5 Top Most Durable Hard Tonneau Covers for Toyota Tundra | Reviews & Ratings
Hard Tonneau Covers for Toyota Tundra
We all know how significant the Tonneau cover is – for our truck .
Whether for protecting your cargo or improving the looks – Tonneau cover plays a important role in truck’s life.
It is one of the most important accessory for any truck. You cannot even imagine your truck bed without the bed cover.
The Bed covers or tonneau covers are basically needed to secure your cargo from being getting out from your truck bed while protecting your valuables from any foreign material and from outside weather.
Not only this- it gives your truck a pretty good look also !
Talking about the tonneau covers, we’ve hard and soft tonneau covers in the market but here we only talk about hard tonneau covers.
Finding a best bed cover is always a challenging task….
…..And if you are a pride owner of Toyota Tundra and seriously want to buy the hard tonneau cover for your truck then you landed at right place.
Here in this article we’ve done ground work and dig deep to extract best listed top 5 best Hard Tonneau covers that will fit in your toyota Tundra and provide full protection to your cargo.
Before Starting the list , let’s just discuss some sure shot facts about hard tonneau cover…
….Hard tonneau covers provide more security and protection to your cargo and are more expensive than soft tonneau covers.
There are many types of tonneau covers available in the market – let’s just have a look over the types of tonneau covers that will give you fair idea that which one suits your truck.
Types of Tonneau Covers
Folding Tonneau Covers
Comes in both hard and soft options Folding – Tonneau covers are one of the most popular tonneau covers. These comes in tri-fold or bi-fold style. Hard Cover mostly comes in aluminium or metal panels whereas Soft covers comes with vinyl or fabric panels.
Roll-Up Tonneau Covers
Roll-up tonneau covers also available with both soft and hard tops. Material used is different in soft and hard covers – Soft covers made up of tear-resistance fabric whereas hard covers comes with aluminium or metal rolling panels. These are one of the most affordable covers that provide ultimate protection along with instant installation.
Retractable Tonneau Covers
These covers are strongest covers that provide ultimate protection and converts your truck bed into vault. Comes in sleek, versatile and low profile design these covers also come with automatic locking, opening and closing system making it the most luxurious covers of all. These are somehow expensive than others but will worth for the money.
Hinged Tonneau Covers
Comes in both hard and soft tops these are another type of tonneau covers. The tonneau cover is hinged with tailgate and you can open it even with single hand. Along with providing protection to your bed it also offers perfect paint-matched option. So this will let you get tonneau cover similar to your truck’s color. Just like retractable tonneau covers these covers has high load capacity and shows ultimate level of protection.
Now before moving forwards let’s check some of the basic differences in Hard Tonneaus and Soft Tonneau covers that will surely helps you in deciding which one is better for you!
Differences : Hard Tonneau Covers vs Soft Tonneau Covers
Hard Tonneau Covers | Soft Tonneau Covers | |
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Price | Mostly Expensive ($400-$2000) | Less Expensive Under $500 |
Cover Matereials | Aluminum, polypropylene, and fiberglass | Polyster, Canvas, Vinyl Supported by Aluminum Frame |
Security | More Security | less Secure |
Locking | Locked Tailgate Converts bed into vault | Key or Padlock |
Resist water from entering | less resistance | Complete Resistance |
Weight Rating | can withstand upto 400-500 lbs | can withstand upto 30-40lbs |
Overall Weight | Heavy Covers | Lightweight |
Designs Available | Rolling, folding, Retractable, Hinged | Rolling and folding |
Ease of Installation | Takes Time (Difficult to install) | Install Easily in no time |
Truck Bed Access | Full Bed Access with Folding , Rolling & Retratable | Less bed Access than hard covers |
Durablity | Highly Durable | Less Durable |
Bed Accessories | Proves Best with Accessories | Less compatible |
Looks | Rugged & Sturdy | Smooth and Uniform |
Bed Profile Design | Low-Profile design sit on bed rails | Standard profile design sit an inch to 2 inches above the truck bed side rails |
Protection from Foreign materials | Best in protection | Less protected |
We hope that this table will clear the major differences between hard & soft covers, you can decide accordingly.
