Tonneau covers come with a lot of advantages, but ensuring that your cargo is completely secure from the rain isn’t one of them. A tonneau cover does provide protection against the elements, to be sure, but there is no assurance that water will not enter the bed from the sides or joints.
A tonneau cover offers security and protection. You will receive protection from theft and dirt whether you select for a hard or soft tonneau cover. The cover would shield the goods from wind and rain, but it wouldn’t guarantee that no water would get on the truck bed. The difference here is to be familiar with the precise phrase used to describe the cover.
Waterproof or Water Resistant or Water Repellant?
Waterproofing entails that a device, material, or item may be submerged in water without affecting its performance. This phrase is frequently used with electronics.
Water-resistance indicates that the item or substance will become wet when water is splashed on it, but not the internal layers. Raincoats are usually water-resistant.
Water repellents are substances or items that include a hydrophobic coating that prevents water from sticking.
There are two primary types of tonneau covers: rigid and soft. The hard tonneau covers are constructed of materials like fibreglass or aluminium, whereas the softer ones are usually made of vinyl. When used alone, these materials are highly water-resistant, but when utilized as a cover, there are a few things to consider, including the clasp mechanism.
Tonneau covers are generally considered to be water-resistant. This does not mean that they will keep 100% of the water out, however. Most tonneau covers are made from vinyl or PVC material which is quite helpful in preventing corrosion.
A tonneau cover seals tight against the top side of the truck bed, but this seal can’t prevent water from running down the cab and into the bed if you’re caught in heavy storms. A waterproof tonneau cover will guarantee protection even during torrential down pours.
Is The Tonneau Cover Still Worth It?
When you’re seeking for a waterproof covering and the tonneau cover doesn’t meet your expectations, it isn’t the end of the world. Tonneau covers that provide whole waterproofing alternatives include the hard ones constructed of single sheet fibreglass, which are available. However, the expense could be higher than you anticipated. However, if you’re transporting freight over greater distances and intend to operate in inclement weather, this expenditure will be well worth your money.
A tonneau cover also helps you save money on your vehicle’s gasoline expenses. The wind has an effect on how fast the truck goes, so having a cover that does not allow for dips can help you save money on gas while obtaining better mileage. When it comes to tonneau covers, though, don’t just consider the waterproofing factor.
If possible, pay attention to the cover’s materials and mechanisms that will make operating it simple. You should also think about the budget and the additional protection offered by the cover while doing so. There may be lots of different methods to waterproof your truck bed, but having a tonneau cover means you can protect your goods from damage and theft.
Hard Top Hinged Tonneaus
The best option when searching for a tonneau cover that is waterproof is by getting a hard top. A hard tonneau cover seals tight against the top side of the truck bed. These covers, however, aren’t typically waterproof and can be affected by rain. Made from fiberglass, Hard Top Hinged Tonneau covers don’t allow rain water to enter the truck bed. Hard tonneau cover runs through truck bed rails and that means, they offer maximum protection from rainwater. A few droplets, on occasion, will make it through the gap around the cab and through the gaps surrounding the tailgate but that should not bother you too much.
Retractable Tonneaus
Retractable tonneaus covers are designed to cover the entire breath of the truck bed. All you need to do is to use the button and it will unfurl the cover automatically. Though convenient to use, Retractable tonneaus covers can’t ward off water completely. But they can keep the snow at bay. But when the snow gets accumulated, you might find them really difficult to operate. They will not retract that easily and effortlessly like before. To drain the water out, some Retractable tonneaus covers come fitted with drain tubes. Draining the drain tubes, on the other hand, usually necessitates drilling holes in the truck bed to facilitate draining.
Folding Tonneaus
Folding Tonneaus covers are usually made from either vinyl or aluminum/plastic panels. As the name suggests, Folding Tonneaus retracts onto itself so that you can have access to the truck bed.
They can resist water. However, there are usually openings where water can pass through. If ice builds up and prevents the mechanisms from functioning properly, the effectiveness of these tonneaus may be harmed.
Soft Snap-On Tonneaus
Soft Snap-On Tonneau Covers are available for the cheap. Easy to install and remove, Soft Snap-On Tonneau Covers snap along the edges of the pickup truck. However, they have some serious drawbacks and the chief among them is the absence of drainage system that makes it easier for water to seep in. They can provide some level of protection in light rain but in heavy downpour, they might not hold up that well.
