Why You Want a Retractable Tonneau Cover

Retractable Tonneau Covers are among the most expensive styles of cover. So what is it that makes them so desirable? Why would you pay, in some cases, over a thousand dollars more for one of these versus a Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover, or other style? In this article, I will be exploring the many reasons why retractable tonneau covers are worth the extra money.

The first, and simplest reason for the expense is their ease of use and versatility. Retractable tonneau covers have the most lockable positions out of all the tonneau styles. This means you can have half of your bed covered to allow access to your fifth wheel hitch so you can get your trailer out to the camp site while keeping your cargo safe from the elements as you drive out. Likewise, there are various other positions that the top can be locked in, often as many as every 12". Perhaps you need to haul something large but you also want to carry cardboard boxes and you're worried about rain.

And yes, while it is true that you can get some partially open locking positions in the Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover style, there aren't as many. Another benefit to the retractable tonneau covers is that they are much easier to use. When you're folding up a Tri-Fold cover, there's a lot of latching and unlatching that needs to be done, and while it can be folded from one side it is an awkward process to get it folded up to the front. With retractable tonneau covers, all you have to do is fold down your tailgate, release the quick catches and keep a light grip on the pull line until it has fully retracted. It takes seconds rather than minutes with almost no work on your part.

Security is another benefit to the retractable tonneau covers. While all tonneau covers offer your truck bed added security, you won't get any better that with retractable covers. Many retractable tonneau covers lock against the tailgate to ensure they cannot be opened while you're away from the truck. The Pace Edwards JackRabbit has tonnes of rigid, laminated aluminum panels. Unlike in Tri-Fold Covers, there are no visible seams between them when the cover is closed, which means no weak points for thieves to try and cut through, as they are all covered over and interlocking.

Finally, storability is always key with tonneau covers. The retractable style cover rolls up into a small canister at the front of your truck bed, taking up very little space. The compact, enclosed storage also keeps your cover out of the sunlight when you aren't using it, which helps protect it from UV damage. If you need to move the cover to another truck or you have a very large piece of cargo you need to haul, the retractable tonneau covers can be removed quickly and easily. Their clamp on style allows you to simply undo the mounting clamps to remove both the canister and the rails, and requires no drilling to install on your vehicle. The only other cover style that offers this much versatility and compact design are the Roll-Up Tonneau Covers, which are inexpensive but not nearly as secure or long lasting.

The durability, versatility, and usability of Retractable Tonneau Covers is unparalleled. Yes, you will be spending more money. But you'll be buying a product that will last longer, take you further, and do more work for you than any other cover. Check out our collection of Retractable Tonneau Covers, browse our website to compare them with the rest of our wide selection of covers, and if you still have any question don't hesitate to contact us!

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

How to Install Your Tonneau Cover

Tonneau covers are a great addition to any pickup truck. Perhaps you’re thinking about purchasing a tonneau cover for your vehicle and want to be sure of the installation procedure prior to making the investment, or maybe you already have one that you’re preparing to install yourself. Either way, let me share some knowledge about how to install your cover!

Tonneau covers are usually installed with a simple clamping system that attaches the cover to your bed rails. There is no drilling or modification necessary, so even if your truck is leased, you have no worries about voiding any warranties or causing any unnecessary damage.

It is important that the rails are straight, since the cover will fold open and rest on these rails. If the rails are uneven, the cover might not close or seal properly. Soft Roll-Up covers often roll out and seal along the rails with Velcro, and Hard Tri-Fold tonneau covers often include latches that secure the cover to the rails. If the rails are not positioned accurately, you risk jeopardising the security of your truck bed.

Once the rails are installed, the rest is a breeze. The cover will generally latch or secure on starting at the cab end of your truck bed and roll or fold forward. The average installation time of a cover ranges from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on your skill level, the tools you have, and the type of cover you're installing. Some covers can be removed from the rails easily after the installation, allowing you to take the top on and off at will without having to do the full installation again.

Most tonneau cover installations are similar, but there are slight variations between different covers, so you might want to check the installation guide for your specific cover before attempting to install it yourself. All of the tonneau covers we sell on our website include installation guides and videos, which can be found in the product descriptions. If you plan on purchasing a tonneau cover, you may want to check out the installation guide for that specific cover. If you’re planning on buying a tonneau cover, but haven’t picked one out yet, take a look at these different tonneau cover categories.

