5 Things to Know Before Buying Electric Tonneau Cover

Selecting a truck bed cover is a decision owners should not take lightly. Bed covers are a crucial accessory that can protect cargo from the weather and potential theft. But with so many varieties available, asking some key questions helps eliminate some options so you can focus on the right tonneau cover for your pickup truck. Here are five questions to consider while you’re shopping.

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1. What Is the Truck Bed Cover’s Main Purpose?

Understanding your primary use for the bed cover is essential in determining the type that best suits your needs. Security might be your top priority if you regularly transport valuable supplies or tools for work. For this, a hard tonneau cover with a locking mechanism would offer the highest level of protection for gear that fits underneath the cover. On the other hand, roll-up or retractable truck bed covers can be more suitable if you often haul oversized cargo such as furniture or large equipment. The ease of rolling up the cover when hauling taller loads is a benefit when compared to tri-fold tonneau covers. But beware — simple vinyl or nylon covers will conceal the bed’s contents but not offer much protection from a would-be thief or vandal’s knife.

2. What Is My Budget?

Bed covers come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly vinyl covers that roll up to premium hardtop models with advanced features. Knowing your budget when you start shopping will help narrow your options. It’s just as easy to overspend as it is to fall into the temptation of settling for the cheapest option. Balance cost with quality and durability. Investing in a higher-quality bed cover may save you money in the long run by providing better protection and longevity.

3. What Is the Aesthetic Appeal of the Bed Cover?

Don’t overlook the appearance of your new tonneau cover. Sure, it needs to be functional and practical, but a bed cover plays a big part in your truck’s overall look. Choose a cover that complements the design and style of your truck, whether it’s a mid-size pickup or a full-size dually. You might choose a sleek, low-profile look or select a rugged, off-road style. Many bed cover manufacturers offer a variety of colors and finishes to match your truck’s exterior.

MORE: Towing Capacity Guide: Everything You Need to Know

4. What Is the Maintenance and Installation Like?

Your search for the right truck bed cover should also evaluate any maintenance requirements for each option. Some covers may require regular cleaning, conditioning, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and long useful life. Others may be virtually maintenance-free. Also, consider the installation process. Determine if you’re comfortable and capable of installing the cover or if you’ll need a professional to do the work. Complex installations or custom-fit covers may require professional installation, adding to the overall cost.

5. Do I Need Special Features or Accessories?

Evaluate any additional features or accessories that may enhance the functionality and convenience of your bed cover. For example, if you frequently transport tall or bulky items, a bed cover with a built-in rack system or compatibility with aftermarket racks could be beneficial. Similarly, if you live in an area prone to inclement weather, consider truck bed covers with weatherproof seals and drainage systems to keep water out of the bed.

MORE: Lifted Trucks: Pros and Cons to Know Before You Buy

Additional Considerations

Adding a bed cover protects your valuable cargo, and the accessory might also increase your truck’s value when it’s time to sell or trade for a new pickup. Consider these questions to help you choose a tonneau cover for your truck bed. Your needs, budget, and preferences can guide your informed decision to protect your cargo and give your truck a clean look. Shop around and choose wisely to find the right combination of security, style, cost, and convenience that’s right for you.

Considering a new tonneau cover? Here’s why it should be an Extang.

You’re probably well aware of how important it is to have a reliable tonneau cover. From securing cargo and protecting the truck bed, to enhancing overall styling and even improving fuel efficiency, the benefits are undeniable. But with so many options out there in the aftermarket, choosing a tonneau cover can be overwhelming. Rolling or folding, hard or soft, flush-mount or over-the-rails – there are a lot of decisions to make.

More important than sorting through these features though, is who you’re turning to for product.

This is a competitive corner of the market, teeming with opportunistic new brands eyeing up your investment. It’s important to choose wisely, lest you be left with a product that doesn’t install or perform as advertised. So, before you start making a to-do list for your tonneau, prioritize finding a reliable manufacturer. One who can back up their biz with sustainable success and a trail of happy customers.

There are plenty of great suppliers who fit the bill, but we recommend you turn your attention to Extang. Why? Because these guys have been making tonneaus since long before they were a buzzy must-have accessory.