Now after knowing about the types -the second most important thing that comes into mind is, what are the things that are important or you can consider while buying tonneau cover..
So answering this question we have listed some points that will surely help you in making your decision while buying tonneau covers.
Things to consider before buying Tonneau Covers
Compatibility
The first and foremost thing is to consider while buying tonneau cover is compatibility. You should always make sure that tonneau cover that you’re planning to buy is compatible with your truck. For that, you should always check the size of your truck and tonneau cover.
Moreover, if you’re having some extra accessories in your truck, that can be truck bed liner, bed extenders, truck tool boxes, utility track system or anything else, then make sure the tonneau cover that you’re choosing gives you perfect fit with all these upgrades. And, the compatibility factor is quite important as you always buy that cover which matches with your existing upgrades otherwise you will feel that you could have wasted your money.
Need
The 2nd most important point to take care of while getting tonneau cover for your truck is your need or purpose of buying. Tonneau covers are meant for protection and security, though you can also`get good looks with improved efficiency `but primarily they are made to protect your cargo or anything that is in your truck bed from foreign elements.
So, it depends upon your requirement and purpose for which you’re buying it for. There are multiple types of tonneau covers in the market that comes with various functions and qualities – like Hard covers offers excellent protection with good looks while soft covers offer less protection as compared to hard covers and also comes in less price.
Whereas, there are also Retractable tonneau covers available in the market that will totally convert your truck into fully armored truck with its ultimate level of protection. These cover also offers easy operation with its remote controlled functions. So, it totally depends upon your requirement, how you are planning to use it.
So, this is our recommendation if you’re buying just to add good looks and coolness to your truck then go for soft tri fold covers as those are least expensive and serves best to your purpose, while if you’re looking for some extra protection for your cargo then go for the Hard covers. However, there are Retractable covers also in the high range that comes with remote control functions , so only go for retractable covers if you’re ready to spend more…
Installation
Everyone like quick and easy installation. Mostly all of the tonneau covers comes with installation guide and instruction along with necessary hardware. But some can be installed in 10-15 mins while other take 1-2 hours also. It’s totally depend upon the cover , as some covers comes with bolt on option while other clamped easily on bed rails. And some covers require drilling holes . So, it depends upon you whichever you feel would be better for you – you can choose according.
Maintenance (How to Clean and maintain)
We all know tonneau cover is one of the expensive and important accessory for the truck – that’s the main reason- it requires that much level of maintenance also. The more you maintain it, the more time it will stay with you.
Maintenance is not that difficult task. Just you have to do some regular checks that everything is working fine or not. Keep checking for any debris, dust, corrosion or anything else that does not look normal. Always make sure that clamps, bolts and other mounting hardware won’t be loose otherwise it will damage your cover.
Double-check your bed rails and never leave any heavy gear or load on the tonneau cover to ensure its long life operation. Moreover, you can also clean it with water and mild soap.The soap is easy on the truck and won’t harm your cover.
If you have a vinyl cover, use vinyl cleaner to keep it looking new and working properly. You can also use soft cotton cloths or sponges to dry it off.
Price
Last but not the least, this is one of the most important factor that you need to consider while buying tonneau cover for your truck. Its obvious everyone wants to buy that cover only which comes under the budget and offers the best quality.
Always choose tonneau cover according to your requirement, that will decide the price for the cover. The most cheaper ones are soft covers that offers low to medium level of protection along with good looks whereas hard covers are the expensive than soft ones and offers high level of protection.
The most expensive ones are Retractable tonneau covers that not only offers protection, security and fuel economy but also comes with remote control operation- that means, to open or close the cover- you just need a button and that’s it. These are also the strongest tonneau covers of all.
So, it depends upon You-go for best tonneau cover that comes under your budget.
if you’re looking to spend more and want strongest covers in the market , then you can check our buying guide for rectractable tonneau covers also >> Top 3 Best Retractable Tonneau covers for Toyota Tundra – Most Strong Covers Buying Guide
Now without wasting much time let us move towards our list of top 5 best Hard Tonneau Covers for your Toyota Tundra that helps you in choosing the best of best bed cover under your budget.
