With decades of combined experience covering the latest news, reviewing the greatest gear, and advising you on your next car purchase, The Drive is the leading authority on all things automotive. We use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. are the best choice if fuel economy is a concern because the higher weight of hard tonneaus can offset any reductions in aerodynamic drag. This model comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you know it's built to last. In 2013, however. Anyone in the family can operate this cover, simply pull cable from either side of the bed to disengage the latches, and fold the cover, panel by panel, to the front of the bed. how to install ?

Likewise, when it's time to open the bed, if you choose a model with a torsion spring it'll do the work for you. Most retractable tonneau covers will fall in the $700-1,200 price range. Can I use the full bed when a tonneau cover is attached? Hes been reviewing cars, auto electronics, and car accessories for over 25 years, and hes held staff positions with Motor Trend, Consumer Reports autos team, and Wirecutter, the NY Times Companys product-review website. {{ isSummaryShown ? Keep reading to find out what features matter to you.

This depends on the cover. A simple yet effective feature is a pull tab located on the end of the cover, making it easy to close the cover. If you're on a tight budget, then check out the value pick, the Pace Edwards Switchblade.

Hopefully, it will deter thieves from trying to get inside.

There are a few features to consider before picking the right retractable tonneau cover for you. Like the rest of the covers on this list, you don't need any special tools to install this model, and you'll get the job done in around 30 minutes. Panels are Constructed of Aircraft Grade Aluminum with a Protective Black Textured Finish. Many retractable tonneau covers claim to be waterproof, but in reality, most will eventually let some water in. Conversely, some one-piece hinged hard-shell tonneaus are the most secure because their design prevents the tailgate from being opened. Tonneau covers are also easy do-it-yourself installations, which typically require no drilling or alterations to your truck bed. Most are quite resistant to the elements, but they can have a hard time keeping water out of a truck's bed in poor weather conditions. This unit has one of the most compact storage canisters in the game, which sits just 7-3/inches deep, and has an aerodynamic housing lid that should improve your gas mileage. They typically enhancenot detractfrom a pickup's overall appearance, making it look sleek and finished. With the tailgate down, it can also be opened from either side of the bed. Unfortunately, this model doesn't feature a locking mechanism that runs along the rails and keeps cargo in place.

In a perfect world, retractable tonneau covers wouldn't be a necessity. Retractable covers are on the higher-end of the tonneau price spectrum, which is why the Pace Edwards Switchblade breathes a sigh of relief into those who are on a tight budget. sitting just 7 " deep & featuring an aerodynamic housing lid, the m-series preserves the truck bed cargo space, Unmatched operation | the m-series retractable cover features a torsion spring enclosed in a 3" aluminum casing, along with patented contoured hinge design for frictionless rotation to enable effortless & secure operation, Fits 2015 - 2020 ford f-150 5' 7" bed (67.1"), Unmatched style | the m-series' vinyl-over-aluminum design maintains a classic tonneau appearance while being fortified with an aluminum undercarriage that has a patented, contoured hinge design for frictionless rotation & theft protection, Unmatched ease | the m-series truck bed cover is simple to install with patented, clamp-on track design. All Rights Reserved. The cover is UV-protected and can be locked in any position along its rails, so cargo that protrudes above the cover is secured.It's great to see so much weather protection on a cover at such a low price point. If you're driving a 2009 - 2018, 2019/20 Classic Dodge Ram with a 5-foot 7-inch bed, and need a cover, then look no further than the Gator Recoil Retractable Tonneau Cover. The PRO XR is also backed by our dedicated, US-Based customer support team. of evenly distributed weight), Upgraded t-slot side rails, compatible with crossbars, cargo rack. I've chosen the Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover as the best overall retractable tonneau cover. If it wasn't for the Roll-N-Lock M-Series tonneau cover's somewhat high price point, this model could easily have taken the best overall award. Single-lid and paneled tonneau covers offer the same, if not more, protection from thieves but make it harder to access your bed quickly. The RetraxPro XR is one of a few tonneau covers that enable people to fit racks and accessories onto bed rails.

