Tonneau Covers

A tonneau cover protects what's in the bed from weather and prying eyes, and can cut aerodynamic drag. Here's how the main types compare.

The main types

Type Weather seal Security Bed access Price range
Soft roll-up Fair Low Full when rolled $
Soft tri-fold Fair–good Low About ⅔ open, removable $–$$
Hard folding Good Good (locks with tailgate) About ⅔ open, removable $$–$$$
Retractable / roll-top Good Very good Full, canister takes some space $$$
One-piece hinged Best Very good Lifts up, not easily removed $$–$$$

Sizing a tonneau cover

Covers are made per bed length and generation because rail shapes change. You'll need:

  1. Year, make, model and cab.
  2. Bed length (nominal is fine — e.g. 5.5 ft, 6'4").
  3. Whether you have a factory rail system, RamBox, bed-rail caps, or a bed-mounted tent/rack you plan to keep.

If you're moving a cover between trucks, check whether the two beds share a box using the compare tool.