The Best Tonneau Cover for Your Truck (Review & Buying Guide)
Selecting the Best Tonneau Cover Available Right Now
Many pickup truck drivers go their entire lives without adding any accessories onto their vehicle. To us, that seems just a little bit crazy. There are many different additions you can make that add to the usefulness of your vehicle, and can even help keep it looking and running great. One of those accessories is a tonneau cover, or truck bed cover. These covers are available both in hard variations or soft. Each one has different advantages, and either one could be better for you depending on your needs.
We’ll begin this guide by providing you with a list of our favorite tonneau covers. Pay close attention to the design as well as compatibility, which will tell you what model truck the cover will fit on. If you like a certain design or style but it isn’t the right fit for your truck, you should find the right option in another spot on our list or just a few clicks away. You can also read through our buying guide for more information on choosing the best tonneau cover. We wish you luck! Feel free to call Ultimate Rides if you have any questions or need to buy your next vehicle.
1. Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover (ASIN – B07KX5YJCB)
Compatibility: 2019-2021 Chevy Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 with 5’10” Bed
Out of all the tonneau covers out there, if we had to pick one as the best it would have to be this retractable Recoil hard cover from Gator. This model is available for the latest generation of Silverado and Sierra 1500 trucks, but you should easily be able to find alternatives for different vehicles. The hard cover features no-drill installation, and a design that makes it easy to get things in and out of your bed while keeping them protected when needed. The product features a two-year guarantee from the manufacturer, further reassuring us that this is the best tonneau cover out there. There are more expensive models, but here is where to find the most bang for your buck.
2. UnderCover Flex Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover (ASIN – B07BV1YBGN)
Compatibility: 2019-2021 Ram 1500 with 5’7″ Bed (No Split Tailgate)
A very popular type of tonneau cover is the hard folding cover. This option from UnderCover is one of our favorites. It’s got a sleek design that ensures it doesn’t stand out too much. At the same time, it offers tough protection from both the elements and other people. While a dedicated thief may be able to break in, you’ll be able to deter any casual theft from your truck bed. The cover was also manufactured in the United States, so you can feel good about supporting domestic manufacturing. Customers will have access to a three-year no-hassle guarantee from UnderCover as well, so you’ll have a chance for a replacement if you run into any unforeseen issues with the product.
3. Syneticusa Low Profile Retractable Tonneau Cover (ASIN – B07NSKM24B)
Compatibility: 2004-2022 Ford F150 with 5’6″ Bed
Up next, we have an alternative retractable hard cover for you to consider. This cover works for a wide range of Ford F150 model years, with the shortest bed size. Your truck bed will have waterproof protection with heavy duty slats that are easy to operate once unlocked. It’s surprisingly easy to get this cover installed, but you will need a drill. The cover is UV-resistant, so it won’t start to fade over time in the sun. One of the other benefits is that the cover can lock into place in any position. Overall, it’s easy to say this is among the best tonneau cover options for truck drivers today. The fact that it works for so many model years is just the cherry on top.
4. BAK BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover (ASIN – B07213G8HQ)
Compatibility: 2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma with 6’2″ Bed and OE Track System
Perhaps the most popular style of hard tonneau covers are the tri-fold models. Of all those designs, this product from BAK has to be our favorite. It’s a little pricey, but you’ll get excellent protection with an easy-to-use design. It’s got a sleek matte finish that helps it stay low-profile, as well as tough aluminum panels that will protect your cargo and the material of the truck bed. The product features a five-year hassle-free warranty from BAK, which you hopefully will never have to think about again. The only thing keeping us from saying this is easily the best tonneau cover for modern trucks is the slightly high price. If that’s alright with you, feel free to install this cover on your truck today.
5. Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover (ASIN – B07XMDHWJT)
Compatibility: 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator
Here we have our favorite soft cover, from one of the more popular manufacturers out there. The Tyger Auto T3 is a tri-folding soft cover. It’s available for far less than your standard hard cover, but it won’t offer the same level of protection. However, for most drivers, that should be perfectly fine. Unless you live in an area with heavy snow, or you often find yourself leaving tools or other expensive equipment in your truck bed (bad idea even with a cover), a soft cover should do just fine. With soft covers, durability is key. This option works great and should last for years to come. There’s even a lifetime limited warranty, so you can get a replacement if you find something wrong on the manufacturer’s end. If you want a soft cover, this is the first option that we’d recommend.
6. TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover (ASIN – B07SY76KDF)
Compatibility: 2020-2021 Chevy Silverado 2500/3500 and 2020-2021 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 with 6’10” Bed
Another style of soft cover is the roll-up cover. Instead of having to fold your tonneau cover up, this design simply rolls its way up, giving you quick and easy access. It’s a great option for protecting your truck bed from weather conditions, such as rain or snow. It can also be great for ensuring falling leaves don’t start to rot in your truck bed. This option in particular is for heavy-duty trucks, but you can easily find a model in this series that fits your vehicle. TruXedo are, despite the pun in their name, one of the better manufacturers of tonneau covers out there. While this design doesn’t offer a ton in the way of security, it’s an excellent lightweight choice for drivers.
7. Tyger Auto T1 Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover (ASIN – B07VP95MHW)
Compatibility: 2019-2022 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 with 6’6″ Bed
Tyger Auto has an alternative roll up soft cover to offer, and it’s another solid choice. It features marine-grade vinyl, as well as solid crossbars that will help the cover stay upright. Like the T3 cover, there is a lifetime limited warranty for this cover. However, if all goes well, you’ll never have to use any warranty. This cover offers all the protection you can expect from a soft cover. That means it does great against the elements, which is the main benefit of using a tonneau cover. The installation process is pretty simple, though you may need to cut a few holes into the bed liner. As long as you’re okay with that, this cover is a very solid contender for you to think about using.
8. American Tonneau Company Soft Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover (ASIN – B0182T1ZC2)
Compatibility: 2014-2018 Chevy Silverado 2500/3500 and GMC Sierra 2500/3500
This next option, from American Tonneau Company, features a weather seal that keeps your truck bed tightly sealed in from the elements. That’s just one more layer of protection with all the standard ones offered in this soft cover. The benefits of this product are many. It comes pre-assembled so it’s very easy to install on your truck. Additionally, the latch gives you quick access into your truck bed as soon as you need it. This option also has impeccable ratings from customers, which is yet another good sign. Check out this soft cover from American Tonneau Company and let us know what your thoughts are in the comments.
9. MaxMate Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover (ASIN – B01LWOKZRL)
Compatibility: 2015-2022 Ford F150 with 5’6″ Bed
Next up, another soft cover from a different manufacturer. MaxMate offers a variety of different styles, including roll-up soft covers. The product features aircraft-grade aluminum side rails, and crossbars that will keep the cover supported. Additionally, MaxMate offers a 10-year limited warranty. Like many other soft covers, the installation process is pretty simple. Again though, you may need to cut some small holes into the bed liner, so that is something to remember. If you like the look of this cover, you can go ahead and feel confident using it for your pickup truck.
10. Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover (ASIN – B00I11U230)
Compatibility: 2005-2020 Nissan Frontier with 4’11” Bed
If you drive one of the less common models of pickup trucks, it can be somewhat more difficult to find the best tonneau cover. Gator is a company to check, as they offer a wide range of options, including this cover for the Nissan Frontier. It’s a soft tri-fold cover, providing moderate protection for a great price. The installation process with this tonneau cover should be easy as can be. Along with that, you can expect a basic but stylish design with durability that will ensure the cover lasts for quite a while to come. As long as it’s the right fit for your vehicle, and a soft cover is what you’re after, we’d easily recommend this to our readers.
11. MaxMate Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover (ASIN – B07QK1D3B1)
Compatibility: 2019-2021 Toyota Tacoma with 5′ Bed (No Trail Special Edition Storage Boxes)
Here we have another option from MaxMate. This time, it’s a tri-folding soft cover for the Toyota Tacoma. It’s one of the most affordable soft covers that still offers great protection for your truck bed. If you’re on something of a tighter budget, but want to make sure your vehicle is protected, this is the option we’d go with. You’ll get access to the company’s 10-year limited warranty, but again we don’t believe you’ll need it. The cover is made from marine-grade vinyl, and can withstand years of use without an issue. Give it a try for your truck and see how it suits you. You’ll have a hard time ever going back to not having a tonneau cover when you see how your truck bed looks in a few years.
