What Is a Tonneau Cover?
You’ve probably heard the term “tonneau cover” before – especially if you or someone you know owns a truck, so I’m guessing that most of you have some previous knowledge on the matter.
Still, I figured that it might be a good idea to start with the most basic of questions: What is a tonneau cover? and to help you choose the best tonneau cover read this article.
Why do they call it a tonneau cover?
The word “tonneau” comes from the French language and roughly translates to “cask” or “barrel.” It goes back to the early 20th century when car manufacturers first introduced new configurations for their models. One highly popular option was the tonneau:
It was a rear passenger compartment that was completely open and rounded like a barrel, and typically had a soft leather cover that protected the compartment when it wasn’t in use.
Later on, a lot of drivers adopted these tonneau covers as a means of covering up the open areas to reduce wind drag, and give their cars an aerodynamic edge over their competition during races.
So, in the simplest of terms, a tonneau cover is either a hard or soft cover used to protect the open area of the vehicle.
For example, in a convertible, a truck bed cover would be used to protect the unoccupied passenger seats. And in this particular case, when we’re talking about the RAM 1500, it would serve as a truck bed cover.
Covering your truck’s bed with a tonneau cover can have a plethora of different benefits, not only for your precious cargo but for the vehicle itself, too. I’ll talk about these benefits in detail later on, but for now, I’d like you to keep in mind that the main idea behind truck bed covers is a rather simple one:
Protection against weather changes, UV rays, accidental damage, theft – to an extent – and improved gas mileage.
Types of a tonneau covers
I bet that with the 17 tonneau covers in my reviews, you already have an idea on what it is like. Of course, you already know the benefits of having one as well. There are different types of tonneau cover in the market that you can search for your options. I know that all the facts and information takes time to sink in, especially if you are new to this.
Eventually, I am certain that you will be able to choose the right one for you.
1. Roll-up tonneau cover
This type of cover rolls up automatically without your help. It rolls all the way to the bulkhead, just like how you roll a yoga mat. I like this rolling cover because it is easy for me to access my truck bed even if it is not fully open. I can easily roll it up depending on how big I want the opening.
2. Folding tonneau cover
I may say that this is the best selling cover in the market as I checked. The most popular of all folding covers is the tri-fold tonneau cover. Trifold has three folding sections, but you may find some models that offer more than that. What makes the folding design a favorite?
This type of cover allows me to fold a portion so I can access a part of the bed while the rest remains covered. It simply a matter of folding a panel or two, and I am good to go.
3. Tri Fold tonneau cover
Basically, it falls under the folding tonneau cover category, but I would like to emphasize that the best Tri-Fold tonneau cover that I found so far is the Tyger that you will see first in my review list.
I love the trifold much than those that have two or more panels. For me, the trifold is the ideal size and number of panels that are practical enough for hauling protection use.
Maybe you will find this interesting: Top 10 Best Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Covers Reviews
4. Retractable tonneau covers
The concept of the retractable covers is just the same as the roll-up design. It retracts at the bulkhead of the vehicle. Although both have the same function and purpose, they have a different mechanism to perform. The same thing with the roll-up, I can easily adjust the opening of the bed basing on what I need.
Maybe you will find this interesting: Top 10 Best Retractable Tonneau Covers Leading In 2021 on the Market
5. Soft tonneau cover
The soft type is suitable for you if you are tight on your budget. Since this is cheaper than the hard one, it is sellable. Yet for me, it is perfect because I don’t really need that much layer of protection. Some camping equipment and I am good.
You might find that the best quality soft covers have almost the same price comparing to the low-quality hardcovers, but be careful about what you choose because each offers different features. You might as well check what suits you best. Per my observation, the soft covers give more features that I need.
6. Hard tonneau cover
If you are the adventurous type, I am sure that you are looking for a hard type of cover. The additional layers of protection will guarantee the safety of your equipment no matter how wild and harsh you will expose it to be.
As I have mentioned, the hardcover is far more costly than the soft one. However, under extreme circumstances, Hard tonneau cover is the best protection that you can get.
Benefits of a tonneau cover
One might argue that it’s a whole lot more convenient to leave your truck bed open than to cover it up with a tonneau cover.
The main argument here seems to be that, in this way, all the areas of the truck’s bed are more easily accessed. Another common reason why some truck owners opt to go cover-free is that they consider it a bit limiting for hauling taller cargo that wouldn’t necessarily fit under it.
Still, the popularity of truck bed covers seems to be on the rise as truck owners are searching for a reliable way to secure and protect the contents of the bed – and the truck bed itself – without taking away from the truck’s original design lines and aesthetics.
Of course, the numerous benefits of having a tonneau cover go way beyond the mere aesthetic aspect.
I’ll go over some of the essential benefits of tonneau covers below and give you a few more reasons why every truck owner should consider buying one.
Protecting Your Tools and Luggage
The most apparent benefit of having a tonneau cover is being able to protect whatever you’re hauling from sudden weather changes, be it work-related tools, luggage, or sports equipment.
Whether it’s rain, snow, hail, or direct exposure to the sun’s harmful rays, the addition of a truck bed cover will keep all your valuable cargo safe from the harsh elements and unexpected weather changes.