Well, make doesn't matter for this report, nor do other typically critical criteria such as powertrain details, suspension, cabin amenities, or anything else. The analysis and opinions are our own. You should also look for a cover that has UV protection and is scratch-resistant. And any effect on fuel economy will depend on the cover, the truck, and the speed that youre driving. They also are relatively easy to DIY install, and they feature sealed ball bearings for smooth rolling. A retractable cover is super easy to open and close, is more versatile than folding or rolling designs, and allows full use of the bed while driving without blocking the rear window. Aluminum panels, which have a polymer finish combined with Pace Edward's ArmorTeck deck, do a decent job of protecting your cargo from the elements and thieves, but the cover does allow some water inside. Truck Hero is a one-stop-shopping outlet that we recommend for comparing and ultimately buying a cover for your rig. Why New Vehicles Should Have Apple CarPlay Or Android Auto, How To Prepare Your Vehicle For A Road Trip, Cover can be supported upright while driving for full-bed access, Automatically latches when closed without opening the tailgate, Supports up to 300 pounds on top when evenly distributed, More expensive than other hard-folding tonneau covers, Blocks view out the rear window when supported upright, One of the least expensive hard covers weve seen, Supports up to 350 pounds on top, when evenly distributed, Like most tri-fold designs, when folded up, the cover still covers the front third of the truck bed, It needs to be removed to allow full-bed access while driving, Lacks the ease of the latest latching designs, Allows use of the full bed when rolled up and doesnt block the rear window, Automatically latches at the rear without having to open the tailgate, Supports up to 400 pounds on top, when evenly distributed, Vinyl cover material doesnt look as nice as the all-aluminum slats on some higher-priced roll-up covers, Some users say that getting the cover aligned properly during installation is critical for best performance, Easily and quickly retracts to allow access to the full bed, Can be manually locked in any position along the bed rail, Supports up to 200 pounds on top, when evenly distributed, More expensive than most folding and roll-up hard covers, All-aluminum versions can support more weight, Easily opened or closed by pressing a key fob, Cover can be electrically locked in five positions, Small canister for rolled-up cover doesnt take up much space in the bed, More expensive than non-powered tonneau covers (but less than many other electrics), Installation is more involved than non-powered tonneaus, Fits 2022 Toyota Tundra 5' 7" Bed (66.7"), ULTIMATE SECURITY | The BAKFlip MX4 tonneau cover has durable aluminum panels that automatically latch as the cover is partially or fully closed, and is fully locked once your tailgate is closed, STYLISH MATTE FINISH | Featuring matte-finished aluminum panels, protecting against marks, scratches and UV damage; as well as premium upgrades to the perimeter seals and hardware, Fits 2015 - 2022 Chevy/GMC Colorado/Canyon 5' 3" Bed (62.7"), Fits 2020 - 2022 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500 6' 10" Bed (82.2"). Few may require pre-drilling holes into the truck bed itself, but most use clamps that attach to the edge of the bed without any modifications. Many tonneau covers take up space on the bed rails, blocking access to the stake pockets that ladder racks need to mount onto the truck. , a tonneau cover manufacturer, a 2007 windtunnel test by the trade group SEMA (the Specialty Equipment Market Association) showed that tonneau covers reduced aerodynamic drag by an average of 5.7%, which resulted in a 1.8% improvement in fuel economy. Most use a three-piece setup that includes the housing, cover, and two support rails. You simply press a button on a key fob to open or close it. But the cargo and gear you carry in its bed is vulnerable to both weather damage and theft. Forbes Wheels compared the features, specs, and pricing of almost a hundred tonneau covers; reviewed evaluations by other critics and end users; and drew on our own experiences with a wide range of different covers. But a hard tonneautypically made of aluminum or compositecan keep it more physically secure than a. And covers sealed with Velcro or another hook-and-loop fastener, such as roll-up covers, can often be separated enough on the sides to allow someone to look inside. Like most areas on a pickup, beds also can be modified, whether for appearance, capacity (increased or decreased), and the all-important capability. Instead, an inner frame rail automatically secures the cover along the entire length of the bed when the tailgate is closed, providing extra security. None of these covers are 100-percent watertight, but the neoprene compression seals on this model do a great job protecting a truck's bed from snow and rain. But the cargo and gear you carry in its bed is vulnerable to both weather damage and theft. A high-quality cover that looks great and has some user-friendly features, but prices itself out of contention for the best overall pick. This model takes the award because it offers the best blend of durability, value, and protection. partnerships@forbeswheels.com. For partnership inquiries please reach out to us at

not fit flareside body style. One area many retractable tonneau covers fall behind in is waterproofing. tested a Dodge Ram V8 pickup with a tonneau while driving at a constant 65 mph, and they measured a slight drop of almost one mpg. Rik has also written DIY auto-repair manuals for Haynes.

