A tonneau cover, a hard or soft cover placed over a truck's cargo bed, is a fantastic aftermarket add-on. Not only will you enjoy improved fuel mileage due to less wind resistance, but it also makes for a great place to safely store your gear.
For owners of America's best-selling pickup, the Ford F150, there are many bed cover options on the market. The main types you'll see for sale include roll-up, hard-folding, and soft-folding. All will help improve your truck's fuel efficiency, but not all offer the same features or price points.
To help you choose from truck tonneau covers for the one that fits your needs, we've compiled the best of each type from some of the industry's most reputable brands. At the end of this guide, we'll share the overall best covers based on price and features.
What Is A Truck Tonneau Cover?
A truck tonneau cover is a versatile accessory designed to cover and protect the cargo bed of your pickup truck. Tonneau covers come in various styles and materials, but they all share a common goal: to enhance the functionality and appearance of your truck.
Here are the key features and purposes of a truck tonneau cover:
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: One of the primary benefits of a tonneau cover is its ability to reduce wind resistance. When you're driving with an uncovered truck bed, the air flows into the bed and creates drag as it reaches the tailgate. This drag can have a negative impact on your truck's fuel efficiency. With a tonneau cover in place, it streamlines the airflow over the bed, resulting in improved gas mileage.
- Cargo Security: Tonneau covers provide a level of security for the items you carry in your truck bed. Whether you're hauling tools, equipment, or personal belongings, keeping them hidden and protected from the elements is crucial. Tonneau covers help shield your cargo from rain, snow, and prying eyes, reducing the risk of theft and damage.
- Weather Protection: If you've ever been caught in a sudden rainstorm while driving your truck, you know the frustration of trying to keep your cargo dry. Tonneau covers act as a barrier against rain, snow, and other weather elements, ensuring that your belongings remain safe and dry.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Tonneau covers add a sleek and polished appearance to your truck. They create a smooth, continuous surface over the bed, eliminating the exposed, cluttered look of an open cargo area. This improved aesthetics can also boost your truck's overall resale value.
- Versatile Storage: Tonneau covers offer a versatile storage solution. You can secure everything from groceries to camping gear under the cover, protecting your items from theft and weather damage. Some tonneau covers are even designed to support weight on top, allowing you to transport larger items without worry.
Pros & Cons Of Truck Tonneau Covers
Before you decide to invest in a truck tonneau cover for your Ford F-150, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a tonneau cover:
Pros:
- Cargo Protection: Tonneau covers offer excellent protection for your cargo against weather elements, theft, and damage during transport.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: By reducing wind resistance, tonneau covers contribute to better fuel mileage, potentially saving you money on gas in the long run.
- Enhanced Security: Closed and locked tonneau covers deter theft and keep your belongings hidden from view.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Tonneau covers give your truck a polished and sleek appearance, enhancing its overall look.
- Customization Options: You can choose from various styles and materials to match your truck's style and specific needs.
- Versatility: Some tonneau covers are compatible with additional accessories, allowing you to customize your truck bed further.
Cons:
- Cost: High-quality tonneau covers can be relatively expensive, although the investment may be worthwhile for the benefits they provide.
- Installation: While many tonneau covers are designed for easy installation, some may require professional assistance for proper fitting.
- Limited Bed Access: Certain tonneau cover styles may restrict access to the entire truck bed, making it challenging to load and unload larger items.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance may be necessary to keep your tonneau cover in optimal condition.
- Compatibility: Not all tonneau covers are compatible with specific truck bed accessories or configurations.
- Weight: Some tonneau covers add weight to your truck, which can affect payload capacity and handling.
Now that you know what a truck tonneau cover is, its benefits, and the pros and cons, let's explore the various types of tonneau covers available for your Ford F-150 truck bed.
Truck Tonneau Cover Vs. Bed Cover
Before we dive into the specific types of tonneau covers available for your Ford F-150, it's essential to clarify a common misconception – the difference between a truck tonneau cover and a bed cover.
In reality, these terms are often used interchangeably, and they refer to the same thing: a cover that protects your truck's cargo bed. Whether you call it a tonneau cover or a bed cover, you're talking about the same accessory.
Now that we've cleared that up, let's move on to the different types of tonneau covers for trucks that you can choose from for your Ford F-150.
Best Roll Up Cover For F150s
First up are roll-up covers, which, as their name implies, allow users to roll them toward the truck cab to expose the bed. These covers are popular for their simplicity and ease of access, ideal tonneau covers pickup truck owners want, who frequently access their truck bed.
TruXedo TruXport
The TruXedo TruXport soft roll-up tonneau cover is designed for newer F150s with the extra-short 5 ½-foot bed. This economical option offers a five-year warranty and easy 20-minute installation. With adjustable tension control and a dual-latching system, the TruXport ensures privacy and a clean appearance.
Its aerodynamic design improves gas mileage, and the unique hook and loop fastening system allows for full bed access in under 30 seconds, making it a practical choice for F150 owners.
Tonno Pro Lo-Roll
Designed for select late-model F150s, the Tonno Pro Lo-Roll is available for 5 ½, 6 ½, and 8-foot beds. This roll-up cover features dual-coated vinyl that resists rot and mildew. Its water-tight seals are carwash friendly, while the hook and loop fastening ensures easy access.
The low-profile design mounts inside the bed rails, offering a sleek look. With theft deterrence and a limited lifetime warranty, it's a decently secure and stylish choice for F150 owners.
