Always choose a roll up truck bed cover that is easy to install.
The one thing that distinguishes the modern covers from the old models is the installation process. The modern designs use Velcro strips and clamps to secure the bed. The clamps make it easy to install and remove the roll up truck bed cover.
7. Compatibility
If the roll up you buy doesn’t fit the truck bed, then even the best features will be of no use. Most manufacturers state the compatibility of the tonneau cover with different vehicles.
The dimensions of the cover are also clearly mentioned. It will help you make an informed choice. You can also choose to measure the truck’s bed size to learn the tonneau cover’s correct size.
8. Weather Protection and Waterproofing
When shopping for tonneau covers, you should ensure that they offer good weather protection. The material should be waterproof so that it helps protect against rain and snow.
9. Ease of Access and Use
You should be able to access the tonneau covers without any difficulty. It will help you load and unload the cargo from the truck within minutes.
10. Remote Control
Roll up tonneau covers with retracting mechanism have remote controls. The remote controls help in opening and closing the roll up truck bed covers effortlessly. It is beneficial for busy truck drivers, as they don’t have to get out of the truck to open and close the covers. It will help save a lot of time.
11. Styles
There are many different styles and sizes of roll up tonneau covers available in the market. You can choose any style that fits the truck.
12. Ease of Maintenance
One of the factors you need to consider when choosing the best roll up tonneau cover is the ease of maintenance. You should try and find one that is easy to clean with only soap and water.
As for maintenance, you don’t need to do anything other than ensure that the cover are installed properly. Check to see if there are any loose parts. It is crucial if you had used clamps to secure the cover.
13. Material
Roll up tonneau covers are made from different materials. Each of these materials has its benefits and drawbacks.
Vinyl
Vinyl material looks less sophisticated when compared to other materials. Despite this, it is the most common material used for manufacturing tonneau covers. You will be able to make stylish covers that are easy to cut. Vinyl material is also soft.
A vinyl top has simple designs. It stretches the length and width of the truck. The modern covers come in different designs. It ranges from those with velcroed snaps and aluminum frames.
Aluminum
Aluminum is both strong and lightweight. It is due to this it is a popular choice for making tonneau covers. Aluminum roll up tonneau covers are available in different designs and offer the best security. Folding and roll up are popular designs.
The biggest drawback of this material is that it is prone to scratches and dents. It will be unable to withstand impacts like other materials like plastic and fiberglass.
Molded ABS Plastic
Plastic is a lightweight and sturdy material. The molded plastic bed is easy to lift. It is easy to install and remove them. The hard feature of the material enables it to withstand impact. Molded ABS plastic topped with vinyl increases the aesthetic value of the tonneau.
Fiberglass
Single panel tonneau covers are often made from fiberglass. The material is durable and sturdy. Fiberglass covers are the preferred choice in harsh climates and rugged terrains. You can paint the material to match the truck . The bulky feature of this material is its only drawback.
Top Brands of the Best Roll Up Tonneau Cover
TruXedo Truxport
Founded in 2000, TruXedo has led the industry with innovative roll up truck bed covers. The new designs emphasize functionality, durability, quality, and style. The hard rolling cover Titanium were launched in 2014. A premium soft roll up , Pro X15, launched in 2017, is one of the best-selling covers. The superior grade material and amazing new features make it a popular choice.
Tyger
Tyger Auto Inc. founded in 2013, is a manufacturer focused on aftermarket auto parts. The line of tonneau covers that the company manufactures is primarily soft designs such as trifold and roll ups. Tyger auto provides a lifetime warranty on its products.
Pace Edwards
Pace Edwards made its mark in the tonneau cover industry over 30 years ago. It did so by developing a retractable bed cover. The innovative design offered more protection than other similar soft designs in the market. The company has also developed many hard covers designs, including the popular roll up and tri-fold covers.
Lund
Lund, founded in 1965, is a company that caters to large trucks, vans, SUVs and more. The company has a wide range of truck bed covers for different types of vehicles.
Gator
Gator is a popular automotive company that produces high-quality tonneau covers. The company produces a range of hard and soft roll up covers.
Budget
$300 and Under
If you are in the budget range of $300 and under, you will find a good selection of roll up tonneau covers. The budget-friendly options will provide basic security and weather protection. Most of these covers are soft tonneau, and they are not durable and long-lasting.
$300 - $1,000
In the mid-budget range, you will find many hard and soft roll up tonneau covers. The soft covers made with high-quality material are durable. The covers also come with security features such as locks. The hard covers are also available with different features that enhance the security and convenience of using them.
$1,000 and Above
The high-end roll up covers is available with advanced designs. The unique features include remote controlled motors, retracting mechanism, tie-downs, and much more. The premium model offers the most in security and protection from the weather.
Check Out the 8 Best Roll Up Tonneau Covers
Let’s take a close look at our top choices.
1. TruXedo Truxport Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
The TruXedo Truxport is one of the best roll up tonneau cover available in the market. The roll up truck bed cover is low profile and offers more functionality and security than other tonneau covers. The low-profile design of the TruXedo makes it easy to use.
All that you need to do is to unlock the tailgate latches and roll up the tonneau cover. Engineered with a 1.5” heavy-duty frame, the TruXedo is unbelievably functional. The high-quality vinyl top (leather embossed) stands to guard against the weather. It keeps the cargo dry and safe from all kinds of weather conditions.