This folding cover is constructed of sturdy aluminum panels with a polymer top surface thats more resistant to scratches, dents, and heat than all-metal panels. We cant put our own hands on every item available. The whole job takes around 30 minutes, which is in line with most of the models on this list. There are a few extra features that'll make living with a tonneau cover easier.

It's a slippery slope for accessories like this, as the lion's share are all very good. Anyone who's driving a 2004-2022 Ford F-150 with a 5-foot 6-inch bed will find a great value retractable tonneau cover in the Syneticusa Retractable Hard Tonneau Cover. A neoprene sealant where the bed meets the rail is always a good option. Easy InstallationNo tools or drilling required; Upgraded clamps with adjustable holes allow for an easy installation within 20 minutes; user friendly design for easy assembly and dis-assembly. Any good tonneau cover (aka truck-bed cover) will shield your stuff from rain, snow, wind, and sunlight, as well as prying eyes. But anyone who wants some extra features or better weatherproofing will need to spend a bit more. Although we exist in an imperfect world, retractable tonneau covers make it so much easier to live in. Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, wisdom of the crowd assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. *only fit 5.5 feet (67,1 inch) bed without utility track system. All of the tonneaus here are easy to install yourself and dont require any modifications to the truck bed. If you're carrying tall objects, then you'll be happy to know that you can lock the cover in any position along the rails to keep your cargo secure. BAK BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 448440 | Fits 2022 Toyota Tundra 5' 7" Bed (66.7") , Black, BAK BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 448126 | Fits 2015 - 2022 Chevy/GMC Colorado/Canyon 5' 3" Bed (62.7"), BAK BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 448133 | Fits 2020-2022 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500 6' 10" Bed (82.2"), YITAMOTOR Soft Quad Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with 2019 2020 2021 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 New Body Style, Fleetside 6.4 ft Bed Without Rambox, BAK BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 448426 | Fits 2016 - 2022 Toyota Tacoma w/ OE track system 5' 1" Bed (60.5"), RetraxONE XR Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | T-60484 | Fits 2020 - 2022 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500HD (does not fit w/ factory side storage boxes) 6' 10" Bed (82.2"), Roll N Lock M-Series Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | LG401M | Fits 2019 - 2020 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500, Does Not Fit w/ Multi-Function (Split) Tailgate 5' 7" Bed (67.4"), Rough Country Low Profile Hard Tri-Fold (fits) 2020 Jeep Gladiator | 5 FT Bed | Truck Tonneau Cover | 47620500, Roll N Lock M-Series Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | LG226M | Fits 2020 - 2022 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500HD 6' 10" Bed (82.2"), RetraxPRO MX Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 80484 | Fits 2020 - 2022 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500HD (does not fit w/ factory side storage boxes) 6' 10" Bed (82.2"). But most tri-fold designs cover the front third of the bed when folded up, and they need to be removed for full-bed access. *fit for 2005-2022 ford f-150 super crew & super cabstyleside 5.5ft short bed models (incl. Models priced between $1,200-2,000 usually have some handy features like torsion springs to help retract the cover. These are the most convenient for accessing the bed quickly and keeping it protected when necessary. It's a safe bet that youand many other trucktrend.com followersactually own pickup trucks. There should be a waterproof sealant where the cover meets the bed rail to keep your cargo dry. As our editorial cousins at Car Bibles say, Knowledge is horsepower!. We're not ranking or awarding gratuitous titles like "best" or "greatest" because those acknowledgements should only be given after covers are thoroughly evaluated and objectively scored and ranked.

We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks. But they are also expensive, heavy, and harder to use than the covers highlighted here. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox.

