Your Ford F-150 was designed to undertake the most strenuous tasks that any workday might throw your way. From the comfortable interior and the power tailgate to the unique hauling and towing capabilities, Ford F-150 is one of America’s favorite trucks.
You need a tonneau cover that can withstand harsh road and weather conditions if you intend to put your F-150 to best use possible.
A perfect truck bed cover is the best addition you can make to improve your truck’s capabilities with safety and convenience in mind.
Any questions, text our team at 281-761-6097.
Alan
How To Know If A Tonneau Cover Is Suitable For Your F-150
Buying the best tonneau cover for your Ford F-150 comes with several factors worth considering.
For your Ford F-150, we have highlighted the three factors below that really stand out and would have a great impact on the outcome.
Consider Your Priorities
- Security
- Convenience
- Protection from weather elements
What’s your biggest driving force when buying a tonneau cover? This is one question you have to ask yourself before you decide on what to go for.
If your Ford F-150 has an engine of 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that produces 375 hp and 470 lb-ft toques, you most definitely use your truck for heavy tasks. For hauling large cargo, you need a tonneau cover that can be propped up safely like the BAKFlip MX4.
Do you specifically want to protect your cargo from weather elements? We recommend more water-tight options like hinged tonneau covers, if you frequently haul cargo that can be destroyed by rain or snow.
Could be that your truck is for hauling very sensitive cargo that require high-level security. Or maybe you just want to ensure no unauthorized persons gain access to your cargo. The best option in this case would be hard folding tonneau covers.
It is very possible to find a cover that can offer security and convenience at the same time, but don’t always bet on that.
To ensure you don’t get less than you bargained for, check out the pros and cons of every cover.
For more considerations to keep in mind, check out the full list of benefits of tonneau covers. You’ll realize there are more benefits than you probably thought.
Check Compatibility With Your F150
Failure to measure your truck bed in advance is a sure ticket to disappointment. You’ll be anxious to get your tonneau cover delivered, only to find out it may not be the right one for your truck.
We’ll talk about how you can measure your truck bed towards the end of this article.
Other than saving time that you’d waste exchanging for the correct tonneau, measuring will save you money and give you peace of mind.
But why measure? Well, if you hadn’t known, Ford pickups come in different truck bed sizes.
The different models and variants of the F-150 mean that the tonneaus typically come in 3 different lengths. All of our covers available will have a precise-fit for a particular model and bed length only.
It is advisable to pick a model that suits your needs, both in terms of size and structure.
If you’ve installed a toolbox, then a tonneau cover that is compatible with a toolbox is the best option to go for.
When ordering your F-150 tonneau cover, make sure that it’s the same length as your truck bed. You’ll find the length of our tonneau covers on the product page and each product title. We try to make it as easy as possible to select the right one.
How Much Are You Willing To Spend?
Just like every other purchase, it all narrows down to the pocket.
Truck bed covers for F-150 come in all varieties, from affordable ones, to moderately priced to luxury covers that are expensively priced.
So, how much are you willing to spend?
You can click the links below to view tonneau covers available for your Ford F-150 within your budget range:
- $200 to $300
- $300 to $400
- $400 to $500
- $500 to $750
- $750 to $1000
- $1000 to $1500
- $1500 to $2000
- More than $2000
Tip: The least expensive tonneau covers are typically soft roll-up tonneau covers. These are basic tonneau covers, that are very popular, but take a little more time to open and close. They usually use velcro or snaps along the edges.
The most expensive tonneau covers are typically ultra secure, and in some cases, operate electronically and hands-free.
In the middle are a range of covers, typically folding tonneau covers, some of which have premium features such as aluminum framing, easier operation, etc.
Why The Fuss About Ford 2021 F-150?
Everyone is talking about the 2021 model of F-150 truck bed. Other than the versatile design, it is constructed from lightweight, tough materials that are durable and convenient.
The new Ford F150 is easily customizable as it comes with three cabin sizes, eight trim levels, three bed configurations and seven engine options. Are you wondering how that’s relevant?
To get the best tonneau cover, you have to be aware of the configurations and truck features that will work well for you or work against you.
Varying Bed Configurations
The bed configurations for Ford 2021 F-150 include:
- Short bed: This is the smallest of the three options available. The 5.5-foot short bed offers 52.8 cubic feet of cargo space and measures 67.1 inches long by 50.6 inches in width.
- Regular bed: If you need some more room, the 6.5-foot regular bed offers a space of 78.9 inches in length by 50.6 inches in width. It has 62.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
- Long bed: The 8-foot long bed is ideal for maximum cargo space. It measures 97.6 inches long by 50.6 inches wide and can hold 77.4 cubic feet of cargo.
