What Size Tonneau Cover Do I Need

1. What Size Tonneau Cover Do I Need? July 29, 2023 by Jonathan Anderson A tonneau cover presents an excellent solution to safeguard your truck bed cargo from rain, snow, dirt, and the prying eyes of potential thieves. However, the market offers many options, featuring various types and sizes, leading to the common question: “What Size Tonneau Cover Do I Need?“ Selecting the perfect tonneau cover for your truck involves considering numerous factors. Nevertheless, the foremost consideration is finding a cover that is compatible and precisely sized for your truck bed. This guide sheds light on tonneau cover sizing and assists you in determining the ideal size of cover for your specific needs. Table of Contents •1. What Size Tonneau Cover Do I Need? •2. How To Measure Truck Bed For Tonneau Cover? •3. Another method to determine the length of the truck bed •4. How To Choose A Tonneau Cover By Model? •5. Type of Tonneau Cover and Recommended Tonneau Cover •6. Does A Truck Bed Liner Impact Your Tonneau Cover Size? •7. How To Choose The Perfect Tonneau Cover for Your Truck Bed? •8. Things to consider after measuring the truck length •9. FAQs •10. Conclusion 1. What Size Tonneau Cover Do I Need? Truck manufacturers typically categorize their truck beds into specific segments, such as short beds (around 5.5 feet), standard box length (6.5 feet), and long boxes (8 feet). However, slight variations in measurements can exist between manufacturers and even different generations of trucks. Given these discrepancies, you might wonder, “What size tonneau cover is suitable for my truck?” Using a measuring tape is the most reliable method to

2. find out. To find the perfect tonneau cover size for your truck, carefully measure the length and width of your truck bed. Tonneau covers come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different truck bed dimensions, so ensuring you get the appropriate size is crucial for a proper fit. To ensure the ideal tonneau cover size for your truck, meticulously measure the length and width of your truck bed. (Source: Internet) 1.1. Calculate Your Tonneau Cover Size Select your truck bed length: Bed Size Length (In) Tonneau Cover You Need 63 5.2ft 67 5.7ft

3. 5.8ft 70 73 6.2ft 6.5ft 76 6.7ft 79 98 8ft 1.2. Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Size Chart For those with recent model year trucks, the following tonneau cover size chart can serve as a valuable resource to verify your measurements and guarantee a proper fit. Model/Advertised length Actual bed length Ford F150 (2021) •5.5 ft •6.5 ft •8 ft •67.1 in (5 ft 7.1 in) •78.9 in (6 ft 7.9 in) •97.6 in (8 ft1.6 in) Dodge Ram (2022) •5 ft 7 in •6 ft 4 in •67.4 in (5 ft 7.4 in) •76.3 in (6 ft 4.3 in) GMC Sierra (2022) •Short •Standard •Long •69.92 in (5 ft 9.92 in) •79.44 in (6 ft 7.44 in) •98.2 in (8 ft 2.2 in) Chevy Silverado 1500 (2022) •Short •Standard •Long •69.92 in (5 ft 9.92 in) •79.44 in (6 ft 7.44 in) •98.18 in (8 ft 2.18 in) Toyota Tundra (2022)

4. •5.5 ft •6.5 ft •8.1 ft •65.6 in (5 ft 5.6 in) •77.6 in ( 6 ft 5.6 in) •96.5 in (8 ft 0.5 in) Chevy Colorado (2022) •Short •Long •61.7 in (5 ft 1.7 in) •74 in ( 6 ft 2 in) Ford Ranger (2021) •5 ft •6 ft •61.7 in (5 ft 1.7 in) •72.8 in (6 ft 0.8 in) Jeep Gladiator (2021) 60.3 in ( 5 ft 0.3 in) Toyota Tacoma (2022) •5 ft •6 ft •60.5 in (5 ft 0.5 in) •73.7 in (6 ft 1.7 in) Nissan Frontier (2022) 1.3. Popular Trucks & Bed Sizes 73.3 in (6ft 1.3 in) Truck Type Standard Tonneau Cover Size 5′ 7″ or 6′ 4″ Dodge Ram 1500 5′ 7″ or 6′ 7″ Toyota Tundra 5′ 9″ or 6′ 7″ Chevrolet Silverado 5′ 2″ or 6′ 2″ Chevrolet Colorado 5′ 2″ or 6′ 2″ GMC Canyon 5′ 7″ or 6′ 7″ Ford F-150 5′ 8” or 6′ 6” GMC Sierra 1500