Bestop EZ-Roll
For 11th and 12th-gen F150s with 5 ½ and 6 ½-foot beds (2004-2014), the Bestop EZ-Roll is a fantastic roll-up cover. Crafted from premium leather-grain textured vinyl, this cover sits atop the bed and secures with hook and loop fasteners.
What's more, the EZ-Roll's bed clamps ensure a hassle-free installation, while the design allows for quick tailgate access. Cold weather approved, the restraint straps keep the cover secure when rolled, offering both protection and convenience.
Best Hard Folding Cover For Ford Trucks
Hard folding F-150 tonneau covers are ideal for owners valuing security and style. With their sturdy build and design, they enhance a truck's look, offer peace of mind, and ensure cargo safety, all while improving aerodynamics.
Lund Genesis
The Lund Genesis Tri-Fold is a popular hard-folding tonneau cover for late-model Ford F-150s. Thanks to being available in 5 ½, 6 ½, and 8-foot bed options, the Genesis is a great option no matter your Ford F150 truck bed dimensions.
Crafted with soft textured vinyl and a powder-coated aluminum frame, it promises long-lasting durability. Additionally, the cover's water-tight seal ensures cargo remains dry, while its built-in clip-and-strap design allows for driving even when it's open.
Leer HF650M
The Leer HF650M hard quad-folding tonneau cover, available for 5 ½, 6 ½, and 8-foot beds, is a standout choice for Ford F-150 owners. With a 12mm low-profile design crafted from durable aluminum, it offers loads of flexibility with four robust panels.
The CYNC latching system ensures security, and its advanced water management negates the need for drain tubes. Offering full bed access and easy installation, it's both practical and stylish.
Tonno Pro Tri-Fold
Last up on our list of hard-folding tonneau covers is the Tonno Pro Tri-Fold, available for Ford F-150 trucks with 5 ½, 6 ½, and 8-foot beds. Crafted from marine-grade vinyl with an aluminum underbody, it promises longevity and a sleek appearance that will last.
The Tonno Pro Tri-Fold offers plenty of versatility to accommodate varied cargo sizes, and with its easy no-drill installation and low-profile design, it’s both a practical and aesthetic choice.
Best Soft Folding Cover Options
And then there are soft folding tonneau covers, offering a blend of convenience and protection for Ford F-150 owners. Lightweight yet durable, these covers provide easy access to the truck bed while protecting your cargo from the elements.
Bestop EZ-Fold
The first soft-folding Ford F150 truck bed cover on the list, the Bestop EZ-Fold, fits most 11th and 12th-generation models and comes in 5 ½ and 6 ½-foot configurations. Crafted from durable leather grain textured vinyl, it's both stretch and shrink-resistant.
Moreover, aluminum bows ensure superior support, while reinforced corners add strength. The cover's design allows for a quick installation without the need for bed rails, and integrated buckle straps make it easy to fold and access the bed’s cargo.
Extang Trifecta 2.0
Extang’s Trifecta 2.0 soft-folding tonneau cover will fit snugly on most 13th-gen Ford F150s, and comes in 5 ½, 6 ½, and 8-foot variants. This cover boasts a heavy-duty leather-grain fabric, offering both a low-profile appearance and robust protection.
The Trifecta 2.0’s’ innovative clamping system ensures a hassle-free installation, attaching seamlessly to your truck's bed flanges. With its EZ-Lock and Jaw-Grip Clamps, the cover ensures security without sacrificing appearance, making it a great choice for F150 owners.
Tonno Pro Soft Vinyl Tri-Fold
The Tonno Pro soft-vinyl tri-fold, tailored for newer F150s with 5 ½ or 6 ½-foot beds, offers quality craftsmanship and functionality. Its durable vinyl, complemented by a robust powder-coated aluminum frame, promises longevity and durability.
Beyond its low-profile shape, this cover introduces a no-drill hinged mechanism, allowing F150 owners to adapt to varying cargo needs easily. What's more, its intuitive clamping system ensures a secure fit, providing both peace of mind and a streamlined appearance.
The Overall F150 Winning Bed Covers Based On Price And Features
And now, the moment you've been waiting for, the best Ford F150 tonneau covers from each category based on price and features:
- Roll-Up Winner: Tonno Pro Lo-Roll - Tonno's Pro Lo-Roll stands out for offering a solid blend of affordability and essential features tailored for F150 owners, like dual-coated vinyl that resists rot and mildew, as well as water-tight seals that are carwash friendly.
- Hard-Fold Winner: Lund Genesis - As for hard-folding covers, the Lund Genesis takes the lead. This cover balances competitive pricing and convenient features, like soft textured vinyl and a powder-coated aluminum frame, ensuring long-lasting durability.
- Soft-Fold Winner: Tonno Pro Soft Vinyl - For those with a preference for soft-folding covers, the Tonno Pro Soft Vinyl Tri-Fold emerges as our top choice. It offers exceptional value without skimping on the key features, such as its no-drill hinged mechanism and a robust powder-coated aluminum frame.
Choose JEGS For All Your Pickup Needs
Thanks for checking out our list of the best Ford F150 truck bed cover options.
When it comes to enhancing your pickup's functionality and appearance, JEGS has your back. With a vast selection of quality products and a reputation for excellence, we're committed to helping you make the most of your pickup truck.
Still have questions? Contact our team today.
