When renting a truck, you may be wondering – do rental trucks come with tonneau covers? The short answer is no, rental trucks do not typically include tonneau covers.
What is a Tonneau Cover?
A tonneau cover is an accessory that goes over the truck bed to protect cargo and provide security. Tonneau covers come in different styles:
Hard Tonneau Covers
These are made from aluminum, fiberglass or heavy-duty vinyl. Hard covers open by a hinge or retract fully into the canister. They provide the most security and protection from weather.
Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Covers
These are made of vinyl and roll up to allow full access to the truck bed. They secure with snaps or velcro closures. Soft covers are less expensive but still protect cargo.
Folding Tonneau Covers
Folding covers are made of aluminum or plastic panels that fold up accordion-style. They are a compromise between hard and soft covers.
Snap, Toolbox and Under-Rail Covers
These economical options mount inside the bed rails to cover the center of the truck bed.
Why Don’t Rental Companies Provide Them?
Tonneau covers are generally aftermarket accessories that rental truck companies do not provide as standard. Here are some reasons rental trucks tend not to include tonneau covers:
Expense
Good tonneau covers are not cheap. Stocking every rental with a pricey accessory would increase costs for the rental company. Since tonneau covers are optional, most agencies leave them out.
Damage
The hard use trucks get from renters means any tonneau cover would likely suffer dents, rips or tears. The rental company would constantly replace damaged covers. Easier not to provide them at all.
Security
Tonneau covers allow truck bed storage to be locked and concealed. However, renters need full bed access and the ability to tie down awkward loads. Locking covers could cause issues.
Varied Renter Needs
Renters use trucks for many purposes like moving, hauling dirt, pulling trailers, or transporting gear. The rental company cannot anticipate if a bed cover would help or hinder the renter.
One More Thing to Maintain
Since tonneau covers are prone to damage, rental outfits would have yet another thing to inspect and maintain between rentals. More hassle they would rather avoid.
Warranty Issues
Many tonneau cover manufacturers void warranties if the truck is used commercially. Rental use likely falls under “commercial” so warranties would be void anyway.
What About Locking Bed Covers?
Some rental trucks may come with a locking bed cover as an optional security feature. These operate like a truck toolbox lid to cover and lock the center truck bed. Locking bed covers allow renters to secure items like tools or suitcases while still allowing versatile use of the truck bed.
However, this is not the same as a full tonneau cover. Locking bed covers are much less common than open beds on rental trucks. Don’t expect them as standard equipment.
Can You Add Your Own Tonneau?
In some cases, renters can install their own tonneau cover on a rental truck. Consider these issues before doing it:
Get Permission
Consult your rental contract to ensure add-ons like tonneau covers are allowed. Unauthorized alterations may void your rental insurance. Call and get explicit permission.
Proper Installation
Improper tonneau cover installation can damage the truck. Use care not to tear vinyl or allow water leaks that could lead to truck bed rust.
Security Concerns
You don’t want your tonneau cover damaged, stolen, or missing when you return the truck. Be sure to tightly lock or remove it.
Weather Protection
If you need a tonneau while renting a truck, it likely provides important protection from rain, snow or sunlight. Make sure it will fully cover the bed.
High Speed Safety
A rental truck tonneau must withstand highway speeds. Flapping vinyl or loose covers become dangerous road hazards at 60+ MPH.
Storage Capacity
Ensure your temporary tonneau allows you to carry the cargo you need. Hard covers offer more versatile secure storage than soft versions.
maintenance tips for tonneau covers
Since rental trucks get heavy use, tonneau covers require diligent maintenance to avoid problems. Follow these tips if using a cover on your rental:
Clean Vinyl Regularly
Dirt on vinyl leads to abrasion and cracking. Use a vinyl cleaner and protectant to preserve soft covers.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Household cleaners and beach suntan lotion spilled on vinyl will cause damage. Mild soap and water is best for cleaning.
Check Hinges and Latches
Ensure all hardware moves freely without sticking. Lubricate with silicone spray if needed.
Tighten Clamps
Clamps underneath the tonneau rails can loosen over time, allowing flapping at speed. Tighten them down.
Replace Worn Velcro
Where velcro secures vinyl flaps, the hook and loop can wear out. Carry spare velcro strips for emergency repairs.
Weatherproof Exposed Surfaces
Seal any gouges or scratches in hardcovers with vinyl guard to prevent water intrusion and rust.
Store Properly When Not In Use
Fold or roll the tonneau tightly and keep covered and clean between uses. This prevents vinyl puckering.
Common Tonneau Cover Problems
Due to their lightweight nature and moving parts, tonneau covers can develop issues:
Rattles at Speed
Parts rubbing together combined with wind vibrations and bumps in the road can cause annoying rattles. Check all hardware is tight.
Billowing Open on Highway
High speeds create aerodynamic lift on soft covers. Extra velcro strips or tie-downs along the sides will secure it.
Sticking When Opening/Closing
Debris and dirt can interfere with hinges, snaps and sliding mechanisms. Clean and lubricate with silicone spray.
Tears Around Mounting Points
Metal tonneau clamps abrade vinyl over time, causing rips and holes where rails attach. Reinforce edges with vinyl guard.
Water Leaking In
Hardcovers that are warped or have cracked seals around access hatches will leak during rain. Reseal with caulk.
Partial Latch Failure
Individual snaps, clamps or velcro strips popping open will leave the tonneau loose. Engage all closures to prevent flapping.
Difficult Operation
Stuck, binding or hard-to-move parts indicate a need for lubrication and cleaning of sliding elements.
Excessive Wind Noise
Gaps or poorly sealed edges allow air turbulence and noise, especially at freeway speeds. Ensure tight, flush mounting.
When to Remove the Tonneau Entirely
To avoid any rental truck tonneau problems, there are times you should just take it off:
- Hauling oversized loads that require full bed access.
- Adding tie-downs that attach to side rails.
- Parking outside for long periods in high sun, snow or hail.
- Driving on very bumpy roads that could jostle the cover.
- Carrying cargo past the bed rails that could rip vinyl or plastic.
- Operating in dusty conditions that could foul moving parts.
Either drive without the tonneau, or safely stow it inside the cab or in a protected area. This prevents costly damage.
Are Tonneau Covers Worth It For Rental Trucks
Adding a tonneau cover can benefit renters who value cargo security, weather protection and a locked storage space. But soft covers offer minimal protection, while hard versions may get in the way of loading bulky items.
Carefully assess your rental truck needs before deciding if it’s worth equipping with a tonneau cover. The hassle of proper installation and preventing damage may outweigh any benefits for short term rentals.
In most cases, rental trucks will not come with any kind of tonneau cover. Renters must weigh all factors and proceed with caution before adding their own. With extra diligence and care, tonneaus can be useful additions in certain rental situations. But it’s often easier just to load carefully and tie down all cargo in an open rental truck bed.
So in summary – no, rental trucks do not typically include tonneau covers. But experienced renters can install their own covers in some cases if the benefits outweigh the risks and hassle. Most renters find it simplest just to use the standard open truck bed for flexible loading and maximum cargo capacity.
