Cover Ups: The Latest Truck Caps and Tonneau Covers

Want to protect your cargo from wind and weather? Looking for some secure storage space? Hoping to turn your pickup's bed into a big trunk? Then you just might be in the market for a truck cap or tonneau cover. These days, there are plenty of choices. With tonneaus, you can opt for soft or hard, manual or automatic, colormatched or basic black, with or without a toolbox. You can even choose models that tilt open from the rear or from the side, are hinged in the middle, fold forward, or roll up out of the way. Caps also come in all different flavors, from serious work-truck models to soft-sided camping specials. In addition, you can get the SUV look you want with a cab-high design or get maximum storage space--and maximum headroom--with a high-rise shell. It's all about making that pickup bed even more useful, and in many cases, you don't have to sacrifice versatility: Plenty of truck caps and tonneau covers can be removed easily whenever you need to haul tall, messy, or awkward stuff.   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide Raider Transport an ATV Inside
Raider's Sierra has a minimum rear-door clearance of 48 inches, which means there's enough room to transport an ATV inside. This cap also comes with a choice of two side window offerings: standard 20-inch-high sliding windows or optional 20-inch windoors (a combination window/door that tilts open). It also comes with standard fiberglass base rails, DuPont basecoat/clearcoat automotive paint, a double-locking rear door, dark tint on the side windows and rear door, a skirted wrapover exterior rail, and an interior wrapover base rail. Raider Industries; 800/771-8677. www.raider.ca   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide are Curvaceous Cap
A.R.E.'s Z Series fiberglass truck cap features soft, rounded curves and recessed windows, doors, and LED brakelight. The side vent windows have screens for ventilation purposes, and the ergonomically designed doorhandle comes with OE-quality locks and a double-sided key. Options include a tilt-down or sliding front window, Yakima roof racks, and remote keyless entry. A.R.E. paints each Z Series cap to match the truck's OEM paint code. A.R.E.; 330/830-7800. www.4are.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide truxedo The TruXedoPlus by Shur-Co Automotive is a toolbox and tonneau cover combination. The soft tonneau rolls up and stores behind the toolbox so you have full access to the bed. The low-profile toolbox lid is powdercoated black to blend in with the tonneau. The locking toolbox uses a gas strut for easy opening, and the tonneau features a weather seal to keep elements out. Shur-Co Automotive; 877/878-9336. www.truxedo.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide Bestop Supertop Fabric Cap
Bestop's Supertop offers versatile truck-bed coverage at about half the cost of a hard shell, with double the storage of a tonneau. The soft truck cap features heavy-duty fabric and zip-out tinted windows and attaches to a truck's bed rails using C www.bestop.com
  |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide glasstite Glasstite's Breeze fiberglass tonneau completely covers a truck's bed rails. It comes with a lift-assist package and a tether strap for ease in opening and closing, and the three-way rotary latch system secures cargo. Glasstite installs a rubber seal on the heavy-duty, full black aluminum subframe--not the tonneau--for improved watertight performance. Quick-release hinges make it easy to gain full access to the truck's bed, and a headliner and a dome light are optional. Glasstite; 866/431-1131. www.glasstite.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide leer Adventure Sports Package Outdoor Adventure Special
Leer's Adventure Sports Package readies any of the company's fiberglass truck caps for the outdoor enthusiast, including the Model 100R shown here. The Adventure Sports Package includes a full Thule roof-rack system, interior nylon gear net, 12-volt power outlets, and interior lighting. Leer lets you choose which rack accessory you want, such as one to accommodate a bike, kayak, skis, snowboard, canoe, or other sports gear. There also are options designed especially for hunting and fishing enthusiasts. Leer; 800/967-5337. www.leer.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide pace Edwards Quick Like a Bunny
Pace Edwards' Full-Metal JackRabbit is a retractable hard bedcover that opens automatically with the turn of a knob and closes using the pull strap. Its latch-and-lock handle design allows you to latch the cover into positions every 12 inches along the rails, with or without the use of the key. The cover is made from powdercoated extruded aluminum. Pace Edwards; 888/231-2686. www.pace-edwards.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide gaylord Pick a Side
Gaylord's Butterfly Lid is hinged down the middle, so you can access the bed easily from either the driver or passenger side. The hard fiberglass tonneau is great for contractors with low-side toolboxes--or for anyone who doesn't want to reach over a big bumper or past a shin-cracking trailer hitch. The clamp-on tonneau also features a four-point locking system. Gaylord's Truck Bed Lids; 562/529-7543. www.gaylordslids.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide gemtop Sleek-Looking Work Truck
