9 Types of Truck Bed Covers You Can Find On The Market!

Truck owners adore their vehicles. However, it’s also evident that most pickup truck owners don’t use their truck beds frequently. Therefore, a truck bed cover can shield your vehicle bed from the elements and trash. That said, it’s important to know what different types of truck bed covers are.

And there is much evidence to support the idea that covering the bed of your vehicle can lower aerodynamic drag and improve fuel efficiency. When not in use, your truck bed is protected by a truck bed cover, which may also result in better gas mileage.[1].

Which truck bed cover, though, is best for you, given the wide variety of types and designs available?

The solution is in the way you operate your truck. First, you’ll need a truck bed cover that is reliable and simple to use. This is particularly true if you frequently climb in and out of your vehicle’s bed, move supplies regularly, and utilize the bed for work.

If you use your truck primarily for styling and profiling with the occasional grocery run, you’ll want a protective cover that looks great and functions well.

A truck bed cover is worthwhile regardless of where you fall on the pickup-truck spectrum. Your truck bed will be kept clear of dirt and debris, and the paint will be safeguarded. And, although any improvement in fuel economy will be small and may be offset by the added weight, savings can build up.

This is true, especially considering the typical pickup truck’s fuel tank holds about 25 gallons.

Different Types Of Truck Bed Covers

There are numerous types and varieties of covers to pick from. When selecting a truck bed, you don’t have to get lost in a sea of reviews. Instead, you can divide them into a few major categories based on their style. You’ll be able to assess the ideal truck bed cover types for your lifestyle after you are familiar with the many types of truck bed covers.

Basic Differences

The two main categories of truck bed covers are soft covers and hard covers. Soft covers are seamless and lightweight, thanks to the industrial-strength vinyl used in their construction. Tools and other important goods benefit from an additional layer of security provided by hard covers, which are made of strong materials like aluminium [2].

Truck covers are categorized into groups depending on how they open and function. These include retractable, single-piece, expandable, soft rolling, hard rolling, soft folding, hard folding, and Snap-On covers.

Soft roll-up truck bed covers

Some folks merely favor the rolling cover’s simple operation. Full truck bed access and simplicity of use are two advantages. These covers roll up to the front and open from the back, much like a carpet. Soft-rolling covers are intended for everyday family use, such as securing simple bed cargo and keeping groceries dry. With the lid entirely open, you can drive.

This full bed access is useful for transporting ATVs and other recreational vehicles. The TruXedo TruXport is a fantastic choice in this area.

The cover is securely fastened along the side rails using a powerful hook and loop system. And opening it is as simple as pulling back on the dual triggers in the back and fastening it with the supplied straps to the cab. Installation takes roughly 20 minutes and is simple, requiring only basic equipment.

The TruXedo Pro X15 , which has a vinyl top and a black matte material, is the top option in this category. On any truck, its modern style looks amazing.

Due to the internal rail system attachment, the Pro X15 has a low profile. As a result, the stake bed pockets can continue to be used and remain open. The one-handed, single-trigger release is another benefit. Due to those factors, the Pro X15 should be at the top of your soft-rolling list.

Hard Rollup truck bed covers

You can have the convenience of a soft-rolling cover and the security of a hard top with a hard-rolling cover. They function the same as a soft-rolling cover, but the top is strengthened by heavy-duty aluminum slats behind the matte black vinyl top. Owners of dirt bikes should choose a hard-rolling cover. You can transport your bike to the trail with full bed access while keeping your extra gear and helmets safe and secure.

The BAK Revolver X4 is a great option in this case. Despite being made of tough and durable material, the top rolls up with the greatest of ease thanks to a unique design. Both sides include cable releases that let you access the cover from either side. About twenty minutes are needed for installation.

Soft-Folding Truck bed Covers

Soft-folding covers are ideal for everyday family use, such as shielding your sports equipment from the elements and preventing your cargo from flying out and becoming missiles. These covers have a thick, leather-grained vinyl covering drawn over a framework that enables sectional folding.

