Truck tonneau covers also known as truck bed covers are growing at an amazing rate in popularity throughout the pickup truck owner world. Truck owners are looking to save gas any way they can and these lids help with that demand. They also protect your cargo from harsh weather conditions and from eyes of people who like to take things that do not belong to them. Some of these covers do it with the help of locks others just keep the cargo hidden and what a thief does not see, he does not want. Some of the locking covers also require you to purchase a tailgate lock which is a worthy purchase. Some covers lock and have a lip that comes down over the tailgate keeping it from being opened while the cover is locked. The Undercover tonneau is such a cover.
There is much less wind resistance with the help of truck bed covers. The wind passes over the truck much easier than when the truck is without a cover. The tailgate of the truck is a big wind catcher and causes much wind resistance and therefore aids in fuel consumption. These covers help keep that from happening
There are many different truck bed covers to choose from. They are manufactured in hard fibreglass tonneau's which are usually very smooth and painted to the color to match the truck they are installed on. The fiberglass covers are hinged to open easily from the back of the pickup truck with the aid of gas struts. Easy access and great at keeping the weather off your cargo. These covers are usually the higher priced lids.
There are also soft covers which are usually lower priced. They do have a price range and some are very economically priced. There are more soft covers by different manufacturers than any other type of tonneau. Soft covers usually have bows to strengthen the top and to ward off snow and water, They have different sealing systems such as snaps, Velcro and a groove and tongue type of sealing system. Soft covers come in roll up design , hinged cover and folding lid designs.
Another type of truck bed covers that are highly sought after is the retractable cover. There are different manufactures but have the same basic design. The cover rolls up into a canister that is situated behind the cab of the truck. It travels along tracks that are positioned along the rails of the truck bed. Pace Edwards even offers a cover that opens electrically with a remote control. This tonneau is called the Bedlocker and is in the higher price range but the advantages are priceless.
There are a variety of hinged tonneau covers on the market today. You can choose from a more expensive fiberglass lid to a much less expensive soft truck bed cover. There is quite a difference in the price span of the two.
Gaylord's hard fiberglass covers offer the TL series, the X2000 and the unique butterfly tonneau. The butterfly lid is split down the center of the truck bed and opens from each side of the truck. This would make a great work truck cover because it allows you half of the truck bed at a time. All the Gaylord's covers are painted to match the paint code you choose. These lids are of great quality but are not very cheap.
Another hard truck bed cover that comes in at a much lower price than the fibreglass lids is the Undercover tonneau. This cover is a solid lid made from ABS polymer which is very durable and very strong due to its design. A very popular lid that has a lot to offer. Because it is lightweight and its quick release hardware, it is easily removed and put back on, unlike the much heavier fiberglass lids. With its much lower price tag, durability and strength it is definitely worth taking a look at.
If you are looking at a real economical hinged tonneau then the soft covers are the way to go. They keep the heavy weather off your cargo, they allow you easy access to your truck bed and help conserve fuel. They are very lightweight and affordable.
Lund makes a soft hinged cover that is easy to install and easy on the pocket book. It easily opens and closes with the aid of two shocks. Very lightweight.
Extang also manufactures a hinged truck bed cover called the FullTilt. Again this cover allows quick easy access to your truck bed and can be removed quite easily. You can also roll this cover up to haul larger items. You have a choice of snap or a special peel and seal enclosure.
Hinged tonneau covers are made to give you quick easy access to your cargo area. The type you pick can depend on how deep your pockets are and your particular taste. From the smooth look of the painted Gaylord's fibreglass lids to the more affordable Undercover which has its own uniqueness all the way to the very affordable soft hinged covers.