Increased Security
Speaking of protecting your cargo, another noteworthy benefit you should consider here is the increased security it brings to the table. Again, your tools, toolbox, equipment, and luggage won’t be left out in the open, which could prevent thieves from walking away with your property. In other words tool box and tonneau cover go together.
For this reason, a lot of tonneau covers for RAM 1500 come with a key or electronic locks, while others may utilize a steel cable that locks down much like a bike lock. Either way, adding a locking mechanism into the mix will keep whatever you’re hauling in the bed of your truck safe and sound.
While doing all the things we have mentioned above tonneau covers are also keeping your cargo away from plain sight. That means that a curious thief will first need to roll-up the cover and check what you are transporting in the first palace. In most cases, they will give up – especially if the truck bed cover features some form of a locking mechanism. Your toolbox and tonneau cover should now be best friends.
Maybe you will find this interesting: Top 5 Best Tonneau Cover for RAM 1500 & Buying Guide 2021
Truck Value Retention
Besides protecting your things, a tonneau cover can work wonders for protecting the truck’s bed, too, and prevent severe damage and wear and tear from occurring. If you think about it, all these harsh conditions we’ve talked about affect your truck’s bed as much as your cargo, and can often lead to rust and sun damage.
That can lead to expensive repairs or affect your truck’s resale value negatively down the road. That’s why I would recommend a tonneau cover as a smart investment for any truck owner reading this.
Better Gas Mileage
The last benefit I’d like to talk about today is also the one that’s most often overlooked by truck owners – but that doesn’t make it any less critical. Why do tonneau covers increase gas mileage? When you add a tonneau cover to the bed of your truck, you decrease the wind resistance, as your truck’s bed generates less air drag.
That, in turn, increases your gas mileage by up to 5 percent – or more, in some cases – compared to an open truck bed. It can result in significant enough savings, so much so that, after some time, your truck bed cover for RAM 1500 might eventually pay for itself.
Why Do You Need A tonneau cover For Your Truck?
The reasons for getting a good tonneau cover are multiple. Here, we are going to mention only a couple of the most important benefits.
Safe transport of your cargo
This is, by far, the greatest perk you will get from one of the units we have covered in the review section. Your truck may be doing a great job of transporting your items from point A to point B but the level of protection you are getting along the way is pretty meager.
Tonneau covers are filling in those blanks by protecting the cargo from sun, rain, and any kind of debris you might pick on the road.
Improving fuel efficiency
When you are driving with an opened tonneau you are filling the cargo area with a lot of air and effectively slowing down your vehicle. Since tonneau covers are making your vehicle more aerodynamic, you can save up to 10% of fuel on long-distance tracks.
5 Important Factors to Consider When Buying the tonneau cover
And now that we’ve checked the 17 tonneau covers currently sitting on the store shelves let us check some factors that will find the best match for your vehicle. Granted, we are going to present you with our picks further down below.
But, what works for us may not necessarily work for you, so it’s better to have your very own wish list on the table before making the final decision.
So, here are a couple of od things you should consider to find the truck bed cover for your truck.
1. Compactibility
Due to their very nature (designed to cover a portion of some vehicles), bed covers are usually vehicle-specific, so checking this up should be your number one priority. The cover may not fit the bed measurements, the bed liners may not line up… The bottom line, there are too many things that can go wrong here.
So, before checking anything else see if the tonneau cover is made for your specific vehicle or, in the case of brand-agnostic products, do measures add up.
2. Purpose
Now it’s a good time to ask yourself why are you buying a tonneau cover in the first place. If you transport some valuable items on a daily basis, you should definitely consider buying a solid tri-fold cover with a locking mechanism. On the other hand, if your main goal is to protect your tools from sun and rust, you can get away with an ordinary vinyl roll-up unit.
And sometimes, you will just want to make your truck look better and run more efficiently. In this case, simply go for an appealing and aerodynamic design.
3. Cover material
The material your future cover will be made from will, to a large extent, affect how well it’s going to serve its intended purpose. Of course, all of them have some pros and cons.
For instance, solid aluminum covers offer the best level of protection but they add noticeable weight to your vehicle. Vinyl covers are the lightest and the most affordable option but they can be easily opened. Plastic and fiberglass covers stand somewhere in the middle.
4. Local climate
The climate of the area you are living in is yet another factor you will need to consider before spending your hard-earned money. If you are frequently experiencing heavy rains, sleet, and other extreme elements, buying a solid aluminum cover will become a necessity rather than an option.
Sun, debris, and occasional rains are much more forgiving so vinyl covers will do the job just fine.
5. Ease of installation
Last but not least, we have to mention the ease of installation. Most of the roll-up covers are attached to your truck with nothing more than ordinary clamps. So, you don’t need to pay someone to drill new holes and mount the rails for you.
Aluminum tonneau covers usually need something more reliable and permanent. So, expect to add a couple of dollars more on the upfront price. Or take some time to practice drilling.
You can see more: How to Choose the Best Truck Bed tonneau cover for your Truck? 
