How to Measure Your Truck Bed for a Tonneau Cover

Not sure what size truck bed you have? Don’t worry, figuring this out doesn’t require the same kind of uncomfortable measurements that your tailor has to make. We’ve got a few quick ways to check, so whether you’re ready to buy a tonneau cover or are just checking out the market for one, we’ll get you going with the info you need in no time.

Sure, there are a few other ways to check your truck’s specifications to see what it was outfitted with from the factory, but just to eliminate any confusion or uncertainty, the best way is just to do it the old fashioned way, and break out the measuring tape and check your truck bed dimensions yourself.

How to Measure Your Truck Bed for a Tonneau Cover:

Don’t worry about exact measurements! We just need ballpark numbers. Most trucks are only offered in a few different lengths, and those options are usually 1-2 feet or more apart from each other. Plus, different manufacturers measure their beds in different places, and a bedliner can throw that number off anyway, so your measurements will never be exactly what’s advertised.

As long as your measurement is within a few inches of one of the bed lengths offered, then you’re set. For instance:

First up, bed length:

This is the first thing you need to know, and for some trucks, the only thing:

• Put down the tailgate and stand at the end of the bed
• Extend your measuring tape longways in the center of the bed to the far end, up against the bulkhead
• Take your measurement at where the bed ends and the tailgate begins

Now take your measurement and go pick out a cover. You’ll have a couple length options to choose from, you just need to pick the one closest to your measurement. However, there might be a few other factors to consider (depending on your truck).

What else do I need to know?

For most trucks, really all you need to know is the length. However, there are some other options to look out for. Here’s a list of some of the most common other options to be aware of in choosing your cover. Save yourself the hassle of a return, and get it right the first time!

• Ram owners: Do you have a RamBox? Like with stepside beds, this will bring the side rails of your truck bed inwards in order to get some of that sweet, sweet storage. Most tonneau manufacturers offer options for both with and without, so watch out!
• Silverado/Sierra owners: Do you have the Cargo Management System? This rail system turns your truck bed into a platform to be built on like Legos, it’s pretty awesome. However, having the system means you’ll need to choose a cover designed for it. Keep an eye out for that when adding to cart, each cover will say whether it’s built for it or not!
• Tacoma/Tundra owners: Do you have the Deck Rail System? Those handy tie-down points need to be designed around, so most covers will be offered in two versions. Make sure to pick the right one!
• Do you have a stepside bed? These are getting rare these days, but it’s something to be sure of before placing your order because your bed will be a different width.

OK, I’m all measured up. Now what?

Now you just need to find the right cover for your needs and budget! This sounds like it would be the easy part, but you’re absolutely spoiled for options. If you’d like a few suggestions, here are some of our recommended picks for each category at a couple different price points:

Folding Tonneau Covers:

This is probably our most popular category, and for good reason. Your stuff is covered up and out of the way from prying eyes and bad weather, but then can be folded up to make full use of your bed when you need it.

• $ – AT Select Soft Tri-Fold: This is the ultimate value choice of the category. Strong aluminum frame with marine grade, rip-resistant vinyl tarp to hide everything away. Hard to ask for more for the price.
• $$ – BAK BakFlip MX4: Basically the ultimate folding cover. Aluminum panels with a high-density foam core means tough security and panels that can hold 400lbs of cargo on top. Nice.

Roll-Up Tonneau Covers:

The grand daddy of the category, going back to the first tonneau covers were soft roll-ups. Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Keep your stuff dry and out of sight, and then out of the way when you need the space.

• $ – ProZ LoRoll Premium Roll-Up: Sitting in the mid-$200 range, this is the top choice for when you just need something good and don’t want to dump half a paycheck to do it. UV treated, ripstop vinyl, made in the USA, and a 5-year warranty. What more do you want?
• $$ – BAK Revolver X2/X4: A roll-up cover that can’t be sliced open by some miscreant with a box cutter? Wait, and you can stack 400lbs on the thing? Yes please!

Retractable Tonneau Covers:

These offer possibly the most convenience and utility of any category here, and are generally a bit more expensive as a result. However, if you need to get stuff in and out of your truck bed all the time, you’re getting a lot for your money.

• $$ – ProZ UltraTrack Premium: Best value in the category! Beefy aluminum slats, slim canister for the cover to retract into, and the cover sits flush with the bed for a clean look.
• $$$ – Pace Edwards UltraGroove: Go big or go home! Retractable cover with modular rails to add a rack or cargo management components on top. Not too shabby!

In conclusion…

Whether you’re working on a big project, doing some weekend DIYing, or just need to keep your groceries from flying out of your truck bed on the way home from the store, a tonneau cover can be a great addition to your truck. But it’s important to get the right fit for your specific truck bed. So, take those measurements, consider any additional factors, and choose the tonneau cover that best suits your needs and budget. With the right cover in place, you can enjoy the added security and functionality it provides.