So Here we Go!
5 Best Hard Folding Tonneau Covers for Toyota Tundra
#5 Extang 83461 Solid Fold 2.0 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
Sick in seeing your valuables soaked in rain or blown away along with high winds. Its time to lock-down your truck bed with the Extang Solid Fold Tonneau cover.
With the unbeatable protection against thieves and from outside weather the Extang Solid Fold Tonneau Cover also protect your bed against wind drag improving fuel economy.
Being the America’s best selling hard folding tonneau cover it is the perfect way to upgrade your truck.
It provides complete security by simply locking your tailgate. Installed and removed in seconds you don’t need any special tools while assembling .
The Extang Solid Fold 2.0 is a hard, tri-fold truck bed cove made with dent-resistant TPO panels and integrated snap on seals.
The Solid Fold is an incredibly durable and weather resistant hard folding truck bed cover
Thanks to the Extang’s exclusive texture matte finish that gives the 2.0 an un matched OEM look.
The Solid Fold’s lightweight design and Extang’s patented clamping system make the Solid Fold 2.0 Tonneau one of Extang’s most versatile and popular truck bed covers
Featuring the Extang’s exclusive, hard polymer rubber corner. Hinge caps and snap-on seals that gives you ultimate weather protection as its blade-style seals help maintain a weather resistant barrier between your truck bed and the elements.
Being the dent resistance the Solid Fold 2.0 cover also gives you protection from UV rays.
Moreover it comes with patented EZ-Lock clamp that requires your minimal physical effort to operate and self-locks in position when attached to the bed flange for added security.
The Extang Solid Fold 2.0 truck bed cover is the most versatile and secure cover that can last long for years.
So with this you don’t need to care about your valuable and cargo as the Solid Fold 2.0 creates a secure layer of protection for your belongings/cargo.
Check out Customer Reviews & Ratings
Key Features
- Fits to Tundra (5 1/2 ft) 2014-21 (with rail system)
- Install in minutes
- Dent Resistance, Gives UV Protection will never fade
- Lightweight Panels and Hinges Make opening and Closing much easier
- Made with Automotive Grade Thermoplastic Skin
- OEM Texture Matte Finish
- Most versatile and Secure Bed Cover
- Best water Resistance
#4 Tonopro Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
Safeguard your cargo and valuable from outside weather , dust or heavy winds with the TonoPro Hard Folding Tonneau Cover.
With the optimum durability level , the TonnoPro Hard Folding panels are made of 1.5 mm FRP, 15mm PP Honeycomb, a durable polymer that resists dents, fading, and scratches. This material doesn’t absorb heat like aluminum and other metals do.
Tonopro Hard folding comes with ultimate level of security with its E-Z Clamping system that locks down the cover from the inside, securing your belongings from the elements and any on-lookers.
This bed cover proves to be 100% waterproof and resist any droplets of water from entering into the bed with its water repellant seals that works in conjunction with fitted polymer corner pieces.
Moreover the attractive low-profile appearance can improve gas mileage by reducing wind drag.
Coming to the Installation – Tonopro hard folding tonneau cover is completely assembled in the box with no assembly of loose parts needed. In fact, no tools or drilling are required so installation takes only a few minutes.
This is the latest hard tonneau cover for 2022-2023 Toyota Tundra models. Moreover, this is most affordable cover with all features.
Check out Customer Reviews & Ratings
Key Features
- Made for 2022-2023 Toyota Tundra 6’6″ bed (78.7″)
- Excellent protection against all weather conditions
- Completely assembled in the box
- Ready to install in minutes with no tools required
- Constructed with FRP Honeycomb, a durable polymer that resists dents, fading, and scratches
- Mounting clamps are the part of cover itself so no misplacing!
- Hard Foldign design for easy operation
- Attractive appearance also increases the gas mileage
#3 Undercover FX41007 Flex Hard Folding Truck Bed Cover
Undercover brand is the product and company to meet all of your needs and expectations and its main goal is to build a company that sets the standard for high product quality, value and superior customer service.