5. 4′ 8″ or 5′ 4″ Honda Ridgeline 5′ 6″ Ford Maverick 1.4. Example Of Some Truck Models Bed Size Truck Model Short Bed Size Standard Bed Size Long Bed Size Actual Length: 67.4″Advertised Length: 5’7″ Actual Length: 76.3″Advertised Length: 6’4″ Actual Length: 98.3″Advertised Length: 8″ RAM 1500 Actual Length: 67″Advertised Length: 5’7″ Actual Length: 78.9″Advertised Length: 6’7″ Actual Length: 97.6″Advertised Length: 8″ Ford F-150 Actual Length: 62.7″Advertised Length: 5’2″ Actual Length: 74″Advertised Length: 6’2″ CHEVY COLORADO & GMC CANYON Actual Length: 69.3″Advertised Length: 5’8″ Actual Length: 78.8″Advertised Length: 6’6″ Actual Length: 97.8″Advertised Length: 8″ CHEVY & GMC 1500 Actual Length: 60.3″Advertised Length: 5’2″ Actual Length: 73.5″Advertised Length: 6’2″ TOYOTA TACOMA Actual Length: 66.7″Advertised Length: 5’7″ Actual Length: 78.7″Advertised Length: 6’7″ Actual Length: 97.6″Advertised Length: 8″ TOYOTA TUNDRA 2. How To Measure Truck Bed For Tonneau Cover? Truck bed lengths vary depending on the type of truck and its manufacturer. Determining the correct size for your truck bed is a straightforward process, and it’s crucial to measure accurately to ensure you purchase the right-sized tonneau cover. Here’s a step-by-step guide to measuring your truck bed correctly:

6. #1. Lower the Tailgate: To obtain the optimal angle for measurement, begin by lowering the tailgate of your truck bed. This guarantees that the measurement encompasses the entire truck bed, yielding a precise and accurate result. #2. Use a Measuring Tape: Make sure you have a measuring tape that can extend up to 8 feet long, as this will enable you to take the necessary measurements. Even if your truck is smaller, having a longer tape is a good rule of thumb. Stretch the tape measure from the edge of the truck bed to the bulkhead wall situated at the front of the vehicle. #3. Ensure Precision: Accurate measurement is vital when selecting a tonneau cover for your truck bed. Double-check your measurement to avoid any fitting issues with the cover. Note down the measurement in inches for further calculations. #4. Convert to Feet: Tonneau cover sizes are usually measured in feet, whereas the truck bed measurement is often in inches. Convert your measurement to feet for a more precise tonneau cover size. #5. Choose Your Tonneau Cover: After obtaining the accurate measurement, you can commence the search for your new tonneau cover. Many covers come with warranties, so if you encounter any fitting difficulties, you can explore other options that suit your truck bed better. Tonneau cover manufacturers often round off the size to the nearest even number, so there’s no need to worry if your measured size doesn’t precisely match the number provided by the manufacturer when you go shopping. Many tonneau cover manufacturers standardize the sizes to ensure they can fit various model pickup trucks. 3. Another method to determine the length of the truck bed Rather than relying on manual measurements, you can easily find a compatible tonneau cover for your truck by simply referencing the manufacturer’s name, model, and year. It is highly recommended to have already checked the truck bed length at the time of purchasing the vehicle. By adopting this approach,

