Best Tonneau Covers

Speed Reads:

• The best tonneau cover in 2023 is the GatorTrax tonneau cover. Though its assembly instructions aren’t very clear, the GatorTrax is reliably built, operates smoothly, and can lock in any position.
• The Gator SFX Tri-Fold is an excellent hard-folding tonneau cover, offering a weather-resistant design, a rigid, lightweight frame, and tool-free installation.
• Those who want a one-piece tonneau cover should consider the UnderCover SE One-Piece tonneau cover.

The best tonneau covers can protect your pickup truck from bad weather and keep cargo secured. Certain types of tonneau covers can even protect the contents of your truck bed against theft. For many truck owners, a tonneau cover is a must-have accessory.

Soft top or hard-folding? Rolling or trifold? There are a number of common truck bed tonneau cover designs, each with different advantages and drawbacks. In this tonneau cover review, we’ll explain the different types of truck tonneau covers and recommend our favorite models of each type based on durability, accessibility, and customer reviews.

After researching various types of tonneau covers and truck bed covers, we determined that Gator offers the best tonneau cover because the GatorTrax is incredibly well-made, as well as easy to install and operate.

For those interested in learning more, below are in-depth reviews of some of the top-rated tonneau covers in 2023:

Below, our team looks at some of the best soft tonneau covers on the market.

Best Soft Roll-Up: TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll-Up

If you’re looking for a roll-up tonneau cover that offers excellent weather protection, then look no further than the TruXedo TruXport. The leather-grade soft vinyl material makes storage easy while allowing easy full-bed access. The TruXedo also has pre-tension controls to ensure a secure fit for year-round conditions.

Installing the TruXedo is easy: The cover is secured with clamps to the bed rails, meaning no drilling or screws are necessary. This makes it perfect for first-time tonneau owners.

Key Features

• Cost: Around $325
• Cover type: Soft roll-up
• Material: Soft vinyl
• Warranty: Five years

What Customers Are Saying

RealTruck Review Score: 4.8 out of 5 based on 2,000 ratings

Many reviewers express satisfaction with the TruXport’s high-quality materials and easy installation process. Although most TruXedo reviews are positive, some negative reviews note that the TruXedo tonneau cover is too short and does not fit properly in the tailgate

The Tyger Auto T1 features a marine-grade vinyl top and heavy-duty aluminum powder coated side rails and clamps protecting your truck bed from rain, snow, and hail. A snug, weathertight fit means that it can handle all elements. Aircraft-grade aluminum and a stainless steel body ensure durability isn’t in question, while a pull-latch cable system and adjustable tension bar make using this cover that much easier.

Key Features

• Cost: About $230
• Cover type: Soft roll-up
• Material: Dual-coated marine-grade vinyl
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

What Customers Are Saying

Amazon Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on over 15,000 ratings

The Tyger Auto T1 for Ford F-150s is the top-selling soft top tonneau cover on Amazon, with truck owners praising its ease of use and lasting durability.

Amazon reviews of the T1 for Ram, Chevy, GMC, and Toyota covers are similar to the Ford with an average of 4.7 stars. Some negative reviewers mention their covers do not fit properly to their truck beds and allow light leakage in wet weather conditions.

Below our team takes a look at some of the best retractable tonneau covers on the market.

Best Overall: GatorTrax Tonneau Cover

RealTruck

Amazon

The GatorTrax Tonneau Cover features sealed ball bearings to ensure your tonneau cover will never freeze shut and require no maintenance. Unlike other tonneau covers that can only lock every 12.0 inches, the GatorTrax can lock in virtually any position. Additionally, the canister that houses the tonneau cover itself maximizes truck bed capacity.

Impact-resistant polycarbonate slats ensure the GatorTrax is built to last. A flat matte finish completes the look of this retractable tonneau cover. It should also be noted that the GatorTrax works well with most fifth wheel hitches.

Key Features

• Cost: Around $1,400
• Cover type: Retractable
• Material: Composite
• Warranty: One year

Our Experience

Being the very first tonneau cover our team got their hands on, the GatorTrax Tonneau Cover tested us as much as we tested it. We found the instructions to be difficult to understand. While there were instructions included for many vehicle models, the instructions for each specific model weren’t as in-depth as we wanted as first-time tonneau cover installers.

Although this was the first tonneau cover our team installed, we have extensive knowledge of aftermarket car and truck parts. Most tonneau covers by nature will be relatively heavy and difficult to carry and move around, and the GatorTrax was no exception.

We were really impressed by how smoothly the GatorTrax operates, as it was easy to retract and quick to lock in any position we pleased. The overall quality of this tonneau cover impressed us, and we have few doubts about its ability to last over time.

What Customers Are Saying

RealTruck Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on around 200 ratings

Customers online laude the GatorTrax Tonneau Cover. A highly praised characteristic of the GatorTrax is its easy installation, however, customers’ definition of “easy” varies. A few reviewers mention that they had positive interactions with Gator’s customer service department. While one individual notes they’ve had this cover for over a year and it’s shown little signs of wear and tear.

