Packing your truck bed full of cargo and setting off on a road trip is what having a truck is all about. It provides you with plenty of space to store and transport your cargo while giving you easy accessibility. However, nothing is worse than arriving at your destination and realizing some of your belongings are stolen or damaged.
To prevent these incidents from occurring it’s best to make use of a tonneau cover, which is also commonly known as a truck bed cover. Tonneau covers can be soft or hard-shelled however it is designed to be vehicle-specific. A truck bed cover is not only useful for keeping your cargo safe but also assists in minimizing the wear and tear on your truck bed.
Tonneau Covers are Not Universal!
Tonneau Covers are designed to fit a specific make and model of a truck. Therefore it is not viable to pick the “best tonneau cover overall“. Instead, we provided you with the best tonneau cover option for your specific truck below. Before buying, ensure the cover you are interested in will fit your truck.
Our Top Picks for Your Truck
If you drive one of the trucks below, click on the button and we’ll jump you straight to a tonneau cover we think is best for your specific truck.
What if My Truck is Not on the List?
Read through the buyer’s guide below to help you choose the correct one then click below to search the different tonneau covers available on Amazon.
The Two Different Types of Tonneau Covers
Tonneau covers are mainly split into two different categories, namely soft and hard tonneau covers. The main difference between the two covers is the materials they are made out of and how you work with them. Below we explain the two different types of covers and their differences.
Soft Tonneau Covers
Soft tonneau covers are often more customizable and affordable than hard tonneau covers. They are made from tough waterproof materials such as vinyl, canvas, and leather which are usually supported by built-in steel bars. The cover also has a solid frame or rails made from steel or aluminum to support the material and serve as a place to tighten the cover. When using a soft tonneau cover, it is always best to keep the cover taut by adjusting the slack at the frame. If not kept tight, the material will flap around while you drive or not serve as protection for your truck bed at all.
Although a soft tonneau cover is made from particularly strong materials, the cover is more likely to need replacement before the hard tonneau cover. Regarding security, soft tonneau covers are not the most thief-proof option on the market, which is a factor to consider before purchasing. Soft tonneau covers can fold, roll up, and even allow you to take it off completely with no hassle which makes them a practical choice for those who regularly use their truck bed.
Hard Tonneau Covers
Hard tonneau covers are often more expensive than soft tonneau covers however it offers more features and functionality. They are highly durable covers that provide your cargo with superior protection when stored in the truck bed, which basically ensures your belongings will be as it was before you left.
Hard truck bed covers are made from solid panels that are covered or treated to be resistant to wet conditions and UV rays. The cover perimeter is usually lined with rubber to completely seal and prevent any moisture from entering the truck bed. Making this the perfect option for the snowy and wet seasons.
Although hardcovers are notably bulky and heavier than soft covers, they provide extra security from malicious or accidental damage or theft. With that being said, do also keep in mind that most hardcovers do not always offer full access to your truck bed, which can be inconvenient for those who regularly use their truck bed. Some hardcovers do fold, and others can quickly retract which requires less effort to use compared to the soft tonneau, and it’s extremely durable.
List of the Best Tonneau Covers
Hard Tonneau Cover
1. Tyger Auto T5 Tonneau Cover
2014-2018 Chevy Silverado and
2015-2019 GMC Sierra
The Tyger Auto T5 is a premium quality US design patented tonneau cover. The T5 is designed to be compatible with a 6’6” truck bed or 2014-2018 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500; 2015-2019 car models.
This truck bed cover is incredibly strong as it is made with thick PC polymers arranged into a honeycomb structure, wedged between two aircraft-grade aluminum alloy panels. The cover itself is supported on aluminum frames which are made from stainless steel and tough glass-filled nylon. Rest assured that your truck bed is watertight thanks to the rubber seals provided on the perimeter of the cover.
The cover arrives at your door fully assembled, which saves you lots of time. All you would need to do after that is to just install it into your car. When installing, make use of the quick-release clamp provided for easy no-drilling installation.
Security-wise, this tonneau cover uses the tailgate to lock the tonneau cover into place, meaning you cannot loosen the cover unless your tailgate is open. When purchasing, you will receive a five-year no-hassle warranty from Tyger.