       

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

Why You Want a Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover

We understand that sometimes making decisions can be tricky. Especially when you're shopping for one tonneau cover among the vast array of models that we offer. That's why we are here to make your decision a little bit easier.

Sometimes just perusing the website isn't enough, so I'm here to give you some reasons to purchase a Soft-Roll-Up Tonneau cover over the other styles.

Price point is an important factor in any purchase, if not one people generally want to talk about, and if you're shopping on a budget, or you have larger, more important purchases and are looking for a tonneau cover that is going to perform without breaking the bank, Soft Roll-Up covers are for you. Starting as low as $359.99 and rising to $879.99, you can't beat the price while still getting the quality offered with our products.

At Auto Truck Depot, we pride ourselves in offering you the best prices on tonneau covers and truck accessories in Canada. If you can find the same model priced cheaper elsewhere we will most certainly match it. Check out our price match policy for more details. We also offer free shipping in Canada (some exceptions apply) and a 30 day test and return policy that is unmatched in the automotive industry so that we can be sure you are satisfied with your purchase. Now, on to the interesting points.

The first point I always make with the Soft-Roll-Up cover is how compact it is. Fully unrolled, these tonneau covers have an extremely low profile, sitting around 1/2" to 1 1/2" above the top of your truck bed rails. This means a clean, aerodynamic style that makes your truck look sleek and professional while also potentially increasing your fuel efficiency by lowering drag.

When fully rolled up, the Soft Roll-Up tonneau style takes up almost no room in your truck bed. It can be rolled up easily from one side of the truck into a small bundle which is secured by buckles at the back of the cab. This way, you have access to your full truck bed if you need to move larger cargo like furniture, ATVs or building materials. Because the cover is secured, you can then drive safely, even on the highway. The only feature that is missing from the Soft Roll-Up is partial truck truck bed access. Some Tri-Fold and Retractable Tonneau covers can be secured in partially closed positions to allow you to keep some cargo covered while still using a fifth wheel hitch or carrying larger cargo as well. This feature is mostly important when protecting fragile cargo that you don't want to get wet or blown away, and is less effective for security.

My other favourite point to mention about the Soft Roll-Up covers is their versatility. As I mentioned, you can drive with them fully closed or fully open on any roads. One of the other great features with these tonneaus is that they are compatible with almost all bed rails, bed caps, bed liners, tailgate protectors, and many other truck accessories so you don't have to sacrifice the functionality of your truck bed for security.

If the compact, rolled up cover gets in the way, or you just need it off your truck for some reason, they can be removed in no time, easier than almost every other tonneau cover, when they are in the rolled up position. To top it all off, they are as easy to install as they are to take off!

Quick, clamp-on installation ensures that the majority of applications will require no drilling or modifications to your truck. This means that even if you're leasing a vehicle, or need to temporarily transfer the cover to another truck, you can do so in minutes with minimal tools. Tool use varies from cover to cover, but usually only requires one or two wrenches and a screwdriver.

Let's talk security and durability now. Soft Roll-Up Tonneau covers are not 100% impervious. A motivated thief with a knife could cut through the fabric and access the back of your truck box; however, most thieves will not be willing to risk being seen cutting open someone's tonneau cover in hopes that MAYBE there's something of value inside. Deterrents are often as effective as any other method.

In terms of durability and longevity, this style has got you covered. They are engineered to operate in all four seasons, and many of the Soft Roll-Up covers have removable powder-coated aluminum bows to both support the weight of, and funnel snow and water off the top of the cover. The vinyl fabric that makes up the top of the cover is constructed from durable, stretch resistant fabric that is UV protected, flexible, and weatherproof. If the fabric of your cover begins to come loose or looks like it's over-tightened, usually only caused by drastic temperature changes or age, these covers have built in tension adjusters so that you can be sure your cover will always be taut.

Soft Roll-Up Tonneaus have weather guard strips built in to the sides and the back end of the cover. These protect your cargo from water and dirt and are supported by heavy-duty Velcro that is generally used to hold down the sides of the cover. A weather stripping comes with the cover to install at the bulkhead of your truck bed to ensure a four sided seal. Many covers also feature an automatically latching system that secures your cover tight at the tailgate when you push it down in to place.