The Extang Trifecta 2.0 is a fantastic option here. Thanks to clamps, the installation just takes a few minutes and requires no equipment. The cover is directly attached to your bed rails. Because of its trifold design and lightweight construction, you can easily remove it when you need complete bed access.

Hard-Folding Truck bed Covers

The only significant difference between hard-folding covers and soft-folding ones is the additional layer of security offered by a rigid surface instead of a soft top [9].

This not only makes the cover incredibly robust but also protects your belongings. Unbelievably, covers in this category can support a distributed weight of up to 600 pounds.

The Extang Solid Fold 2.0 is worth a look. A strong panel an inch thick and resistant to dents is used to make this trifold cover. The trifold provides 2/3 bed access when completely opened, making it a wise alternative for individuals who require real security without requiring 100% bed access.

Hard quad-folding covers are the best option if you frequently need to use the entire truck bed. They provide excellent features and true flexibility, including full bed access when open and excellent security when closed. Then, when you arrive, you can secure your tools in the truck bed and use them to move huge furnishings across town.

Retractable Truck bed Covers

A retractable cover is a rolling cover variant that retracts into a canister inside the truck bed rather than rolling on top of the bed. Typically, the top surface is made of robust aluminum stats that move well on ball bearings.

The Retrax Pro XR is a well-liked option in this case. It has a great appearance and is one of the safest covers on the market because it is made entirely of metal. Additionally, depending on how much access to the bed you require, you can lock it in place wherever you like.

A retractable cover is the best option for people who frequently need to open and close their truck bed cover. A retractable cover is the simplest to operate and preserves your truck’s sleek lines. On the downside, the canister that keeps the rolled-up cover takes up some space in the bed.

Another wonderful feature is the possibility of a track system, which consists of slots incorporated into the tops of the side rails. With this system, you can install third-party racks and other accessories to transport cargo over your bed, which is ideal for your upcoming excursion. Retrax Pro XR installation requires two people and takes around 30 minutes.

Single-Piece Solid Truck bed Covers

The single-piece cover is a fantastic choice for a seamless, clean appearance. The color of your vehicle can be specified to match them, giving the cover the impression of being a part of the truck.

In addition, it does a wonderful job of keeping water out since it creates a weather-resistant barrier on both the sides and the back.

By simply turning a knob, this durable cover lifts and closes, allowing the struts to elevate the ABS lid. And locking it into place after gently bringing it back down makes shutting it just as simple. Many exhibition trucks have hard caps because of their angular appearance. These are perfect for golfers and athletes because of their security and high water resistance. With two people, installation takes roughly 30 minutes.

Snap-on Truck bed Covers

The original and current entry-level form of the truck bed is the Snap-On. The cover consists of an aluminum mount that you attach to your truck’s bed rails and a vinyl cover that fastens to the frame with metal snaps. Most truck owners don’t like these soft truck bed covers, but they can be a good alternative to test out for a little while if you need something that works and is less expensive.

Pros:

• • Easy to use
  • Affordable

Cons:

• • It can be challenging to use
  • Not heavy duty
  • Not particular waterproof

Expandable Truck bed Covers

This kind of cover is the most recent. The issue of cargo that is above your bed rails but still has to be protected is resolved with expandable truck bed covers. And they don’t cost a fortune.

Pros:

• • Guards the greatest variety of cargo
  • Robust, long-lasting, and warranted:
  • Simple installation:
  • Most adaptable:

Cons:

• • There aren’t as many options available.
  • No locking mechanism

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What type of truck bed cover is best?

The truck bed cover that ticks all of your boxes is ultimately the best option. Regrettably, there is no universal solution to this problem because every truck owner will have a distinct budget and set of goals.

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Bottom Line

It all comes down to deciding which truck bed cover kinds you prefer. In case you buy it, your truck bed will be more protected. Consider buying mud flaps if you use your truck for construction work.