Purchasing a tonneau cover for your truck can provide many benefits like extra security for your truck bed, protection from weather, and an overall improved look. However, finding the right tonneau cover that perfectly fits your truck can be tricky. With so many options on the market, how do you know if a certain tonneau cover will properly fit your truck?
Use Your Truck’s Make, Model, and Year
The easiest first step is to simply use your truck’s make, model, and year when searching for a tonneau cover. Most tonneau cover manufacturers design their products for specific truck makes, models, and years.
When browsing online or in-store, you can search or filter products by entering your truck’s basic information. This will show you tonneau covers designed to fit your specific truck. For example, searching for “2019 Toyota Tacoma tonneau cover” will bring up results fit for that truck.
Many product listings will also indicate truck compatibility, such as:
- Fits 1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado
- For 2015-2018 Ford F-150 5.5 ft bed
- Compatible with 2019 Dodge Ram 1500
This basic compatibility information can help you narrow down the search quickly to tonneau covers that should fit your truck. However, it’s still important to measure your bed and consider other factors to ensure the best fit.
Carefully Measure Your Truck Bed Size
While make, model, and year compatibility can get you started, the best way to guarantee a tonneau cover will fit is to measure your truck bed size and match it to the product dimensions. Even trucks of the same make, model, and year could have slight variations in bed size, so take the time to get precise measurements.
Here is a step-by-step guide to measuring your truck bed:
Step 1: Lower the Tailgate
The first step is to lower your truck’s tailgate. This allows you to measure the full bed length.
Step 2: Measure Inside Length
Stand at the very back of the truck bed with the tailgate down. Use a tape measure to measure from the inside wall of the front of the bed to the inside edge of the tailgate. This will give you the maximum length capacity of your bed.
Record this length measurement.
Step 3: Measure Inside Width
Climb into the truck bed and measure across the width at the front, middle, and back of the bed. Record all three width measurements.
Step 4: Identify Any Bed Rails or Add-Ons
Take note of any existing bed rails, tie downs, tool boxes, or other accessories that may impact tonneau cover fit. Measure the height of any permanent bed additions.
Step 5: Compare to Tonneau Cover Dimensions
Use your recorded length, width, and height measurements and compare them to the dimensions listed for any tonneau cover you are considering. This will tell you if the cover will properly fit the size of your truck bed.
Look for a cover where your measurements fall within or precisely match the listed tonneau dimensions. Avoid covers that are shorter or narrower than your bed size.
Double Check for Truck Bed Accessories
In addition to basic size measurements, you also need to consider any built-in or aftermarket truck bed accessories you currently have. Tonneau covers need to be compatible with or designed to work around such truck features.
Here are some existing truck bed items to take note of:
Bed Liners
Does your truck have a plastic, rubber, or spray-in bed liner? Some tonneau covers can be installed right over bed liners, while others may require a specific liner thickness. Measure the thickness of your existing liner.
Bed Rails
Factory or aftermarket bed rails along the top of your truck bed can impact tonneau fit. There are tonneau covers made to work with bed rails and even use them for mounting. Measure the height and thickness of your rails.
Bed Caps and Tool Boxes
Some trucks come with a bed cap over the cab area or have toolbox add-ons mounted on the bed. Make sure to get measurements of any permanent truck bed caps and tool storage to accommodate.
Gooseneck Hitches
If your truck has a gooseneck or other fifth wheel trailer hitch mounted in the center of the bed, you’ll need a tonneau cover designed to work around it. Measure the size of your truck’s hitch mount.
Tie Downs and Cargo Hooks
Look at where any tie downs, D-rings, cleats, or hooks are located. Choose a tonneau that fits around these cargo attachments.
Once you know all the measurements and dimensions of your truck bed and any accessories, you can determine compatability with different tonneau cover options.
Consider Tonneau Cover Type, Features, and Purpose
In addition to correct sizing and fit, you also need to make sure you get the right tonneau cover type, with the proper features, for how you plan to use your truck.
Truck Use
Think about how you use your truck most. Do you need a cover that allows complete access to the bed for hauling and accessing large cargo? Or do you want a lower profile smooth cover to improve gas mileage? Your truck usage will help determine what cover is best.
Cover Type
The main types of tonneau covers include:
- Retractable: Roll up for full bed access
- Folding: Fold sections for partial or complete access
- Hinged: Flip open for easy access
- Low-Profile: Smooth, weatherproof surface
Consider which style fits your truck, cargo, and lifestyle needs.
Added Features
Many tonneau covers come with additional features like storage racks, lighting, dividers, and more. Make sure to choose any must-have add-ons that suit your needs.
Purpose
Know why you want a cover in the first place. Is weather protection most important? Security and lockability? Or just overall improved looks? Match the tonneau purpose to your goals.
Thinking through tonneau cover type, features, and intended use will ensure you pick the right one for your truck and needs.
Finding the Perfect Fit
Installing a properly fitting tonneau cover that works with your existing truck bed will provide you with maximum function and enjoyment of your truck. While it may take some extra measuring and consideration, taking the time to match truck and cover dimensions, assess current accessories, and identify your needs will pay off.
Follow the steps to measure bed size, account for any built-in bed features, compare to tonneau dimensions, and evaluate cover type and purpose. Using your specific truck details instead of relying solely on general make and model information will guarantee you find a tonneau cover that fits perfectly.
With the right cover that fits your truck, you’ll be able to enjoy the enhanced protection, organization, and style it provides for years to come. Happy truck bed coverage!
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Tonneau Cover Fit
How do I measure my truck bed length and width?
To properly measure your truck bed, lower the tailgate. Use a tape measure to measure the length from the inside front wall to the inside edge of the tailgate. For width, measure across the bed width at the front, middle, and back and record all measurements.
What truck bed accessories can impact tonneau cover fit?
Some existing truck bed features that can impact tonneau cover compatibility include bed liners, rails, caps, tool boxes, gooseneck hitches, tie downs, and cargo hooks. Measure all permanent bed accessories.
What types of tonneau covers allow full bed access?
Retractable and folding tonneau covers allow complete or partial access to the truck bed. Retractable covers roll up and folding covers have sections that open. Hinged and low-profile covers have a more limited opening.
How do I find a cover that fits around a fifth wheel hitch?
Look for a retractable or folding tonneau that is designed to work with and open around a central fifth wheel trailer hitch. Or choose a hinged cover that has a custom cutout hole to accommodate the hitch mount.
What if I have a bed liner – will a tonneau cover still fit?
Many tonneau covers are designed to be installed over bed liners up to a certain thickness, usually around 1 inch. Make sure to measure your existing liner thickness and find a cover rated to fit over it.
Is it important to match my tonneau cover length and width to my exact bed size?
Yes, it is important that the cover dimensions match your precise bed length and width rather than relying on generalized truck bed sizes. Even the same make and model trucks can have slight bed size variations.
How do I know if my cover is long enough for my truck?
When measuring your bed length, measure from the inside wall to the inside edge of the lowered tailgate to get full sizing. Compare that length measurement to the cover and make sure it is equal to or slightly longer than your truck bed length.
What tonneau cover add-ons should I look for?
Some popular tonneau cover accessory features include storage racks, internal lighting, removable panels to divide the bed, headboard seals, sliding rails, and dual-opening covers. Consider which accessories suit your needs.
How do I determine the purpose for why I need a tonneau cover
Consider if you mainly need weather protection, security for valuables, improved gas mileage, or just an upgrade in style. Also factor in how you use your truck for hauling and access to determine the best cover purpose.