Finding the best retractable tonneau cover is key to making sure your truck’s cargo is safe and protected at all times. Retractable units not only keep harsh weather conditions out but also ensure the security of your payload. Many different retractable tonneau covers are available in the market – but here are six of the best that we would recommend for you.
From the recommendations, you will find what suits you. Some boast of impressive levels of water resistance, while others are robust and long-lasting. Further, if you are into durability that comes with style and elegance, the Vortrak retractable truck cover is an excellent pick. Find out what the other options offer.
Top Retractable Truck Bed Cover in 2022
| Name | Material | Price |
|---|---|---|
| RollBAK Hard Retractable Truck Bed Cover | Aluminum slats | |
| GatorTrax Retractable Tonneau Cover | Lexan, a lightweight impact-resistant material | |
| Retrax PRO Retractable Truck Bed Cover | Industrial strength aluminum | |
| Roll-N-Lock Retractable M-Series Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | Vinyl | |
| Vortrak Retractable Truck Bed Cover | Aluminum slats | |
| Pace Edwards Tonneau Cover | Aluminum with amortek overlay |
1. RollBAK Hard Retractable Truck Bed Cover
One of the first noticeable things about this RollBAK model is its build quality. It features an impressive finish that should go a long way in complementing your truck’s overall look. With a low profile, it will not extend significantly above the truck’s bed rails. The last piece of the retractable unit doubles as a handle and a mechanism to ensure water does not get into the tailgate even when you are cleaning it.
The installation process is simple and will only require two new holes in the bed rails. You will then screw the other components into the canister and then bolt the tracks to the rails. Once done, you can enjoy the protection that the RollBAK tonneau cover offers.
2. GatorTrax Retractable Tonneau Cover
If you are looking for a robust, convenient, and secure tonneau covering material, you will not go wrong with GatorTrax. This retractable unit also features an elegant matte finish giving it a stealthy and appealing look. It is low profile and includes a tailgate lock to ensure high-level security for your items.
Unlike most retractable models, GatorTrax allows you to lock it at any position that is convenient for you. The operating mechanism utilizes sealed ball bearings that never freeze hence require zero maintenance. For durability, the canister is made up of a durable yet lightweight polycarbonate that can withstand the harshest of conditions.
3. Retrax PRO Retractable Truck Bed Cover
Retrax Pro features a sturdy aluminum build that gives it the necessary ruggedness and strength to serve its purpose. Like its previous counterpart, this model allows you to lock anywhere along the rail for extra convenience. It also features a low-profile design that enhances the look of your truck.
This tonneau cover also features sealed ball bearing that you would never have to worry about regarding maintenance. The Retrax Pro is also protected for UV radiation to prevent fading and maintain that elegant look for as long as you have it. Here are additional tips on how to ensure your tonneau covering material looks new.
4. Roll-N-Lock Retractable M-Series Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
The Roll-N-Lock tonneau cover has a nifty retractable mechanism that opens and closes in a few seconds. Its build material is made up of a mix of vinyl and aluminum. These materials give it a firm feel that is essential in protecting your cargo.
Working with the Roll-N-Lock sheet is quite easy – all you have to do is turn the lock-lever to open it. A built-in strap then pulls the cover back, and the locking mechanism latches into fully or partially closed positions. The design features a clamp-on track that reduces the need of drilling holes onto your rails. Drain fittings are recessed to facilitate quick drainage during rainy periods.
5. Vortrak Retractable Truck Bed Cover
Vortrak Retractable Truck Bed Cover features high-quality slates made from aircraft-grade aluminum material. The slates link up to each other through extrusion. With this mechanism in place, the cover has excellent water resistance and provides the ultimate security for your valuable cargo.
With the Vortrak retractable cover, your truck will have an extra touch of style and elegance. It takes away the extreme ruggedness of trucks – especially work trucks. The material comes in matte black color and should take you approximately 30 minutes to install on a truck.
6. Pace Edwards Tonneau Cover
Like all the other items on our list, the Pace Edwards Tonneau sheet is hard. The notable difference fro most of the other is that it lacks a lock. Retracting it only requires the turn of a knob. This feature may be convenient though it may not guarantee the security of your cargo at all times.
This model can either be open or closed with no in-betweens. During wet conditions, leakage of water would be minimal when closed. The railing requires regular greasing for efficient operation at all times. This tonneau cover is the most affordable of all on our list.
What to consider when choosing a tonneau cover
You should make the following considerations before deciding on the type of tonneau covering material that you want for your truck:
Specific needs
Different personal needs determine the types of the sheet that would work best for you. A hardcover that is also lockable should work best if you intend to keep thieves away from your cargo. For easy access to the tools and other items, a foldable or retractable cover should do the job.
Protection
Always go for a cover that will keep away moisture from reaching your cargo. Hardcovers are much better at providing water resistance than soft bed covers. Look out for a tonneau cover with weather seals to ensure your load does not get destroyed during transport.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, retractable covers demand the highest standards since they include moving parts. Lubrication should be done regularly to ensure that the rails run with ease. If neglected, wear and tear will occur, and the mechanism would fail to work smoothly.
Are retractable tonneau covers waterproof?
Retractable tonneau covering materials do a good job as far as water tightness goes. However, a few drops may find their way through them into your truck during rainy periods. The design of your tonneau cover determines how effective it will be at keeping out water. Painted one-piece designs offer the most protection. Retractable tonneau sheets are the next best thing in this regard.
Other designs with excellent water resistance include hard roll-up and hard-folding. Soft folding and soft roll-up designs do a good job but are not as effective as their harder counterparts. Snap cover designs, which are the oldest offer the least resistance to water.
Conclusion
The roundup should suffice whether you are working with your first truck or are replacing an existing tonneau cover. This list includes carefully selected top retractable tonneau covers – meaning whatever you decide to go for should not disappoint. For information on retractable truck bed covers, consult your supplier.