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The best tonneau covers will fit a variety of trucks, from midsize to half-ton and HD models from the Big Three.
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Good balance of durability, security, and low-profile aesthetics.
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Compatible with T-Slot accessories from Rhino-Rack, Yakima, and Thule.
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Protects your stuff while appealing to your wallet.
In preparation for this article, our Detroit-based team met with RealTruck on three separate occasions to better understand the different types of tonneau covers they offer and what questions customers have about picking the right one for their needs and budget.
While writing this article and selecting the options for this best tonneau covers list, I recalled my prior automotive retail experience selling Ford F-150, Super Duty, and Ranger trucks at Sioux Falls Ford in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During my time there, I received sales training for truck accessories, including box rails, nerf bars, and tonneau covers.
In addition to my work at a Ford dealership, I also looked to my prior experience with Chevy’s National Truck Team, a large-scale experiential marketing program that traveled the United States.
As part of that team, my colleagues and I interfaced with pickup truck owners from all walks of life, often meeting them at important events such as the Daytona 500, Luke Bryan Farm Tour, and NFR in Las Vegas. Many of the owners we spoke with were of the DIY mindset and shared stories about how they took a mass-produced product like a Silverado 1500 and made it “my truck.”
You can see the results of our work with RealTruck in the following article, along with a ranking based on the data they provided us about each tonneau cover. You’ll also find information about which kinds of covers are available, the advantages and drawbacks of those different types, and a brief guide on how to select the right option for your truck.
The best tonneau covers offer a good balance of functionality, price, and security. We sometimes call this the “trifecta” when talking about this topic. However, what counts as the “best truck bed cover” for someone else may not work for you. If you are unsure, consider the table below:
In the section below, we cover (no pun intended!) some basics on this popular truck accessory, including different types of tonneau covers and what to look for before you make a purchase. If you think this information will be helpful, click on the “show more” arrow.
If you already have a good handle on tonneau covers in general, you can skip the below section and go right to the entries on this list.
A tonneau cover is a soft or hard covering that protects a truck’s bed. There is an element of privacy as they can serve as theft deterrents while also protecting your cargo and gear from the elements. Tonneau is the proper (read: fancy) term for a truck bed, originally meaning “cask” or “barrel.” In other words, a tonneau cover is just a truck bed cover by its trade name.
Tonneau covers often fold or roll up from the tailgate to the rear window to allow for bed access. Many covers will secure in place to accommodate taller cargo while driving; some can even be removed in a few minutes if needed.
Although there are different brands, there are some common types and styles that are available for almost every pickup truck. Each has its benefits and disadvantages, and the kind that’s best for your truck will depend on how you use it and your budget, among other factors.
These are the most common types:
When you shop for a new bed cover, there are several things you’ll want to consider. These include:
The BAKFlip-MX4 is a perennial favorite as it offers a remarkable balance of durability, aerodynamics, and low-profile aesthetics. Regarding security and theft protection, the BAKFlip-MX4 will only open if your tailgate is down, meaning that when your tailgate is up and locked, so is the MX4.
Whether you are buying a tonneau cover for the first time or have owned many and are looking for a new one, the BAKFlip-MX4 offers a lot of value.
This hard folding cover is comprised of aluminum top panels and side rails, which are resistant to cuts and slashes (i.e., theft protection). Likewise, BAK’s proprietary side rails lock automatically so unwanted guests cannot lift the cover and peer into your truck bed.
During rain or snow, the BAKFlip-MX4 relies on EPDM rubber perimeter seals between the cover and rails to reduce moisture inside the bed. The MX4 also sits flush with the bed rail, an all-around nice feature to help with weather and theft protection (it also helps give the cover its signature low-profile look).
Although some minor drilling may be required depending on your truck, the BAKFlip-MX4 can be installed in your driveway or garage with a standard hand tool set. Once installed, the MX4 is one of the most versatile and user-friendly tonneau covers. And the matte-black finish is a bonus in terms of style points!
If you need full bed access, the latch cable will enable the MX4 to fold upward toward the “A-Style Cab Bumpers,” which prevent the cover from coming in contact with itself or your truck. The included prop rods will secure the BAKFlip-MX4 in place.
