Are Tonneau Covers Waterproof?

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.

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.

No matter what kind of tonneau cover you need, AmericanTrucks has the selection for you. Our wide range of materials and designs will ensure that you get the protection you are looking for in the style that suits your pickup best.