It is only until the late 1970′s that the use of tonneau covers or truck bed covers have been popularized. Most covers used before that time are the ones made from plastic, where they keep the cargo and other stuff placed in our truck beds secure from wind and rain. After that, tonneau covers made from aluminum frame were constructed which are now the most preferred by most truck owners. If you are considering a bed cover for your truck, you need to understand first what types of covers are available and the benefits they offer.
The most difficult decision you need to do in the choice of which tonneau is right for you will depend on your budget. There are two main types of covers, the hard type which is more expensive; and the soft type which is less costly.
The hard truck bed covers, like a ford tonneau cover; are usually made of fiberglass. These covers enhance the appearance of your truck and some of them are molded to complement its appearance. This can also be painted to match your vehicle. The downside of fiberglass cover is that it is expensive, very heavy, and is prone to damage. It can also be easily scratched and damaged when dropped, and when a heavy weight is placed on them.
Nowadays, a new kind of truck tonneau cover is made of plastic or composite polymer. These covers are lighter in weight and less costly as compared to their fiberglass counterparts. In fact, some of these covers can be effortlessly removed by one man. In addition, this type of hard cover is also very tough and are resistant to damage. However, the drawback to these covers is paintability. The first versions are black, can be painted, and come with a textured finish but are not as smooth looking as fiberglass. Currently however, some covers have a smooth version that has fiberglass finish and can be painted.
The soft tonneau covers are most popular for most truck owners because of its flexibility and low price. If the smooth painted look of a hard cover is not want you want, the soft cover can be the right choice for you. They come in various styles like the snap covers that are stretched and snapped into place, the zipped tonneaus, those with detachable cross-bows, and those that are rolled up.
The roll-up bed cover offers more functional features than a snap cover. Its cross-bows roll-up with the cover and secured to the front part of the truck bed fast and easy. In addition, the cover can be locked into place and can be accessed by opening the tailgate at the same time. This provides ultimate security like the hard cover. Other types of soft covers include aluminum, folding, and lift top.