2. BAK BAKFlip MX4 Tonneau Cover
Short Bed 2015-2020 Ford Truck
The BAK MX4 is a highly functional tonneau cover intended for everyday use. You can quickly gain full access to your truck bed by simply rolling the cover back. The Bak MX4 is designed to fit a truck bed that measures 5’6,” or, more specifically it’s compatible with a short bed 2015-2020 Ford truck.
This tonneau cover is made from matt finished aluminum panels that are scratch and UV resistant. These panels are equipped with an automatic latch function that uses the truck’s tailgate to lock the cover into place. When folding up your cover to access your truck bed, you can use the straps or the simple locking rod that keeps the cover open while you load.
You can easily install the MX4 within an hour. Firstly you would need to install the bed rails using your C-clamps which does not require you to do any drilling. Once your rails are set you can simply place your cover over the rails and tighten it to the rails.
Bak also includes rubberized end caps to help prevent any scratches or damage to your cab with a 5-year warranty when your purchase. Bak is known for its excellent customer service and quality products that provide you with value.
3. BAK BAKFlip G2 Tonneau Cover
2015-2020 Ford
The BakFlip G2 is a highly versatile tonneau cover that allows you to drive with the cover closed, folded, or flipped up without covering your cab brake light. BakFlip gives you three size options that are compatible with a 2015-2021 Ford truck model.
This precisely designed tonneau cover is made from aluminum panels that can fold and latch together, which provides you with extra security. It is also equipped with a dual-action perimeter seal that keeps water out and diverts water through drain tubes and out the tailgate.
Have full unobstructed access to your truck bed by folding the panels back and propping it up against the cab using the prop rods. Installing the cover is a straightforward task that you can accomplish in just a few minutes. All mounting hardware is included in your purchase, such as a stainless steel clamp. The BakFlip G2 does come with a two-year hassle-free warranty and a helpful customer service guarantee.
4. Gator Recoil Tonneau Cover
2014-2018 Chevy Silverado and
2015-2019 GMC Sierra
The Gator Recoil is a hardshell tonneau cover that maintains a low-profile design, giving your truck bed a modern and effortless look. There is no need for folding and rolling with this cover as it retracts into a slim canister, which makes accessing your truck bed a breeze.
The cover is made from powder-coated aluminum slats that are held together by solid elastomer hinges. These specific hinges are provided to prevent any water or debris from entering the rail as this could cause trouble with the functionality. When accessing your truck bed, you can easily use the three adjustable latch stops to customize how much you want your truck bed to be open.
Installing a tonneau cover has never been easier. You will not need to drill any holes but instead use simple tools such as a wrench and screwdriver to fasten the cover to your truck bed. The installation process makes use of clamps that secures the rails into place without damaging your truck bed.
Lastly, the Gator Recoil is made to fit truck beds that are 6’7” or, more specifically it is designed to fit on a Ford 2015-2021. When purchasing, you will receive a 2 year warranty from Gator.
5. Gator EFX Tonneau Cover
2014 – 2019 Chevy Legacy or GMC Silverado
The Gator EFX is a tri-fold hardshell tonneau cover that allows you to access two-thirds of your truck bed at any time easily. It can fit a truck bed that is 5’9”; however it is ideal for 2014 – 2019 Chevy Legacy or GMC Silverado truck models. The cover is constructed out of heavy-duty aluminum panels that are coated in scratch and UV-resistant black powder.
These aluminum panels are built to lock into each other when you close your tailgate, providing you with security. Rest assured that no cargo in your truck bed will get wet when driving through bad weather due to the innovative water management system. The system uses rubber seals around the perimeter to keep water out while drain tubes divert water away from your truck bed.
To install the cover, you simply need to use the clamp-on rail system provided. This eliminates the need for tools and uses a system that uses torque handles to tighten your cover onto your truck bed. An estimated time of installation is no more than thirty minutes.
Gator provides you with a 3-year warranty when purchasing the cover, meaning it is well worth the investment due to its quality and durability.
Soft Tonneau Covers
6. Tyger Auto T3 Tonneau Cover
2019-2021 Toyota Truck
The Tyger Auto T3 is very similar to the T1 tonneau cover. The T3 is a soft-folding tonneau cover that is compatible with Toyota 2019-2021 truck beds. There are also options available for older Toyota models, such as the 2005-2015 Toyota and 2016-2018 Toyota’s.
The cover is made from heavy-duty 24oz. marine-grade vinyl and is supported by aircraft-grade aluminum frames. To add even more support, the cover comes with pre-assembled horizontal crossbars, which can also fold up.
Installation should not take longer than 30 minutes and requires no drilling or special tools. You will receive the mounting hardware with the product, which would include simple stainless steel clamps. Lastly, you will receive a limited lifetime warranty from Tyger Auto.
7. TruXedo TruXPort Tonneau Cover
2014 – 2019 Chevrolet Limited or Legacy and
2015-2019 GMC Silverado or Sierra
The TruXedo TruXPort is a highly functional softshell tonneau cover compatible with Chevy Limited/Legacy 2014 – 2019 models and GMC Silverado or Sierra 2015-2019 models.
The TruXPort is made from leather-embossed vinyl, which is also known as faux leather. Faux leather is known for its resistant and waterproof properties. Just to add to the durability, TruXedo equipped this tonneau with a heavy-duty 1.5” steel frame. To prevent any water from getting into your truck bed, make use of the pre-set tension control. This will keep your cover wrinkle-free and tight enough to withstand several inches of snow.
Installing the TruXPort requires you to clamp the rails onto your truck bed and attach the vinyl cover. Meaning the process will not even take thirty minutes.
The TruXedo is well known for its excellent customer service, which gives you peace of mind if something goes wrong. They even provide you with a 5-year warranty when purchasing and have replacement parts available.
8. Tyger Auto T1 Tonneau Cover
2019-2022 Ram Truck New Body Style
The Tyger Auto T1 is a softshell tonneau cover that can fit any new body style 2019-2022 Ram truck. Softshells are often much easier to work with and lighter to carry making them a great option for everyday use. When you want to access your truck bed, you can simply roll the cover away.
The T1 is double-coated and made from 24 oz. marine-grade material, which is highly resistant and waterproof. The perimeter of this tonneau cover is equipped with velcro strips to seal it off. For extra support, Tyger included a built-in horizontal crossbar and aircraft-grade aluminum side rails.
To keep water from going into your truck bed or sitting on the cover, simply adjust the tension system on the end of the side rails. This will ensure your vinyl is tight and wrinkle-free for any bad weather. For security reasons, be sure to make use the latch lock system available at the tailgate.
Installation is quick and easy with the T1 cover, as you simply need to use the provided stainless steel clamps. With the product, you will receive a limited lifetime warranty.
9. Shadeidea Tonneau Cover
2 or 4 Door Jeep Wrangler
The Shadeidea is a tonneau cover specially designed to fit your Jeep Wrangler. It has many compatibility options ranging from 2007-2018 two-door or four-door Jeep Wrangler models and even options for 2018 to current models of four or two-door Jeep Wrangler models.
This tonneau cover is made from marine-grade vinyl, which is water and UV ray resistant. To help the cover hold its shape, the perimeter has been equipped with durable mesh. Steel hooks that hold the tonneau cover in place are covered with rubber to protect your paint from scratches. Lastly, the hooks are attached to the vinyl by straps that are six layers thick.
The Shadeidea cover can conform to the outline of your Jeep bed, which gives it an OEM-like fit. Use the provided rubberized hooks to install the cover and attach them directly to your OEM tub rail. To add support and ensure the cover stays in place, utilize the provided rigid plastic guides that slide under the cover.
Not only do you receive a three-year warranty when purchasing the Shadeidea, but you will also get a mesh storage pouch for your cover.
10. MaxMate Tonneau Cover
1988 to current times Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra 1988
MaxMate has created an inclusive tonneau cover that will fit on almost any Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra truck by providing you with options for models ranging from 1988 to current times. This tonneau cover is a softshell that allows you to easily access your whole truck bed by simply rolling back the tarp.
The shell of this cover is made from 24oz. marine-grade vinyl which is supported by built-in horizontal crossbars. The perimeter of the tarp is lined with velcro to seal water out. Not only is this tonneau cover weatherproof, but it is also secure because of the latch lock system that allows you to secure the shell by the tailgate of your truck.