GemTop's Outfitter is a hard-core, work-oriented truck cap that features cab-height, custom cab-fit styling. The steel cap comes with double walk-in rear doors (that replace the tailgate) for full-size trucks and includes a dome light, painted interior, and tough welded and riveted construction. Options include factory-color paintmatching, a variety of window designs, ladder racks, a cargo drawer, and a side door with a toolbox. GemTop Manufacturing; 800/547-9706. www.gemtopmfg.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide downey Rail-Top Softie
Downey's Top Spin tonneau cover sits on top of a truck's bed rails, leaving the full cargo area for gear. The Top Spin features a tearproof, UV-coated, tri-laminate fabric cover that resists stretching and shrinking in extreme weather conditions. Velcro fasteners secure it, and it locks into place with a springloaded auto latch. Downey Products; 800/736-1610. www.global-accessories.com/downey   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide jason Raising the Roof
Jason's Force truck cap is the company's most spacious design, with a high roofline that nearly extends to the truck cab. The double bays and sliding side windows offer plenty of visibility, or you can opt for any of several other side-window configurations. It's made using a seven-layer fiberglass construction process and comes with a dome light, extra-large rear door, and automotive basecoat/clearcoat paint. Jason Industries; 574/294-7595. www.jasoncaps.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide diamondback Ready for Heavy Loads
The DiamondBack HD Truck Cover can carry a 1600-pound load on top--enough to accommodate some serious lumber or a pair of ATVs. It's hinged in the center, so it can be opened from the tailgate or right behind the cab. You also can fold either panel back when hauling big stuff. The deck is made from 0.100 www.diamondbackcovers.com
  |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide mopar Winged Wonder
Mopar's Gull Wing tonneau for the Dodge Ram offers a three-lid layout. The front part of the tonneau opens from either the driver or passenger side, and the rear section opens from the back of the truck for easy access to all parts of the bed. It has a resin-reinforced honeycomb design and a steel frame. This lid has a smooth finished edge, noise-reducing anti-vibration bumpers, a sturdy lock that controls tonneau cover and tailgate access, and a moisture-resistant lock cover. It's offered in all Dodge paint colors. Mopar; contact your local dealer. www.mopar.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide herculoc Up She Goes
Thacker's new HercuLoc Contractor Series Secure Bed Cover can be opened from one side or the other--or it can lift straight up. The company says you can even drive 75 mph with the cover raised, in case you need to control a tall load. The cover is counterbalanced on steel torsion springs and internal rotary slam latches lock each corner. It's made from 18 www.herculoc.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide lund Divided in Thirds
The Lund Genesis Tri-Fold tonneau folds up in three sections, so you can access gear easily and transport tall cargo. It's made of high-quality, double-sided, tear-resistant fabric and comes in a black-matte finish with all-black rails and bows. It also comes completely assembled and installs using quick-release, cam-action-design clamps. Buckle-style closure straps store the cover in its open position. Lund International; 888/588-6049. www.lundinternational.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide rollnlock Just Push a Button
The Roll-N-Lock E-Series is an electric retractable hard tonneau cover. Push a button on the remote, and an electric motor opens or closes the cover in five seconds flat. You also can operate it manually. Plus, a built-in cargo light makes it easier to find stuff, and the cover locks to secure gear. Roll-N-Lock; 800/952-7655. www.rollnlock.com
  |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide undercover E.D. Industries manufactures its Undercover hard tonneau using patented technology and advanced polymer materials, so it's strong, durable, and lightweight. A unit for a full-size truck weighs just 58 pounds, and the company says it can be removed and reinstalled in seconds. The Undercover includes quick-release hardware, dual stainless-steel locks, a 360-degree-perimeter weather seal, dual hydraulic strut lifts, and an LED battery-operated light. It even comes with hardware that enables you to hang the tonneau on a garage wall when it's not in use. E.D. Industries; 417/753-8000. www.undercoverinfo.com
  |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide advantage Easy On, Easy Off
The HardHat from Advantage Truck Accessories comes completely assembled, and the company swears you can install (or remove) it in under a minute. The hard tonneau folds forward when you need to haul tall gear but want to leave it in place. It's lightweight and is covered with vinyl so there are no exposed hinges or folding points, which helps keep water and other elements out of the bed. Advantage Truck Accessories; 574/293-0979. www.advantagetruckaccessories.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide century It's Got Character
Century Fiberglass' Evolution Series fiberglass tonneau has a self-sealing frame, low wraparound skirt profile, easy-lift prop assist, and a new scissor hinge. It comes standard with keyless remote entry, aluminum full-body frame with clamps, rotary lock system, full honeycomb insulated roof, nylon pull strap, and quick-release hinge system. Century Fiberglass; 800/828-2277. www.centurycaps.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide pti Armor Lid Plastic Fantastic
