You want a tonneau cover. You want to use it to hide gear and objects that you don’t want the world to know you have. There are many nosey and curious people who like to peep in random truck beds just to see what’s inside, not necessarily looking for anything valuable.
What about the not so trustworthy people? What if they want to do more than just take a gander?
So you already know that a tonneau cover will hide your stuff, but can you lock it to prevent it from being stolen? Yes, you can lock your tonneau cover. There are many styles of tonneau covers with their own locking mechanisms while there are just a few without.
As you know, a tonneau cover is an apparatus that conceals items placed within your truck bed. They can be flexible or rigid, depending on the type you get.
It is also used to keep your truck bed items safe from harsh weather conditions and to keep them from blowing away while driving.
Types of Tonneau Cover Locks
You have probably already started your tonneau cover shopping quest. If you haven’t, you will soon find out that a bunch of different tonneau covers lock in different ways.
Some locks are simple, some complicated, some convenient, and some provide extra security.
I scoured the internet researching different tonneau covers and how they are locked. Again, the type of lock will depend on the style and capabilities of a tonneau cover.
| Locking Mechanism | Tonneau Cover Types | Example | Need Locking Tailgate? |
| Pull-Cable Release | Hard folding | BAKFlip MX4 | Yes |
| Latch Clamp | Soft vinyl folding | American Trifold | Yes |
| Rotary Latch | Soft vinyl folding | Extang Xceed | Yes |
| Spring-Loaded Speed Klamp | Soft vinyl folding | Gator SFX | Yes |
| Trigger Latch | Soft vinyl roll-up | TruXedo Truxport | Yes |
| Key Lock | ⁍Hard retractable ⁍Hard one-piece | ⁍GatorTrax ⁍UnderCover LUX | ⁍Yes ⁍No |
| Electromagnetic Brakes | Electric retractable | GatorTrax Electric | Yes |
Pull-Cable Release
The pull-cable release can be found on hard folding covers. They are also found on aluminum tonneau covers with a vinyl roll up.
There is a cable located in the back center or on either back corner of the tonneau cover. When you pull this cable, latches on both sides simultaneously disengage from the frame and you are able to open the cover.
There is no way to lock the pull-cable release and prevent you from pulling it.
You must have a locking tailgate, however. The locked tailgate will prevent you from having access to the cable.
So technically, the only way to guarantee your gear’s safety is to make sure you have a locking mechanism on your tailgate.
One example of a specific tonneau cover with this lock is the BAKFlip MX4.
Latch Clamp
The latch clamps are typically found on soft, vinyl folding covers. Other names for these are the tail clamp and the jaw clamp.
Just like the pull-cable release and other tonneau cover “locks,” you will need a locking tailgate to better guarantee your truck bed security.
These work by squeezing the tonneau cover against the frame. You’d hand tighten them at first before pulling down a latch the further secures them onto the cover.
In my opinion, latch clamps are the most tedious type of tonneau cover-securing mechanism because they take some time to set in place.
The American Trifold tonneau cover contains latch clamps.
Rotary Latch
Rotary latches are found on soft, vinyl folding covers.
They are similar to the pull-cable release in that instead of pulling a cable to disengage bilateral latches, you would simply twist a knob.
In a sense, it is like turning a door knob to open a door. However, instead of activating one knob bolt, you are activating two.
The single rotary latch is located on either side of the tonneau cover towards the back.
Again, you will need a locking tailgate to prevent unwanted guests from snooping around.
The Extang Xceed tonneau cover utilizes a rotary latch.
Spring-Loaded Speed Klamp
The spring-loaded Speed Klamp is the updated version of the latch clamp. It can be found on the soft, folding tonneau cover.
They work the same as a latch clamp except they are less clumsier and easier to install.
They are already attached the tonneau cover. Simply grab the Speed Klamp by the handle, pull it towards the truck , and make sure it is clamped on the frame of the bed,
You will need a locking tailgate again to ensure truck bed security.
The Gator SFX uses the Speed Klamps.
Trigger Latch
The trigger latch can be found on the soft, vinyl roll up tonneau covers.
There are usually two and located on both ends of the cover towards the back.
To open the tonneau cover, you would have to pull down on the “triggers” or small handles until the latch disengages from the frame. One you pull down both triggers, your cover is ready to be opened.
I’m sure you won’t be surprised to know that you will need a locking tailgate to promote maximum security.