My last topic of discussion is maintenance. Unlike many of the more complicated styles of tonneau cover, the Soft Roll-Up covers have almost no moving parts and require very little maintenance. Washing them down every now and again to keep them looking clean and sharp is important, as it prevents unnecessary wear to the fabric and rails. You can also use the Tonno Tonic (shown above) after it has been cleaned to protect the cover from the elements and general wear. Check out our blog article on tonneau cover maintenance if you would like more details on cleaning your cover.

And there you have it! Durable, reliable, easy to use, install and remove, the Soft Roll-Up Tonneau cover has much to offer you and your truck bed, and they are designed to last! If the features mentioned above seem to match your needs, check out our wide variety of Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Covers to find the perfect one for you! Check out our blog on measuring your truck bed so that you have the right measurements before purchasing your new tonneau cover. We can also help you find out another piece of important information, what kind of cab your truck has based on manufacturer,. With all of this information, you can be sure we will get you the tonneau cover that is perfect for your applications!

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

How to Take Care of Your Vinyl Tonneau Cover

A tonneau cover is one of the most popular accessories you can get for your truck, and for good reason. They provide security for your truck bed and protection for your cargo against the elements. Having a tonneau cover can even increase gas mileage. Tonneau covers are a great investment, but they can be pricey, so you want to be sure to take care of it so it lasts as long as possible.

Here are some tips to help you make your vinyl tonneau cover last:

1. Keep the fabric tight

Don’t let your tonneau cover become loose. This will cause the fabric to flap in the wind, resulting in unnecessary stress to the fabric and premature wear. Most fabric tonneau covers, such as the Access Original Roll Up, have built in tension adjusters that can be used to keep the fabric on your cover tight and looking good.

2. Keep the cover closed when not in use

Avoid keeping your cover stored in the rolled up position for long periods of time. This can cause the fabric to lose elasticity, and exposes the interior components to UV rays that can cause premature wear.

3. Keep your cover clean

Your tonneau cover can accumulate dust and debris that can result in premature wear over time, but the good news is that this can be prevented with a little bit of cleaning.

Your tonneau cover can be hand washed or safely cleaned in any car wash with mild soap and water. Never use petroleum or citrus-based cleaners or silicone protectants when washing your cover, as these can damage the materials.

When washing your tonneau cover, it is ideal to park in a shaded or enclosed area and spray the cover so that it can soak completely. Prepare cleaning solution in a warm bucket of water. Dip a scrub brush in the solution and wash from the inside of the cover to the outside with a smooth side motion. Once complete, rinse the cover completely to remove all soap residue, and finish by covering your tonneau cover with a protective spray like Extang Tonno Tonic, which can help prolong the life of the fabric.

Completing these steps will ensure you keep your fabric tonneau cover looking great and lasting long.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

Rundown: BAK Revolver X2

The BAK Revolver X2 is a part of a unique class of tonneau cover that fits perfectly into two worlds. Unfortunately there aren't a lot of models available, and the Revolver is one of two that have made it on to Tonno Cover Depot. That class of tonneau cover is the Hard Roll-Up. Despite being few and far between, Hard Roll-Up Tonneau covers are potentially the most versatile of all tonneau covers. In this blog I'll walk through the benefits of the X2 to give you a better idea of what they're all about.

The greatest asset of the X2 is its compact size. Just like a Soft Roll-Up Tonneau, the Hard Roll-Up Covers roll into themselves to secure right behind your cab. The roll is a little thicker than the soft covers because of the hard construction, but they still allow you great visibility out your rear window when they're closed, if you need to drive that way. The X2 is constructed from aluminum, which means you don't need to worry about puncture damage like you do with soft top covers. It also means your truck bed is more secure against break ins and can support  up to 400 pounds of evenly distributed weight on top.

The roll can be performed easily by one person, with one hand even, so accessing your truck bed is a breeze. The X2 also installs quickly and easily, so you can be ready to go right away. Because of its roll up engineering, most extra large cargo can still be hauled in your truck bed without an issue, but if you do need to take it off to make something fit, it's simple. With no drill, no modification installation, you can put it on a leased vehicle or work truck, and you can switch from one truck to another relatively easily.

