Tonneau Cover 101: What is a Tonneau Cover?

TONNEAU

Language of origin // French

Pronunciation // tä-ˌnō

Meaning // cask, barrel

Description // Tonneau covers were traditionally made from thick canvas material, and although they don’t have much utility today, the term is now used to describe any type of cover that fits over the bed of a pickup truck.

What you should know // Whether it’s for protection from the elements or to keep your gear safe and secure, a tonneau cover is a great option for any truck owner. With a variety of tonneau covers available on the market and functional options to choose from, we've broken down what each one does and why you might consider one model over the other. Let’s start with the two main types of tonneaus available, which are: soft and hard covers.

Soft tonneau covers are made of vinyl or cloth and can be rolled up or folded for easy storage. These tonneau covers are easy to install and remove.

Hard tonneau covers are made of aluminum, fiberglass, or composite materials. They're more durable and offer greater longevity than soft tonneau covers, and they provide better security for your cargo. Hard tonneau covers require a higher investment and can take more skill to install and remove without someone to help you

What are the different types of tonneau covers?

Retractable tonneau covers: Retractable tonneaus are made of aluminum or fiberglass. Designed to provide quick access to your truck bed, they roll up or fold into a canister at the front of the bed and are stored out of the way when you need to access the cargo area. Quick and easy to open, these covers are ideal for family recreational activities, daily comfort driving, work utility, outdoor lifestyles and any driver who frequently wants convenient access to their truck bed. The Mountain Top EVO-M retractable tonneau cover provides the smallest canister on the market for maximum truck bed space. For their higher quality, strength and convenience, retractable tonneau covers are often more expensive.

Foldable tonneau covers: Foldable tonneau covers are designed to fold into sections, making them easy to store when not in use. These covers are a good choice for pickup drivers who need occasional access to their truck beds - these can be opened quickly and easily. However, foldable tonneau covers can be more expensive than other tonneau models and they may restrict available cargo space to haul larger items when the cover is completely folded up.

Rollable tonneau covers: Rollable tonneau covers are designed to roll up into a tube at the front of the bed, making them easy to store when not in use. These covers are a good choice for those who need occasional access to their truck bed, as they can be opened quickly and easily. Rollable, soft tonneau covers are often less expensive, and they don’t provide as much security and weather protection as the other types.

Aluminum or fiberglass lids: Aluminum and fiberglass lids are known for their durability and strength, making them a great option for those who need maximum security for their cargo.

What is the best material for my tonneau cover?

Tonneau covers are available in a variety of materials, including vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Vinyl tonneau covers: Vinyl tonneau covers are the most common type of cover. They are durable and provide good protection for your cargo. However, vinyl tonneau covers are more susceptible to vandalism damage, and can be damaged by UV rays, causing the vinyl to fade over time. The heat can also cause these covers to stretch and impact how it fits.

Fiberglass tonneau covers: Fiberglass tonneau covers are more durable than vinyl tonneau covers and provide better protection for your cargo. However, fiberglass tonneau covers can be more difficult to use and may not be as easy to store when not in use.

Aluminum tonneau covers: Aluminum tonneau covers, like ours here at Mountain Top, are the most durable type of cover. They provide good protection for your cargo and will not fade or become damaged by UV rays. The design and construction allow cargo items to remain dry while also offering greater protection from vandalism. Aluminum tonneau covers can be more challenging to install for some people and may not be as easy to store conveniently when not in use.

How to choose the right tonneau cover for your pickup size

Once you have decided which type of tonneau cover suits your needs, the next step is to confirm the right size for your truck. Tonneau covers come in a variety of sizes to fit different truck beds. You need to measure the length and width of your truck bed to make sure you choose a cover that will fit correctly. Check out our fitment chart to see which EVO-M cover fits your truck best.

What to budget for a tonneau cover

Tonneau covers can cost anywhere from $160 to $2000. That’s a pretty big range, and the price will be determined by the tonneau cover type, brand and features. Soft tonneau covers are the most popular type and are available at a lower price point. Hard tonneau covers are more expensive than soft tonneau covers, but they’re also more durable and likely to have a longer lifespan. If you're looking for the best value, it's important to compare prices and features to find the tonneau cover that's right for you.

Find a cover that’s tailored for your truck

If you're in the market for a tonneau cover, be sure to do your research. There are a lot of different products on the market, and it's important to find one that fits your needs. With so many options available, you're sure to find the perfect tonneau cover for your pickup. If strength, water resistance, maximum security and high-quality are at the top of your list, consider buying a Mountain Top!