Keep the water out by manually adjusting the tarp tension to keep the cover tight. You will be able to complete the installation process within 30 minutes. You don’t need to drill or need any special tools to complete the installation. Clamps the rails onto the truck bed and then attach the cover. Roll it, and you are all set.
TruXedo Truxport has several support bows that enable the tonneau cover to handle many snow inches even in the closed position. The quality black leather roll up truck bed cover sits 1.5” above the truck bed. It adds to the look and appeal of your pickup truck.
The affordable roll up has dual paddle latches. The latches are conveniently located at each side of the tailgate. If you want to open the tonneau cover, you should unlock each latch. After this, you can roll up the cover.
The roll up truck bed is not only easy to operate, but you can also remove it within minutes. You don’t need any tools to do so. The leather grained fabric is durable and provides value for money. The limited lifetime warranty adds to the appeal.
Tyger auto comes with a dual-coated vinyl top (marine grade). The hard folding design of the tonneau cover enables you to access the truck bed without undoing anything. The affordable Tyger auto truck bed doesn’t sacrifice weather protection.
The heavy-duty aluminum coated side rails and clamps make the cover tear resistant and durable. The built-in horizontal cross bars offer support when the tonneau cover is lying flat. The seals have Velcro strips on the side. It helps secure the latch lock system.
The adjustable tension system of the Tyger auto keeps the cover wrinkle-free and tight. The tight roll up truck cover secures the truck bed’s content from adverse weather conditions as they are tear resistant.
The unique locking design keeps the cover safe and protected from theft. The limited lifetime warranty gives buyers the confidence to invest in the Tyger auto cover.
Pace Edwards is a heavy-duty retractable tonneau cover. It is a good choice if you want the extra security of a hard cover for your Dodge Ram truck bed. The cover with a convenient retractable design. A strap helps move the cover into a closed position.
The aluminum panel segments ensure that the exterior surface is rigid. The spring-loaded panels retract into a metal housing whenever you want to access the Dodge Ram truck bed. You can use a strap to pull it forward until it completely locks into place.
Compared to the soft roll up cover, installation is more complex. The metal housing is heavy. You will find it difficult to move the metal housing on your own.
The Gator soft roll up truck cover has a low-profile design. The unique design makes it fast and easy to open and close the cover. If you want 100% access to the truck cargo area, you will have to open it all the way.
The leather grain (industrial strength) vinyl is high-quality. The heavy-duty latches provide extra protection. The high-quality Gator cover is available in several sizes, and you can find the cover that will fit.
The inside mount design of the soft roll up has an adjustable tension control mechanism. It helps keep the cover pulled tight. The Gator cover is backed by a limited warranty on the frame. A 10-year warranty is also available on the tarp.
You will be able to complete the installation process without the use of a drill. All that you need to do is to clamp the rails. The trigger latch available on the cover’s driver side makes it easy to operate.
The BAK hard rolling cover were constructed using high-quality, durable vinyl material. The vinyl material laid over sheets of aluminum slats makes it secure. BAK makes different types of bedcovers, and you will be able to find one that suits your specific need.
The hidden cables help release the cover. It will help you to roll up the cover. When not in use, you can roll up the tonneau cover completely to get full access to the truck bed. The best aspect about this truck bed tonneau cover is the convenience of a soft cover and the security of a hard cover.
The lightweight aluminum cover is durable and will be able to withstand a weight of 400 lbs. The X2 rolls up tight against the truck without obstructing the rearview window. A combined buckle system helps secure the cover. The BAX offers more convenience features such as felt strips underneath the truck bed cover.
The felt strips help protect your hand from aluminum in extreme temperatures. You will be able to open the X2 from any side of the truck. All that you need to do is to pull the cables of the automatic slam latches.
With a one-handed operation, you will be able to open the hard cover. It is an ideal choice for people who get in and out of their truck frequently. The rotational locking rails of the BAK hard cover enable you to secure the full length of the truck bed.
The soft roll up tonneau cover was engineered to resist dust, dirt, UV, mildew, mold, and water. Rinse the cover with water and hit the road. No special maintenance and products required to keep the cover looking good and lasting long.
The soft roll up truck cover opens at the driver’s end of the truck. It rolls up against the truck in seconds. The extreme seals will help keep the bad weather away. The tension control is easy, and you will be able to keep the cover low-profile and tight.
As you will get full bed access, you can carry large cargo. The cargo is wholly and tightly secured to the truck. The enhanced security will give you peace of mind, as you know, the cargo is safe at all times.
The tonneau cover is constructed using premium vinyl material. Installation is easy and doesn’t need any drilling. The vinyl roll up tonneau cover is available with a special UV treatment. The special UV treatment extends the life of the roll up truck cover and protects it from cracking and fading under the sun’s rays. The low-profile design of the cover doesn’t affect the rearview.
The MaxMate heavy-duty marine-grade cover is dual-coated. The horizontal crossbars are inbuilt and offer support when the cover is lying flat. The marine-grade tonneau cover rolls up completely to provide full truck bed access.
The seals come with Velcro strips on the side. It helps secure the latch system at the tailgate. The adjustable tension system will keep the roll up truck cover wrinkle-free and tight in all types of weather conditions.
Our Top Pick
The best roll up tonneau covers is a good investment as they help protect the truck bed. Our top pick is TruXedo Truxport Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover. The sleek and stylish top mount design and easy installation make it a must buy. The affordable tonneau cover will also improve the longevity of your truck.