Tonneau covers made with aluminum are the best option for those who want a lightweight material that is more durable than plastics or cheaper metals.
Aluminum is a light metal, so your truck’s gas mileage will thank you. Despite it being light, it is very strong and is the material of choice for premium tonneau covers.
In this post, I’ll be discussing everything you need to know about aluminum truck bed covers. I’ll also explore some of the benefits of aluminum tonneau covers and more.
If you have any questions, feel free to text our team at 281-761-6097.
-Alan
What are aluminum tonneau covers?
Aluminum tonneau covers can withstand wear and tear while being lightweight for easy installation and removal. They also offer an easy way to maintain the back of your vehicle without having to worry about cargo theft.
Most aluminum covers have locking mechanisms that prevent criminals from walking off with your belongings. Aluminum tonneau covers also provide a stylish way to protect your truck bed from extreme weather and other elements.
In most cases, the aluminum makes up the support on the underside of the tonneau cover, providing support and extra weight capacity. The top of the cover will either be a hard shell, or a soft vinyl on top.
For all-aluminum covers, the top will be made with aluminum as well.
Additionally, the covers are custom-made to fit your vehicle’s specifications, including the size of the bed and the type of truck you have.
Tonneau covers come in two different styles so you can find one that fits your needs: soft or hard.
- Soft tonneau covers will not scratch your truck bed, but they do require more maintenance than hard ones because they often need to be cleaned by hand on both sides with soap and water to avoid mold buildup and odors since there is no airflow between them and the truck’s cab area. For soft tonneau covers, it is the underside that is made with aluminum.
- Hard tonneau covers are easier to clean, provide more security and feel more premium than the soft counterparts. For hard tonneau covers, the top may be all-aluminum or a combination of aluminum/vinyl.
Pros
- Aluminum provides more strength and support
- Aluminum is lightweight, making it easier to install and remove the tonneau cover
- It’s a strong and durable material, and is better than plastic counterparts
Cons
- Truck bed covers made with aluminum are often a little pricier
Examples of aluminum truck bed covers
The following table shows tonneau covers that are constructed with aluminum. It highlights the features of these covers including low-profile design and weather-resistant.
Product
Strength
Main Features
Made for all types of weather
- Made with powder coated aluminum
- Keeps moisture and rain out of your truck bed
- Low-profile design and easy to operate
- Protects the rear windshield
The integrated LED cargo light
- Lightweight aluminum panels
- The tough matte black finish that adds style and a layer of protection to your truck
- Durable and weather-resistant cover that withstands harsh conditions
- Has multiple riding positions for full truck bed access
The quick-release feature
- Heavy duty matte black aluminum slats
- The additional security latch located in the middle of the cover
- The cover is removable in just seconds without any tools
- The cover opens effortlessly from either side
Simple to install and operate
- Heavy duty aluminum slats
- The extra low-profile design that minimizes gas usage
- Keeps water and dirt out of your truck bed
- The aerodynamic design that increases fuel mileage
What are the benefits of having an aluminum tonneau cover?
A tonneau cover made with aluminum is longer lasting and, in nearly all cases, will last as long as you own your truck. Below are other reasons why you should invest in this cover:
Improves gas milleage
Aluminum tonneau covers are not just for looks. They are also designed to reduce drag by preventing air from passing underneath your cover, which improves gas mileage and decreases the amount of money spent on fuel costs.
On average, these covers can improve fuel efficiency by 3-5% when driving with the tonneau closed at highway speeds. An aluminum truck bed cover also helps with aerodynamics which saves more dollars at the pump and keeps your cargo cool by reducing the amount of heat that is trapped inside your truck bed.
There is no easier way to reduce drag than installing a new aluminum tonneau cover.
Protects your cargo from potential criminals
Aluminum tonneau covers can help protect your cargo by helping prevent thieves from stealing your precious cargo. With the truck bed cover closed, there’s no easy access to what’s inside.
The covers are also tough and durable and are secured over your truck bed to protect both the truck bed and its contents from theft or damage. Additionally, the covers ward off attention by keeping your items out of sight.
Apart from concealing what you are transporting, most aluminum truck bed covers are also equipped with a locking mechanism feature that prevents unauthorized people from accessing the truck’s cargo area.
Protects your items from damage
It’s wise to have some protection for your valuable items while on the road because you can’t always trust the weather. Aluminum tonneau covers protect your cargo from the elements and keep it safe from damage.
The covers are made of durable, weatherproof materials that shield the contents in your cargo bed from sun, rain, hail, and snow.
Aluminum covers are stronger, which means they will hold more weight than most non-aluminum covers. This is important if you live in an area with heavy snow, as the snow can put a lot of weight on your bed cover.
Whether you’re a hunter, fisherman, or just someone who likes to travel with their equipment, these truck bed covers are a smart idea for anyone whose truck sits outside most of the day.
Creates an airtight seal
Truck owners know the importance of keeping their cargo safe. If you are looking for a way to keep your truck bed secure and airtight, an aluminum tonneau cover may be what you need. The cover is made of durable material that will last the lifetime of your truck.
The cover also reduces wind noise while driving because it creates an airtight seal against the truck’s bed rails. They’re water-resistant too to protect your cargo from water, snow, and ice.
The seal is created by using a rubber gasket that can withstand any weather conditions, including extreme heat.
Why should truck owners invest in an aluminum bed cover?
Truck owners know that their truck is an investment. But have you ever considered protecting your vehicle and its content with a bed cover?
An aluminum bed cover will ensure your goods stay dry and are protected from bad weather conditions and outside elements such as dust, dirt, or hail. Additionally, the cover’s durable material is lightweight and easy to install so you can be back on the road in no time.
If you’re looking for a truck bed cover that will last as long as you own your truck, a cover made with aluminum is your best option. Aluminum will last longer than plastic components, which means it’s less likely that you’ll need to replace plastic components or the cover itself in the future.
Frequently asked questions
Are aluminum tonneau covers expensive?
Aluminum bed covers are not cheap, but they are durable and lightweight which makes them worth it in many ways. Although they may seem like an expensive purchase, think about the benefits you’ll be getting for that price: less likelihood of needing to replace plastic components, and a cover that will last for many years.
How do I maintain an aluminum truck bed cover?
Unlike steel, aluminum bed covers do not rust and require little maintenance. Just wash your cover with mild soap and a clean piece of cloth. You also don’t have to worry about paint chipping off or other issues that come with painted bed covers. If you want something lightweight but durable, an aluminum bed cover is perfect for you.
Can I go through a carwash with an aluminum tonneau cover?
Yes, you can go through a car wash with an aluminum bed cover.