How Much Does A Truck Bed Cover Weight?
A tonneau cover is an accessory that most truck owners choose to install. Not only does it protect the cargo in your truck bed, but it also improves fuel efficiency. If you are purchasing a tonneau cover for fuel efficiency, be sure to factor its weight into your considerations, as the weight of the tonneau cover will affect the installation and the performance of your truck. Lightweight covers are lighter, around 20 to 40 pounds, while hard covers can weigh 40 to 150 pounds. In this article, our experts will discuss the various factors that determine its weight, the weight of various brands of tonneau covers on the market, and the impact of weight on truck performance.
What factors affect the weight of the tonneau cover?
Material
The material used to make the tonneau cover determines its final weight. There are four common materials:
Vinyl
A vinyl truck bed cover is a lightweight cover that weighs an average of 20 to 40 pounds. Not only is it lightweight, but it is also easy to install and can be done by one person. Vinyl is weather-resistant and provides good protection from wind and rain, but it cannot withstand heavy blows and sharp attacks, so its theft protection is limited. This material cover is popular because of its affordability and convenience.
Aluminum
Aluminum truck bed covers are made of lightweight aluminum sheets, weighing about 40 to 80 pounds. Compared with vinyl, it is stronger and has higher security, durability, anti-theft, and weatherproof performance. Metal materials can play a better role in preventing theft. When you install the cover and close the tailgate, the entire truck bed is a confined space, and thieves cannot easily destroy your tonneau cover and take away your valuables in your truck bed. Metal covers provide additional protection for your truck bed.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass covers are among the heaviest covers, weighing 70 to 150 pounds or more, and they add a noticeable amount of weight to your truck when installed. But they are strong enough to not only withstand the elements, but any malicious attack will not be able to damage it, and they provide the maximum protection for your truck bed. The density makes covers made from it heavier than ordinary covers, making it more challenging to install and remove, often requiring two people to complete. Another thing to say is that fiberglass covers show a more advanced color than metal covers, making them the best choice for those who are looking for a permanent, secure, and stylish solution.
ABS plastic
ABS plastic covers are lightweight, weighing about 30 to 80 pounds. They serve as an alternative to aluminum or fiberglass covers. They are not as durable and resistant to impact and weather conditions as aluminum or fiberglass, but ABS plastic is lightweight, durable, easy to install, and best of all, they are often less than half the price of aluminum or fiberglass covers. This material is suitable for those who have a limited budget but want to install a hard cover.
Type
Different types of truck bed covers have different weight ranges due to the different materials and structures used:
Soft truck bed cover
Soft truck bed covers are the lightest option. They come in folding and roll-up styles. Soft roll-up styles are about 20 to 30 pounds, and folding styles are 10 to 20 pounds heavier than roll-up styles due to the addition of an aluminum frame. Their covers are made of vinyl or fabric and provide basic weather protection, but they are not as effective as hard covers to prevent theft. Thieves can use any sharp objects that can't cut through and reach the interior of the truck bed. If you use the truck bed frequently, its convenience is worth buying.
Hard truck bed cover
Hard truck bed covers, like soft truck bed covers, are available in both roll-up and folding styles.
Roll-up tonneau covers add aluminum slats underneath the soft cover material for greater security and strength, which increases its weight, bringing it to 50 to 60 pounds. Although the aluminum slats are added, it does not affect its convenience, and you can still fully open your truck bed cover to use the full truck bed space.
Folding tonneau covers can be made of a variety of materials, such as the aforementioned aluminum, fiberglass, or ABS plastic, and weigh approximately 40 to 100 pounds. They provide excellent security and can withstand weather and impact. For further added security, most of these covers come with locks, which are perfect for truck owners who like to keep valuables in the truck bed.
Retractable truck bed cover
Retractable truck bed covers are mechanically designed to roll or retract into a compact can. These covers are made from materials such as aluminum or vinyl, and they typically weigh between 60 and 90 pounds due to the added components. One of its main benefits is flexibility, allowing full access to the truck bed for easy loading and unloading of large items, but their complexity can make installation more challenging. Combining practicality with style, retractable truck bed covers are a popular choice for truck owners who want to enhance functionality while protecting their cargo.
Hinged truck bed cover
Hinged truck bed covers, also called one-piece tonneau coves, are sturdy and safe, weighing 70 to 150 pounds. They are designed to be lifted at the hinge point for easy access to the truck bed. Their weight is affected by the material used, which is made of fiberglass or ABS plastic. They provide a high level of security and weather protection and include a locking mechanism, but it tends to be more difficult to install and remove than other types of covers, and if you are not good at DIY, you will need to ask a professional for help.
Size
As the size of a truck bed increases, the area that needs to be covered increases, the materials needed increase, and eventually a larger cover is needed to fully cover the truck bed, which naturally weighs more.
