TRUCK Bed Covers In AUstin TX
Tonneau Covers Guide
Truck bed covers come in numerous styles from a large variety of manufacturers. This guide provides the pros and cons of the most common tonneau covers on the market, though this list is by no means comprehensive and variations will occur between individual brands and models. For additional information, we highly recommend consulting the experts at your local truck accessories store. Have questions? Need advice? Click Request-A-Quote to have one of our automotive customization experts contact you to help guide you through this process. Note: Information is subject to change. Always consult the product manufacturer's web page for the most up-to-date and accurate information prior to making any purchase.
Why Do You Need A Bed Cover?
There are many reasons to invest in a truck bed cover, protecting cargo often being first. Here are the top reasons you should consider making the decision to purchase.
- Prevents/deters theft of cargo
- Protects cargo from the elements (rain, snow, sun, etc.)
- Provides additional workspace (certain rigid-cover models)
- Space for camping accommodations (truck caps)
Types of Bed Covers
While the following list is certainly not all-encompassing, it does represent the major categories of bed covers you may wish to compare when shopping around. Continue on to learn more about our top picks for each type of bed cover. Click a link from list below to skip directly that section.
- Roll-Up Bed Covers (Soft)
- Roll-Up Bed Covers (Hard)
- Retractable Bed Covers (Manual)
- Retractable Bed Covers (Powered)
- Folding Bed Covers
- One-Piece Bed Covers
- Truck Caps / Camper Shells
Considerations
Ultimately your intended use of your vehicle/truck bed will help guide your decision as to which bed cover is most appropriate. However, the following categories are the major points to consider when selecting a bed cover. We will review each type of bed cover against each of these considerations, among others.
- Cost
- Difficulty of Installation
- Profile
- Bed Space
- Security
- Protection from the elements
- Opening/closing mechanism
- Weight of bed cover
- Ability to support weight
Which Bed Cover Is Right For You?
Roll-Up Bed Covers (Soft)
Pros
- Lowest cost
- Easiest to install
- Lowest profile (does not obstruct driver's rear view when retracted)
- Consumes the least amount of bed space
- Lightest option
Cons
- Least secure. Often constructed of fabric with velcro or snap buttons on along the edges.
- Can't support much weight atop of the bed cover
- Offers least protection from the elements (rain, snow, etc.)
- Must be manually opened/closed
Recommended Brands & Models
TruXport
TruXedo
Recommended Value Option
Features
Leather Grain Fabric
Mounts Over Top Of Bed Rails
5 Year Warranty
Lo Pro
TruXedo
Recommended Mid-Level Option
Features
Industrial Grade Leather Grain
Automatic Tension Control
Lifetime Warranty
Pro X15
TruXedo
Recommended Premium Option
Features
Superior Grade Matte Black Fabric
Automatic Tension Control
Lifetime Warranty
Roll-Up Bed Covers (Hard)
Pros
- Lower cost (more than rolling/soft covers but generally less than all other types)
- Easy to install
- Low profile (does not obstruct driver's rear view when retracted)
- Consumes very little bed space (slightly more than soft covers)
- Light weight
Cons
- Less secure. Often secured with velcro or snap buttons on along the edges.
- Less durable than most options, but may support limited weight atop the bed cover (more than soft covers, less than hard folding)
- Offers the less protection from the elements (rain, snow, etc.) than other types
- Must be manually opened/closed
Recommended Brands & Models
Revolver X2
BAK
Recommended Value Option
Features
Hard Aluminum Slats
Easy One-Handed Rolling Design
3 Year Warranty
Century CT
TruXedo
Recommended Mid-Level Option
Features
Premium Matte Black Woven Fabric
Heavy-Duty Matte Black Aluminum Slats
5 Year Warranty
Revolver X4
BAK
Recommended Premium Option
Features
Interlocking Aluminum & Heavy Duty Vinyl
Can Hold Up To 400 Lbs
5 Year Warranty
Retractable Bed Covers (Manual)
Pros
- Low profile (does not obstruct driver's rear view when retracted)
- Can lock in any position
- Great protection from the elements (rain, snow, etc.)
- More secure than rolling/soft overs
- Typically supports more weight atop of bed cover. May be used for additional workspace (model dependent).
Cons
- More expensive (more than rolling/folding but less than electronic covers)
- More complex to install (more difficult than most rolling/folding models but easier than electronic covers)
- Heavier than most other models
- Consumes more bed space than than roll-up (soft) bed covers or folding covers
- Must be manually opened/closed
Recommended Brands & Models
M-Series
Roll-N-Lock
Recommended Value Option
Features
Vinyl Over Aluminum
Most Compact Canister Available
3 Year Warranty
RertraxONE MX
Retrax
Recommended Mid-Level Option
Features
Rigid Polycarbonate Construction
Durable Matte Powdercoat Finish
1 Year Full / Limited Lifetime Warranty
RetraxPRO MX
Retrax
Recommended Premium Option
Features
Heavy-Duty Aluminum Slats
Durable Matte Powdercoat Finish
"Legendary Lifetime Warranty"
Retractable Bed Covers (Powered)
Pros
- Automatically opens/closes (usually with a remote control)
- Low profile (does not obstruct driver's rear view when retracted)
- Can lock in any position
- Great protection from the elements (rain, snow, etc.)