12. BAK BAKFlip G2 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover (ASIN – B06XJDDYRH)
Compatibility: 2004-2014 Ford F150 with 8′ Bed
Finally, we have one more hard cover to share with you, again from BAK. This product is made for the Ford F150 from a few generations ago, and you’ll find others like it for trucks from a similar timeframe. It’s a tri-folding cover with a tough and durable set of panels. They’re made from aluminum, and they’ll do more than just protect your truck bed from snow and rain. The cover is rated to hold up to 300 lbs., making it ideal for blacks that get falling branches, or tons and tons of snow. Additionally, it should be quite simple to get in and out of your truck bed while using this cover. It may be on the back end of our list, but it’s still a contender for being the best tonneau cover out there today.
Best Tonneau Cover Buying Guide
Now that you’ve seen a selection of some of the best tonneau cover options out there, we hope you’ve found the one for you. However, if you still aren’t quite sure which product to choose, our buying guide may be able to help shed some light.
Here you’ll find our take on what makes an excellent quality tonneau cover. Additionally, we’ll tell you a little bit more about the differences between hard and soft covers, as well as some tips for installing your tonneau cover. Finally, we’ll send you off by giving you some more information on Ultimate Rides and what we do every day. We hope you’re able to find an option that works for you!
Factors of Focus: What to Look For in a Tonneau Cover
If you’ve spent more than a couple minutes looking for a truck bed cover, you’ve probably seen that there are countless options available. Unfortunately not all of them are created equal. There are certainly high-quality truck bed covers out there, but you have to know what to look for to separate the good from the bad. That’s where we come in.
For drivers looking for a product not on our list, the first thing we recommend doing to narrow down your options is to search only for tonneau covers that fit your truck. This should eliminate most of the contenders. However, you’ll still have to choose between dozens and dozens of products. Figure out if you want a soft cover or a hard cover (for information on both in our next section). From there, it’s about determining durability and design quality to find the best tonneau cover. Customer reviews can help, but the best thing to look for is reliable construction materials. A good warranty is never a bad thing, either!
Hard Covers vs. Soft Covers: Measuring the Benefits of Each
The first difference you’ll probably notice between hard tonneau covers and soft ones is the price. However, this difference in price is for good reason. Hard covers offer heavy-duty protection, can be difficult to break into, can hold more weight on top and won’t rip or tear. Soft covers are more affordable, but they’re oriented more towards protecting from natural elements. Many soft covers feature locks, but you’ll always find more security available with a hard cover. One benefit of soft covers is that they’re almost always very easy to install. Hard covers may require different tools and an hour or two of your time.
When choosing a tonneau cover, it’s important to balance your needs with your budget. If security isn’t a primary concern for you, you may not need to spring for a more expensive hard cover. On the other hand, if you want the best protection you can buy, there are plenty of hard covers out there for you. The best tonneau cover is the one that suits your needs for as long as possible.
Tonneau Cover Installation Tips
Ideally whatever tonneau cover you buy will include a set of instructions for installation. Expensive hard covers may require some heavier tools and expertise. In these cases, it is recommended that you go to a professional to install it for you. Any mistakes during installation could wind up being costly. Above all you want to make sure any accessories are installed safely and properly.
Some hard covers, and most soft covers, may be easy for you to install right at home. If you decide to take this route, carefully read through the included instructions. It may even be useful for you to have a look at a video tutorial online. These are easy to find, and will walk you step-by-step through installing your tonneau cover. Gather your tools, make sure you have a safe area to work in, and go ahead and begin the installation.
Contact Ultimate Rides for Custom Vehicles and More
The next time you need to shop around for your next vehicle, we hope you’ll remember Ultimate Rides. We have a huge selection of vehicles to choose from, including plenty of custom pickup trucks. Customers will also have access to our lift center, where we can customize their vehicle even further. With our reliable vehicle shipping, drivers from all across the country can buy from us. Give us a call at 815-634-3900 to learn more about one of our vehicles or to ask some questions. If you’re in the Chicago area, you can come and visit us about one hour south of the city at 38 W. Division St., Coal City, IL 60416.
Two Brothers With a Dream, Building The Best Ultimate Rides
Ultimate Rides consists of two brothers who have been buying and selling custom vehicles for over ten years. Selling lifted trucks by day and writing these awesome reviews by night! They started their Ultimate Rides journey with a third brother Jake, who was a big part of building the business they have today. In 2016 Jake passed away and losing their brother was the hardest thing they ever had to deal with. Even though they had a tragic loss they plan to continue to set a new trend for the auto industry, keeping customers number one. Pushing the envelope on the lifted truck market, these guys love researching and learning about everything in the auto industry!
— Nick and Alex Bulanda, Founders of Ultimate Rides
