Tonneau Covers
Lum's Auto Center offers Toyota and Mopar brand tonneau
covers available for purchase and installation. We also have
aftermarket tonneau covers available if you are looking for
something a little different. Continue reading to find out more
information or call our accessores team at (503)861-1144.
covers available for purchase and installation. We also have
aftermarket tonneau covers available if you are looking for
something a little different. Continue reading to find out more
information or call our accessores team at (503)861-1144.
What is a Tonneau Cover?
A tonneau cover in current automotive terminology is a hard or soft cover that spans the back of a pickup truck to protect the load from weather elements or thieves, or to improve aerodynamics
Types of Tonneau Covers
If you are looking to add a cover to the bed of your truck, there are primarily 5 different styles to choose from: Snap-on, Roll-up covers, retractable covers, folding covers, and solid one-piece covers.
With so many styles to choose from, the question is which is the right choice for your truck. The answer to that question depends on what your truck is used for. If you’re using it as a daily driver to haul groceries and other little things around, then the right fit would be a cover that looks good and can be used whenever you need it. If you’re using your truck for work by hauling supplies and needing to get in and out of it more, something sturdy and easy to use would suit best.
Snap-On Cover
Snap-on covers are typically the least expensive, but also the least durable. They are made of a fabric material that has more potential for wear and tear compared to our hard-shell cover options. Snap-on covers are easy to use for quick access to your truck bed, and are light in weight, which could possibly help keep that gas mileage up.
Roll-Up Cover
The roll up tonneau cover operates exactly as it sounds. This cover rolls up towards the front of the truck and comes in many different materials from soft covers to hard covers that are more protective. The roll up covers ranges in price but is the most popular as it is typically the most affordable. They are great for odd-shaped items as this cover can expose as little or as much of your truck bed as you want. Roll-up covers typically come in a soft-shell fabric material, but also are available in a hardened composite material for a little higher price.
Folding Cover
Along with the roll-up cover, the folding covers are amongst the most popular. Folding covers vary from 2-4 panels with the ability to expose part of your truck bed or the full thing. These covers are typically made of a hard-composite material with metal hinges for a sturdy cover that looks great.
Retractable Cover
Retractable tonneau covers are typically the most expensive, as they look stylish and sleek, while being convenient. Retractable covers are made of metal or a hardened composite material to provide the best protection from theft and break-ins. They roll up towards the cab of the truck, allowing for any desired amount of exposure to your truck bed. This can be done manually, or electronically with just the click of a button. Retractable covers come in both soft fabric and hard composite material, and most of them come with a locking mechanism to protect what's inside.
Hinged (One Piece) Cover
A hinged cover props up hinges near the cab and is held up by struts. Hinged covers are typically made of a hard composite material, are very durable and do a great job of protecting what’s inside, while also being simple to open and close.
1. What does Tonneau mean?
Tonneau refers to the open area in the back of a car or truck.
2. What is a tonneau cover?
A tonneau cover in current automotive terminology is a hard or soft cover that spans the back of a pickup truck to protect the load from weather elements or thieves, or to improve aerodynamics.
3. How much does a tonneau cover cost?
Tonneau covers a range in price from a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars, depending on the style and materials, with hard tops typically costing more than soft tops.
4. Does having a cover over your truck bed improve your gas mileage?
Most tonneau cover companies will claim that they do improve your gas mileage by eliminating drag. However, one could argue that the added weight negates any added gas mileage. So, if you are looking for a tonneau cover that is dependable and saves you some money, a soft top would be the choice for you because it is lighter in weight.
5. Should I get a hard-shell or soft-shell cover?
This decision will depend on the usage of your tonneau cover and your budget. If you are looking for something more durable and safer to protect your belongings, the hard top is the right choice. If you want something cheaper in price, but still effective at covering the bed of your truck, then the soft top tonneau cover may be a better option.
6. Can I install a tonneau cover myself?
Soft tops are easier to install than hard tops but still may require multiple people to do so. You also run the risk of improper installation leading to the tonneau cover not operating properly. Lum’s Auto Center has certified trained technicians ready to install your tonneau cover for you!
7. Are all covers waterproof?
Rarely will a tonneau keep all the water out and your bed completely dry. Solid one-piece covers are the best at keeping rain and moisture out as they are not meant to be removed frequently. Hard tops also do a better job of keeping water out compared to soft tops.