You can find the trigger latch on the TruXedo Truxport tonneau cover.
Key Lock
You can find key locks on several styles of tonneau covers which include the hard, retractable tonneau covers and the hard, one-piece covers.
Using keys to unlock a tonneau cover will allow you to depress a button to release latches or a turn a knob to release latches, Some latches will disengage as you turn the key in a certain direction.
For the hard, retractable covers, you will need a locking tailgate to prevent bed theft. However, unlike the other tonneau covers that require a locking tailgate, you can actually access your bed without opening your tailgate.
For the hard, one-piece covers, you will NOT need a locked tailgate to grant maximum security.
The GatorTrax is an example of a hard, retractable tonneau cover with a key lock. The UnderCover LUX is an example of a hard, one-piece cover.
Electromagnetic Brakes
The electromagnetic brakes can only be found on the electric tonneau cover. These covers open and close at a push of a button.
The electric tonneau covers work exactly like a garage door. They not only open and close at a push of a button but you can open the cover slightly to allow for longer bed items to peak out.
The electromagnetic brakes is what prevents the tonneau cover from opening or closing any further than needed.
Yes, you will need a locking tonneau cover to lower the risk of theft.
The GatorTrax Electric Tonneau Cover has electromagnetic brakes.
Benefits of Locking A Tonneau Cover
Theft Deterrence
Believe in your local police reports— greedy thieves are prowling around looking for an easy score. They would rather grab items from an uncovered truck bed than a covered one.
If a tonneau cover is unlocked or has no lock, a desperate criminal may take the time to lift or remove the tonneau cover to see what’s underneath.
However, a locked cover may present with more of a challenge for the casual thief.
Peace of Mind
I don’t know about you, but when I lock the doors to my vehicle or home, it gives me peace of mind. I am not worried that random strangers will have the opportunity to enter my personal space freely and even accidentally.
A locked tonneau cover gives me confidence that my belongings will less likely be lost or stolen.
Do I need to lock my tonneau cover?
Yes, you need to lock your tonneau cover. One of the significant advantages of tonneau covers is that they provide security.
By leaving your cover unlocked, you’re neglecting one of the reasons it’s made for—to prevent your stuff from being stolen!
Many truck owners have been too lax with their truck security at times, leaving their tonneau cover unlocked while they step away.
You don’t want to return to your truck after an errand only to discover your valuable equipment is missing. That is a lesson you will never forget.
Are soft tonneau covers secure?
If the latches or locking mechanisms are fully tightened and installed properly, soft tonneau covers can be very secure.
Not only can they be secure from thieves, but have the capability of being secure from harsh weather.
I’ve already beaten this point like a dead horse, but you can guarantee maximum truck bed security by having a locking tailgate.
Thieves will be unable to get access to the clamps under the cover without opening the tailgate first.
Now, if a thief was desperate enough to get into your truck bed, they most certainly can cut through the soft vinyl material. Also, with enough strength, they can pry open your soft covers with a crowbar.
Soft tonneau covers are secure, but they aren’t the most secure tonneau cover styles on the market.
If you’re in the market for a secure soft tonneau cover, read my quick review on the Extang Trifecta 2.0.
What is the most secure tonneau cover?
Hands down, the most secure tonneau cover is hard one-piece, composite/fiberglass top.
What differentiates these from other tonneau covers styles, is that they don’t need a locking tailgate to ensure maximum truck bed security.
The one-piece tonneau covers overlap over the bed rails and tailgate. This prevents thieves from using leverage to open the covers with crow bars.
Add in the key locks to secure the covers onto the bed and you have yourself the most secure tonneau cover.
Although it’s not a one-piece tonneau cover, I also recommend the GatorTrax retractable cover which I also wrote a short review on. It also does a great job of protecting your valuables (having a locking tailgate will maximize its security measures).
Conclusion
Installing a tonneau cover is one of the best things you can do for your truck. It actually makes your truck bed safer than your cab when it comes to stowing your valuables.
All tonneau covers, except for the snap-on and velcro ones, having a locking mechanism that allow you to secure the cover onto the bed frame.
Never become too lax about securing your tonneau covers. You may have that one over-zealous thief who’s willing to check if your cover is locked.
Don’t give them any satisfaction!
If you’re thinking of different ways to accessorize your truck or make it more functional, consider checking out my recommended accessories page. I spent a good amount of time picking out mods that can be useful for most pickup trucks.