10 Questions You Should to Know about Waterproof Manual Tonneau Cover

Why You Need a Waterproof Tonneau Cover

A pickup truck is perfect for both work and recreation. With a large bed and plenty of space for tools and equipment, you can carry what you need while keeping the interior of your vehicle clean and uncluttered. However, the bed is also exposed to the elements and if you are going to carry expensive tools that may contribute to your livelihood, you need to make sure they are protected. Tonneau covers are designed to fit over the top of the bed and protect the cargo. They come in a variety of styles and designs and while they can all help protect the contents of your pickup bed, finding one that is as waterproof as possible is essential.

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A waterproof tonneau cover will protect your expensive tools from rain, snow, hail, and other weather elements that can damage them. Water is one of the worst things for your metal tools as it can cause deterioration, rust, and other serious damage. Plus, it doesn’t take long for moisture to cause issues, meaning even just one or two days in the rain can be enough to completely ruin them. A waterproof tonneau cover can prevent problems and keep your tools in great shape no matter what weather you encounter.

Types of Tonneau Covers

There is a wide variety of tonneau cover types, all of which have varying degrees of water resistance. Depending on where you live and the types of conditions you generally encounter, you may or may not need a completely waterproof cover. Knowing what each type offers will help you make the right choice for your specific needs.

• Soft Covers - Soft tonneau covers are great for people who don’t need a cover on their truck bed all the time. Soft covers can be retractable, meaning they can be pulled back and rolled up when they aren’t needed so you don’t have to sacrifice the look of your pickup. Soft covers, while offering some water resistance, are not going to be completely waterproof and your cargo may still get wet, even in relatively light rain.
• Hard Covers - Hard tonneau covers are made from fiberglass or plastic and offer excellent protection from thieves and other elements. Hard covers are often lockable, which makes them great if security is an issue and you want to keep your tools safe. They also offer more water resistance than soft covers, even though they are not completely waterproof. If you need security as well as a little extra protection from moisture, a hard cover could be your best option.
• Sealed Covers - If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain or you find yourself working in wet conditions more often, a sealed tonneau cover is ideal. Sealed covers come with weather seals or drainage systems that keep water out of the bed completely. While other types of tonneau covers can offer some protection from rain, a sealed cover is your only option if you need to keep the bed completely dry to protect your tools or equipment.

Which Tonneau Cover is Right for Your Waterproofing Needs?

The right amount of water resistance for you will depend on what you are trying to protect and what the weather is like where you live. If you rarely find yourself working out in the rain but still want some protection that won’t alter the look of your truck much, a soft, retractable tonneau cover is best. If you need a good combination of water resistance and security, a hard cover will be the right choice for you. However, if you regularly find yourself in rainy conditions and you want to keep your tools or equipment in the best possible shape, a sealed cover with drainage and weather seals will give you the ultimate protection you are looking for.

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As one of the most common pickup truck accessories owners invest in, the benefits to purchasing a tonneau cover are plenty. For one, tonneau covers are equipped to keep cargo secure and protected so you know your valuables are safe even when your truck is left unattended. Additionally, tonneau covers add functionality to your pickup, enabling you to more easily transport your favorite items such as bikes, kayaks, and canoes. Despite all that tonneau covers can do, many customers still find themselves asking one question: are tonneau covers waterproof?

The answer to this question is simple. When installed properly, most tonneau covers are capable of preventing water from entering your truck bed. It is important to note that no tonneau cover will be 100% waterproof, as there are still avenues for water to seep in during extreme weather conditions. Fortunately, the amount of water that enters a tonneau-covered truck bed when rain or snow is present is typically very minimal.

Those in the market for tonneau covers should also note that when it comes to keeping things dry, not all tonneau covers are created equal. With some many options available on the market today, from soft to hard covers, retractable to trifold, it can be an overwhelming task to determine which will do the job of keeping your valuables dry. Below we examine the most common tonneau cover designs and their water resistance.

