9 Best Truck Bed Covers for the Money (On a Budget)

If you’re a truck owner, then it’s probably a safe bet that you use the truck bed from time to time. You might even want to turn it into a covered and closed space that can be used as an extension of the cab, so you can transport or store things in it without worrying about the weather.

Truck bed covers are accessories meant to give you the opportunity to get all you can out of your truck. They come in different styles and in different materials, each catering to different budgets and needs.

Picking a truck bed cover can be a whirlwind of choices and a time consuming task. Well I’m here to help you pick the most suitable for your taste, need and budget, while keeping it comprehensive yet simple.

In a rush? Here’s a quick comparison of my top 3 picks (including the one I use!):

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Top Ten Best Tonneau Covers for Money

The following is a general overview of the best value for money truck bed covers available from Amazon, as it’s a sure way to get what you order fast and safely with no runarounds and scuffles from less organized sources.

Best Folding Tonneau Covers

*Specs including weights and dimensions will vary for different variations of each bed cover. Additionally the links to Amazon are to random models so you will have to find the variant of each that fits your truck’s bed based on year/model. 

1. Tyger Auto T3 Trifold Truck Bed Cover

The Tyger Auto Trifold truck cover has a dual-coated 24 oz marine grade vinyl making it durable, good looking, and lightweight. It has stainless steel clamps which is not the case for many of its competitors and serves to provide for easy installation and durability. You’ll get access to most of your truck bed when it’s folded and it’s an easy no-drill installation which makes it a piece of cake that takes minimum effort and time.

Specifications

• Weight: 36 pounds
• Dimensions: 72 x 37 x 4 inches.

What I like

• Great price for value
• Comes with a storage bed for when it isn’t in use
• Fits perfectly
• Quick and easy installation

What I don’t like

• Nothing

*I’ve had this exact bed cover on my 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 for over 2 years now and I have 0 complaints. I’ve gotten my money’s worth out of it several times over. I definitely recommend the Tyger T3 to any truck owner looking for a tri-fold bed cover on a budget. 

Check Price on Amazon

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2. Tonno Pro Tonno Fold TRI-FOLD Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

The Tonno Pro is a well built bed cover and is an up and coming tonneau in its class. I love that it comes completely assembled and takes around 10 minutes to install, so you don’t have to worry about that. It’s easy to remove if need be and handy all around.

Specifications

• Weight: 32 pounds
• Dimensions: 73 x 31 x 5 inches.

What I like

• Folds easily
• Comes with LED light, cover cleaner and sure seal tailgate seals
• Affordable

What I don’t like

• Reports of wrinkles in the vinyl
• Clamp rail connector is made of plastic and may be less durable

Check Price on Amazon

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3. Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover 

The Gator ETX has a limited lifetime warranty, so you can buy with confidence. It fits many different makes and models of trucks, you’ll just have to pick the one that fits your truck. It’s an easy and fast no-tool installation with clamps which makes it ideal for those who don’t like scratching their truck. As a truck owner, I appreciate the good sealing which makes it virtually waterproof. It is above all a heavy-duty product.

Specifications

• Weight: 24.8 pounds
• Dimensions: 68 x 20 x 8 inches

What I like

• Very light
• Easy to install
• Good waterproof quality

What I don’t like

• Tailgate latch bolts weren’t that durable, use carefully
• It may cause air drag on the highway due to bulges in the vinyl

Check Price on Amazon

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4. Rough Country Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover

This hard folding tonneau cover is heavier than soft ones and that might make it a little harder to handle, but it more than makes up for that with added durability, as you can depend on it to carry heavy loads. It’s one of the safest and more secure choices that will last for a long time. It’s made for life and chances are you won’t need to replace it.

Specifications

• Weight: 62 pounds
• Dimensions: 72 x 37 x 4 inches

What I like

• Comes assembled
• Saves on drag and fuel
• Perfect fit, easy to drive with

What I don’t like

• Not as budget friendly as others
• Takes time to assemble

Check Price on Amazon

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5. BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

This is a sturdy, lightweight aluminum tonneau cover, so it’s easily handled whether it’s being put on or removed. A feature I like about it is an improved rear seal that works for all makes and models.

It is secured with the tailgate in the closed or open position and thus gives you quick access. This model provides full bed access. Another big plus is it’s highly appealing look, this one looks really sharp.

If you are looking for a hard tonneau cover for a Ford F-150 or similar sized pickup truck models, it’s a solid choice.