The UnderCover Flex is a hard folding tonneau cover that gives you the ultimate control of your truck bed, offering three secure riding positions.
The Three positions are full coverage, 3/4 bed access, and full bed access with the cover in a propped position for maximum storage.
The cover is easy to remove, requires no drill for installation, and is mounted flush with your trucks bed rails making it the most water-tight hard folding cover on the market.
Each panel is made of high quality FRP composite material; which is lighter, stronger, and more dent resistant than aluminium.
Moreover the Care is also very easy as it can be hand washed with mild soap and water or cleaned in a car wash. Just ensure not soap residue is left over.
The bed cover comes with Slam latches that attached flex panels to the covers mounting rails making it simple to operate from either side of the truck.
It also comes with the pros rods that conveniently stow in rubber coated clips and stay out of the way.
Check Out Customer Reviews & Ratings
Key Features
- Fits to 2007+ Models Toyota Tundra 5.5ft Short Bed Crew MAX
- Ultimate control by three secure riding position
- Ultra Low Profile deisng allows full access to bed
- Easy to remove
- No Drilling
- Can be removed in seconds without tols
- FRP Composite material resistant than aluminium
#2 BAK Industries BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Cover
Safeguard your cargo and valuables from the outside weather and thieves with the top rated BakFlip MX4 Truck bed cover.
From its sleek contemporary styling to its state of the art function, the BAKFlip MX4 hard folding heavy-duty truck bed cover has been enhanced with a premium density foam core, upgraded latch housing components, and an all-new integrated tailgate seal that allows the tailgate to be closed with the cover up or down.
The Bed cover has all the features along with ultimate security.
This hard folding tonneau cover easily clamps on with no drilling and provides outstanding security against rain, snow, theft, dirt and sun.
Built with heavy duty aircraft grade aluminum panels coated with a premium matte finish for superior UV and scratch resistance.
Moreover the BAKFlip MX4 is relatively light, yet offers heavy duty durability. You can easily rely on this bed cover while travelling, camping or going anywhere.
The Bed cover comes with corrosion proof EPDM rubber hinges for complete security to your truck.
It operates easily from either side of the truck, gives you full access to your truck bed and provides unparalleled style. With this you can easily haul largo cargo without even remove the truck bed cover.
It can secure your cargo by locking you tailgate as it comes with durable prop rods that secures it in upright position and also can eb folded in minutes.
Talking about the maintenance-you can simply wash normally with soap and water.
It combines a resilient infrastructure with a sleek, flush-mount, low –profile design finish that makes it more attractive.
It comes with 3 year warranty.
Check out Customer Reviews & Ratings
Key Features
- Fits 2007+ All Models TOYOTA Tundra w/OE track system 5′ 6″ With Track System
- Easy Installation.no Drilling!
- Comes with durable aluminum panels that features Matte finish and gives Outstanding Security against weather
- Easy to wash and maintain
- Built with aircraft grade aluminum sandwich panels
- Relatively light, yet offers heavy duty durability
- Gives attractive look with sleep low profile design and also maintains visibility to the third brake light when folded toward the cab
- Backed up with 3 year warranty
#1 GATOR Trax Retractable MX Tonneau Truck Bed Cover (Matte)
If you’re not aware about Gator then let me tell you Gator is well known brand that offers best in class products and customer service.Gator offers high class truck bed covers that protects your valuables from being damaged.
You don’t have to compromise when choosing a tonneau cover for your truck as the Gator Trax Retractable MX encompasses the best features of different types of covers.
Made from Industrial strength heavy-duty aluminum the Gator MX can have load capacity more than 500 pounds.
It is one of the most durable cover you’ve ever seen and the top strongest cover in our list!
The GatorTrax MX cover is powder coated with a durable matte black finish which basically enhances its look.
Thanks to its exclusive use of ball-bearing that prevents the cover from binding when opening or closing it. Moreover the cover rolls up in canister without contacting itself so there will be no wear and tear over its lifetime cycle.