Tip: Regardless of the bed configuration of your truck, you don’t need to worry. Most tonneau manufacturers make truck bed covers for each of the bed lengths different sizes.
The truck bed cover that you opt for will work alongside the other features of your bed. These features are compatible with your new tonneau cover, and will just make your life easier.
Below are some of the unique features of the 2021 Model that might influence your choice of a truck bed cover.
Advanced Security
- FordPass™ App
- Cargo box Camera
The 2021 Ford F-150 has a FordPass app that allows you to remotely control the truck bed lighting, so you don’t have to carry your flashlight around.
If you are working on a tight budget and you opt for a tonneau cover that is not the most secure, the cargo box camera can help provide a little extra security.
The cargo camera is integrated between the body and third brake light for your Ford F-150. It provides excellent aid if you are connecting your vehicle to fifth wheel hitches. It also allows for on-demand easy viewing of what’s in your vehicle’s cargo box, so you can always keep an eye on your cargo.
Highly Convenient
- Power Tailgate
- Stowable loading ramps
- Extended running boards
The 2021 F-150 power tailgate comes with a tailgate work surface and tailgate step for convenience. When hauling large cargo, you can easily access your bed.
This unique feature allows you to step inside your truck bed by simply lifting up the tailgate. You can also use it as a flat surface when need arises.
You don’t need to worry how you’ll get your heavy cargo onto the bed anymore, just ride it up the ramp where applicable.
The 6-inch extended running boards ensure you enjoy better and safer access to your truck bed. The power-deployable extended running boards are tucked away underneath to avoid getting in the way.
When you open the door, the running boards are automatically activated. They also retract when you close the door.
Tip: If your hands are full, you can conveniently use the available kick switch and you’ll be good to go!
The Ford F-150 Raptor
- F-150 Raptor
- Military-grade aluminum construction
- Onboard payload scales
The fact that you bought an F-150 is an indicator that you’ve got tough tasks up your sleeves. If your truck is going to live up to the challenge, then you need the heavy duty construction that F-150 boasts of.
The F-150 Raptor is designed for confidently traversing remote locations on rugged terrains. The high-strength military-grade aluminum ensures ensures it can take the beating of road and weather elements that you might encounter as well.
This first-in-its-class Ford F-150 feature measures the approximate payload weight. The SYNC 4 screen, LED visual display in the tail lamps and FordPass™ App are all features that can help you view your load status.
With F-150, you can be sure to haul your cargo safely and conveniently as you’ll only carry cargo weight that your vehicle can handle. You won’t need to worry about hauling too much that could destroy your truck bed cover either.
Are There Any Ford F-150 Covers With Unique Features?
There are so many wonderful tonneau covers in the market that it’s hard ranking them.
Product
Best Known For
Unique Features
Toolbox option
- Easy-to-use tension adjustment dials
- Impermeable sealing gasket between toolbox and front bulkhead
- Support rails at the base for extra weight
Lowest profile
- Automatic trigger latch
- Extra security slide locks
- Fine-tuning tension adjusters
Best budget
- Automatic latching dual locking system
- Sliding locks on each side of the truck
- Easy-tuning tension adjustment dials
Check our article on the best tonneau covers for other popular brands. If you are interested in more tonneau covers that work with a toolbox, we’ve got you covered too.
How To Measure Your Ford F-150 Truck Bed Size
Using the right truck bed measurements is the only way to know what fits your truck best.
When taking measurements, start from the bulkhead inside to the inside of your tailgate.
The F-150 pickup is typically offered in 5.5, 6.5 and 8 foot bed length variations. Your measurements may vary by an inch or two – that is normal – the tonneau cover will still fit perfectly.
How Do I Install A Truck Bed Cover on My Ford F150?
Depending on the product that you’ll go for, the installation process will vary slightly. The vast majority of covers have a simple clamp-on design, while a very few may require minimal drilling.
Your truck bed cover for F-150 will most likely come with a detailed installation manual and the necessary tools for a seamless process.
The general installation process for most Ford F150 covers is as follows:
- Read the manual and lay down all your tools (screwdriver/wrench, etc.)
- Connect the rails. Attach to pre-drilled holes or snap under the rails.
- Install any seals.
- Place the cover and clamp on.
- Close the cover fully and make sure it is secure and tight.
- Test for water tightness by spraying water on the cover. You can use a hose.
For most people, installing a tonneau cover is an easy DIY project for a Saturday morning.