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1. Painted One Piece Tonneau Covers. Topping the list of the most water resistant tonneau cover is the painted one-piece cover. This design is ideal for keeping water out of your truck bed, as it typically built with a single sheet of fiberglass or plastic that covers the entire length of the truck bed. One piece covers also often overlap the bed rails and tailgate. Unlike tonneau covers that fold or retract, there are no creases and crevices for water to sneak in.

2. Retractable Tonneau Covers. Falling just below one-piece tonneau covers, but still high on the list of water resistance lies the retractable tonneau cover. Retractable tonneau covers are mounted to your pickup’s bulkhead, rolling out from the canister and over the length of the truck bed. Retractable tonneau covers are designed from a variety of materials, including aluminum, polypropylene, and padded polymers. Most retractable tonneau covers are crafted to channel water out through your truck’s drainage ports, making it more difficult for water to seep into the truck bed. The tailgate can be a particularly vulnerable spot when it comes to moisture, so many retractable tonneau covers will use compression seals to prevent intrusion.

3. Hard Roll Up Tonneau Covers. Though an uncommon option when it comes to tonneau covers, hard roll up tonneau covers do a good job of keeping truck beds dry. Hard roll up tonneau covers are most often constructed by securing a canvas or vinyl lining over a series of interlocking aluminum panels. The benefit to a hard roll up tonneau cover is that you get the security of a hard top with the functionality and look of a soft roll up cover. Hard roll up covers rank high on the list in terms of water resistance because the overlay of panels and vinyl create a strong barrier to keep water out.

4. Hard Folding Tonneau Covers. Next on the list is the category of hard folding tonneau cover, which includes those such as waterproof tri fold tonneau covers. With a similar level of water resistance as the retractable tonneau covers and hard roll up tonneau covers, the hard-folding cover relies on its materials and designs to keep water out. Most hard folding tonneau covers are built from FRP, aluminum, or thermoplastic panels that fold back to make accessing your pickup’s truck bed quick and easy. Many truck owners appreciate this functionality, as it allows for simple transport of large cargo. When properly installed, hard folding tonneau covers offer a high level of water resistance, especially when used in coordination with a vinyl lining across the top of the cover.

5. Soft Folding Tonneau Covers. Falling in the middle of the pack is the soft folding tonneau cover, which does a good job of protecting truck beds from the intrusion of water. Soft folding tonneau covers are most often designed from a canvas or vinyl tarp that is mounted onto a folding aluminum frame. The ease of installation of soft folding tonneau covers makes it a go to option for many truck owners, as it can be easily attached to truck bed rails with a series of hand-tightened clamps.  What makes the soft folding tonneau cover good, but not great, at keeping water out is that it sits on top of the pickup’s bed rails. In most cases, water from rain, snow, or a car wash will flow down the sides of your vehicle. On occasion, however, water can find its way into the truck bed through the hinges with this style.   

6. Soft Rollup Tonneau Covers. With a similar level of water resistance as the soft folding tonneau cover comes the soft roll up tonneau cover. This cover works by rolling towards the back of the truck bed. Like the soft folding tonneau cover, water will typically roll down the sides of your truck. There are a few vulnerable spots, however, including hinges and the spaces between the cover and bed rails.

7. Snap Tonneau Covers. While most tonneau covers have a high level of water resistance and are specifically designed to obstruct the flow of water into your truck bed, there is one style to avoid if keeping your items dry is a top priority. Snap tonneau covers fall at the bottom of the list, as this older design leaves a number of vulnerabilities. Relying on a series of snaps to secure the tonneau cover to the truck bed, there are a number of spaces through which water can seep, especially during heavy rain and high winds. There primary benefit to snap tonneau covers is their affordability, so it may be worth the added moisture if you’re looking to save on this accessory.

Still find yourself asking, “are truck bed covers waterproof?” Contact the experts at Radco today to discuss our wide selection of waterproof tonneau covers in a variety of styles. You’re sure to find the watertight truck bed cover you need that keeps your items protected no matter what adventure lies ahead.

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