What causes cargo to slide around in a truck bed with a tonneau cover?
Cargo can slide around in a truck bed with a tonneau cover for a few reasons:
- Acceleration/deceleration forces – When you speed up or brake, the inertia causes unrestrained cargo to slide back and forth.
- Cornering forces – Going around turns causes the cargo to shift from side to side.
- Uneven road surfaces – Bumps and dips in the road can bounce cargo up and down, leading to sliding.
- Wind resistance – Driving at high speeds, wind can push cargo towards the back of the truck bed.
- Improperly secured cargo – If cargo isn’t tied down or contained properly, it’s more likely to shift around the bed.
- Slick truck bed surface – Smooth, non-textured truck beds provide less friction, allowing cargo to slide more easily.
So in summary, the physics of driving combined with an unrestrained, smooth loadbed surface allows cargo mobility that leads to sliding in a tonneau-covered truck bed.
What are some solutions to keep cargo from sliding with a tonneau cover?
Here are some of the most effective ways to prevent cargo sliding in a tonneau-covered truck bed:
Use Cargo Control Equipment
- Cargo nets/straps – Sturdy nets or tie-down straps securely contain cargo and limit movement. Attach to built-in rail hooks or tie-down rings.
- Cargo bars/dividers – These divide the bed into sections to keep items separated and contained. Made of aluminum or composite polymers.
- Cargo racks/holders – Racks elevate cargo for added stability. Plastic bins or interlocking modules hold items in place. Can mount above or inside the bed.
Improve Friction Inside the Truck Bed
- Bed mats – Rubber, carpet, or spray-in mats create grip to prevent sliding.
- Bed liners – Rugged textured liners like ArmorThane coat the entire bed for maximum anti-slide friction.
- Toolbox – A toolbox anchored at the front of the bed can provide a “wall” to contain cargo.
Use the Tonneau Cover Features
- Hard tonneau – A hard lid adds security and limits cargo shifting. Locking models are most secure.
- Retractable tonneau – The rolling cover can be partially closed to contain cargo but allow some bed access.
- Clamping system – Some soft roll-up covers use heavy-duty clamps to tightly seal and contain cargo.
Secure Individual Items
- Wheel chocks – Sturdy rubber or metal chocks immobilize wheels on vehicles, motorsports equipment, etc.
- Ratchet straps – Great for tying down irregular shaped objects or very heavy items. Minimizes movement.
- Corner protectors – Used in conjunction with straps/nets to prevent strap abrasion damage on cargo.
Park Carefully
- Park on flat surfaces – Avoid parking on steep driveways or hills that could cause cargo to shift from surface angle.
- Take corners slowly – Reduce speed for turns and roundabouts to minimize lateral g-forces.
- Avoid abrupt stops – Drive smoothly without sudden braking to limit forward inertia on cargo.
What are the best tonneau covers for keeping cargo contained?
The most secure truck bed tonneau covers for preventing cargo sliding are:
Hard Retractable Tonneaus
The hard interlocking aluminum slats of covers like the Roll-N-Lock or Retrax retractable provide excellent cargo containment compared to soft covers. The low-profile aerodynamic housing also minimizes wind lift.
Hard Folding Tonneaus
Jointed hard panels made of aluminum or reinforced composites on covers such as the BakFlip G2 offer good cargo security. The heavy-duty rear tailgate latch lock seals tightly.
Hard Solid One-Piece Lids
Solid one-piece fiberglass or aluminum lids such as the UnderCover Flex provide maximum truck bed security when locked. No gaps or seams makes it difficult for cargo to shift.
Soft Roll-Up with Bows
High-end roll-up soft covers like the Access Lorado utilize full-length aluminum bows to keep the vinyl taut. This prevents billowing in the wind and provides better containment.
Tips for loading cargo in a tonneau-covered truck bed
To maximize cargo security with a tonneau follow these loading tips:
- Place heavy items up front near the cab or against the front bulkhead for stability.
- Tighten tonneau clamps evenly and close rear tailgate seal securely to limit gaps.
- Load items flush with the front bulkhead to prevent forward shifting under braking.
- Strap down or contain loose items that could spill out of bins or boxes during transport.
- Use corner protectors on any cargo contacting the tonneau vinyl to prevent punctures.
- Double check latches are locked before driving for hard folding and retractable tonneaus.
- Keep cargo below the level of the truck bed rails prevent wind getting underneath and lifting the items.
- For long/large cargo, use a bed extender or consider a trailer instead of relying solely on the tonneau cover.
- Transport liquids only in sealed containers/drums/tanks designed for hauling to prevent spills under acceleration/braking.
Properly loading your truck and using common sense hauling practices will ensure your cargo arrives safely and damage-free!
FAQs about Cargo Sliding Prevention with a Tonneau Cover
Will a tonneau cover alone keep my cargo from sliding?
While a tonneau can help, you need to take additional measures to properly secure cargo. Unsecured items can still shift around even under a hard retractable tonneau. Use tiedowns, racks, mats, and careful loading/driving.
What’s better – a soft roll-up tonneau or a hard folding tonneau?
Hard folding and retractable covers are generally more secure and cargo-friendly than soft vinyl roll-up covers. But high-end soft covers with heavy-duty bows and securing systems can contain cargo almost as well as hard models.
Can I use a bed divider or truck toolboxes with a tonneau cover?
Yes, bed dividers and in-bed toolboxes can provide valuable extra cargo containment even with a tonneau installed. Just be sure to choose divider mounts and toolboxes designed to be compatible with your particular tonneau.
Will driving slower help reduce cargo sliding?
Absolutely – driving smoothly at lower speeds reduces the g-forces from acceleration and braking that can cause sliding. Take corners easily as well. Just make sure to secure cargo fully regardless of your driving style.
How do I stop lightweight items like grocery bags from sliding around?
For lighter items prone to sliding, use cargo nets, bags, or bins to contain them in transit. Nets allow visibility of the contents which is good for low-density items. Hard toolboxes also work well for organizing small objects.
Can I still use my truck bed extender with a tonneau cover installed?
Yes, most truck bed extenders will work fine with tonneau covers installed as long as you choose the right mounting system. Some extenders attach using the same rail system as the tonneau for seamless use.
Which works better – a spray-in bedliner or a bed mat to stop sliding?
Spray-in liners will likely provide the most anti-slide protection by coating the entire bed. But plastic bed mats are highly effective too, easier to install, and cheaper. Either option is far better than an untreated bare metal bed for containing cargo.
Will parking on a slope cause my cargo to slide with a tonneau cover on?
Yes, the slope angle can potentially allow gravity-induced cargo shifting. Wherever possible avoid parking on significant inclines with cargo in the bed, even with a tonneau. Take extra precautions like wheelchair tie-downs if necessary.
Key Takeaways on Preventing Cargo Sliding with a Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
- Unsecured, loose cargo will tend to shift around under tonneaus from driving forces and wind.
- Proper tie-downs, racks, bins, and traction mats help restrict sliding effectively.
- Hard tonneaus like retracting or folding covers provide more containment than basic soft vinyl.
- Load heavy items up front and drive cautiously to minimize inertia-related sliding.
- Parking on a slope can allow gravity to override your tonneau’s protection unless cargo is very securely fastened.
- With the right tonneau, loading practices, and restraint methods, you can keep cargo stable and protected on any truck bed.