To keep your tonneau weatherproof and wrinkle-free then simply make use of the available tension system. This enables you to adjust the tension at the end of the side rails.
Installation requires no drilling or any tools besides a screwdriver. Easily install the cover in a few minutes using the instructions and provided mounting hardware such as the stainless steel clamps. Once installed, you will have a tonneau cover for at least the next ten years, according to the warranty.
Different Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Tonneau Cover
Installation
Most truck bed installation processes have become simplified to the point where you can do it yourself in only thirty minutes. Modern-day tonneau covers come with mounting hardware such as clamps which are highly reliable, easy to use, and doesn’t require you to drill any holes. You will have to remove any truck bed bike rack or ladder rack before installing your tonneau cover.
Always ensure that your tonneau cover is adequately secured to your truck bed to avoid any dangerous situations on the road or damage to your vehicle. When considering a soft tonneau cover, keep in mind the different parts you will need to install, such as the rails, the tension adjuster screws, and the canvas cover itself.
Compatibility
Tonneau covers are mainly designed to be vehicle-specific, which means there is no universal truck bed cover. To find the right cover, always keep your truck make and model and the size of your truck bed in mind. This will help you narrow down your search and find a cover that will fit your truck.
Materials
Hard tonneau covers are often made from aluminum plates that are coated in powder or paint. These coats are to create a barrier of protection and enable the plates to be water and UV-resistant. Hardcovers are often more durable and last longer than soft tonneau covers due to the strength of the materials. Hard truck bed covers are also recommended to use in snowy or wet weather conditions.
Soft tonneau covers are made with rugged materials such as canvas, tarp, or faux leather supported by built-in steel crossbars. These materials are UV resistant and waterproof, which helps protect your cargo. However, the materials used are subject to early deterioration if not appropriately maintained.
Budget
Truck bed covers are often an investment due to their high price points. Soft covers are more affordable than hard tonneau covers but consider if you would need to replace the tarp in the future. Hard tonneau covers are costly; however, they are made to last.
Accessibility
Consider how often you will be using your truck bed and how much of the truck bed you want to use. This will not make much of a difference when deciding between a hard and soft tonneau cover but will help you find the right cover that offers the function you need.
Hard tonneau covers can allow you to access your truck bed by either folding in three, retracting, or just lifting with a hinge. All these opening methods do require some manual effort but are convenient mechanisms. Some hardcovers do not provide you with access to your entire truck bed and are less practical for everyday use, so it is vital to consider the product specs.
Soft tonneau covers are ideal for the everyday use of your truck bed. It can easily roll back or fold to provide you with full access to your truck bed.
Security
Most hard truck bed covers have a locking mechanism that incorporates the plates. When fully closed, the cover plates interlock and cannot be folded up again unless you trigger the quick-release pedal at the tailgate. This mechanism will help keep your cargo in your truck bed safe from any malicious damage or theft. However, do note that not all hardshell covers have this feature.
Soft truck bed covers are less equipped regarding security as most of them do not have a locking system. Another concern is the possibility of people being able to rip the tarp open by using a knife or scissors. Therefore it is always best to not keep your truck unattended for too long with cargo still in the back.
Warranty and Reviews
Reading through the reviews and questions customers have about the product will give you a good idea of what the product and brand are all about. This will help you determine if the product you are considering is best suited for your needs.
It is also essential to consider what warranty you will receive and the terms and conditions thereof. Another aspect you need to consider is if there are replacement parts available for you to purchase if something goes wrong with your product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Go Through a Carwash With a Tonneau Cover Installed?
There are many different types of tonneau cover which makes it hard to give you one definite answer to this often asked question. Most often hard tonneau covers should not be a problem however soft tonneau covers can be damaged from the rapidly spinning brushes.
It is always best to check your user manual or ask your manufacturer before committing to a car wash with your tonneau cover.
Can a Tonneau Cover Handle Snow?
It will largely depend on the type and strength of your tonneau cover. Hard tonneau covers are more equipped to handle snow as they often are more durable and can hold more weight than a soft tonneau cover.
A general guideline is that hard tonneau covers can withstand up to 300 pounds of snow, while soft tonneau covers may be damaged by anything over 200 pounds.