Founded in , Extang was the first company to sell tonneau and tonneau accessory products nationwide. The first. That means Extang set the styles – and standards – that other companies are striving to replicate.

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But just in case being the OG tonneau maker isn’t enough for you to check them out, here are 5 more reasons why your next truck bed cover should come from Extang.

1. #1 Tonneau Cover Brand in North America

Extang isn’t just any tonneau cover maker – it’s the top dog, holding the prestigious title of being the #1 tonneau brand in North America. Now, if that isn’t reason enough to give them a closer look, what is?

To achieve this leadership position, the company points to hard work, relentless pursuit of product quality, and a willingness to listen to customers’ needs. As a result, Extang products are easy to install, easy to use, and easy to maintain. They’re also consistently revisited with innovation in mind. This way, as trucks evolve, so do the products meant to protect them.

Take the brand’s best-selling original Trifecta soft-folding cover for instance. Several years back, it underwent a pretty heavy transformation. Alongside adopting a sleeker, lower-profile appearance to better complement modern truck designs, the Trifecta 2.0 also added a revamped frame crafted from lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum. This upgrade not only enhanced structural strength but did so without adding unnecessary weight to the vehicle. Extang also introduced a new clamping system with that model that slashed installation time to mere minutes.

The company really doesn’t sit on its laurels though, because in they dropped another upgraded version: the Trifecta ALX. Maintaining all the great features of Extang’s new-and-improved Trifecta 2.0, it bumped up convenience with a handy rotary knob and enhanced style with a a new Ancona pebble-grained fabric.

2. More Design Patents Than ALL Other Tonneau Companies Combined

At Extang, engineering prowess isn’t just a claim; it’s ingrained in the company’s DNA. This is evident from the multitude of patents the company holds — not just for their soft-folding and hard-folding covers, but also for the innovative features integrated into these products, such as the user-friendly Jaw Grip and EZ-Lock Clamps.

Speaking of patents, you can see them in action on Extang’s newest recruit, the Endure ALX.

At the core of this flush-mounted, hard-folding bed cover is an all-weather construction featuring four patented EnduraShield TPO coated panels. Crafted with a lightweight aluminum frame, these 1/2-inch-thick panels deliver unmatched structural strength capable of supporting up to 500 pounds of evenly distributed weight, all while maintaining superior dent, scratch, and fade resistance.

Along the perimeter frame, you’ll find hard polymer rubber corners, hinge caps, and weatherproof seals to protect the truck bed and its cargo from the elements. And let’s not forget about Extang’s patented Secure Rotary Release Latching System at the tailgate, specially engineered for this product. The easy-to-operate design automatically latches closed when unfolded for an exceptional level of security.

3. Proudly Made in America

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, every product that Extang makes – including accessories – gets a Made-in-the-USA stamp of approval. That means when you purchase an Extang tonneau, you’re purchasing an exceptionally well-designed product, built of quality materials to exacting standards. You can also rest easy knowing the people who made it were well-compensated for their hard work.

4. Maximum Strength Warranty

Even though Extang tonneau covers are high-quality, sometimes stuff happens. That’s why the company stands behind its products with what they call the “Maximum Strength Warranty,” ensuring peace of mind for truck owners. Extang proudly asserts that this warranty safeguards your tonneau cover for a duration that often exceeds the lifespan of the average truck ownership.

It’s worth noting that, as with most tonneau covers, improper maintenance can void your warranty.

To keep yours in tip-top shape, avoid using vinyl conditioners, as they have the potential to damage the cover. Mild soap and water will work just fine, but consider using Extang’s Tonno Tonic. The formula features a special UV-screening formula that not only cleans but also protects. Affordable and highly effective, it’s a versatile solution that can also be used to safely clean your tires!

5. Member of the Real Truck Family of Brands

Why is it worth mentioning that Extang is part of Real Truck? Because Real Truck is a titan in the truck accessories space. In recent years, the company has grown to include other major aftermarket brands, covering add-ons like running boards, truck caps, bed liners, and more. Being part of Real Truck provides Extang with more resources and opportunities, which translates to consistent and exciting new products as well as stellar customer service for you.

To learn more about the Trifecta 2.0, Trifecta ALX, and all-new Endure ALX mentioned here, as well as Extang’s other great tonneau cover options, visit https://extang.com.

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