What Size Tonneau Cover Do I Need?

‍What Size Tonneau Cover Do I Need?

Tonneau covers are one of the most popular ways to protect cargo in pickup trucks. They are easy to attach and remove, and they come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and styles.

The size of your tonneau cover depends on what size truck you have. Most people buy the standard size for their vehicle. Several manufacturers also offer custom-fit covers that can be tailored to your truck bed’s measurements.

Because we do not know the type of truck you drive, we cannot tell you the exact tonneau cover size you will need. However, we can help you determine the right size for your vehicle in a few key steps.

You will need to measure your truck bed to determine the truck bed size. You can also shop based on the model of your truck, and many retailers will filter tonneau covers by compatibility to save you some hassle.

We recommend measuring your truck bed just to be safe though. If this is something you cannot do, you can also look in your owner’s manual or search for the name, model, and year of your vehicle online to find the information.

How Should A Tonneau Cover Fit Your Truck?

A tonneau cover is a truck bed cover that covers the truck bed and secures it with a latch or any other securing system. Tonneau covers offer protection from weather, theft, and debris.

Tonneau covers come in different sizes and shapes to fit trucks of various sizes. Some tonneau covers offer more room for storage than others, but it is important that when you install your tonneau cover it has a tight fit.

The main purpose of a tonneau cover is to secure items in the truck bed and keep them dry and safe from thieves, but some people like them for security reasons as well. If you do not secure your tonneau cover enough, it will be loose and not safe to use.

The perfect size for your tonneau cover depends on the length of your truck’s bed, the type of truck you have, and where you want to put it on your truck. If you are in the market for a tonneau cover for your truck, it can be difficult to find a cover that fits your truck perfectly.

You will want to measure your truck bed and find a tonneau cover that is at least 1 inch longer in the front and 2 inches longer in the back. This way it covers everything in the bed of your truck.

If you have any windows on the side of your truck, make sure that they are not blocked by any part of the tonneau cover. If they are, then maybe it's time to upgrade to an enclosed trailer.

Tonneau covers come in various shapes and sizes. They are designed to cover the bed of a truck at the rear and provide some protection from rain, snow, and sunlight. They also provide some security against items being stolen from your truck while it is parked.

Are Tonneau Covers Universal?

Tonneau covers are not universal because they come with specific measurements to fit your truck bed. This is because the measurements of the truck bed vary from one make and model to another.

However, they are very versatile. For example, they are made for specific truck bed sizes rather than a unique vehicle. This means that as long as the sizing aligns, they can be used on different types of trucks.

It is also not out of the question to fit the wrong tonneau cover on your vehicle, but we do not recommend it. The cover may appear to fit, but you will not be taking full advantage of the sealing and security features to keep your cargo safe.

How To Measure Your Truck Bed

Truck bed length varies with the type of truck and the manufacturer. The measuring method for a truck bed can vary depending on size, but ultimately it is a simple process to find out the correct size for your truck.

It is essential to know how to properly measure your truck bed so your measurements are accurate to buy the properly sized tonneau cover. We will show you exactly how to do this below.

1. Lower The Tailgate Of Your Truck Bed

Before you begin measuring, you need to lower the tailgate of your truck bed to get the best angle. This will ensure that the measurement includes the entire truck bed and that you are taking an accurate measurement.

2. Use Your Measuring Tape Along The Truck Bed

Before measuring, make sure you have a tape measuring that can extend up to 8 feet long so taking the measurement is possible. The size of your truck may be smaller, but this is a good rule of thumb.

Make sure that you extend the tape measurer from the edge of the truck bed to the bulkhead wall towards the front of the vehicle.

3. Be Sure Your Measurement Is Precise

Measurement is key when designing a tonneau cover for your truck bed. If you don't measure correctly, it isn't guaranteed that this will fit your vehicle.

Make a note of the measurement in inches too, so we can proceed to determine the exact tonneau cover size you need.

4. Convert Your Measurement From Inches To Feet

The tonneau cover size is measured in feet. While the measurement on the truck is measured in inches. Converting them to one unit of measurement will help you find a more accurate tonneau cover size.

5. Find Your Next Tonneau Cover

Once you have determined your measurement, you can start shopping for your new tonneau cover. Many covers come with warranties too, so if you have trouble at first you can always find another option that fits even better.

Does A Truck Bed Liner Impact Your Tonneau Cover Size?

It is ideal to use a truck bed liner with a tonneau cover. However, it does impact the space in your truck bed and cover size. The liner will be positioned under the cover of the truck, so if you are using a smaller cover, there will be less space for cargo.

If you do have a bed liner, you need to factor this into your measurements or when you are strategizing the amount of space you will have for storage and other cargo in the back of your truck.

Bed liners can be considered universal and they will work with nearly every type of tonneau cover as long as the sizing is correct. This is a good strategy to keep everything more secure inside your truck for storage too.

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