This type of design is good for when you find yourself hauling a lawnmower, snowblower, or other taller items from time to time. If you need to help a friend move, the BAKFlip-MX4 can stow in place and out of the way of furniture. The only downside is that you won’t be able to see out of your back window, as indicated in the photo gallery above, which may be a deal breaker for some.
Channeled rails with rubber endcaps hold the cover when folded back to its original position. When it’s closed, the cover has a 400 lbs. distributed weight capacity. You can also open and close your tailgate without touching the BAKFlip-MX4.
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Good balance of durability, security, and low-profile aesthetics. Drain tubes remove excess water from the truck bed. Rubber bumpers protect the cab when folded into the upright position. Five-year warranty with lifetime installation support.
Stylish, secure, and functional, the BAK Revolver X4S is a modern take on the classic rolling tonneau cover. Unlike other traditional rolling covers, the aluminum slat construction of the X4S cannot be punctured with a knife or blade, meaning your cargo and gear are more secure.
If you like the rolling design but want something more robust than a standard offering, the BAK Revolver X4S is the best tonneau cover for the job. We also think it looks cool and are partial to the design!
The BAK Revolver X4S is one of the best tonneau covers available if security and theft protection are your main priorities, especially if you prefer the roll-up design versus the hard fold style of the MX4.
The aluminum slat construction and rotational locking rails can provide peace of mind if you ever need to park your truck and leave it unattended with your valuables in the bed. Aside from the security and functionality, the X4S has a sleek, low-profile feel. With its matte-black treatments, the X4S should look nice on any truck, large or small (it will even fit the Jeep Gladiator).
Drop the tailgate and pull the latch cable on either side for full bed access. Once it’s rolled up to the back of the cab, you can secure it in place with the included straps. This gives the X4S an advantage over the MX4 listed above. Whereas the MX4 will block your rear window, the X4S will not.
The cover can be installed without drilling and can support up to 400 lbs. of distributed weight when closed. Customer reviews on RealTruck’s website include positive comments about the material quality, ease of installation, and the overall look of the cover.
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Aluminum slat construction and locking rails prevent tampering. Compatible with most 5th wheel and gooseneck hitches. Bulkhead seal helps fend off the elements and protect your stuff. Five-year warranty with lifetime installation support.
The RetraxPRO XR made our list of the best retractable tonneau covers for its material construction, ease of use, and compatibility with other T-Slot accessories. Although prices can and do fluctuate, retractable tonneau covers tend to command a higher premium than other styles, say like a hard folding cover or a soft roll-up.
The reason is how retractable covers require more engineering than a standard tonneau cover when viewed through the lens of product development. The higher retail price of a retractable cover is also attributed to the material amount. For example, more material is necessary to design the average retractable tonneau cover, the storage canister being a primary example.
The higher retail price of these covers is also partly justified by their flexibility when it comes to hauling items above the bed.
Retractable covers are often compatible with cross bars and rack systems for carrying items just above the truck bed and the cover itself. These are usually called or listed as “T-Slot rails and accessories.” In other words, a retractable cover that is T-Slot rail compatible will give you extra “storage space” above the truck bed for a ladder, basket, bike, cooler, kayak, and so on.
With the PRO XR specifically, the T-Slot compatibility is known as the Trax Rail System from Retrax. The Trax Rail System will accommodate most T-Slot accessories from brands like Rhino-Rack, Yakima, and Thule.
There are many applications for something like the Trax Rail System, be it for work or pleasure. With Automoblog, we sometimes travel to auto shows and conferences with Pelican cases of camera and audio production gear. We like the RetraxPRO XR because, if we ran out of space in the bed, we could mount a Rhino-Rack basket over the cover and secure a Pelican case that way.
The RetraxPRO XR fits compact trucks, like a late-model Toyota Tacoma with a five-foot, two-inch bed. If you own a midsize truck with a smaller box, the T-Slot rail compatibility of the PRO XR gives you extra space above the bed.
Adding to the versatility is how the RetraxPRO XR will still open underneath with the racks installed above. It can lock in place anywhere along the rail and is compatible with 5th wheel and gooseneck applications. The cover has a distributed weight capacity of 500 lbs. (100 lbs. higher than the MX4 and X4S).
Sealed ball-bearing rollers mounted onto the aluminum support beams allow the RetraxPRO XR to open or close without springs or other moving parts.
