If you own a truck, we are willing to bet that you’ve thought about getting a bed cover or tonneau cover at one point(if you don’t already own one). Even if you don’t normally keep much in your truck’s bed, the idea of being able to throw stuff in the back and not having to worry about it getting potentially stolen is a big enough selling point.
The tonneau cover market, much like the aftermarket truck bumper game, is loaded with different options, in all price ranges, and qualities. For some, simply thinking about a new bed cover can become difficult due to the sheer number of available models out there. Do you need a solid, one-piece design or does a roll-top make more sense for you? How about a sectioned one three or four-part bed cover?
Yes, BumperStock.com is not the leading supplier of quality aftermarket truck bumpers. But did you know we also have accessories that will take your truck from a normal vehicle to a one-of-a-kind off-road beast? That’s right, we can get your 4x4 ready for anything. From the next apocalypse to just simply being able to cross a dirt road, we got you covered.
Does It Fit Your Needs?
What you plan to haul in the back of your truck will definitely influence the type of bed cover you will buy. If you plan on hauling big equipment like air compressors or lawn movers, for example, solid, one-piece tonneau covers may not be the best.
Roll-up covers are ideal for those with a big payload. They can be easily folded or rolled back to allow for such items. Of course, there are downsides to this as well. Security-wise, there is nothing better than a solid, one-piece cover.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to choose the right bed cover for your truck as only you will know exactly what you are going to be using the truck for. A sectioned bed cover made up of 3 or four pieces is the best compromise between safety and mobility.
What Level Of Protection Does It Offer?
Before getting a bed cover, you need to ask yourself if what you want will give you enough protection. Some will get a bed or tonneau cover simply because they like the way it looks and others will do it out of necessity. Which one are you?
Quality soft covers will protect your stuff from the elements. Rain, sleet, hail, and snow should affect a high-end bed cover. However, they have their downsides as well. A sharp blade will easily penetrate the membrane of a soft-top bed cover, so keep that in mind.
Hardcovers such as a one-piece fiberglass tonneau cover will provide you with the ultimate protection against would-be thieves.
When it comes to oversized loads, there isn’t much that can be done if you want to carry them and have a solid tonneau cover. This is where a retractable hard folding cover or retractable type bed come comes in handy. It provides the ultimate protection while giving you the ability to open up the truck’s bed when needed. Of course, added versatility means a higher price tag. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Don’t cheap out as you’ll end up paying for it later.
Does It Obstruct Accessibility?
Trucks are made to carry your stuff with ease. You got one to be able to carry everything from dirty work boots to full sheets of drywall. If every last square inch of your bed is necessary, you need to think about the style and type of bed cover you are going to get.
Some models including soft tops will go directly over the bedsides and not take up any interior space. But for those who don’t need every last bit of space from their bed and prefer a smoother look, steal bed covers are available. They will take up a good 6” of room in the back, but the result is a clean-looking cover that seamlessly goes over the entire length of the box without looking out of place.
At the end of the day, it all boils down to what you want to do with your truck and how much rear room is worth to you (figuratively speaking). If you like a smooth, slippery look just like that offered by some aftermarket bumpers, go with a low-profile bed cover. If an added ½” isn’t going to make you lose any sleep, choose a classic hard or sectioned cover. Ultimately, the choice is all yours. Only you know what you want from your vehicle.
Who Makes it?
As previously mentioned, bed covers are a dime a dozen nowadays. Getting a quality, aftermarket truck bed cover can prove to be a challenge, especially if you are new to the scene. A few things to keep in mind is that products often look much better on the internet than they do in real life.
To help you weed out “trash” products from the good ones, BumperStock.com only deals with high-end truck accessory manufacturers. No matter if you are looking for an aftermarket bed cover, bumper, winch, or anything else to help your truck get to the next level, you will only get the best from us!
If you want to further narrow down the choices, the internet can be used to your advantage. Read reviews, watch videos, and basically do your research. A few extra minutes spent looking up certain products now are sure to help with narrowing down your decision. You don’t want to splurge on a bed cover only to find out it won't fit your needs later.
Does It Fit Your Budget?
There are products out there, including bed covers, that will fit anyone’s budget. Do you want something to get you through this season or something that can potentially outlive your truck? This question and similar ones should be answered before you decide to pull the trigger. After all, a bed cover is not a small purchase.
One thing is for sure, don’t even go with the cheapest of anything. It may be tempting as you can save some money now, but chances are that you will end up spending more in the future. Moisture and water can easily enter some of the membranes on some of those “budget” brands. If you have high-tech tools or equipment that needs to stay dry, it could spell financial disaster.
On the other hand, quality means having to shell out the big bucks. There is no such thing as good and cheap. The good news is that companies like BumperStock.com offer high-quality truck accessories at the lowest possible. We do it because we want you, the customer to be nothing less than 100% satisfied.