Tonneau covers are a great way of protecting cargo in your truck bed. There are so many different variations according to installation and operation. Some of these types are retractable, folding, hinged and snap-on covers.  In this article, we are looking at the material classifications of the Tonneau covers which are soft and hard covers.

Many people tend to purchase a Tonneau cover for their trucks as it adds a layer of protection. Nobody will be tampering with the cargo in the truck bed and there will also be less maintenance for you to do by way of cleaning as the cover will keep dirt and debris away.  Many Tonneau covers are designed to cut down drag and improve the aerodynamics of your truck. And this can improve your fuel economy as well.

You will be able to enjoy weather protection for cargo when you purchase a Tonneau cover. These are easier to use compared to roll up covers. The decision on whether to select hard or soft Tonneau covers will depend on your budget as well. Hard Tonneau covers tend to be more expensive as they are made of better quality materials. However, these have more weight compared to a soft cover so it can be difficult to carry them around.

You need to consider your priorities when deciding between the two cover options. If security is your priority, then it is best to select a hard Tonneau cover. However, if you are looking for more flexibility and something that is more affordable, a soft Tonneau cover is recommended. Hard covers are made with a variety of materials. Some of these materials are fibreglass, plastic and aluminium. These come with sturdy constriction and there is a design for holding the cover open along with opening and closing the cover.

Hard covers are a great way of protecting your cargo from would-be thieves and weather damage such as rain, hail, snow, UV radiation etc. There is also a sleekness to hard covers that is hard to achieve with a soft cover. Installation will be a little difficult given the weight of the hard cover. These covers are secured by two pins which make it impossible for thieves to remove the cover without the locking mechanism or key.

If you are looking for something lightweight, then a soft Tonneau cover is your solution. The materials are not as sturdy as a hard cover but there is a higher level of versatility with these. You can store this inside the truck and use when required. These are made of vinyl or nylon usually. And an advantage you will have with soft covers over hard covers is that there is more room to store cargo.

You can customise the shape and size of the cover according to the measurements of your truck and it will also be cost effective. Given the lightweight of the cover, it is easy to install them. You will be able to do it on your own as well.