So, I recently discovered that a tonneau cover is a must-have for me. The protection these covers offer to the truck bed will allow me to safely carry the load from my workplace to home.
However, I was not sure about the costs of these covers. And I did not want to take further steps without getting a fair idea of how much is a tonneau cover. Therefore, I got into researching.
After putting in hours and asking aftermarket car parts shop, I found out that these covers range anywhere from $200 to $2000. Some can even cost more than $2000.
Wondering why is there so much price difference in the range? To find that out, you will need to go through all the other information I have shared in this article.
How Much Does a Tonneau Cover Cost?
Basically, there are different types of tonneau covers. Each has its own uniqueness. That might include the build material, the design, and the way that they function. And those are the factors that dictate the overall price of the covers.
After looking out, I found out that the most expensive ones, which are usually $1000 or over, are made of aluminum. They are light but highly durable. Also, they usually have unique designs, making them look sleek on the truck.
On the other hand, the cheap ones are primarily made of vinyl. But according to my hands-on experience, I found out that most of the budget-friendly ones offer all that an average trucker looks for in a tonneau cover.
Considering that, you can say that you do not have to spend much on tonneau covers if you do not want to.
How Much Is a Hard Tonneau Cover?
Hard tonneau covers will usually be of fiberglass, polypropylene, and aluminum. The thing that makes them “hard” is that they can not be easily pried or cut from the side rails.
As a result, they provide better overall security to the truck bed.
Nonetheless, the starting price for the hard tonneau covers is around $500. However, some of them can cost $1000 plus.
And the type, the material’s quality, and the overall design will dictate the overall price of the cover.
How Much Is a Soft Tonneau Cover?
Soft tonneau covers will primarily be made of polyester, vinyl, or canvas. And usually, they will come in black color.
Although soft ones are not as sturdy as hard ones, they do a decent job of offering protection to your truck bed.
Now, when it comes to the cost, the soft tonneau covers start from $200. Some high-end options will cost you around $400 to $500.
Again, the price will differ because of the quality of the material, type, and other factors.
How Much Is a Retractable Tonneau Cover?
Retractable tonneau covers will have a spring-action mechanism. They will be heavy-gauge extruded aluminum and mostly come with a matte-black finish.
And the great thing about these is that they offer a ton of flexibility.
Nevertheless, the cost of the retractable tonneau covers will start from $700. However, the high-end ones can even boast a whopping $2000 price tag.
How Much Is a Fiberglass Tonneau Cover?
If you are looking for a tonneau cover that is strong and lightweight at the same time, fiberglass should be your go-to option.
These covers also offer a sleek and modern look, enhancing your truck’s aesthetics.
That said, the starting price for the fiberglass tonneau covers is $1500. Depending on the size and quality, some can also go for more than $2000.
How Much Should You Spend on a Tonneau Cover?
When it comes to choosing the right budget for the tonneau covers, you need to keep these in mind:
Cover Type: First of all, consider whether you want a hard or a soft cover. As I mentioned earlier, the hard covers offer higher overall protection.
However, they will be pricier than the soft ones.
Material of The Cover: Both the hard and soft covers can be of different materials. For example, hardcovers can be of aluminum, fiberglass, or polypropylene.
Each will have a certain level of durability and sturdiness. And the higher these two factors are, the higher the price will be.
Bed Size: The size will also dictate the price point of the tonneau covers.
As you might have guessed, the large-sized ones will cost higher than the small-sized ones. And if your truck bed is fairly large, you will need to go for the large-sized covers.
Brand: Lastly, the brand of the tonneau cover can impact the price point. The options from the high-end brands will be pricier.
However, you will get some extra features for the price that you will be paying.