- More secure than rolling/soft overs
- Typically supports more weight atop of bed cover. May be used for additional workspace (model dependent).
Cons
- More expensive (more than rolling/folding but less than electronic covers)
- Most complex to install (requires installing tracks and wiring)
- Heavier than most other models
- Consumes more bed space than than roll-up (soft) bed covers or folding covers
Recommended Brands & Models
PowertraxONE MX
Retrax
Recommended Mid-Level Option
Features
Rigid Polycarbonate Construction
Durable Matte Powdercoat Finish
3 Year Full Warranty
E-Series
Roll-N-Lock
Recommended Mid-Level Option
Features
Matte Black, Powder-Coated Aluminum
Compact Canister Sits Just 7 ¼” Deep
5 Year Limited Warranty
PowertraxPRO MX
Retrax
Recommended Premium Option
Features
Heavy-Duty Aluminum Slats
Durable Matte Powdercoat Finish
1 Year Full / Limited Lifetime Warranty
Folding Bed Covers
Pros
- Can lock in any position
- Great protection from the elements (rain, snow, etc.)
- More secure than rolling/soft overs
- Typically supports more weight atop of bed cover. May be used for additional workspace (model dependent).
- Moderately priced (more than rolling covers, less than retractable covers)
- Easy to install
Cons
- High profile. Often blocks drivers rear view when folded in fully open position.
- Consumes more bed space than than roll-up bed covers.
- Must be manually opened/closed
- Generally requires no tailgate to bed opened to unlock bed cover (no key to bed cover)
Recommended Brands & Models
Triad
UnderCover
Recommended Value Option
Features
Aluminum Panels w/ Matte Finish
Holds Up To 600 Lbs
3 Year Warranty
MX4
BAKFlip
Recommended Mid-Level Option
Features
Aluminum Panels w/ Matte Finish
Holds Up To 400 Lbs
5 Year Warranty
F1
BAKFlip
Recommended Premium Option
Features
Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer
Holds Up To 400 Lbs
5 Year Warranty
One Piece Bed Covers
Pros
- Great protection from the elements (rain, snow, etc.)
- More secure than rolling/soft overs
- Typically supports more weight atop of bed cover. May be used for additional workspace (model dependent).
- Often available in color-matched paint
Cons
- More expensive
- High profile when opened. Blocks drivers rear view.
- Often prohibits transporting oversized (tall) cargo
- Must be manually opened/closed
- Difficult to install
- Heavier than most other models
Recommended Brands & Models
SE
UnderCover
Recommended Value Option
Features
Scratch Resistant ABS Composite Material
Easy To Install/Remove - Only 58 LBS
3 Yr Structure / 1 Yr Parts & Hardware Warranty
LUX
UnderCover
Recommended Mid-Level Option
Features
ABS Composite w/ Paint-Match
Lifetime Paint & Structure Warranty
1 Year Parts & Hardware Warranty
Elite LX
UnderCover
Recommended Premium Option
Features
ABS Composite w/ Paint-Match
Premium Carpet Headliner
Lifetime Paint & Structure Warranty
1 Year Parts & Hardware Warranty
Truck Caps (Camper Shells)
Pros
- Great protection from the elements (rain, snow, etc.)
- More secure than rolling/soft overs
- Typically supports more weight atop of bed cover. May be used for additional workspace (model dependent).
- Often available in color-matched paint or modern matte-black finish
- Provides greatest amount of interior (enclosed) storage space
Cons
- Most expensive option
- High profile. Obstructs driver's rear view.
- Often prohibits transporting oversized (tall) cargo
- Difficult to install
- Heaviest option
SMARTCAP
Recommended Value Option
Features
Forged Stainless Steel
Matte-Black Automotive Paint
Gullwing Side Doors w/Slider Windows
Holds Up To 770 Lbs
3 Year Warranty
SMARTCAP
Recommended Premium Option
Features
Forged Stainless Steel
Matte-Black Automotive Paint
Gullwing Side Doors w/MOLLE Panels
Holds Up To 770 Lbs
3 Year Warranty
SMARTCAP
Recommended Commerciall Option
Features
Forged Stainless Steel
OE White Automotive Paint
Gullwing Side Doors w/ Slider Windows
Holds Up To 770 Lbs
3 Year Warranty
Automotive customization can be complicated. Mistakes can be costly. We highly recommend consulting an expert before purchasing or installing aftermarket accessories.
Live in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lago Vista, Marble Falls or surrounding areas? We're happy to answer any questions and provide a quote. Request-A-Quote below to have one of our Automotive Customization Experts contact you.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is provided for your convenience only. All information is presumed to be accurate at the time of publishing. Note that significant variances may occur within each year/make/model/submodel. Automotive manufacturers frequently change and update parts and specifications. Accordingly, always consult your vehicle manufacturer and parts manufacturer for the most up-to-date information related to part's fitment and use. To the maximum extent permissible by law, Trident Motorsports shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions, including any outdated, inaccurate or misprinted information.