PTI's Armor Lid is tough enough to stand on, yet it weighs just 60 pounds. The ABS plastic tonneau cover installs without drilling, can be removed easily, and hangs on the wall when you want to store it out of the way. It also features a smooth underside, a pneumatic lift assist, a weathertight gasket, and a scratch-resistant rugged texture. Power Trends International; 877/769-3765. www.armorlid.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide snugtop SUV-like Styling
SnugTop's aerodynamic Super Sport cap has frameless side windows, an all-glass rear door, and an integrated LED rear brake light. The cap secures cargo with a standard rotary slam latch or optional EZ-Open keyless remote. The Super Sport has a finished edge and is paintmatched to OEM colors. It's available for most truck models, including all 2008 Ford Super Duties. SnugTop; 562/432-5454. www.snugtop.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide agri Cover Exposed Rails
Agri-Cover's Access Roll-up Cover offers a tight fit and unobstructed access to your bed rails, so you can use a ladder rack or other cargo-control accessories. The soft tonneau features an AutoLatch system that locks automatically, plus a slide lock, front element seal, and side sealing system. A new cab-guard design secures the cover when it's rolled up and keeps it from rubbing against the truck cab. Agri-Cover; 866/414-5422. www.agricover.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide tc Usa WorkinG It
Truck Covers USA offers the American Work Cover: a combination toolbox and retractable tonneau cover. The tonneau features double-walled aluminum slats for serious strength and durability (it can support 500 pounds) and comes with textured powdercoating. The cover is tension driven for ease of movement and has an automatic stop-and-lock point every 12 inches along the bed. A flex-tube water drain system and wider side-rail seals help prevent rust and mechanical problems. Plus, the companion toolbox is constructed of heavy-duty galvanized sheetmetal. Truck Covers USA; 858/622-9135. www.truckcoversusa.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide gm Accessories Color Correct
GM Accessories' lightweight, molded-composite hard tonneau has been designed to complement the Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra body style and is available already painted in select GM body colors. The lockable cover secures cargo and features gas struts for easy opening and closing. It also has a quick-release mechanism so you can take off the tonneau whenever you need to. GM Accessories; contact your local dealer. www.gmaccessorieszone.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide extang Fold Everything
Extang's Solid Fold tonneau is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, so it's strong, yet lightweight. It features a black textured paint finish that provides protection from UV rays, and it folds twice for easy access and load-carrying flexibility. Extang; 800/877-2588. www.extang.com
  |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide Penda Venture Capital
The Penda Venture hard tonneau has a thermoplastic lid that offers high strength and light weight, thanks to V-Tech honeycomb layer construction. The black cover matches most factory bed rails, and comes with a single-key, dual-locking system recessed into the body. It also has dual gas struts and a V-Hinge quick-release system so you can detach and remove it in seconds. Penda Automotive; 800/356-7704. www.pendaventure.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide progear Utility And Style
Just because you have a tonneau cover doesn't mean you have to give up the utility box--or good looks. ProGear can paint its DawgHouse utility box and TopDawg tonneau to match the color of your truck, and they can be sold as a pair. The heavy-gauge 6063 aircraft-aluminum box has a stainless latch handle and steel interior rods, with gas-support struts to make it easier to open and close. ProGear; 866/738-3294. www.topdawgproducts.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide swiss Caps Onward AND Upward
Swiss's Heavy Duty Unit allows you to design in the features you want. The HDU includes heavy-duty mounting rails, five-bow construction, and weathersealed doors. Choose the door/window configuration, cap height, ladder-rack design, and roof style, and add dome lights, toolbox shelves, sliding trays, and keyless entry. There are seven standard colors, and the cap can be painted to match your truck. Swiss Caps; 800/243-3334. www.swisscaps.cc   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide fold A Cover Panel Delivery
Fold-a-Cover's G4-Elite aluminum and stainless-steel hard tonneau's four-panel design allows you to tow a fifth-wheel without removing the cover. It features a flush-mounted latch and release system, black finish, and its mounting system allows one person to quickly remove the cover. Models of the aluminum and stainless-steel cover are available for most trucks. Fold-a-Cover; 800/322-0522. www.foldacover.com   |   truck Bed Cover Buyers Guide lebra Lebra Roll-Up
The LeBra top-mounting roll-up tonneau makes it easy to get to your cargo and quick to obscure it from prying eyes. To access gear, roll the tonneau up and fasten it in place with the included buckle strap. When you're ready, cover the bed by rolling the tonneau out. It secures using a Velcro fastening system and spring-loaded latches--there are no snaps to align or buttons. The vinyl cover uses anodized aluminum rails and bows. Global Accessories; 800/736-1610. www.global-accessories.com/lebra