Easiest To Operate: Gator Recoil Retractable Tonneau Cover

The Gator Recoil Retractable tonneau cover motor comes pre-assembled, making it easier to install. The cover’s aluminum panels retract easily into its canister, which helps with storage when not in use.

The Gator’s black coat over aluminum panels makes it suitable for weather and theft protection, and this tonneau cover has five interlocking positions, which allows users to leave part of their truckbed open for tall items that won’t fit under the cover. It should be noted that the Gator is more expensive than most manual tonneau covers.

Key Features

• Cost: About $950
• Cover type: Retractable
• Material: UV- and scratch-resistant aluminum
• Warranty: Two years

What Customers Are Saying

RealTruck Review Score: 4.2 out of 5 based on around 100 ratings

Owners of the Gator tonneau cover like it for its easy installation and excellent protection. However, some note that it doesn’t hold up as well to harsh sun, which can melt the glue on the outer rubber sealant.

Below, our team of experts take a look at some of the best folding tonneau covers on the market.

Best Soft-Folding: Gator SFX Tri-Fold

Best Soft-Folding

4/5

RealTruck

The Gator SFX Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover is protected under the company’s “Gator Guarantee”. The Gator Guarantee ensures that if you’re not happy with the SFX Tri-Fold cover for any reason, you can swap it out for another Gator-branded tonneau cover within 30 days of ordering.

This tri-fold tonneau cover is made from marine-grade, tear-resistant vinyl – so you won’t need to worry about this tonneau cover ripping. Monster Bows reinforce the corners of the Gator SFX to support the cover in cases of Mother Nature’s more severe weather storms.

Key Features

• Cost: Around $300
• Cover type: Tri-fold
• Material: Vinyl
• Warranty: Limited lifetime (structural) and 10 years (tarp)

What Customers Are Saying

RealTruck Review Score: 4.8 out of 5 based on around 3,500 ratings

A huge number of reviewers speak to the Gator SFX Tri-Fold tonneau cover’s great pricing, as few covers are this cheap and this well-made. Several customers also comment on how easy the installation process was for them. One man comments that he’s had this cover for a number of months and it’s survived two inches of snow and several torrential downpours.

Best Hard-Folding: BAK BAKFlip G2 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover

The BAK BAKFlip G2 is a hard tri-fold tonneau cover that offers superior protection for a truck bed. Its durable aluminum panels and automatic latching system can handle up to 300.0 lbs. of external cargo weight, making it perfect for carrying extra luggage or small vehicles.

The BAKFlip G2 also allows truck owners to fold their cover for storage without blocking the third tail light or impairing rearview capacities. And it’s backed by a three-year warranty, providing extra peace of mind.

Key Features

• Cost: About $900
• Cover type: Tri-fold
• Material: Aluminum panels with vinyl covers
• Warranty: Three years

What Customers Are Saying

RealTruck Review Score: 4.2 out of 5 based on over 90 ratings

Amazon reviews of the BAKFlip G2 are largely positive. It is one of the most consistently-reviewed tonneau covers across different truck brands like  Toyota, Ram, Chevy, and GMC. 

Customers who left negative reviews complain about the rubber feet intended to protect this cover when it is folded up. These can fall off, resulting in small scratches when the BAKFlip is stored.

Below, we take a look at one of the best one-piece tonneau covers on the market in 2023.

Best One-Piece: UnderCover SE One-Piece Tonneau Cover

The UnderCover SE tonneau cover delivers protection with ease. Weighing in at 58.0 lbs., this cover’s lightweight design makes installation a breeze. Plus, we love its stylish low-profile design and inner LED lighting system.

Although the SE tonneau is made with scratch-resistant ABS composite material, the risk of dings, dents, and marks is always higher with one-piece covers. Buyers should be weary of potential wear and tear showing over time.

Key Features

• Cost: About $1,000
• Cover type: One-piece
• Material: scratch-resistant and UV-protected ABS
• Warranty: Three years

What Customers Are Saying

RealTruck Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on over 100 ratings

Many F-150 owners like the SE cover because of the no-hassle installation. Many also comment that the cover holds up well even after extended use. Ram, Chevy, and Toyota SE covers were also reviewed well on Amazon, with similar comments about the ease of installation and durability.

One common complaint among the few negative reviews references difficulty opening the SE’s lock feature.

There are a number of different designs and materials for tonneau covers. Which is best can depend on your needs and particular truck, but regardless of which one you choose, tonneau covers have many benefits. Most covers are sold in different sizes for different makes and models and so can vary in price. In general, expect to pay more if you own a larger truck with a bigger truck bed.

Before we dig into the differences between tonneau covers, we want to highlight two characteristics that overlap between all types of tonneau covers: durability and accessibility.