Specifications

• Weight: 71 pounds
• Dimensions: 69 x 23 x 8.5 inches

What I like

• Three-year warranty
• Carries up to 400 lbs of evenly distributed weight on top of the cover
• Perfect fit
• From BAK Industries, a leader in bed cover innovation and production

What I don’t like

• Takes a bit longer to install
• Higher price point than some

Check Price on Amazon

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Best Roll-up Truck Bed Covers

1. MaxMate Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

The MaxMate comes with a dual coated vinyl top. We are impressed by its strong side rails, and the clamps with built-in horizontal crossbars for support. It also features seals using Velcro strips and a latch locking system at the tailgate, making it super secure and waterproof. It also has an adjustable tension system to keep it stretched at all times and speeds, preventing air drag and resistance and giving you the smoothest of rides.

Specifications

• Weight: 25.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 79 x 9.5 x 5 inches

What I like

• Easy no-drilling installation
• Optional over the bed rail bed liners to secure the clamps.
• 10-year warranty
• Allows use of the full range of your bed
• Very budget-friendly

What I don’t like

• Some fastenings are plastic, and possibly less reliable than metal ones

Check Price on Amazon

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2. TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll-up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

This item boasts pre-set tension control for tightness in all weathers which minimizes air resistance and gives you peace of mind. I particularly like the dual paddle latches that are accessible on both sides of the truck allowing you to put and remove your things smoothly and swiftly. Additionally, TruXedo is a quality brand and sell durable tonneaus.

Specifications

• Weight: about 22 lbs
• Dimensions: 80 x 7 x 7 inches

What I like

• Appealing design
• Fits well
• Provides ample space for storage
• From a name brand manufacturer

What I don’t like

• The foam that seals the cover may have some gaps
• Isn’t as budget friendly as other options

Check Price on Amazon

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Best Retractable Tonneau bed covers

Gatortrax Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover 

This retractable model is manufactured using polycarbonate slats used in cockpits and holds up to 300 lbs. It is the easiest model to date as it retract and is in place via a switch. It has a lifetime warranty, making it a very safe purchase. It uses slides on sealed ball bearings for a smooth slide whether opening or closing. It can be locked at any point along the track which is a great feature and gives you a lot of options when hauling things or simply accessing the contents of your bed.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 70 x 16 x 14 inches
• Weight: 69 pounds

What I like:

• Allows for maximum usage of bed space
• Easy to install
• Easy and smooth to open and close
• Locks in place at any point

What I don’t like

• Higher price point

Check Price on Amazon

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Best Hard One-piece Tonneau Cover

UnderCover Classic One Piece Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

What I love about this model is that it’s a durable, one piece, lightweight polymer coated tonneau cover that resists scratch and scruff. Another plus here is that since it’s a one piece, it is very strong with less risk of damage.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 78 x 86 x 5 inches
• Weight: 93 pounds

What I like:

• Fast install
• Hinge system doesn’t hook up to the body so no scratches on your precious truck
• Sturdier corner wings

What I don’t like

• Expensive
• You can’t drive with the tonneau up
• Heavier than some others

Check Price on Amazon

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Guide to buying the best truck bed covers

Choosing the right truck bed cover for your needs could be a daunting prospect, here are the main types you will need to sift through to determine which is the better choice for you.

The different types of tonneau covers

• Roll-up
• Folding
• Snap-on
• Retractable
• Hinged
• Locking
• Toolbox tonneaus: These are your go to option if you carry tool boxes around.

The benefits of tonneau covers

• Security and safety of whatever you happen to be transporting/storing under it
• Maximizes fuel economy
• Protects the truck bed
• Aesthetically pleasing look
• Keeps things in place while on the move

Truck bed covers can be a truck owner’s best friend. They help protect your truck bed’s integrity and provide your belongings with shelter from weather, dust, and corrosion.

They’re stylish additions to your truck, will give you several new ways to enjoy using your truck, and add extra space to keep things in without having to remove everything every time you move around. You’ll finally be able to take road trips in your truck and can store everyone’s luggage in the bed of your truck safely!

Are truck bed covers worth it?

In short, yes. Tonneau covers can save money in repair costs which your truck may need if left to elements. For instance, rust from rain, bleached paint due to the sun, or damage due to hail, to name a few. Additionally, you can’t easily wash the truck if you have stuff in the bed without one.

You might also save yourself some grief due to losing possessions that would otherwise be visible for anyone to snatch out of the back of your truck. I’ve had many ratchet straps stolen from me this way.

You might even save a little on gas with a tonneau cover as well. The cover will minimize drag and make the truck more aerodynamic, possibly even increase your acceleration a little on the road.

