Bed Covers
Retractable Cover
A retractable cover is a variation of a rolling cover, but instead of it rolling on top of your truck bed, it rolls into a canister inside the bed. The top surface is usually constructed from sturdy aluminum slats that glide on ball bearings for ease of operation.
A popular choice here is the Retrax Pro XR. It has a great look, and since it’s all metal, it’s one of the most secure covers on the market. Plus you can lock it in place wherever you want, depending on how much bed access you need.
The ease of use of a retractable cover makes it ideal for those who need to open and close their truck bed cover frequently. The canister that stores the rolled-up cover takes up a bit of space in the bed, but on the plus side, a retractable cover is the easiest to use and maintains the clean lines of your truck.
Another nice feature is the option of a track system: slots built into the top of the side rails which allow you to install third-party racks and other accessories to carry cargo over your bed, perfect for your next adventure.
Installation for the Retrax Pro XR takes about thirty minutes with two people.
Hard Folding
Hard-folding covers work just like soft-folding ones with one major difference: an extra layer of security provided by a rigid surface as opposed to a soft top. It not only helps protect your valuables, but also makes the cover super strong. Believe it or not, covers in this category can hold up to 600 pounds of distributed weight.
Check out the Extang Solid Fold 2.0. This trifold cover is constructed with a one-inch thick, dent-resistant hard panel. This is a smart choice for those who need real security without the need for 100% bed access, as the trifold offers 2/3 bed access when fully opened.
If you routinely need the use of your full truck bed, hard quad-folding covers are the ideal all around choice. They offer real flexibility and great features, like full bed access when completely open and great security when closed. They are great for moving large pieces of furniture across town and securing tools in the truck bed.
So, let’s talk about the BAKFlip MX4: it opens fully in seconds with dual cable releases, allowing the cover to be opened from either side. It folds up vertically and is secured against the cab with prop rods for driving fully open. And the MX4 closes just as easily with slam latches that lock each section of the cover as it shuts. The versatility and good looks of the MX4 has made it the number-one selling hard cover on the market. Installation requires just a couple of tools and takes about twenty minutes.
Hard Rolling
A hard-rolling cover gives you the ease of a soft-rolling cover, paired with the security of a hard top. They operate the same as a soft-rolling cover, but the top is reinforced with heavy-duty aluminum slats below the matte black vinyl top.
A hard-rolling cover is a good choice for dirt bike owners. Its full-bed access allows you to carry your bike to the trail, while keeping your extra gear/helmets safe and secure.
The BAK Revolver X4s is a smart choice here. In spite of its rugged and sturdy construction, an innovative design allows the top to be rolled with the greatest of ease. It features a cable release on both sides that allows you to open the cover from either side. Installation takes about twenty minutes.
Soft Rolling
Some people just prefer the intuitive use of a rolling cover. A couple of the pros include full truck bed access and ease of use. In general, rolling covers open from the rear and roll up to the front like a carpet.
Soft-rolling covers are designed for general family use—keeping groceries dry and securing basic bed cargo. You can drive with the cover fully open. This full-bed access is handy for hauling ATVs and other recreational vehicles.
A great option in this category is the TruXedo TruXport. It features a heavy-duty hook and loop system that fastens the cover firmly along the side rails. And it opens as easy as releasing the dual triggers in the rear and securing it against the cab with the provided straps. Installation is easy, using just simple tools, and takes about twenty minutes.
The premium choice in this category is the TruXedo Pro X15, featuring a black matte material bonded to a vinyl top. Its contemporary appearance looks great on any pickup. The Pro X15 sports a low profile, as it attaches using a rail system inside the bed. This allows the stake bed pockets to remain open and available for use. Another advantage is a one-handed, single trigger release. This cover takes about twenty minutes to install. The Pro X15 should be on the top of your soft-rolling list.
Soft Folding
Soft-folding covers are perfect for basic family use—things like protecting your sports gear from the elements and keeping your cargo from flying out and becoming projectiles. These types of covers feature a heavy-duty, leather-grained vinyl, drawn over a framework that allows them to be folded up in sections.
A great choice here is the Extang Trifecta 2.0. It’s a breeze to install, thanks to clamps that attach the cover directly to your bed rails without the use of any tools, so it takes about five minutes. Its trifold design and lightweight construction also make it easy to remove when you need full bed access.
One-Piece Lid
A retractable cover is a variation of a rolling cover, but instead of it rolling on top of your truck bed, it rolls into a canister inside the bed. The top surface is usually constructed from sturdy aluminum slats that glide on ball bearings for ease of operation.
A popular choice here is the Retrax Pro XR. It has a great look, and since it’s all metal, it’s one of the most secure covers on the market. Plus you can lock it in place wherever you want, depending on how much bed access you need.
The ease of use of a retractable cover makes it ideal for those who need to open and close their truck bed cover frequently. The canister that stores the rolled-up cover takes up a bit of space in the bed, but on the plus side, a retractable cover is the easiest to use and maintains the clean lines of your truck.
Another nice feature is the option of a track system: slots built into the top of the side rails which allow you to install third-party racks and other accessories to carry cargo over your bed, perfect for your next adventure.
Installation for the Retrax Pro XR takes about thirty minutes with two people.
Truck Caps
Truck caps are also called “camper shells.” They’re great for transporting lots of camping gear and provide peace of mind that your sleeping bag and firewood will still be dry after a heavy rain. When locked, they keep your hunting and fishing gear dry and secure. In short, they are perfect for the outdoorsman.
The ARE Overland is a popular choice in this category. It is color-matched to your truck and really adds to your ride’s look, feel, and profile. Keep in mind that all cargo that rides under a cap has to be loaded in from the back of the truck.
Because of the size and weight of a truck cap, installation is done in house.