Durability

Chances are that any tonneau cover you buy will take a bit of a beating from the elements, so you’ll want it to last. Common treatments for the best tonneau covers are weatherproofing to help avoid water stains and damage during storms and utilizing scratch-resistant materials. 

The type of finish on your tonneau cover also affects how long it will last. If you’re going to leave your truck parked outside and in view of the sun often, make sure your cover is protected against UV rays.

Accessibility

The best tonneau covers offer security without sacrificing the functionality of a truck bed. The perfect cover opens easily, without making it too difficult to reach into other areas of the truck bed, but is also secure enough to deter theft.

Truck Bed Cover Types

Truck bed covers, otherwise known as tonneau covers, can typically be separated into two general classifications: hard and soft.

• Hard tonneau covers: Made with materials like aluminum, fiberglass, and polypropylene, the best hard tonneau covers are nearly impervious to break-ins when secured with a locked tailgate.
• Soft tonneau covers: Usually made of vinyl or cloth and are supported by a lightweight metal frame. These covers are suited for general weather protection but offer very little security.

Types Of Soft Tonneau Covers

Soft tonneau covers can also be classified into two different categories: roll-up and snap-on.

• Roll-up tonneau covers: Also called soft-folding covers, roll-up covers are made from materials such as vinyl and are secured to the bed of a truck using velcro straps or button fasteners. They are lightweight and have a low-profile design, making them ideal for basic weather protection. Some rolling covers can also be automated, in which a motor stores the cover in a canister similar to how a motorized window shade operates.
• Snap-on tonneau covers: Typically the least expensive and least durable option, snap-on covers are also usually the lightest tonneau covers available. While they’re typically easy to open and use, the contents inside your truck bed are more prone to theft with this tonneau cover installed compared to other options.

Types Of Hard Tonneau Covers

Hard tonneau covers can be distinguished from each other by how they open and close, branching out into three separate categories: retractable, one-piece, and hard-folding.

• Retractable tonneau covers: These come in a variety of materials and can be folded or rolled up for easy storage. Both styles share the same goal of creating a weatherproof truck bed that also protects against theft.
• One-piece tonneau covers: Typically plastic, sometimes fiberglass, covers that open and close like a truck lid using hydraulic struts.
• Hard-folding tonneau covers: Typically made with an aluminum frame, these covers are often more durable than soft roll-ups and offer better security. Most are quad-fold or tri-fold tonneau covers.

What Size Tonneau Cover Do I Need?

To figure out what size tonneau cover you’ll need for your truck, first, grab some measuring tape. Ensure your measuring tape is 8.0 to 10.0 feet in length, as well as bring along a pen and paper to jot down measurements. Then, follow the steps listed below:

1. Lower the tailgate on your truck and stand at the back end of your vehicle.
2. Measure the length of your truck bed from the bulkhead wall to the gap between the truck bed and tailgate. The bulkhead wall is the wall closest to the cab.
3. Divide your measurements by 12 to convert inches to feet, as that’s how tonneau covers are typically framed in size.

How Much Does A Tonneau Cover Cost?

Tonneau covers can range in cost from $200 to over $2,000. Mitigating factors for the cost of a tonneau cover include materials, build quality, and even the style of tonneau cover you choose. Typically, hard tonneau covers are more expensive than soft tonneau covers.

Does A Tonneau Cover Increase Gas Mileage?

In short, yes, tonneau covers increase gas mileage. However, savings will likely be minimal. Said savings also depend on the type of truck you drive, the type of tonneau cover you purchased, and overall driving habits.

The way a tonneau cover increases gas mileage is by sealing off the truck bed, not permitting airflow into the truck bed. A tonneau cover optimizes a truck’s overall aerodynamics, thereby creating less drag and improving gas mileage.

While they may not be practical for every truck owner, a tonneau cover is one way to add utility to your pickup truck. Besides covering up items from prying eyes, it can also make sure the bed isn’t worn out by UV rays or weather conditions.

The best tonneau cover for you depends on your truck, needs, and budget. However, our top pick is the GatorTrax Tonneau Cover. This durable, easy-to-use tonneau cover offers a weather-tight fit that will keep your tools dry. If you’re looking for something less expensive, you might consider the Tyger Auto tonneau cover, which features marine-grade vinyl for under $200.

What Is The Best Tonneau Cover?

1. Best Overall: GatorTrax Tonneau Cover
2. Best Soft-Folding: Gator SFX Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover
3. Best One-Piece: UnderCover SE One-Piece Tonneau Cover
4. Best Soft Roll-Up: TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover
5. Best Value: Tyger Auto Tonneau Cover
6. Best Hard-Folding: BAK BAKFlip G2 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
7. Easiest to Use: Gator Recoil Retractable Tonneau Cover

Below are some common frequently asked questions about tonneau covers:

*Data accurate at time of publication.