Have you ever looked at your truck and thought, “I wish I could cover up that bed”? Well, you’re not alone!
Many truck owners like you and me want to protect our cargo and improve our vehicle’s look.
That’s where tonneau covers come in handy. But before you rush out to buy one, you need to know what size to get. Don’t worry, I’m here to help you figure it out!
Understanding Truck Bed Sizes
Before we dive into tonneau covers, let’s talk about truck beds. You might have noticed that not all truck beds are the same size.
Just like how you and your friends might wear different shoe sizes, trucks come with different bed lengths.
The most common truck bed sizes are:
- 5 feet to 5 feet 2 inches
- 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 8 inches
- 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches
- 6 feet 4 inches to 6 feet 6 inches
- 7 feet to 7 feet 3 inches
- 8 feet
Knowing your truck’s bed size is super important when you’re looking for a tonneau cover.
It’s like trying to find the right lid for a container – if it’s too big or too small, it just won’t work right.
How to Measure Your Truck Bed For a Tonneau Cover
- Grab a tape measure. The longer, the better!
- Start at the inside edge of the bulkhead (that’s the front of the bed, right behind the cab).
- Stretch the tape measure to the inside edge of the tailgate. Write down this measurement. This is your truck bed length!
Remember, measure twice to make sure you’ve got it right.
It’s better to spend an extra minute measuring than to end up with a tonneau cover that doesn’t fit!
Tonneau Cover Size Calculator
To make things even easier for you, I’ve included a tonneau cover size calculator right here.
Just select your truck bed length from the dropdown menu, click the “Calculate” button, and it’ll tell you what size tonneau cover you need. Cool, right?
However, be sure to check out the best tonneau covers available in the market for your truck!
Tonneau Cover Size Chart
| Truck Bed Length | Recommended Tonneau Cover Size |
|---|---|
| 5′ to 5’2″ | 5 ft |
| 5’5″ to 5’8″ | 5.5 ft |
| 6′ to 6’2″ | 6 ft |
| 6’4″ to 6’6″ | 6.5 ft |
| 7′ to 7’3″ | 7 ft |
| 8′ | 8 ft |
Types of Tonneau Covers
Now that we know about bed sizes, let’s look at the different types of tonneau covers you can choose from.
Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Covers
Imagine a big, tough piece of fabric that you can roll up like a sleeping bag. That’s what a soft roll-up tonneau cover is like.
They’re usually made of vinyl or cloth and are super easy to use. When you want to open the truck bed, you just roll the cover towards the cab.
These are great if you want something lightweight and easy to remove.
Hard Roll-Up Tonneau Covers
These are similar to soft roll-ups, but they’re made of harder materials like aluminum or hard plastic.
They’re a bit tougher and provide more security for your stuff. Think of them like a rolling garage door for your truck bed.
Soft Folding Tonneau Covers
Picture a big, sturdy blanket that you can fold up. That’s kind of what a soft folding tonneau cover is like.
They’re usually made of vinyl and fold into sections. When you want to open the truck bed, you just fold the sections towards the cab.
These are cool because they’re easy to use and don’t take up much space when folded.
Hard Folding Tonneau Covers
These are like the soft folding covers, but made of harder stuff like aluminum or fiberglass.
They’re super tough and great for keeping your cargo safe. Imagine having a folding armor for your truck bed – that’s what these are like!
Retractable Tonneau Covers
These are the high-tech option of the tonneau cover world. They work kind of like those rolling shutters you might see on store windows.
You can open and close them smoothly, and they usually roll up into a canister at the front of the truck bed.
Hinged or One-Piece Tonneau Covers
Think of these like a giant lid for your truck bed. They’re usually made of fiberglass or aluminum and open on a hinge at the cab end of the truck.
These are great if you want something that looks sleek and provides lots of protection.
Snap Tonneau Covers
These are old-school but still pretty cool. They’re soft covers that you snap onto the sides of your truck bed. They’re not as fancy as some of the other types, but they’re usually the cheapest option.
Toolbox Tonneau Covers
If you have a toolbox in your truck bed, you might think you can’t use a tonneau cover.
But you’d be wrong! There are special tonneau covers designed to work with toolboxes. It’s like having the best of both worlds!
Factors Influencing Tonneau Cover Size
Now, you might be thinking, “Can’t I just measure my truck bed and buy a cover that size?”
Well, it’s not always that simple. There are a few things that can affect what size tonneau cover you need:
Truck Make and Model: Different truck brands and models can have slight differences in bed size, even if they’re listed as the same length.
Bed Features: Some trucks have things like tie-downs, bed liners, or utility tracks that can affect how a tonneau cover fits.
Toolboxes or Other Accessories: If you have a toolbox or other accessories in your truck bed, you might need a special size or type of tonneau cover.
Cover Type: Some types of covers, like retractable ones, might need a little extra space for their mechanisms.
Common Sizing Challenges and Solutions
Even with careful measuring and using the calculator, you might run into some challenges when trying to find the right tonneau cover.
Here are some common issues and how to solve them:
In-Between Sizes: Sometimes, your truck bed might measure between two standard sizes. In this case, it’s usually best to round up to the next size. A slightly too-big cover is better than one that’s too small.
Unusual Bed Features: If your truck has special features like a sport bar or unique tie-downs, you might need to look for a tonneau cover specifically designed for your truck model.
Toolbox Compatibility: If you have a toolbox, make sure to measure the remaining bed length and look for a tonneau cover that’s compatible with toolboxes.
Aftermarket Modifications: If you’ve made any changes to your truck bed, like adding a bed extender, make sure to take these into account when choosing a tonneau cover.
Importance of Proper Installation
Once you’ve got the right size tonneau cover, it’s super important to install it correctly. A poorly installed cover won’t protect your cargo as well, and it might even damage your truck. Here are some tips:
Read the Instructions: I know it’s tempting to just dive in, but trust me, reading the instructions first will save you a lot of headaches.
Get a Helper: Many tonneau covers are easier to install with two people. Ask a friend or family member to lend a hand.
Take Your Time: Don’t rush the installation. It’s better to do it right the first time than to have to redo it later.
Check the Fit: Once you’ve installed the cover, open and close it a few times to make sure it’s working smoothly.
Regular Maintenance: Keep your tonneau cover clean and check it regularly for any signs of wear and tear.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right size tonneau cover might seem tricky at first, but with the information in this article, I bet you’re feeling pretty confident now! Remember, the key steps are:
- Know your truck bed size
- Understand the different types of tonneau covers
- Consider any special features or accessories in your truck bed
- Use the tonneau cover size calculator for a quick recommendation
- Measure your truck bed yourself for the most accurate result
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect tonneau cover for your truck.
And once you have it installed, you’ll love how it protects your cargo and makes your truck look even cooler!
I hope this guide has been helpful. Remember, if you’re ever unsure, it’s always okay to ask for help from a professional or the manufacturer.
Your truck is important to you, and getting the right tonneau cover is a great way to take care of it. Happy trucking!
