Truck bed cargo covers, which allow you to
seal
in the contents of your truck
bed and improve
your truck's appearance and aerodynamics
(to improve your mileage), fall
into two
categories: tonneaus and caps.
- Tonneaus fit directly over the bed of the
truck and are either soft (vinyl) or hard
(fiberglass). Most tonneau covers are designed
to be opened only from the rear, although
some models can be opened from the front
or rear. Depending on how you plan on using
the cover, this feature, along with overall
ease of complete removal, should be considered.
- Truck caps also fit over the truck bed but
extend upward to approximately
the height
of the cab. This should be
considered if
you need to haul and enclose
larger items.
Caps are made from fiberglass
or aluminum,
with fiberglass prices start
at about twice
the starting price of aluminum.
Fiberglass
has a more finished appearance,
contours
exactly with your truck body,
and if you
provide the paint color code
of your truck
to the supplier, it should
match the color
as well. Most aluminum caps
are designed
to fit a number of truck bodies,
so you should
be able to find one that will
match the exact
year, make, and model of your
truck. While
you color choices are limited,
there are
enough choices you should be
able to find
one that compliments your truck.
When shopping for a cap consider
these features:
- Ease of installation and removal and space
for storing it while it is
off the truck.
It normally takes at least
two people for
hard covers and caps.
- Waterproof exterior and tight fit so that
there are no leaks into the
cargo bed of
your truck..
- Dome light for easier seeing inside.
- Fixed front window versus a slider window.
A great feature if you have
a dog that will
be riding in the back.
- Security features such as tinted glass and
a secure lock.
While most truck owners start out thinking
of a cargo cover as an option, quickly most
realize it is a necessity. Cargo space that
is protected from the weather, secure from
theft, and looks good adds to the value of
your truck. |
