Tonneau covers are manufactured to cover a truck bed and have several beneficial features. A truck is a versatile vehicle because it can carry objects that otherwise need a trailer to haul. Tools and construction materials are often carried in the truck bed along with large items like furniture and appliances. When truck beds are open and uncovered, personal belongings are exposed to the elements. Light items will blow out of the truck with wind gusts, and rain can ruin items that are not waterproof.
History:
The word tonneau is a French word that translates into rear seating. This term is used to describe the truck bed covers today, even though we don't usually use the bed of a truck for seating. The earliest versions were installed by attaching snaps on the bed of the truck and snapping the top down. These left a little to be desired because the snaps would rust, and then the top couldn't be attached. They also leaked when they aged due to shrinkage and gaps in the vinyl.
Types
Access and Truxedo are two of the major manufacturers of tonneau covers. The types they make are a roll-up design, which enables you to open it from the tail gate and only roll up as much as you need to uncover items in the truck bed.
Features
Both companies use a one-finger easy-trigger release to open and may be operated by one person. Each brand is also consumer installed in minutes. There are clamps that attach the tonneau cover to the bed without drilling any holes, and they are compatible with other accessories as bed rails and tailgate protectors. Both Access and Truxedo covers have a Velcro side-sealing system to ensure a good fit. The covers may be purchased for any make and model of truck, and each company makes them model specific for a good fit. Each brand has a vinyl ultraviolet light coating to retain its shape and protect it from the elements. Each also has a locking mechanism to help avoid theft.
Considerations
The main differences in the tonneau covers made by Access and Truxedo are that Access offers a lifetime limited warranty and Truxedo only offers a five-year warranty on most models. Further, the Truxedo Deuce offers tool box access and is their top of the line product. There is a lifetime warranty on this model. A price comparison shows that Truxedo has slightly lower pricing per truck model.. Truxedo has a price range from $284 to $549 for the Deuce. Access has a price range from $399 to $509. The Access covers can be purchased directly from the manufacturer online; Access covers are only sold through authorized dealers and have free shipping.
Benefits
A tonneau cover is aerodynamically shaped to cut the wind drag on a truck. Instead of the wind passing over the cab and diving down into the bed, which causes air resistance, it will pass over the top of the bed. You can save up to 10 percent of gas usage with a truck bed cover, and you also will not have ruined items or items stolen out of your truck.
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