Time to good bye to old jammed bearings as Gator Trax MX rolls over the sealed ball bearing mounted on the rails which means you don’t have to remember to lubricate the bearing.
The GatorTrax MX cover locked at any position where ever you want to lock it .
Being UV protected it will never fade and does not require any maintenance. It also improve mileage by up to 10%.
The attractive low profile design make it look more attractive. The cover comes with limited lifetime warranty.
Check out Customer Reviews & Ratings
Key Features
- Custom fit to 2007+ models Toyota Tundra 5.5 FT. Bed w/Deck System
- Incredible Strong and easy to use
- Combines industrial strength aluminum construction with an incredibly resilient matte finish.
- Low-profile design enhances the appearance of your truck.
- Unlimited hauling flexibility and convenient use with a fifth-wheel trailer
- Secures your valuable cargo or stays open whenever and wherever you need it
- UV protected
- Improve Mileage up to 10%
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Benefits of Having Tonneau Covers
Protection and Security for your Truck bed
The main benefit of having tonneau cover is the protection and security of anything whether it is cargo or anything else that you keep in your bed. Tonneau cover locks your bed and make it complete closed vault that will safe your cargo from being jumping out and also provide protection against any thieves.
Moreover it protects your cargo or bed from being exposed to UV rays while in rainy season keeps your cargo dry all the time. With some of the tonneau covers that comes with complete locking mechanism you can even safeguard your valuables along with other items.
Increase Durability and Life of truck bed
It also provides protection to your bed as due to rain, dust or UV rays or any other foreign material, there are high chances that your truck bed will damage due to corrosion– But with tonneau cover, you can ultimately increase the life of your truck bed by not letting it exposed to external weather.
Safe Transportation of Luggage or Cargo
Apart from providing security to your cargo, the tonneau covers also provide safe transportation of your luggage or any cargo. So whether you’re hauling or going to camping with your family, tonneau cover will allow you safely carry your camping gear or any other valuable without getting exposed to rain, snow, wind or any other foreign material.
So, if you’re planning to go out with your family or friends and finding difficulty in carrying your gears or tent with yourself then you must need a tonneau cover in your truck.
Even if you’re going to your work, you can easily keep your equipment safe in your truck bed with the bed cover installed in it.
Improved Fuel Economy
This is the other most important benefit you will get along with the first 2 advantages. This is one of the advantage of the tonneau cover that most of the truck owners fail to observe.
After installation of tonneau cover you will get to notice increase in fuel economy of your truck, no doubt that will not very high but yes… it will create impact in long run.
A tonneau cover will help reduce aerodynamic drag and can improve gas mileage. It will cover your truck into vault and your bed will generate less air drag as compared to open bed as showing in the pic below. This will increase your mileage by around 5%, some vehicles area also able to save even 10%.
Better Organisation of Cargo
With the tonneau cover installed in your bed you can better arrange your cargo in organised way as it will eliminate any impact of wind on the cargo. This will allow you to add more cargo or valuables in your bed as if you keep your cargo in proper organised way then then every inch of your bed is being used effectively.
Increase Resale Value
This is the long run benefit you will get after installing tonneau cover in your truck. As the cover protects your truck bed by not letting it exposed to external weather condition, it will make your truck look like new without any wear or corrosion signs that will automatically increase the value of your truck while reselling.
Frequent Asked Questions about Hard Tonneau covers for Dodge RAM 1500
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Is hard tonneau cover worth it for Toyota Tundra?
Ans. There is no doubt that hard tonneau covers are way better than soft tonneau covers. While hard tonneau covers are expensive but they have much more benefits than any traditional soft cover. Worth every penny, these can last long , give ultimate protection , gives impressive looks and multiple other benefits. So, the Answer is yes, hard tonneau covers are worth to buy.
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How do you measure a Toyota Tundra Truck bed?
Ans. It is easy to measure a Toyota Tundra bed with 3 simple steps
STEP 1 : Place your measuring tape at the bulkhead of your Toyota truck bed.
STEP 2 : Moving along your bed rail, extend the measuring tape to the inside edge of the top of your tailgate. Record the measurement in inches.
