A tonneau cover is an excellent investment for any truck owner looking to protect their cargo and belongings. Made of vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass or other durable materials, these handy covers shield your truck bed and all it holds from sun, rain, dirt and theft.
But what happens when your tonneau cover’s vinyl top wears out, cracks or tears? Finding a replacement vinyl cover that fits your specific truck bed and tonneau cover model can be a challenge. This article will explore the best places online and in-store to purchase replacement vinyl tonneau covers and materials to breathe new life into your tired truck bed cover.
Where Should I Start Searching For Tonneau Cover Vinyl Replacements?
When it comes time to replace the vinyl top of your tonneau cover, it’s essential to find one made specifically for your cover’s make and model. Here are some of the best places to start your search:
Should I Check With The Original Tonneau Cover Manufacturer?
Checking with the original manufacturer of your tonneau cover should be your first step. Most leading brands like Lund, BakFlip, Retrax and Extang sell replacement vinyl covers and tarps for their tonneau models.
Benefits:
- Exact fit for your specific cover
- Made from quality, tested materials
- Easy to find the right size
- May be eligible for warranty
Potential Drawbacks:
- More expensive than third-party versions
- Limited selection
What About Aftermarket Accessory Retailers?
Major aftermarket truck accessory retailers like AutoAnything, RealTruck and 4WheelParts sell replacement vinyl tonneau covers for most major cover brands.
Benefits:
- Wider selection of vinyl colors/patterns
- Less expensive than OEM versions
- Still a quality product
Potential Drawbacks:
- May not be an exact fit for your cover
- Limited warranty
Can I Find Replacement Vinyl Tarps at Local Auto Parts Stores?
Stores like AutoZone, O’Reilly’s and Pep Boys carry some universal-fit vinyl tonneau cover replacements and tarps, but selection is limited.
Benefits:
- Inexpensive
- Buy in person vs. online
Potential Drawbacks:
- Very limited selection
- Not an exact fit
- Lower quality materials
Based on these options, I recommend first checking with your tonneau cover’s manufacturer if possible. Then turn to major aftermarket retailers for the widest selection of direct replacement vinyl covers at affordable prices. Local auto parts stores should be a last resort for finding a quality tonneau cover vinyl replacement.
What Are The Best Online Retailers For Purchasing Replacement Tonneau Cover Vinyl?
These leading online retailers offer the widest selections of replacement vinyl tonneau covers at reasonable prices:
Amazon
With its massive online inventory, Amazon is a smart place to find replacement vinyl for most tonneau cover models.
Benefits:
- Huge selection of brands and sizes
- Value pricing
- Prime eligible for quick shipping
Potential Drawbacks:
- Not all covers have exact fit
- Quality varies between third-party sellers
etrailer.com
This specialty automotive retailer sells direct replacement vinyl tonneau covers for leading brands.
Benefits:
- Exact fit for many covers
- High-quality materials
- Good prices
Potential Drawbacks:
- Mostly limited to soft roll-up covers
- Limited selection of premium brands
RealTruck.com
RealTruck stocks direct OEM replacements and affordable aftermarket vinyl covers.
Benefits:
- Wide range of custom and universal fit options
- Name brand and generic versions
- Good pricing and sales
Potential Drawbacks:
- Mixed reviews on off-brand quality
- Limited color/pattern options
Based on selection and quality, I recommend checking both Amazon and etrailer.com for the vinyl cover replacement you need at the best price.
Where Can I Buy Vinyl Fabric To Make My Own Replacement Tonneau Cover?
If you have basic sewing skills, you can save money by making your own replacement vinyl cover. Here are some top sources for purchasing waterproof vinyl fabric online:
Sailrite.com
Sailrite sells high-quality marine and outdoor grade vinyl fabrics perfect for DIY tonneau covers.
Benefits:
- Several vinyl weights and colors
- Durable and UV/mildew resistant
- Wholesale pricing available
Potential Drawbacks:
- Only sold in bulk yardage
- Requires sewing skills
SeattleFabrics.com
This online fabric retailer offers medium and heavy duty vehicle vinyl fabric by the yard.