Tonneau covers can also keep your groceries in place. This can be extremely helpful, especially if you normally have kids or other passengers giving you no good place to put groceries.

If you carry tools or other work related items then a cover will give you peace of mind that they will be well protected. Finally, truck bed covers may even help your resale price because they keep the truck bed in pristine condition.

What type of tonneau cover is best?

There is no one perfect option, it all boils down to your own needs. There’s a multitude of options, categories, types, materials, styles, finishes, installation methods, locking, mounting and cost variations.

When you decide to treat yourself and your truck by making the right choice, you should consider these options carefully.

Category

Choosing the best type of tonneau cover, or truck bed cover, depends on what your needs are. A soft cover is cheaper and lighter weight, but a hard cover will be more durable and have more features.

Basically, the soft ones are easier to use, simpler and cheaper. The hard ones are for heavy duty use and have added security.

Type

Each type of tonneau cover has pros and cons, here are a few of the most common types.

Retractable Truck Bed Covers

These are readily rolled up into a tight space, nearly disappearing when pulled back.

A possible con here is that they use mechanic rails and wheels with sliding greased tracks, so if they get a lot of dirt and debris in them it can cause it to jam. However the risk of this is minimal if you buy a good retractable bed cover and take care of it.

Folding Covers

One of the top choices for everyone. They’re affordable, a piece of cake to use, and can be removed quickly.

They come in soft or hard-shelled styles. If you’re out for a secure one, then the hardcover with a lock is your safest bet, as soft folders can be easily breached to gain access to your stuff.

👉 Find the Best Hard Tonneau Covers for: Ford F-150 Trucks | Chevy Silverado Trucks | Tundra CrewMax Trucks | Dodge Ram 1500 Trucks | Toyota Tacoma Trucks

Roll-up Covers

By far the cheapest, slimmest and easiest to handle and store. Most even allow you to access your entire bed when rolled back.

They have no mechanical moving parts, so dust and dirt are no threat. So what’s the catch? They’re not secure and are flimsy, so not much protection or security here.

Finish

Color and texture vary according to taste. Cost is the main difference here, the simpler the style and finish, the less expensive the cover is.

Painted bed covers are extremely nice and really make for a sharp looking truck if that’s something you’re into.  The most appealing to me are the painted fiberglass covers, but they’re usually custom made from special shops and can cost a lot.

Installation Methods

There are two types of covers here, those which need tools or drills to install, and those that don’t need tools, just clamp on to your truck and you’re set.

Most folks would prefer the faster, simpler installation method. That also means simple and easy to remove in case you need to.

Locking

There are keyed lock covers, locking (non-keyed) covers, locking (with tailgate lock) covers, and finally the non-locking covers.

This is totally about the value of the things you have in there. Needless to say, the locked ones with tailgate locking are safest.

Flat locking covers usually have a smooth pop-up mechanism which can be a nice feature if your tailgate doesn’t lock. The main drawback to these is that they don’t collapse so they need a ton of storage space when not in use on your truck.

Mounting

There are flush covers which fit on the inside of the bed rail. There’s also the low profile- inside of bed rail tonneau, which is easier to maneuver and offers better accessibility to the truck bed. Finally, there’s the top of the bed rail. These are airtight and waterproof and looks way cooler.

Fitting the cover

You need to always carefully follow  the manufacturer’s guidelines here and maybe even measure your truck bed before ordering to be safe.

Every truck bed will be a bit different from the other, each brand has its dimensions and you have to be sure your tonneau matches up with your truck’s exact measurements.

Other accessories

Truck bed covers don’t always match with other truck bed accessories like tool boxes, so if you regularly use other gear like that take that into consideration. Most truck bed covers are made to work with bed liners however.

Many manufacturers make covers that fit practically any truck out there, so always check your truck manufacturers website if you want something you cannot find elsewhere.

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Wrap Up

If and when you decide to buy a truck bed cover, focus on your budget, intended use, ease of installation, durability, and if it’s waterproof among other features. A good tonneau cover can be purchased in the medium price range, should be easy to install, minimize drag and maximize fuel consumption to an extent, lightweight, easy to store, dependable and look great on your truck.

The most popular type is the folding tonneau cover due to its ease of installation, durability, and appearance. The second best buy for budget tonneaus is the roll-up which allows maximum use of the truck bed if need be along with its ease of installation.

Your truck cost you a pretty penny. You want to keep it protected and looking good, a good tonneau cover will help you achieve both.