Driving a pickup truck can be a great mode of transportation. Whether it is for professional or personal use, a pickup truck will be able to provide you with a lot of performance, style, and cargo room. When you have a pickup truck there are a variety of different accessories that would make your truck more functional and useful. One very important accessory that you will need to have for your pickup truck is a bed cover.
There are a variety of different benefits that come when you invest in a bed cover for your pickup truck. Not only will these add some style to your truck, but they could also be used to better protect all your cargo. When you are looking for a bed cover for your truck, there are many different options to consider. There are four options in particular that can be used to make your truck more functional.
1. Retractable Soft Cover
If you are looking for a cover that will provide you with the most amount of convenience possible, the retractable soft cover is one of the best options. With this cover, you will have a heavy canvas sheet that can be stretched out over the pickup truck bed.
Advantages of Retractable Soft Cover
One of the main advantages of the retractable soft cover is that it is very convenient to use. The canvas material can be easily pulled out and installed to provide good coverage when you need it. However, when it does not need to be in use, it can be easily retracted back to the starting point. This gives you the greatest amount of flexibility for overall use.
The starting price point for these covers is under $1,000, which is more affordable than other options.
Disadvantages of Retractable Soft Cover
One of the main disadvantages of this option is that it does not provide the most durability or protection. Since it is made of heavy canvas material, it is not as strong as the other aluminum options. This could reduce the level of protection from bad weather and theft. Further, they likely will have to be replaced at some point.
2. Foldable Hard/Soft Cover
If you are looking for a little more durability out of your pickup bed cover, one great option is the foldable hard and soft cover. This cover is designed to be folded and easily removed when it is not in use.
Advantages of Foldable Hard/Soft Cover
One of the main advantages of this option is that it can be easily installed and removed. While they can weigh more than 50 pounds, many people are able to remove and install the cover with limited assistance. Furthermore, the vinyl cover provides good protection during rain and other bad weather situations. Most of these also come in all black matte color, which is stylish and consistent.
Overall, these covers can cost less than $500, which makes them the most affordable option available. The affordable price makes it the best option for someone shopping for a cover on a budget.
Disadvantages of Foldable Hard/Soft Cover
A main disadvantage for this cover is its durability since it is not as durable as other options. While the vinyl does a good job of making sure that it is waterproof, it is not as tough, secure, or protective as the aluminum options. Furthermore, after installing and removing the cover, the support clips and other securing materials will start to wear down over time. This could require the cover to be replaced after a few years of use.
3. Painted Hard Cover
One of the most common types of pickup bed covers is the painted hard cover. A painted hard cover is a flat piece of aluminum or fiberglass that’s installed onto the top of the bed, which is painted to be the same color of the rest of the truck.
Advantages of Painted Hard Cover
This cover is the best-looking option. The painted aluminum color blends in very well with the rest of the truck, which makes everything look more cohesive. Since the cover is made of aluminum or fiberglass, it is very durable and will provide great protection to your cargo. Plus, this type of cover has the ability to be inclined, which makes it easy to access cargo and can increase storage space.
Disadvantages of Painted Hard Cover
This cover’s main disadvantage is how hard it is to take off completely. If you have a hard cover installed, it will be difficult for you to remove on your own and installing it back on is a challenge. This is problematic if you ever need to carry cargo that is taller than height of the cover. Further, the $1,000 price tag for many of these covers is more expensive than other options.
4. Camper Shell
The last option to consider when you are looking for a new cover for your pickup truck is a camper shell. The camper shell is normally made of aluminum or another solid material and will typically pop up to about the height of the cab.
Advantages of Camper Shell
A main advantage of the camper shell is that it is very durable. The camper shell is normally made of aluminum, which will allow the shell to protect everything in your cargo from all the exterior elements. It also will have heavy locks on the opening and the windows, which can make it the most secure option as well. This is ideal for anyone that is looking to have a permanent cover that provides additional security.
Disadvantages of Camper Shell
One of the main disadvantages of a camper shell is that they cannot be removed easily. In many cases, the camper shell is heavily bolted in, which makes it impossible for the average person to remove on their own.
Another disadvantage is that they tend to be expensive. Due to the quality materials and labor that goes into installation, a properly installed camper shell will cost at least $1,200 and could cost more than $2,000.