Many truck owners have adventurous souls with the eagerness to drive off-road. If you’re one of those who enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, then planning an outdoor escapade is a must. But before you step on the pedal, does your pickup truck have the essentials for your adventure? If the truck bed is still bare, do you really need a tonneau cover?
Benefits of a tonneau cover
Out of many truck accessories, a tonneau cover (others call it a truck bed cover) is one of the most beneficial and easy to use. It snugly fits over the bed of your truck, protecting the items from damaging sunrays, rain, snow, and even prying eyes. Although tonneau covers come in different styles and materials, they shield your truck’s rear cargo bed against dirt, moisture, and other elements. Here are the benefits of using one for your vehicle.
Weather-proof
Suppose you're out in the wild, braving the elements like a modern-day Indiana Jones, when suddenly dark clouds gather above you. As the rain immediately pours, you can’t stop thinking of how you can shield your trusty tent and other camping gear from the downpour. Tonneau cover comes in handy by keeping your things safe and dry. Make sure to buy a cover sealed along the edges of the truck bed to deflect rain and water from getting inside.
Protects your stuff from pesky thieves
When you're out exploring the wonders of nature, the last thing you want is to return to your vehicle only to find your food and other belongings mysteriously vanished.
Wildlife is abundant in the great outdoors. You may even see the animals as you pass by while driving down the off-road trail. Unfortunately, some are not-so-friendly critters with sticky fingers. That's why a tonneau cover is beneficial to keep your belongings secure and out of sight from sneaky bandits.
Protects your valuable items from burglars
During your outdoor adventure, you’re going to leave your vehicle unattended. Thieves can quickly grab things from an exposed pickup bed. They can swoop your stuff within minutes and walk away like nothing happened.
Don't let the potential theft put a damper on the fun. Get yourself a tonneau cover and enjoy the freedom of knowing that your gear is secure. Using a lockable tonneau cover can ensure the safety of valuable items you place on the truck bed. It helps deter thieves by reducing the risk of theft or unwanted attention since the cover conceals your belongings from prying eyes.
Fuel economy
Tonneau covers can help you go the extra mile without guzzling up more fuel. It's a win-win for the environment and your wallet because of the fuel efficiency it provides to your vehicle.
When cruising down the highway, the open truck bed becomes a vortex of wind resistance that causes drag. Bed covers can help save a few extra bucks on gas, but not all truck owners are aware. Installing a hard tonneau cover reduces drag, making your pickup truck more aerodynamic.
Improve the vehicle’s looks
Providing security and fuel efficiency wrapped up in a stylish package—tonneau covers can improve a truck's appearance. You'll notice that your fellow adventurers stare longingly at your decked-out ride. Turning heads as you drive by when they see that you match the color of your vehicle with a bed cover. Choosing an exceptional one can complement the looks of your truck.
Many one-piece tonneau covers are available to perfectly match the paint color of different makes and models of pickups. Also, there are mechanized ones that provide sleekness to the truck while making it easier for you to open and close and do it hands-free.
Good for outdoor activities
Some people may think tonneau covers are just another gimmick and extra expense. But the truth is, outdoor activities and trucks go hand-in-hand. Exploring the outdoors can be enjoyed much better with the right aftermarket truck accessories.
Aside from suspension lifts and beefier tires, putting a bed cover is one of the common modifications for pickups. Choosing the right cover protects the items you place in the truck bed. But for those looking forward to an adrenaline-pumping off-road adventure, using a tonneau cover has its advantages, such as the following:
Camping
Camping is one of the most favorable outdoor activities. There’s nothing quite like building a fire to cook food, building a tent, then sleeping under the stars. However, different gear may be required to ensure a trouble-free adventure. For those who don’t want the hassle of setting up camp on the ground, there’s a bed cover that allows you to create a unique sleeping setting during camping.
You may choose a tonneau cover made of aluminum that can support over 450 pounds of dispersed weight. While your camping gear is locked safely underneath the bed cover, you can sleep on top of it. But for comfort and accessibility, you can find truck bed tents on the market.
Fishing
Another fun outdoor activity that requires a lot of gear is fishing. Aside from fishing poles, tackle, ice chests, and other stuff for fishing, you will need the rear cargo space to store items essential for the trip. A retractable tonneau cover is a great way to make your truck more functional because it lets you easily open and close the cover to access your belongings.
If you’re unsure how to put your pole on the truck bed without ruining it, you can do an easy DIY by creating a cheap rod holder and then velcroing it to the top of the tailgate. Even if you have a soft or hard tonneau cover, you can move and attach the pole by rolling the rod holder up and latching it down at the back end.
Hunting and hiking
Are you getting ready for the hunting season? Driving a pickup truck is an ideal vehicle for hunting enthusiasts. It is also a functional rig when you're fond of hiking, rock climbing, or just enjoying life on the road.
If you add a tonneau cover, you can take it to the next level and explore the advantage of a built-in rack system in your truck's bed. This setup allows you to improve the truck's storage, helping you make the most out of your journey. It also lets you organize all the gear and other essentials for your hunting or hiking trip.
A truck essential
Bid farewell to your worries about unpredictable weather and other factors that might ruin your outdoor adventure. Have peace of mind by putting a suitable tonneau cover on your truck. Aside from keeping your cargo safe and dry throughout your journey, it provides an added layer of security. Moreover, it offers a versatile and practical solution for your truck bed and all the gear you bring for your escapade.