Full-size covers designed for standard truck beds are much heavier than covers designed for compact trucks. A standard-size cover for most pickup trucks weighs anywhere from 50 to 120 pounds, depending on the material and type of cover it's made of. This weight is manageable for installation and removal, providing adequate protection without being too cumbersome. Compact covers are lighter, typically ranging from 20 to 60 pounds. They are more manageable and preferred by smaller truck owners. Extended-size covers are designed for larger trucks or trucks with additional features and can weigh as much as 80 to 120 pounds. Their increased size adds weight that makes installation on your own more difficult. When choosing a cover, it's important to consider both size and material, as larger, heavier covers can be more difficult to install and remove.
Additional Features
Some tonneau cover manufacturers, to have more selling points, will add extra features to the lid, which often increases the weight of the cargo box lid. The locking mechanism gives you peace of mind when transporting valuables, but it adds a few pounds to the weight of the cover. In addition, built-in lighting or USB ports for charging devices, although they add a little weight, are convenient for people who often need to work at night or outdoor activities. Compared with practicality, this minor weight increase can be directly ignored.
Popular tonneau cover weight
Below is a list of popular tonneau cover weights by type compiled by our experts:
BAKFlip F1 Tonneau Cover
The BAKFlip F1 is a hard folding truck bed cover made from high-quality fiberglass reinforced polymer. It weighs between 64 and 68 pounds. This cover is built to withstand harsh weather conditions and offers excellent durability. Using strong materials helps protect your truck bed and cargo. The weight of this cover is beneficial because it provides stability. However, it is still light enough that one person can install it. The BAKFlip F1 also features a unique hinge design. This allows for easy folding and unfolding. It allows for partial or full access to the truck bed. This cover is an ideal choice if you are a truck owner who prioritizes safety and strength.
UnderCover SE Tonneau Cover
The UnderCover SE is a lightweight hard truck bed cover. It weighs approximately 58 pounds. This lightweight product features ABS plastic, which combines strength and style. This cover has a sleek look that enhances the look of your truck. The UnderCover SE features a unique design that fits snugly into the bed of your truck. This design reduces wind noise and drag while driving. It is simple to operate and has a simple release mechanism. This feature allows for quick access to the bed of your truck. The price of the UnderCover SE remains competitive, making it attractive to budget-conscious buyers.
MOSTPLUS Soft Folding Tonneau Cover
The MOSTPLUS Soft Folding Truck Tonneau Cover is known for its affordability and practicality. This cover weighs approximately 35 pounds. It is made of durable vinyl material that keeps the weight low while providing flexibility, and the lightweight design makes it easy to install without assistance. The cover features a tri-fold design that allows for quick access to the truck bed. The MOSTPLUS cover protects your cargo from rain and dust, it may not be as secure as a hard cover. Nonetheless, many users find it perfect for everyday use. The affordable price makes it affordable for many truck owners.
Access Soft Roll-up Tonneau Cover
The Access Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover is a popular choice for many truck owners who need full access to their truck bed space. It weighs about 40 pounds. Made of vinyl, this cover has a roll-up design that allows full access to the truck bed. You can easily roll it up and secure it in place. The lightweight nature ensures that operation remains simple. The cover has a low-profile design that enhances the look of the truck. In addition, it includes an adjustable tension control. This helps keep the cover tight and reduces shaking while driving. If you don’t want your cover to be too heavy, but still want to fully utilize the space in your truck bed, the soft roll-up tonneau cover is a choice tailor-made for you.
Truck bed covers impact on truck performance
Why do you need to know the weight of a truck bed cover before buying it? You need to clarify your usage scenario before buying to avoid unnecessary losses. The tonneau cover mainly affects the performance of the truck in the following three aspects:
Fuel Efficiency/Gas Mileage
Truck tonneau covers can improve your truck's fuel efficiency by reducing air drag. Air drag slows down your vehicle while you're driving. Tonneau covers create a smoother surface that allows air to flow through your truck more efficiently. The reduction in drag can significantly improve fuel efficiency, with some studies showing improvements of up to 10%. More fuel efficiency means trucks can travel longer distances using less fuel. But be aware that the weight of the tonneau cover can also affect fuel efficiency. Heavier covers can reduce fuel efficiency, and choosing a lighter cover can reduce the impact on the gross vehicle weight, which can improve efficiency.
Payload Capacity
While a tonneau cover primarily provides protection, it can also indirectly affect the payload capacity of your truck. A heavier cover will eat into your payload, reducing the amount of cargo your truck can safely haul. If you frequently haul heavy items, opt for a lightweight material like a soft cover that allows you to perform at your best while carrying more cargo.
Turning Radius
A truck tonneau cover can slightly affect a truck's turning performance, which is something many people overlook. While the cover itself doesn't change the actual turning radius, it can affect the driver's perception of space when making tight turns. A taller cover will make the truck feel wider, requiring more careful maneuvering in tight areas. A truck bed cover will affect the truck's turning radius. A heavier cover may make the truck feel less nimble. A lightweight cover will help maintain a smoother turning experience.
Conclusion
Truck owners should consider their specific needs when choosing a cover. Balance weight with other factors like durability and cost. Each choice will affect handling, payload capacity, and the overall driving experience. Choose wisely and enjoy the benefits of the right truck bed cover.