Benefits:
- Wide color selection
- Can buy 1 yard minimum
- Outdoor and marine vinyl
Potential Drawbacks:
- Limited fabric patterns
- Requires sewing ability
Joann.com
The craft chain stocks a small selection of vinyl fabrics suitable for tonneau covers.
Benefits:
- Easy in-store pickup option
- Budget-friendly prices
- Good for simple covers
Potential Drawbacks:
- Very limited color/pattern selection
- Lower quality vinyl
For quality marine-grade vinyl in an array of colors, Sailrite is the best option for DIY tonneau covers. Seattle Fabrics also offers good vinyl fabric choices for the home sewer.
What Should I Look For When Buying Replacement Tonneau Cover Vinyl?
To ensure you get a cover that lasts, inspect potential replacement vinyl fabrics and covers for these key features:
Type Of Vinyl
Look for marine-grade or high-quality outdoor vinyl that resists UV damage, mildew and tears. Vinyl coated polyester blends are best.
Fabric Weight
Medium to heavy duty vinyl fabrics with at least 600 denier thickness will hold up best over time. Lighter vinyl can tear easily.
Water Resistance
The vinyl should have a waterproof coating to repel rain and moisture from the truck bed.
Color & Pattern Options
Match your truck’s color or choose a bold complement. Popular patterns add style too.
Fit & Dimensions
Carefully measure your truck bed size and current cover to find an exact replacement match.
Hardware & Features
Zippers, Velcro, sliding rails and clamps should match your existing cover’s design.
By inspecting vinyl fabric density, waterproofing, color options and hardware, you can select a quality replacement cover that will last.
Do Tonneau Cover Manufacturers Sell Replacement Vinyl Covers?
Most major brands that manufacture hard and soft tonneau covers also offer direct replacement vinyl covers or tarps that fit their specific models. Here are some top options:
BakFlip Tonneau Covers
This leading hard folding cover brand sells direct replacement vinyl panels for models like the BakFlip G2, F1, and MX4.
Extang Tonneau Covers
Extang offers replacement vinyl tarps for their soft roll-up covers like the Solid Fold, FullTilt, and EnCore.
Retrax Tonneau Covers
Retrax makes quality hard folding covers and sells replacement top vinyl panels for models like the Retrax XR, Pro XR, and One MX.
Lund Tonneau Covers
Lund International manufactures soft and hard covers and provides exact replacement vinyl and fabrics.
Access Tonneau Covers
Access sells replacement roll-up vinyl for Original and Lorado soft tonneau covers.
Truck Hero Tonneau Covers
Truck Hero offers replacement vinyl tarps for Advantage, Alpha, Everlast, and other soft roll-up covers.
Consult your cover’s manufacturer directly to find a replacement vinyl tarp or panel guaranteed to fit and work with your existing tonneau model.
Where Can I Buy Replacement Vinyl Locally For My Tonneau Cover?
Need a replacement vinyl tarp or panel for your tonneau cover ASAP? Check these local sources:
Canvas Shops
Upholstery and canvas shops can custom make a vinyl tarp if you provide the measurements. Quality may vary.
Hardware Stores
Some larger hardware stores like Home Depot sell universal vinyl tarps that can work as emergency replacements. But the fit likely won’t be exact.
Auto Parts Stores
Local auto parts stores rarely stock vinyl tonneau cover tarps, but may be able to order replacements for common brands. Selection will be limited.
Truck Accessory Shops
Retail truck outfitters and camper shell shops sometimes carry vinyl cover replacements for major brands. Worth checking out.
Unless you need an emergency cover, I suggest avoiding most local options in favor of an online direct replacement vinyl cover for best fit and quality.
Final Thoughts
Replacing a worn or damaged vinyl cover is the most affordable way to get more life out of your existing tonneau cover. With the wide range of online and manufacturer options now available, you can likely find an exact replacement vinyl cover or tarp for your truck model at reasonable cost.
Invest some time measuring and researching the ideal vinyl material and dimensions for your cover. With the right replacement, your cover will once again provide reliable protection for that truck bed cargo.