This protection doesn't come at the expense of style, however, as the cover blends nicely into the rails of your bed. It would never rain or snow when your truck is full of stuff you're transporting, but it does. The canister's size will determine how high you can load cargo at the back of the bed. Our focus in this report is on retractable covers, which can be opened and closed by manually sliding the top into and from an integrated compartment, or with the simple press of a key fob's button. Read more. You might need to stretch to this price bracket if you want a tonneau cover that doesn't use the bed's stake brackets so you can fit accessories, such as roof rack rails. Finally, you can operate certain models via a remote, and while this isn't necessary, it could be a feature some people deem worth the extra expense. There are several criteria, but we think style and optimum security probably are the main reasons why enthusiasts spend the big bucks. of evenly distributed weight, as well as a matte finish for UV and scratch protection, LEGENDARY LIFETIME GUARANTEE | Easy to install and made in the USA the RetraxPRO MX is so durable, we guarantee it for life. Enclosed in a 3-inch aluminum casing is a torsion spring, which should make retracting this cover practically effortless. Our focus right now is on the aftermarket retractable covers that are available for a pickup's bed. Fits 2020 - 2022 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500HD 6' 10" Bed (82.2"), LEGENDARY DURABILITY | The RetraxPRO MX features durable, aluminum panels that can support up to 500 lbs. By continuing to browse this site you're agreeing to our. Check out user reviews to see what tools you'll need to install the tonneau cover you want. Ive put together a buying guide detailing the different features and price points that you should consider before making your purchase. Best Truck Toolboxes: Keep Your Gear Secure, Syneticusa Aluminum Retractable Tonneau Cover, Can securely fix cover at one of five positions, More space thanks to extremely compact storage canister, Can use with roof racks and other accessories, Industrial-strength slats support up to 500 pounds, Strong slats that can support up to 500 pounds, Lockable at five points along the bed rail, Lockable rail system isn't totally customizable. And, like many enthusiasts, you probably have at least a small loyalty to your rig's manufacturer (Ford, GM, Ram, etc.) That way, when it arrives, you'll be ready to get started. To install these, most kits require basic tools like a socket wrench for the fasteners. 2022Recurrent Ventures. You won't need a drill or any other special tool to fit this model, as it clamps onto the side of the bed, and the whole fitting process only takes around 20-30 minutes. 'Hide Summary' : 'Show Summary' }}, -$142.06 The cover also automatically latches when closed without opening the tailgate. It uses a vinyl covering over aluminum slats. This model doesn't stand out in any one area, but it's reliable, durable, and good value for money. The unit is UV and scratch-resistant, which keeps it looking better for longer. Forbes Wheels independently tests and reviews cars and automotive accessories. Of course, buying a retractable cover ultimately boils down to what your needs and wants areneeds are always most importantas well as your budget for the investment. WHY Quad Fold More access room when folded up, more durable with one more cross bar and two more firm clamps than trifold cover. Keeping the cover protected is a unique spiral track system, which prevents it from coming into contact with itself as it opens and closes. Some parts on this model will wear more quickly than on higher-priced models, like the rubber seals around the canister. "Amazon, Amazon Prime, the Amazon logo and Amazon Prime logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates".

If you're rolling in a 2015-2020 Ford F150 with a 5-foot 7-inch bed, then it's hard to go wrong with the Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover. So, if you opt for this model, you'll have more usable space in your bed when compared to most other tonneau covers. Soft covers are great for weather resistance but don't offer much protection against break-in attempts. (support up to 500 lbs. Thats because the release latches are located under the cover near the tailgate. So, what is it that makes retractable covers, which are more costly than other types, desirable? Unlike some tonneau covers, this one doesn't protrude, thanks to its low-profile and stylish design that arguably improves the F-150's look. All roll-up and retractable tonneaus allow full-bed access. By clicking on the products below, we may receive a commission at no cost to you. please measure the length of your truck bed and make sure you have the correct model before ordering!

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs GMC Sierra 1500, For work or play, a pickup truck is likely the handiest tool you own. Typically, they come pre-assembled, requiring you to only install clamps, supports, and perhaps frame rails. If you value quick access to the bed and a good amount of protection from the elements and thieves, this is the best type of cover for your bed. Rik is equal parts geek, gearhead, and driving enthusiast. And, unlike other hard roll-ups, the Revolver X2 doesnt rely on a hook-and-loop closure system along the sides.

2022 Forbes Media LLC. (10%), Best-selling Hard Tonneau Covers on Amazon.

You can also place some peace of mind in its 2-year guarantee.

Covers secured with snaps are typically the most vulnerable, which is why we dont recommend any. But for someone without the proper skills or tools, a tonneau cover offers enough protection to keep your cargo safe, however, you'll need a retractable cover that has aluminum slats as opposed to vinyl, which can easily be cut. Some covers won't enable you to lock the cover anywhere at any time but will instead feature a certain amount of lockable positions that you can customize. You can secure the cover at one of five customizable points, which helps tall cargo to stay in place. (10%), -$142.06

Because each model comes in different versions to fit specific truck-bed designs, the prices vary. These two features also work together with a lock to keep your cargo secure and potential thieves out. This is a hotly debated topic, with advocates on both sides. To open the bed, the panels easily flip forward, and, unlike many tri-fold designs, they can be secured upright against the cabs rear window to allow full-bed access while driving.