What Is a Tonneau Cover?

A tonneau cover (also called a box cover or truck bed cover) is a hard or soft cover that encloses the bed of a pickup truck to protect its contents.

Various types of tonneau covers are available, from fiberglass to vinyl, snap-on, hinged, roll up, retractable, you name it. The reason why there are so many types is that they can adapt to the way you use your truck.

Each type of tonneau cover, soft or hard, has features that allow it to be used in a different way.

We’ve also noticed that it’s a difficult word to spell! Although there are many variations, the most popular misspellings are tonno cover, tunnel cover, tono cover, and tonnue cover.

Tonneau is a French word meaning cask or barrel. It originally referred to the open passenger compartment on many old cars.

 

Hard Tonneau Covers

Advantage: one-piece tonneau covers are typically painted to match the truck's body color. They not only look good, but they also offer unbeatable cargo protection. They often have lights inside; most now clamp in and require no drilling. Most one-piece tonneau covers have a hinge system that makes them easy to open.

If matching the color of your truck is not that important to you, there are also hard roll-up tonneau covers available.

You might also like a hard folding tonneau cover. These covers, available in aluminum and fiberglass, can withstand the harshest weather and protect your possessions from theft.

Disadvantage: The one-piece type can’t be used for loads above the bed rails, as it must be propped open or removed. Removing it typically takes two people, and it takes up a lot of space in your garage when it’s not on the truck.

 

Soft Tonneau Covers

Advantage: Soft tonneau covers have the classic tonneau look that comes from covering the bed with black vinyl. Many people like the look of these tonneaus, which can come in various styles.

The traditional style is the soft roll-up tonneau cover, which uses bows that straddle the bed and are linked to a clamp-on frame. If cargo is higher than the bed rails, the bows are easy to remove.

Other types include the soft folding tonneau cover, which is hinged to fold in three sections, and others that include hinges in the center of the tonneau to allow it to fold in half. These make loading and carrying cargo much easier.

There is also the snap-on tonneau cover, and others are designed as tonneau covers for trucks with a toolbox. The toolbox tonneau covers come in both hard and soft cover styles.

Disadvantage: The vinyl can fade and stretch over time, leaving a tonneau that flops in the wind. Soft tonneaus also don’t offer much theft protection as they can be easily cut and your contents removed.

Some people do not like the bow system, and others still condemn the button snaps, which are often cumbersome to reinstall and require a lot of time to put together.

 

Retractable Tonneau Covers

Advantage: As the name implies, retractable tonneau covers retract into a compact roll. This allows the bed to be nearly fully open, fully closed, or set anywhere in between. Retractable tonneau covers can be made from various materials, including hard plastic and cast aluminum.

They consist of many pieces linked together to bend and fold so that they can be rolled up at the front portion of the truck’s bed.

Some manufacturers offer a motor-operated roll-up function, while others open and close manually.

These types of retractable tonneau covers offer unbeatable bed security and are almost impossible to break into. They mount on a track system that clamps to the bed rails, so no drilling is typically required.

Disadvantage: Cost is one factor in this type of tonneau cover. Most are more expensive than hard or soft tonneau and take a little more time to install.

Because the tonneau rolls up into one area, the size of the roller can also take up some space at the front of the bed.

Motorized roll-up units take up more room than manual roll-up units. Some truck enthusiasts also dislike the look of roll-up tonneau, which cannot be painted to match the vehicle's color; most come in a black powder coat or with a vinyl top layer.

 

What to Look For In a Tonneau Cover

It's easy to determine what type of tonneau cover to use. Always start with what you like.

For example, many people like the look of a hard tonneau but may want a different type of removal system if they consistently haul cargo taller than the factory bed rails. If so, look for a hard tonneau with a quick-disconnect hinge system.

If you're a custom truck enthusiast, you want a hard, flush-mounted tonneau cover that looks great. If this is the case, look for a lightweight design.

Many flush tonneau covers can eventually sag in the center of their inner structure if they are too heavy or don't include mid-section support.

You say you want convenience? A soft tonneau may be right for you, as it is simple to roll up and use the entire bed to carry large cargo.

Likewise, if security is your top priority, a one-piece tonneau cover would be the best choice to prevent the theft of tools or other valuables in your truck's bed.

 

In Conclusion

Choosing the right tonneau cover depends on your truck’s needs, your style preferences, and how you use your truck bed.

 

Whether you prioritize security, convenience, or aesthetics, there’s a tonneau cover that perfectly fits your truck at Action Truck.

 

Action Car and Truck Accessories has you covered if you're looking for expert advice and professional installation. They offer a wide selection of tonneau covers and provide installation services at all their locations across Canada.