subject: Why Pickup Bed Covers And Which Ones Work [print this page] Why Pickup Bed Covers And Which Ones Work
Bed covers for trucks can turn a pickup bed to a big locking trunk, almost like a vault. Pickup bed covers are one popular addition that makes any pickup truck more of an useful tool as well as improving the looks. Features vary widely though among the several types of trucks covers. Soft covers are the lowest cost option but in some ways may offer best values. On the other hands hard tonneau covers come in several different forms with widely varied features. But all the hard covers offer increased locking security but at a higher price tag.
Hard pickup bed covers offer advantages over soft covers. If you need security this is where to look first. Though some of these tonneau covers cost far more than soft versions, some models cost just a little more than the better soft models. Then as you move up to some of the tilting models and then to the metal retractable lids, you get what is a virtual lock box for a pickup bed. The truck bed then becomes a locking box almost exactly like a locking car trunk but giant in size and with lots more potential...
Sealing at front sides and back of any of the covers must be right to keep out dirt and water as well as wind. Many methods to do that are used and several work well. The best way to learn more about what works well is to study reviews and talk to people you know who own covers. Remember that no cover is truly waterproof, but some are very weather resistant. That should go for the long-term as well as short as well. Durability means the cover keeps out the weather for a long time.
Drilling holes in the bed is now unnecessary on most covers of any type. Instead clamps secure the covers in place, or more properly, secure the frame in place. Eliminating drilling in the bed sides reduces stress and reduces the chance for rust getting started in the bed. Note the online reviews for the real story on installation since often it takes more than they're telling...
Retracting tonneau covers often get the nod as the really premium choice for a bed cover. That's due partly to the cost but there are other reasons as well. A retractable cover is really at the core a sliding metal, aluminum, sheet that moves forward and back as needed to close or open the bed to access. When not in use, the cover slides into it's own storage can out of the way and out of sight as well. As secure as the hard covers that tilt or the tri-fold covers, the roll forward covers also permit easy access to the entire bed for using it any way you choose. Unlike tilt forward covers, the retractable bed covers put no limit on the height of the load carried either. Any cargo that fits the bed, fits the cover too.
The overriding advantage of soft pickup truck bed covers is the lower price compared to other styles. Other benefits include easy bed access, easy installation, ability to handle high cargo as well as the superior sealing. A soft cover works well to protect cargo and protect the truck bed all at a quite low price tag. Hard covers offer superior protection but at a higher price. The hard cover designs include folding tonneaus, tilting lids and retractable covers as well.