Should ice ever form on the cover, gently tap around the perimeter to free up the weather stripping. Lock de-icer can be used for the key lock, while dry graphite can be applied to the lock assembly to help prevent freezing. Whatever you do, don’t force the cover open. When in doubt, try pulling into your garage to let it warm up.
Aside from the higher price, the one potential drawback with this particular Retrax cover is how the storage canister will eat up some space at the front of the bed. Be that as it may, the RetraxPRO XR is a good investment if you have a truck you plan to keep for a while and think you will take advantage of the Trax Rail System.
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Aluminum support beams ensure opening and closing without moving parts to prevent obstructions or jamming. Sits flush with the bed and forms a seal to deter the elements. Compatible with most T-Slot accessories from Rhino-Rack, Yakima, and Thule. Limited lifetime warranty with lifetime installation support.
The TruXedo Pro X15 is your classic, quintessential soft roll-up tonneau cover that even RealTruck employees swear by. While it’s not as feature-laden as the RetraxPRO XR above, it is more affordable, and the weather protection factor is there for anything you have in the bed.
Highlights include aluminum rails, support bows, and an automatic tension control feature. Together, these prevent the tonneau cover from sagging and loosening as the seasons change. It’s also one of the easier tonneau covers to install and remove, which is a selling point if you only need something for occasional use.
The “X15” in the name is derived from the 15-degree side rails that, by virtue of their position, allow for a low-profile look. In essence, the TruXedo Pro X15, with its woven fabric, provides a streamlined look for your truck that’s hard to beat.
We like the Pro X15 because it reminds us of that classic tonneau cover that looks good on any truck. During my early years in the automotive industry, I was in sales at Sioux Falls Ford in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Sometimes, a customer would purchase a TruXedo cover as an accessory for their new F-150 or Super Duty. The TruXedo covers could be installed in our body shop while we did paperwork with the customer.
Since TruXedo is headquartered in Yankton, South Dakota, it’s a popular tonneau cover for truck owners across Siouxland (Sioux City, Iowa, area and region) and the Sioux Empire (Sioux Falls, South Dakota, area and region). However, you don’t have to live in that part of the world to enjoy the benefits of a TruXedo cover like the Pro X15.
When you need full bed access, the TruXedo Pro X15 rolls up easily and secures with the included straps. The soft fabric also rolls up nice and tight, so it won’t block your rear window or obstruct your view.
No drilling or special tools are required for the installation either. There are six clamps in total for the bed (three per side) that hold the rails in place with the cover. You can remove the Pro X15 with little to no trouble if needed.
For added security, the TruXedo Pro X15 secures in place when your tailgate is locked, meaning the cover cannot open independently of the tailgate to help deter would-be thieves. The trigger latch is designed to be operated with one finger.
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Good all-around, all-weather tonneau cover at an affordable price. Can be installed and removed without drilling or special tools. Patented design allows the cover to maintain a tight fit. Limited lifetime warranty with lifetime installation support.
Even if you are a Tennessee fan, this is one Gator you can support! The Gator SRX is a straightforward, no-frills tonneau cover that protects your stuff while appealing to your wallet. It made our list of the best affordable tonneau covers for its marine-grade vinyl top, aluminum side rails and bows, and soft roll-up design for full bed access.
Although it doesn’t offer the same level of security and theft protection as something like the BAK Revolver X4S and MX4 above, the Gator SRX is weather-resistant. Automotive-grade hook-and-loop fasteners secure the SRX to both sides of the bed, while bulkhead and perimeter seals help prevent moisture from seeping in.
A sometimes overlooked feature is how the Gator SRX mounts inside the truck bed. The result is a sleek, low-profile look as the SRX boasts a .75-inch overall height compared to the 1.5-inch height of the TruXedo TruXport.
While not as fancy as other tonneau covers, the lower price range of the Gator SRX allows you to “spread the love” around your truck.
For example, if you are saving money for step bars, box rails, new wheels, off-road tires, or various suspension upgrades, the Gator SRX will allow you to have a tonneau cover without dipping too far into your truck fund. With the Gator SRX, there is less risk of you tapping into money earmarked for other accessories or modifications for your truck.
