Everyone who has ever had or who currently owns a pickup truck, at one point in time, wishes they had more room. Sure trucks are considered a large size vehicle, with 65% of the size being the open truck bed, leaves for a lot of 'room' not being efficiently used. The open bed is no place anyone wants to leave valuables or items exposed to the elements, be it weather or opportunists ready to steal anything that is not locked up.

The answer- tonneau cover. It is an aftermarket accessory that covers, protects and secures the open truck bed of a pickup. Today's covers are custom manufactured to OEM specifications for pickup trucks (long bed, short bed, sport trac) and the new cross-over sport utility vehicles (Ford Explorer Sport, Chevy Avalanche). Each cover is custom made for the pickup and most truck bed covers do not require drilling for installation. The cover is secured to the bed of the truck via heavy duty clamps. Because each tonneau cover is custom made for each truck, the leading manufacturers' guarantee their products will be a perfect fit.

In the last ten years, demand for tonneau covers has pushed manufacturers to design and engineer a better cover. Due to the constant refining and re engineering consumers now have a large selection of to choose from. Options such as quality of vinyl, snap or snapless, rolls, hinged, soft folding and even hard folding covers are available for the customer. There are also bed covers that open like a hood of a car and made of rigid fiberglass materials that can be painted to custom match your pickup truck.

Be prepared for a wide price fluctuation between brands and models. The price really does dictate the quality of (tarp/cover) material and components used in manufacturing the product.

Before you shop for a tonneau cover, first determine how you want to utilize your truck bed. Do you want to have fast easy access? A snap or roll up cover would be a good fit and moderately priced. Do you want a hard cover? A solid folding or fiberglass lid type will narrow your choices and increase the cost. Is your truck a work truck with rails? A TracRac works seamless with your existing rail system for additional storage. Do you have a toolbox in your truck bed? There are several truck bed cover manufacturers that make toolbox compatible covers.

All of the leading cover manufacturers, (Extang, TruXedo, Bak, Access, TracRac, Lund) feature full use of your tail gate when the cover is completely closed. If your truck is not equipped with a tailgate lock, it is recommended to add a lock (Pop n'lock) to your tailgate for additional security.

The advantages of adding a tonneau cover to your truck will pay off quickly. Not only will you suddenly expand your truck's usable room, you'll give your truck a new, personalized look. You'll also save on fuel! The truck bed covers are designed to cut wind resistance which reduces drag and can help to increase fuel economy, gas or diesel. The biggest advantage is your cargo will be safe and secure - where ever you leave it in your truck - inside or in the truck bed.

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Joquan Mae is a content manager at Ultimate Truck and Auto Accessories and you can find more information about Tonneau Covers on our site.