7. you can ensure a smooth and efficient process in choosing the ideal tonneau cover for your truck. Verifying the truck model and length is a simple task. Having the factory specifications makes it even easier to cross-reference the measurements accurately. Additionally, a bed liner can be helpful in determining the precise length. It is important to be aware that truck bed lengths can be listed in either feet or inches by different manufacturers. Additionally, terms such as “short bed,” “standard bed,” and “long bed” may have different interpretations depending on the truck brand. For a precise fit, it’s important to provide the measurements in feet or inches as indicated on the chart. After obtaining the measurements, you can choose the tonneau cover that precisely matches your truck’s bed size. This ensures you’ll find the ideal tonneau cover that suits your truck’s specific dimensions. 4. How To Choose A Tonneau Cover By Model? Choosing a tonneau cover by model involves considering several key factors to ensure a proper fit and compatibility with your specific pickup truck. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make the right choice: Identify Your Truck Model: Know the make, model, and year of your pickup truck. This information is essential as tonneau covers are often designed and manufactured to fit specific truck models. Research Compatible Covers:Once you have your truck’s details, research tonneau covers that are explicitly designed for your truck model. Many manufacturers provide compatibility lists or search filters on their websites to make this process easier. Check Bed Size: Determine your truck bed size. Common bed lengths include short beds (around 5.5 feet), standard beds (6.5 feet), and long beds (8 feet). Make sure the tonneau cover you are considering matches your truck’s bed size precisely.

8. Consider Cover Type: Choose the type of tonneau cover that suits your needs and preferences. Common types include soft roll-up, hard folding, retractable, hinged, and one-piece hard covers. Material and Features: Consider the material and features you desire in a tonneau cover. Materials like vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass have different strengths and appearances. Additionally, features such as lockability, weather resistance, and ease of installation should be evaluated based on your requirements. Budget: Set a budget for your tonneau cover purchase. The prices can vary significantly depending on the type, material, and brand of the cover. Select a cover that fits within your budget while also meeting your specific requirements. 5. Type of Tonneau Cover and Recommended Tonneau Cover Type Recommended Tonneau Cover Hinged Tonno Pro Tonno Fold, Soft Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Roll-Up Tyger Auto T1 Soft Roll-up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible Snap Extang 7350 Classic Platinum Snap Tonneau Cover Tri-Fold Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible Retractable Retrax RetraxPRO MX Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover 5.1. Best Hinged Tonneau Cover: Tonno Pro Tonno Fold, Soft Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

9. Tonno Pro Tonno Fold, Soft Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 42-201 | Fits 2009 – 2018, 2019 –2020 Classic Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 5′ 7″ Bed (67.4″), Black (Source: Internet) Overview: The Tonno Pro Tonno Fold is a soft folding truck bed tonneau cover designed to provide protection and security for the cargo in your truck bed. It is designed to fit the 5′ 7″ bed (67.4 inches) of the 2009-2018 and 2019-2020 Classic Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models. Brand: Tonno Pro Style: Folding Exterior Finish: Black

10. Lock Type: Tailgate Pros: •Ease of Use •Weather Protection •No-Drill Installation •Sleek Appearance •Affordable Cons: •Limited Bed Access: When the cover is closed, you may have limited access to the entire truck bed since you need to fold up the sections to reach the cargo at the front or back. •Fitment Limitation: If you have a different truck model or bed size, this cover may not be suitable. 5.2. Best Roll-Up Tonneau Cover: Tyger Auto T1 Soft Roll-up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible

11. Tyger Auto T1 Soft Roll-up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with 2016- 2023 Toyota Tacoma | 6′ (74″) Bed | TG-BC1T9045 (Source: Internet) Overview: The Tonno Pro Tonno Fold is a soft folding truck bed tonneau cover designed to provide protection and security for the cargo in your truck bed. It is designed to fit the 5′ 7″ bed (67.4 inches) of the 2009-2018 and 2019-2020 Classic Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models. Brand: Tyger Auto Style: Roll-Up Exterior Finish: Vinyl Lock Type: Tailgate

12. Pros: •The soft folding design allows for quick and easy access to the truck bed •No-Drill Installation: The Tonno Fold can be installed without the need for drilling or special tools. •The black color and low-profile design of the Tonno Fold add a stylish and streamlined look to your truck. •Budget-friendly while still offering practical benefits. Cons: •When the cover is closed, you may have limited access to the entire truck bed since you need to fold up the sections to reach the cargo at the front or back. •Although the Tonno Fold is made from durable materials, the vinyl cover may not be as rugged or long-lasting as hardcover options. 5.3. Best Snap Tonneau Cover: Extang 7350 Classic Platinum Snap Tonneau Cover Extang 7350 Classic Platinum Snap Tonneau Cover – fits Canyon/Colorado (5 ft bed) 2015-18 (Source: Internet) Overview:

13. The Extang 7350 Classic Platinum Snap Tonneau Cover is designed to fit the 5 ft bed of the Canyon/Colorado models from 2015 to 2018. It features a snap- on design and is part of the Classic Platinum series by Extang, a well-known brand for truck bed covers. Brand: Extang Material: Stainless Steel Lock Type: Tailgate Pros: •Timeless Design •Ease of Use •Weather-resistant and other weather elements. •Lightweight Cons: •While the snap closure system offers some level of cargo security, it may not be as secure as other cover types with locking mechanisms or hardcovers. 5.4. Best Tri-Ford Tonneau Cover: Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible

14. Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with 2015- 2020 Ford F-150 | Styleside 5.5′ Bed | TG-BC3F1041 (Source: Internet) Overview: The Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover is designed to fit the 5.5′ bed of the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with Styleside configuration. It is a tri-fold cover that offers convenience and protection for your truck bed and cargo. Brand: Tyger Auto Style: Folding Exterior Finish: Vinyl Material: Vinyl, Aluminum, Stainless Steel

15. Lock Type: Tailgate Pros: •Easy Installation •Tri-Fold Functionality •Weather Protection •Enhanced Security •Sleek Appearance Cons: •While the tri-fold design provides partial bed access, you may need to fold and secure the cover to carry larger items, which could be slightly inconvenient. 5.5. Best Retractable Tonneau Cover: Retrax RetraxPRO MX Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

16. Retrax RetraxPRO MX Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 80488 | Fits 2019-2023 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 w/Carbon Pro Bed 5′ 10″ Bed (69.9″) (Source: Internet) Overview: The Retrax RetraxPRO MX is a high-quality retractable truck bed tonneau cover designed to fit the 5′ 10″ bed (69.9 inches) of the 2019-2023 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 with Carbon Pro Bed. It offers advanced security, weather protection, and a sleek appearance. Brand: RETRAX Style: Retractable Exterior Finish: Machined

17. Material: Aluminum Lock Type: Tailgate, Key Pros: •The retractable design of the RetraxPRO MX allows for easy and flexible bed access. •The RetraxPRO MX offers a high level of security. •The low-profile design of the RetraxPRO MX adds a sleek and stylish. •Durable Construction Cons: •More expensive compared to some other tonneau cover options due to its advanced features and premium construction. •The retractable design may limit the height of cargo you can carry in the truck bed when the cover is closed, as it sits above the bed rails. 6. Does A Truck Bed Liner Impact Your Tonneau Cover Size? Utilizing a truck bed liner in conjunction with a tonneau cover is an ideal approach. It is important to note that the bed liner can affect the usable space in your truck bed and impact the size requirements for the tonneau cover. It is crucial to consider these factors when making your selection. Since the liner sits beneath the cover, opting for a smaller cover may result in reduced cargo space. When measuring or planning the storage capacity in the back of your truck, take the bed liner into account to ensure accurate measurements. Fortunately, bed liners are generally considered universal and compatible with most types of tonneau covers, provided the sizing is correct. This strategic combination not only enhances cargo security but also optimizes storage space within your truck.

18. 7. How To Choose The Perfect Tonneau Cover for Your Truck Bed? After determining the length of your pickup truck’s bed, the next crucial task is to discover the ideal tonneau cover that caters to your requirements. Below are some crucial factors to take into account while choosing the ideal tonneau cover: #1. Budget Determine your budget and how much you’re willing to invest in a tonneau cover. Fiberglass hard-top tonneaus can cost around $1,500 or more, while some hardcovers may be available at a lower price. On the other hand, soft tonneaus typically range from $200 to $900. #2. Check Our Recommended Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Be cautious about opting for lower-cost tonneau covers from outside the United States, as they may be made with cheaper materials and might not offer the same level of durability and security. #3. Style and Material Consider the material and style of the tonneau cover, which are crucial factors to evaluate. You have two main options to choose from: •Hard Tonneau Covers: These are typically constructed from fiberglass, aluminum, or hard plastic, making them less common and more expensive. These covers are more substantial and may necessitate the assistance of multiple individuals during installation. They come in a range of styles, such as single-piece hinged, quad-fold, and tri-fold. The folding models have the advantage of allowing you to utilize a portion of the truck bed for cargo while keeping the rest covered. Furthermore, hard tonneau covers can be securely locked, providing enhanced protection and security. •Soft Tonneau Covers: These are the most common and popular options. Soft tonneaus are affordable, come in various styles, and

