Truck
bed
covers are
attachments to a pickup truck's bed that protect against
weather and provide security from theft. This allows you
to store items in the bed away from the weather, from
damage, and from the prying eyes of thieves. Unlike
truck attachments like camper shells, bed covers do not
provide additional vertical
cargo
space. Bed
covers are best when you desire your truck to maintain a
low profile or when you wish for your
truck to have
an easy on, easy off cover for its beds.
1. Save
Gas!
As air flows over the front end of your vehicle, it
careens into the hollow bowl of your bed and produces
opposite force to your truck. This could easily eat
several miles from your gas mileage every time you use
your truck. These types of covers also provide extra gas
mileage by reducing air drag that is exacerbated by the
truck
bed - an
aerodynamic nightmare. You could even save about 10% on
your gas with a good
truck
cover!
2. About Bed Covers
- Strong, rigid canopy covers
- Protect your transport items
- Some are detachable
- Easy to install
- Do not restrict the use of your tailgate
3. History Of Truck Covers
Truck covers are also known as truck bed covers. They
have evolved from a number of versions that have been
designed for a different uses. Because of this, no one
person can claim to have invented the truck cover. Soft
covers gained became popular on major speedways. Sport
truck racers used soft truck covers to improve
aerodynamics and reduce drag. Hard top truck covers rose
in prominence as an alternative to camper shells. These
highly-customized truck bed lids evolved to suit the
various needs of truck drivers.
4. Truck Cover Storage Basics
When you need to transport items ranging from groceries,
to heavy furniture, the truck cover does the trick. The
cover shields your items from view, from the weather and
from damage. Even simple covers can sufficiently protect
your stuff. In some instances, truck covers employ
strategically-placed weather seals that channel the
moisture away from the covers. With such equipment,
truck owners have a greater peace of mind when
transporting items sensitive to such. With most models,
installation requires no drilling into the truck bed.
Black is the standard color offered by most
manufacturers, but many do offer a variety of other
colors. When purchasing a truck bed cover, you need to
decide between a hard cover (solid fiberglass) and a
soft cover (vinyl). The differences between the two are
highlighted below:
5. Hard Covers
Firmly attached, they do not blow off even at highway
speeds. They are available with hinge systems to allow
an easier lifting of cover to put or get cargo. It also
is secure and lockable. These hard covers weigh about
100 lbs. Hard covers are also more expensive than vinyl
covers. They are more durable and are also weatherproof.
6. Soft Covers
These, on the other hand, are easy to remove and
install. They often just snap on to the truck rails and
are ready to go. Although they may not be as tough as
hard covers, they are still strong enough to provide
protection for 1 to 2 people. If you are hauling large
cargo, these covers come off easily to accommodate the
extra space.
