Here are three quick tips for selecting the right one for your vehicle.
Look for Versatility
By allowing you to access your load without cumbersome tonneau removal, a retractable tonneau cover lends real versatility to your light truck. While selecting a cover for your truck bed, opt for features that allow you to load and go quickly.
Remote-controlled retractable tonneau covers like the Pace Edwards Bedlocker give truck owners unparalleled ease of use. The push of a button sets the cover gliding down custom rails, giving full access to whatever is in the bed of the truck. If your truck bed is high traffic, make it even more versatile with a cover you control remotely.
Insist on Security
If you're like most light truck owners, you want to know that what you're hauling is secure. Full metal retractable tonneau covers built from aluminum panels offer improved security as well as style. Combined with remote controlled locking features like those found on the Pace Edwards Bedlocker, your truck becomes virtually tamper-proof.
Also look for "latch and lock" features that let you lock down the cover at intervals along the rails. This allows you to keep the bed secure, even with an irregular-shape load. Pace Edwards covers, in particular, seem to offer this feature in several models, especially the JackRabbit.
One more reason truck owners install tonneau covers is to protect the truck bed from the elements. With the right features, like interlocking panels and drain tubes to draw moisture away from the top, you can eliminate most of the damage rain, ice and snow cause to your truck bed.
Focus on Style
Even if you use your light truck constantly for hauling, there's no reason to sacrifice style. Today's retractable tonneau covers offer sleek styling as well as load security.
Look for durable finishes like powder-coated aluminum to insure a tough, good-looking cover. Another good option is a vinyl polymer cover built on an aluminum frame. Both materials are tough enough to withstand years of use without showing the wear.
While you're shopping, ask about low-profile tonneau cover models. These provide a flush fit that hides the hardware, so they won't detract from a great looking truck. Some truck owners prefer the classic good looks of an "old school" roll-top cover. Take the time to find a style that adds class to your truck's profile.
By the way, not only will a retractable tonneau cover improve your truck's looks, it can also increase your gas mileage. An independent wind tunnel study by the Specialty Equipment Market Association proved that adding a tonneau cover can decrease the drag factor in almost every truck model.
Installing a retractable tonneau cover is always a great investment for truck owners. With some careful shopping, you'll find a cover that gives you greater versatility and load security while preserving your truck's smooth styling.
Truck bed tops can be difficult to install or require a professional to install a truck top without the alternative of taking it off. Both scenarios are inconvenient. Owners who purchase truck bed covers with the option of removal, or without the need for installation by a professional, find a product with versatile convenience. If you are considering a way to cover the back of your truck for any use, there are a few simple advantages to owning a retractable tonneau cover. Most obvious is the ability to protect contents in the truck bed from weather and theft. Other benefits include savings on gas mileage. In addition, many current owners like the product, because several models allow them to keep a toolbox in the back. This is great for the tradesperson who typically carries many tools with the need to cover the remainder of the truck bed.
Several types of tonneau covers are available. Pace Edwards is one particular line with many practical features. This particular type has several advantages over similar products. First, its product is made of powder-coated aluminum panels that have a sleek look, blending well with your truck. Taking the cover on and off typically requires two people, however it can sometimes be a struggle. With this particular model, the tonneau comes off with relative ease, because springs have continuous suspension. Current owners also appreciate the ability to clamp on the product without drilling holes into the truck bed for installation. This creates less wear and tear on the truck.
Other similar products by the same manufacturer include the Jackrabbit that is a full metal tonneau. Its metal construction makes this product wind resistant. Best, it is known for saving over 11% on gas mileage. Items stored under this specific model are most secure, because the owner can physically bolt the cover to the tailgate. The cover fastens directly to the sill in the truck bed. The actual cover is made of interlocking aluminum panels with padded vinyl on the top. Plastic does not become hard on top in subzero weather but stays flexible. Interlocking panels roll into a canister at the front of the truck. Best about the product is that it is manufactured in the United States. Installation of this product is also simple like other models by the same manufacturer with no drilling required on the side of the truck.
Another great alternative by the same manufacturer is the BedLocker. This type of product is the same as the previous retractable tonneau cover with interlocking panels; however panels are made of aluminum without padded vinyl on top. There is also no leakage between panels, because the manufacturer uses an all weather hinge. This type also rolls into a canister in the front and requires no drilling into the truck for installation. A nice option on this particular model is the ability to use a remote control to easily open and close the top. In addition, this model can be used on 5th wheel trailer hitches.