STEP 3: Divide the number of inches by 12 to determine the length of your truck bed in feet. Your bed length is the number of feet and residual inches (i.e. 5’8″) For instance if it comes out to be 67 inches then divide it by 12 to make it 5 feet 7 inches.
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Does hard tonneau covers keep water out from your bed?
Ans. There are multiple premium options in the market that claims to give complete waterproofing, but there will always be some space left around the hinges alongside the cab or through the openings around the tailgate, where few drops of water might come. So, no tonneau is perfectly watertight. Be ready to experience little or no amount of water. But if you’re getting premium tonneau covers by spending thousands of dollars then that will definitely enhance the chances of getting less water into thr truck.
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How much does hard tonneau cover cost for pickup trucks ?
Ans. Tonneau covers basically comes in different price options depending on the type of cover you’re buying. For instance, soft tonneau covers are less expensive whereas hard tonneau covers are sometimes double the cost of soft covers. You can expect range of tonneau covers with prices as low as $200 up to $2,000 for premium options. On average, you can expect to pay about $500 for some of the better options with necessary features for your truck.
There are some premium tonneau covers also available in the market that can costs around as high as $3000 like electric powered retractable tonneau covers that comes with all premium features and ultimate level of protection with automatic operation.
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How much time it will take to install a tonneau cover?
Ans. Usually it takes around 35-45 minutes to install a tonneau cover, depending upon the material – where soft covers are easy to install and takes less time whereas on the other hand, hard tonneau covers will take sometimes an hour to install if you’re installing it first time.
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Do tonneau covers increase gas mileage?
Ans Tonneau covers improve your gas mileage by sealing your pickup truck bed from this airflow, which improves the aerodynamics. A tonneau cover will help reduce aerodynamic drag and can improve gas mileage. It will cover your truck into vault and your bed will generate less air drag as compared to open bed as showing in the pic below. This will increase your mileage by around 5%, some vehicles area also able to save even 10%.
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Can you go on a carwash with hard tonneau cover installed on it?
Ans. While there is safe to get wash while having hard tonneau cover installed on it but you can also keep in mind with which material hard cover is made of. A hard-top tonneau made of fiberglass or hard plastic should be able to go through a car wash without causing any damage. If your tonneau is painted, you may want to go through a touchless car wash so as to not scrape the finish.
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What material is a tonneau cover made from?
Ans. Tonneau covers mostly comes in 5 different materials (hard tonneau covers are mostly made from sturdy aluminum panels with a polymer top surface or with fiberglass also.)
- Fiberglass: Most expensive and sturdy tonneau cover with tones of features
- Vinyl: Softer and most popular one
- Aluminum: Lightweight but tough, aluminum will keep your bed safe and secure. Easy to use and highly effective.
- Plastic / ABS: Molded plastic and ABS tonneau covers are extremely tough and weather resistant, while lightweight and easy to move around. It is stronger and durable than vinyl. However, vinyl covers are more flexible and sound proof.
- Canvas: Cheaper and lightweight for occasional use
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What are some popular Hard tonneau covers available in the market?
Ans . There are multiple brands in the market but there are some most popular brand that you can definitely have a look.
- Gator Tonneau covers: Overall best with reasonable price and best overall protection
- BAK industry Tonneau covers: Best protection with ultimate list of hard rolling covers
- Truxedo: best waterproof covers and affordable prices
- Tonno Pro : They provide best tri-fold covers in tight budget
- Rock N roll: Best Retractable tonneau covers with good price range
- LEER tonneau covers : Premium one with ultimate level of protection (comes in every type)
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed the article 5 Top Most Durable Hard Tonneau Covers for Toyota Tundra | Reviews & Ratings to its entire bits.
We do hope that this article helped you in making a definitive choice when it comes to choosing an Best and affordable tonneau cover for your Toyota Tundra Truck.
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Vicky Dwaj, Founder and CEO of TrucksEnthusiasts , is an automobile engineer passionate about pickup trucks and accessories. Follow his journey to discover the latest trends in off-road accessories, cars, and truck parts.