19. offer flexibility. They are also lightweight and easy to install. You can find different styles, such as retractable, expandable, rolling, and more. Although some people express concerns about their security, manufacturers like Sawtooth provide 7 times thicker tonneau covers compared to their competitors, enhancing their durability and security. Other considerations When selecting a tonneau cover, several other factors take precedence. Some of these essential considerations include: •Durability •Cargo Capacity •Installation •Security •Weather Resistance 8. Things to consider after measuring the truck length Before you dive into buying the perfect tonneau cover for your pickup truck, there are some crucial factors to consider. Start by measuring your truck bed, and then take into account various aspects that will ensure you make the right choice. To avoid the inconvenience of returning an ill-fitting cover, it’s crucial to check the return policy of the specific tonneau manufacturer. This ensures that you can confidently handle any frustrating situation and safeguard your investment. However, before placing an order, don’t forget to reconfirm the bed length to ensure a perfect fit. See More: •Best Tonneau Covers for Ram 1500 •Do Tonneau Covers Save Gas? 9. FAQs Q: How can I determine the bed size of my truck?

20. To determine the dimensions of your truck bed, follow this straightforward method. Utilize a tape measure to determine the length, width, and height. Measure the length from the front of the bed to the back, at its widest point. For the width, measure from one side of the bed to the other, also at its widest point. Q: Is it possible to sit on a tonneau cover? While folding tonneau covers can offer decent durability, it’s important to note that even a hard folding tonneau cover lacks substantial strength. Therefore, it is advised against placing heavy objects on top of it, or worse, sitting on it. Q: What are the drawbacks associated with tonneau covers? Retractable tonneau covers are not only visually appealing but also offer a sleek and user-friendly design. However, one potential drawback is their construction from soft fabric, similar to roll-up or snap-on tonneau covers. This material choice renders them more prone to damage such as tears, rips, and water infiltration. Q: Is a tonneau cover superior to having no cover at all? By virtue of its aerodynamic design, a tonneau cover minimizes air drag and consequently enhances your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. You can expect to achieve a fuel mileage increase of approximately 5%, with certain vehicles even attaining savings as high as 10%, when compared to an open bed configuration. Over time, the cost of the tonneau cover will be offset by the savings it delivers. Q: What is the recommended budget for purchasing a tonneau cover? Tonneau covers come in a range of prices, starting from under $300 for a soft roll-up cover to over $3,000 for a power-retractable roll-up cover. Typically, you can find a cover that suits your needs within the price range of $400 to $1,000 or thereabouts. Q: What is the most secure tonneau cover available in the market?

21. One-piece tonneaus provide excellent security. Similar to a well-fitting Tupperware lid, these covers extend over the front, rear, and sides of the truck bed, ensuring complete protection. Q: Can tonneau covers improve fuel efficiency? On average, utilizing a tonneau cover resulted in a 5.7% decrease in aerodynamic drag. This reduction in drag translates to approximately a 1.8% improvement in fuel efficiency. While a 1.8% increase in gas mileage may not seem significant, it certainly adds up over a year of refueling your truck, making a noticeable impact. Q: What is the typical dimensions of a truck bed? Long beds typically measure 8 feet in length, while standard beds are around 6 feet 5 inches long. For shorter beds, the length is approximately 5 feet 8 inches. It is worth noting that these measurements are averages and may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. Q: What is the typical bed length of a RAM 1500 pickup truck? 2023 Ram 1500: 5-Foot 7-Inch Bed The bed measures 67.4 inches in length, 21.4 inches in depth, with a minimum width of 51 inches and a maximum width of 66.4 inches. 10. Conclusion Once you have determined the appropriate size of the tonneau cover and considered all other factors, you can proceed with confidence to place your order. However, remember to double-check the compatibility with your truck and review the installation process to avoid any potential issues. While a reliable return policy can provide a safety net, it is preferable to avoid unnecessary energy and time wastage. Now that you possess all the necessary information, you can select the best tonneau cover for your specific truck bed and fully enjoy its benefits.