The Gator SRX can be installed without drilling or special tools and is secured in place with the included straps when you need full bed access. It rolls up tight to your rear window so your view remains unobstructed (the single trigger latch is on the driver’s side).
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Heavy-duty vinyl cover rolls up to provide full bed access when needed. Integrated hooks and straps secure the cover to the back of the cab. Price is right, especially for those saving up for other truck accessories. Limited lifetime warranty on the frame, 10-year warranty on the tarp.
Like the Gator SRX above, the SFX soft tri-fold also made our list of the best affordable tonneau covers. Key features include tear-resistant and marine-grade vinyl, an aluminum frame, and foam rubber seals to keep water away from items in your bed.
The SFX has even undergone some design changes (outlined below) that make it more efficient and durable. These changes have not impacted its reasonable price point relative to other tonneau covers on the market.
The Gator SFX comes pre-assembled, so installation and removal are a breeze. It’s the best option if you only need a tonneau cover for certain occasions, like a yearly vacation or road trip. You can quickly put it on your truck bed when the situation calls for it, then remove it the moment you are finished.
Since the Gator SFX has a soft tri-fold design, you won’t have full bed access (when it’s open and secured, you will have 2/3 bed access). Depending on your needs, this could be a potential drawback. If you still like Gator covers but need full bed access, you will be happier with the soft-rolling SRX above.
Speed Klamps and Monster Bows are among the most significant updates to the Gator SFX.
The two spring-loaded Speed Klamps replace the traditional lever-style clamps for tightening and securing the cover under the bed rails. The spring-loaded design of the clamps allows you to pull down only once to move them and secure the cover. Likewise, the new clamp design pulls the tri-fold cover tighter to the bed to reduce wind noise at higher speeds.
Meanwhile, the Monster Bows underneath are more robust to help prevent the cover from bowing downward from the weight of rainwater or snow. As a nice added bonus, the Gator SFX includes a universal tailgate seal for your truck bed.
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Tri-fold cover comes pre-assembled for easy and fast installation and removal. Updated Speed Klamps and Monster Bows provide efficiency and durability. Includes a universal tailgate seal for your truck bed. Limited lifetime structural warranty, 10-year warranty on the vinyl.
Tonneau covers and trucks are like Oreos and milk. Just as there are many different Oreos to suit your tastes, the same is true of tonneau covers. The right tonneau cover will provide security and protection, look sleek and cool, and fall within your desired budget.
Take a moment to think about what you need and want to spend. For example, on this best tonneau covers list, the RetraxPRO XR is ideal for carrying extra accessories because of the Trax Rail System, but it comes at a higher price. Meanwhile, the Gator options have a lower price but may not be able to offer the same level of theft protection as something like the BAKFlip-MX4 or BAK Revolver X4S.
Either way, the most important thing is finding a cover that adds to the enjoyment of owning a truck. Each tonneau cover on this list will help you do just that.
Carl Anthony is the Managing Editor of Automoblog and the host of AutoVision News Radio and AutoSens Insights. As a respected automotive industry thought leader, Carl has appeared on numerous podcasts and radio shows, including Wrench Nation, Cars Yeah, The Car Doctor, and Digital PR Explained, in addition to appearing as a regular contributor on MotorMouth Radio on WHPC 90.3 FM. His work can also be seen and heard 24/7 on the Automoblog YouTube channel.
Based on our research with RealTruck, one of the highest-rated tonneau covers is the BAKFlip-MX4 (detailed above). The BAKFlip-MX4 offers a good balance of durability, security, and low-profile aesthetics at a competitive price.
Tonneau covers are made of different materials that vary by style and type of cover. Some of the most popular materials include aluminum, marine-grade vinyl, and rubber for the perimeter seals.
There are several different ways a tonneau cover can form a secure seal. Some use latches to lock them into place, while others use hook-and-loop strips that hold the cover down. Other covers incorporate rubber seals and drain tubes to channel water away from the bed.
Heavy-Duty Trailer Tarp Tonneau covers have the potential to improve your truck’s gas mileage. When installed, they decrease wind resistance as the air passing over the cab does not “hit” the tailgate in the exposed bed. With a tonneau cover, your truck will be slightly more aerodynamic, which could transition to improved fuel economy (depending on how you drive and whether or not you are towing or hauling a payload).