Have you been putting some serious thought into purchasing a pickup truck bed cover? Have you been hesitating to move forward with that due to concern that you might end up with a cover that’s hard to use or just plain awkward? Well, there are three simple rules when it comes to any cover. A perfect cover of any kind should be:
~ Easy to install,
~ Fit perfectly,
~ Look great at a great price.
Possibly you’re in a quandary because you’ve also wondered which would be better for you, a tonneau cover or a cap. So, should you be leaving your truck bed open, start covering it securely with a tonneau cover, or add a cap/camper shell? Well, the best solution for meeting your specific needs is dependent upon how you’re actually using your pickup truck.Well, here are a few pointers on that subject plus some pros and cons related to each for your consideration:
What is a Tonneau Cover?
It’s basically an automotive terminology that is currently used for describing both hard and soft covers that cover the back of a pickup truck for protecting the payload’s contents and/or improving the aerodynamics. They are also an excellent compromise for any truck owner needing to cover the truck bed but only for part of the time. Tonneau truck bed covers are available in many styles and are made from a wide variety of materials.
If you were to physically go shopping for one, you’d find canvas tonneau covers, hard one-piece fiberglass covers, and even flip-up and roll-up covers. Here are some details about the basic types of tonneau covers available today:
1. One-piece fiberglass tonneau covers- These are rigid truck bed covers that are one-piece, durable, and look good. They lock securely, which allows you to store items safely in your truck bed. However, they can limit the shape and size of any cargo that can be hauled unless you completely remove the cover.
2. Roll-up & fold-up tonneau covers- These offer a number of benefits and drawbacks. Most of them do lock and they offer a decent compromise for any truck owner who needs the option of covering their truck bed but only part of the time.
3. Canvas tonneau covers – These bed covers are very easily removable and can be stored to provide full bed access. However, they can’t be locked.Soft Cover – Made from Marine grade vinyl which attaches with a clamping system.
4. Retractable tonneau covers- These are covers that offer a certain amount of rigid protection for preventing (or at least slowing down) most thieves. Many of them will also keep most bad weather elements out while also allowing quick access to your truck bed quickly.
All in all, retractable covers offer an excellent balance between bed access and protection. They’re usually manufactured using a fiberglass reinforced polymer and are probably what you ‘re thinking of when you’re imagining a tonneau cover and/or what you’re generally seeing on the street.
5. Toolbox Covers – Many people would like to keep their toolboxes, of course. This type of cover is generally made from different materials and sized to fit your toolbox.
What is a Cap? (aka camper shell)
Caps, truck bed shells, or camper shells, are available in all kinds of shapes and sizes. They’re usually manufactured of either aluminum or fiberglass. They’re generally quite secure while also offering excellent weather protection for any cargo. The majority of them have windows.
Some camper shells are also designed with a gate or rear door opening upward and closing against the tailgate. Still others offer a standard door extending down to the floor.
Roof heights generally vary a great deal, depending on what your needs may be. Some even extend over the cab of the truck. If you enjoy hunting or camping, a camper shell can provide a nice dry and covered sleeping area. In addition, there are numerous different types of bed accessories for making a good night’s sleep even more comfortable.
Pros & Cons of a Tonneau Cover
A. Ease of installation is a definite Pro- It generally only takes approximately 30 minutes for installing most tonneau covers.
B. Security capabilities are a Pro- The three downsides of having an open truck bed with no cover at all are a complete lack of any weather protection and no security for items being hauled, as well as the increased possibility of losing those items from out of your truck bed as you’re driving.
C. Effect on fuel economy is another Pro- One benefit of tonneau covers’ benefits is improved fuel mileage. You might notice as much as a one mile per gallon improvement in comparison to having your truck bed open, whether your tailgate is up or down.
D. Durability is also a Pro- Most tonneau covers last approximately five years.
E. Weather-resistance capabilities are another Pro- When a tonneau cover is properly installed, it will keep water from entering your truck’s bed. The con is that describing tonneau covers as 100 percent watertight would be inaccurate, however, usually the most you’d ever see are just a few drops during a serious rainstorm.
F. Storage space could be a Con- Depending on what you need to haul, size (especially height) can be a downside of a tonneau cover.
Pros & Cons of a Cap
A. Con-: Ease of installation: The main drawback for caps/camper shells is that removal of the entire shell is necessary if you must carry anything that doesn’t fit through your door, or if it’s something that’s too tall in height. It also requires more than one person for lifting the cap off of your truck and putting it in a storage area where you won’t have to worry about it sustaining damage. And then, of course, you’ll need more help getting it back on your truck later.
B. Con- Security capabilities: Caps/camper shells are not necessarily as secure as you might think due to the fact that many have windows.
C. Con- Effects on fuel economy: If your cap/camper shell happens to be higher than your cab, it can end up creating wind resistance, which can result in lower fuel mileage.
D. Pro- Durability: Caps/camper shells are made to be highly durable these days.
E. Pro- Weather-resistance capabilities: When properly installed, they are resistant to just about any weather except for very high winds.
F. Pro- Storage space: A cap offers more storage space than a tonneau cover because of its overall height. So, when hauling larger objects, it works much better.
Prices for Tonneau Covers and Caps
Right about now, you’re probably wondering how much it would cost for a tonneau cover or a cap. Basically, soft tonneau covers generally run between $150 and $550. Hard tonneau covers usually start at approximately $500 and can go up to costing more than $2,000.
Size Does Matter
Pricing generally ends up being more if you own either a longer bed or a truck make and model that doesn’t happen to be very popular. Based on this, don’t be surprised if you’re seeing a higher cost than what may have been advertised in ads. The fact is that everybody advertises their cost for the shortest version of any truck. Ignoring all of the many advertising campaigns, you’ll find that the higher cost of some tonneau covers is simply based on the over materials cost for constructing them.
The least expensive are vinyl rollup tonneau covers and the most expensive are, of course, fancy power retractable rollup covers. There are literally hundreds of tonneau covers on the market today and the online retailers ship them from the same warehouses that your local installer is ordering from. Your best bet for saving some money would be to buy your tonneau cover online and then have it installed for you.
Best Uses for a Tonneau Cover
Tonneau covers are the perfect choice for pickup truck owners who want to haul anything that will fit in their truck bed without ever having to worry about theft or weather damage. They’re also excellent for those who want their pickup truck to look sleek and well-kept.
Quick Tip: If your truck has a tool box and you’re planning on buying a retractable tonneau cover. it’s also a good idea to think about investing in a cargo bar. It keeps the items in the bed of your truck from sliding all over the place and causing possible damage to your tool box.
Best Uses for a Cap
Caps/camper shells are the perfect choice for pickup truck owners who enjoy camping, fishing, and/or hunting. They also offer the optimum choice in lodging out on the road without ever having to book a room when travelling or on vacation.
A More Useful Truck
Most people who purchase either a tonneau cover or a cap simply want a cover that fits well, looks great, and that they simply don’t have to overpay for. Whether you choose a tonneau cover or a cap/camper shell for your own specific needs, it’s sure to make your pickup truck exceptionally useful in many more ways than ever before.
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.