If you own a pickup truck, you’ve probably thought about getting some kind of cover for the truck bed. Protecting your cargo from weather, theft, and general wear is a common priority. But what should you choose between a bed cover and a tonneau cover? While many folks use these terms interchangeably, there’s a difference that could affect your choice.
What is a Bed Cover?
A bed cover generally refers to any type of cover that goes over the open area in your truck bed, providing protection for your cargo. Bed covers can be hard or soft, retractable, folding, or even snap-on. The idea is to give you options to either fully secure the bed area or just add a layer to keep things safe from weather.
One thing with bed covers is they’re built to cover the entire area of your truck’s bed. Unlike tonneau covers, bed covers may offer more substantial protection against external elements, as many are built with heavy-duty materials like fiberglass or metal. They can also be custom-fit, creating a snug seal for better weather resistance.
Bed covers come in various types, and each serves different purposes. They provide a way to hide whatever you’re transporting, which can help with theft prevention, as most thieves won’t bother with what they can’t see. However, depending on the material, they can add a bit of weight to your vehicle, affecting fuel efficiency slightly. So, it’s something to keep in mind.
What is a Tonneau Cover?
Tonneau covers are another popular choice among truck owners, but they serve a slightly different purpose than bed covers. While tonneau covers also protect the truck bed and the cargo inside, they are typically designed with a lower profile. This low-profile design can improve aerodynamics and might contribute to better fuel economy over time.
Tonneau covers come in soft and hard versions, similar to bed covers, but they are usually lighter in weight. This makes them more flexible and easier to handle if you need quick access to the bed. Many tonneau covers are made of vinyl, canvas, or lightweight aluminum, which makes them easier to roll up or fold.
Because of their build, tonneau covers might not always provide the same level of security as hard bed covers, especially the soft ones. They’re ideal for lighter protection and short trips but may not be suited for heavy-duty cargo security. So, if you’re carrying something valuable, you might want to consider an additional locking mechanism.
Differences Between Bed Covers and Tonneau Covers
Although both bed and tonneau covers go over the truck bed, their purposes, designs, and benefits are not identical. Here’s what to consider:
Material and Build Quality
Typically, bed covers tend to be made from stronger, more durable materials than tonneau covers, especially if they’re hard covers. Materials like fiberglass or thick aluminum make them harder to tamper with or damage. Tonneau covers are usually lighter and made from soft vinyl or aluminum, designed more for aerodynamics than heavy-duty security.
Bed covers, due to their thickness, can resist impacts and withstand rough conditions better than most tonneau covers. However, that extra durability comes at the cost of added weight. For a truck that’s regularly exposed to tough weather or tough environments, bed covers offer stronger protection.
Security Features
Security is a key factor for most truck owners. With a solid, lockable bed cover, your cargo is generally safer. Bed covers often include locking mechanisms integrated into the cover, sometimes even synchronized with the vehicle’s central locking system. This makes it harder for anyone to break into the truck bed without significant effort.
In comparison, soft tonneau covers, while they might look nice and sleek, offer less security. They can be torn or cut more easily, making them less suitable for carrying valuable or fragile items. Hard tonneau covers, however, have improved in recent years and can offer better security options, but they still usually fall short of the robust security offered by a bed cover.
Ease of Use and Access
If you need frequent access to your truck bed, tonneau covers tend to be the more convenient option. Soft tonneau covers can easily roll up, and hard folding versions are designed to allow partial access to the bed. Some even have multiple fold points, allowing you to open just part of the cover.
Bed covers, especially those made of a single piece or with hinges, might require more time and effort to open. If you’re someone who often needs to reach into the bed, this can be inconvenient. The single-unit bed covers might require full removal to access the entire truck bed, so it’s something worth considering.
Weather Protection
For some truck owners, weather resistance is just as crucial as security. Bed covers are generally better at keeping rain, snow, and dust out of the truck bed, as they tend to form a tighter seal around the edges. This can be especially useful if you’re carrying sensitive cargo that could get damaged from exposure to water or dust.
Soft tonneau covers, on the other hand, offer limited protection against harsh weather. They might keep out a light drizzle but may not hold up in heavy rain or snow, as water can sometimes seep through. However, if you’re mostly concerned about basic weather protection and need quick access, a hard tonneau cover might be the compromise you’re looking for.
Aesthetics and Aerodynamics
While some folks might not care about looks, for others, it’s a big deal. Tonneau covers tend to have a lower profile and sleeker appearance, which can blend well with the overall look of your truck. This low profile is also thought to improve aerodynamics, which could help boost fuel efficiency by reducing wind drag, especially on longer trips.
Bed covers, though bulkier, offer a more rugged look. They’re generally not as aerodynamic as tonneau covers but provide a distinct appearance that some people prefer. When it comes to aesthetics, it’s all about personal preference and what suits your style.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between a bed cover and a tonneau cover, you have to think about your lifestyle, budget, and how you use your truck. Both options come with their own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
