Although
tonneau covers for pickups do not increase vertical cargo space as regular
truck tops do, there are other benefits. Bed covers maintain a lower
profile and eliminate tailgate drag thereby increasing fuel efficiency.
Most fit in such a way as to allow the tailgate to be open or closed
without removing the cover. Tonneau covers are made to be removed and
replaced easily, truck tops are not
There are two main types of tonneau covers for pickups; solid fiberglass
hard cover and vinyl soft cover. Bed covers are usually black and many
can be installed without any drilling into the truck bed. Virtually
all styles of bed liners (under-the-rail and over-the-rail) are compatible
with bed covers as well.
In the past, a disadvantage of tonneau covers for pickups was that
they were bulky when removed, making for awkward storage. A new generation
of covers have been designed to roll up and store themselves snuggly
behind the truck cab. Truck owners can now quickly and simply remove
the bed cover to haul gear then replace the cover in a snap to protect
it. .