The BAK X2 have a unique locking block and rail system to help secure your truck bed. As you unroll the cover locking blocks along the cover engage the rotational locking rails. This means that as you roll the cover down, each segment locks, providing an exceptional seal against moisture and dirt. It also means that when you're driving, the cover will be sucked tight to prevent damage to the top and keeps it from coming loose.

Once the cover is secured, it can be released from either side with a quick release pullstring when the tailgate is open. With the tailgate closed, you won't be able to open the cover, securing it against thieves, especially when the tailgate is locked. When closed, the cover sits nearly flush to the top of your bed rails, giving it a sharp low profile look that is stylish and can improve your fuel economy.

If you're looking for a cover that's quick, easy to use and compact, yet still very durable, the BAK Revolver X2 is a great choice for you. It's great for those hauling fifth wheel trailers, or often find themselves hauling a wide variety of cargo. For more information, or to order please contact us at:

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.tonnocoverdepot.ca

10 Questions to Ask When Buying a Tonneau Cover

Tonneau covers are one of the most popular accessories you can add to your pickup truck, and for good reason. They provide security for your truck bed, protect your cargo from moisture, and can even save you gas mileage! There’s no doubt a tonneau cover can be a great investment, but there are a few questions you should consider before making a final decision.

1. What are your reasons for wanting a tonneau cover?

Are you looking to add more security to your truck bed, enhance the look of your truck, or add some versatility? There are various styles of tonneau covers to choose from, such as Soft Roll-Up, Hard Tri-Fold, Retractable or Hard One-Piece, and they all have their own set of pros and cons. Decide what you want out of a tonneau cover, because that will help your initial decision.

2. How will you be using your truck bed?

How do you use your truck and how often will you need access to your truck bed? All tonneau covers provide tailgate access, but some can pose limitations if you routinely need full truck bed access to haul larger items. Soft Roll-Up Covers are the most versatile, and can easily be rolled all the way to the cab to provide full truck bed access, but they offer less security than a hard tonneau cover. Most Hard Tri-Fold Covers like the BAKFlip G2 can fold against the back window of the cab to provide a full truck bed, but this also reduces visibility in the back window. If you’re building a show truck and don’t plan on hauling large items often, a Hard One-Piece Tonneau can provide a clean, finished look.

3. What styles of tonneau covers do you like the best?

This is something that will be on your truck for a long time, so you should like the way it looks. Decide what tonneau cover styles you like the look of the best.

4. What is your budget?

There is a wide price range when it comes to tonneau covers. With prices starting at $269, Soft Tonneau Covers are the least expensive, and Hard Covers are bit more expensive, with prices that start at $663.

5. Do you want a tonneau cover on your truck at all times?

Some covers are easier to remove than others. If you only want a tonneau cover to use occasionally, you should review the installation instructions to be sure of the process involved. We provide installation guides on all our tonneau cover product pages.

6. How tall is your truck?

The height of your truck can also play a role in decide. Folding the panels of a Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau might be difficult if you already have a hard time reaching your truck bed. Retractable tonneau covers like the Pace Edwards Switchblade slide easily with little effort, and may be better suited to those with lifted trucks.

7. Are you planning on using your tonneau cover with a rack or other truck bed accessories?

Some tonneau covers might not be compatible with other truck bed accessories, so be sure to find out before making a purchase. If you plan on getting a truck bed rack with your cover, check out the BAKFlip CS or CS-F1 Tonneau Cover/Rack Combo.

8. What’s more important: versatility or security?

This may be the question that determines whether you want a hard or soft tonneau cover. Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Covers like the Access Original Roll-Up Tonneau Cover tend to be the most versatile, but you can’t beat the security of a Hard Tri-Fold or One-Piece Cover.

9. How easy is the cover to use?

Would you rather access your truck bed by rolling your cover back, folding panels open, letting it slide or pressing a button? Some covers are easier than others to use, and some retractable covers like the Pace Edwards Bedlocker can even be opened via remote!

10. How difficult is the cover to install?

If you’ll be installing the tonneau cover yourself, you should review the instructions to make sure you have everything you need before buying it. Some covers are easier than others, and some require great accuracy to ensure it operates smoothly and remains water tight. This should also be a consideration if you plan on putting on and removing your cover frequently.

Now that you’ve asked yourself these 10 important questions, you’re ready to choose a tonneau cover! To help you out, here are some tonneau cover categories you might be interested in.

       

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca