Category: Truck News & Info

If you’re like us, then you’re probably always scouting out the next upgrade for your truck. Maybe you already installed a headache rack or other aftermarket accessories. Have you considered a tonneau cover yet? If not, maybe it’s time you did. Let’s check out our top 5 favorite tonneau covers.

Roll Out with Ease: The Gator SRX Soft Tonneau Cover

Sometimes all you need is a quick, roll-out cover for your bed. Spot some rain coming in? No worries. This Gator SRX soft tonneau cover will roll out quickly to protect your cargo. Plus, on the days that you need the full bed length, this soft tonneau cover won’t get in the way. It rolls all the way up to the cab so that you can get the most out of your bed space.

The best part about it? It installs without drilling and can be used with any Magnum headache rack. Sometimes it’s hard to find aftermarket parts that work well together. With the Gator SRX soft tonneau cover, you won’t have to worry about that.

Flip Your Bed Game with the Gator Evo Tonneau Cover

So maybe you’re looking for a different style than a soft tonneau cover. That’s where the bi-fold Gator Evo tonneau cover comes in. This low-profile cover is constructed with heavy-duty, lightweight, powder coated aluminum to keep your precious cargo protected

This tonneau cover also installs without drilling and can be used with any of the Magnum headache racks, thanks to its bolt-on clamp installation. Each panel installs into the side rails and a prop-rod is also included to hold the panels back when you need to access the full length of your truck bed.

Not a bad way to add some stylish umph (and function) to your truck!

There When You Need It: The GatorTrax Retractable Tonneau Cover

Look, we get it. You may not always want to deal with a tonneau cover. Maybe somedays you just feel like switching up your style a bit. But certainly, there must be some tonneau cover that fits the bill?

Yep. It’s the GatorTrax Retractable Tonneau Cover. Like the other covers we covered (Ha! get it?), this tonneau cover also installs with clamps to the inside of the bed rails. That means you’ll have no issues with it interfering with your Magnum Headache rack.

You won’t need to worry about maintenance, either. Constructed out of polycarbonate slats, this retractable cover slides effortlessly on sealed ball-bearings so the dust and grime can’t get in. For you haulers out there, it also works well with 5^th wheel hitches. 

Rugged and Durable: The Diamondback HD Tonneau Cover

Are you that off-road fanatic that’s looking for a tonneau cover that can keep up while you’re out adventuring? Then the Diamondback Heavy-Duty tonneau cover is the match for you.

This tonneau cover can support up to 1600 pounds of weight and opens at the front and rear. There are 12 tie-down cleats around the perimeter of this cover that allow you to get the most out of your truck. Fill up your bed with gear? Start piling it on top of this cover to add another layer of storage.

This tonneau cover also installs without drilling so anyone can install it within a matter of hours. No professional installation required!

Seamless Integration: Undercover Elite LX Tonneau Cover

Maybe you’re looking for a less flashy tonneau cover. Perhaps one that blends in with your truck a bit more? Then the Undercover Elite LX tonneau cover is just what you need. 

Constructed out of ABS composite (which is highly corrosion and impact resistant), this tonneau cover installs without needing to drill into your truck body. Each one is paint-matched to OEM standards, so you can rest assured that it will match your factory paint. 

This cover also comes with an LED bed light to help you retrieve your cargo in the dark and a wall-mount for easy garage storage when you want to remove it. Two hydraulic cylinders also help to keep the lid in-place while you rummage around in your truck bed. 

So, there you have it. What are your favorite kinds of tonneau covers? Did we miss any of your favorites? Tell us in the comments below!

 

Headache racks are used on trucks of all sizes, but do you know where the name came from? Their popularity is growing, so we’d like to help you understand the purpose of these important truck accessories, as well as how these items came to be known as “headache racks.”

Why is a Truck Rack Called a “Headache Rack?”

Protecting Cabs and Passengers for Decades

These helpful accessories were first invented to protect passengers, as well as the cab’s upholstery and features, from damage caused by cargo shifting in the bed. If something, such as a piece of lumber, brick, hammer, or table, were to slam forward, it could not only cause damage to the window but also create injury to the driver or passengers.

These racks can provide the protection passengers need, giving a protective frame with either crossbars or a protective metal fencing that keeps items from slamming into the back windshield. With these items, countless numbers of rear truck windows have been protected from damage, and many people have avoided having the back of their heads slammed by flying cargo.

While they were developed for utility, they also received use because they make a truck look tough, powerful, and rugged. With the addition of lights, crossbars, and numerous other accessories, headache racks have become a versatile component for numerous pickups all across the country.

Avoid a Headache with a “Headache Rack”

While virtually all truck owners know what headache racks are, many don’t know how they got the name.

Headache racks received their name because they keep tools and materials from breaking into the cab through the rear window. By preventing items from coming through, they also protect passengers in the cab from being struck in the back of the head, which would cause a massive headache. Of course, there is also the headache that would come from having to replace a rear cab window, as well as materials inside the cab. So in a way, these truck accessories could be called “headache-prevention racks!”

Types of Headache Racks

While there are many types of headache racks, they are generally categorized by how they mount to the truck. There are roof-mounted racks, which mount to the top of your vehicle, as well as bed-mounted racks. These each provide a different way to mount your rack to the truck, and each may be preferable depending on your needs.

You can also find headache racks with crossbars from side to side, or racks with cutouts for windows, as well as racks with or without lights, and racks that are simply frames that cover the perimeter of the window.

Find the Perfect Rack for Your Vehicle!

If you want to learn more about headache racks and find the right option for your pickup truck, contact Magnum Truck Racks today!

At Magnum Truck Racks, we strive to create highly functional yet extremely stylish truck accessories. While we build top-quality products, proper installation remains essential. With this guide, you can accurately wire the brake lights, backup lights, and light bars on your pickup.

Step 1: Feed the Headache Rack Wire Harness Plug Between the Cab and Truck Bed

The first step in your installation process is to feed the headache wire harness plug down between the cab and the bed of your truck. Most trucks have a narrow space behind the cab where a wire can be fed. This space acts as a channel for much of the wiring, and it provides a convenient way to move wires without drilling or cutting holes on almost all trucks. Simply feed the wires from the top of this space downward so it can connect to the appropriate plug.

Step 2: Unplug the Seven-Way Trailer Harness Plug

Underneath your truck, towards the rear, you will find a seven-way trailer harness plug, which will need to be unplugged. This will allow for the appropriate plugs to be attached.

Step 3: Attach Modular Wire Harness

The third step is the attachment of the modular wire harness. Attach the modular wire harness to the seven-way trailer port, then re-attach the plug from Step 2 to the second port on the modular wire harness. Once these two connections are complete, you will be ready to connect the wiring to the headache rack.

Step 4: Attach Headache Rack Wire Harness

Now you will have to run the wire harness to the front of the truck where it can be attached to the headache rack. You will likely have to run the wiring over or around various components of your truck, including spare tires, exhaust, transfer cases, and more. Make sure the wiring is safe and is not located near any moving or potentially hot parts. You may need to feed the wiring over parts of the truck frame, depending on the model.

Once Step 4 is complete, you should have a fully-operational headache rack. However, you still need to make sure the excess wiring is secure.

Step 5: Secure Loose Wires to the Truck

The final step is to secure all the wiring to make sure nothing is loose or drooping. If you leave loose wiring, you can create a significant safety issue and could sever a wire, so use electrical tape or zip-ties to firmly secure the wiring, ensuring there are no loose or hanging lines.

Be sure that you are fixing the wires to secure points and avoid pinching the lines in and areas. Also, ensure that the wires will not become overheated. You may have to wrap excess wiring into a bundle and secure it to a safe location.

That’s it! Just five easy steps and you have wired the brake lights, backup lights, and light bars on your truck rack. Before driving the truck on open roads, test all the lights to ensure everything is working properly.

After wiring the lights, you can hit the road and enjoy one of the most stylish and functional headache racks available. If you have questions about installing headache racks or want more information about Magnum Truck Racks, contact our helpful staff and we’ll reach out to you with more information! 

At Magnum^®, customer satisfaction is first and foremost. We hear that this is something that sets us apart from competitors and allows us to offer you the best truck headache rack. We also understand that when you buy a Magnum^® headache rack, it’s an investment that you’re excited to receive as soon as possible. Our goal is to have it shipped within 1-3 days. Season demand sometimes extends lead times, but we do our best to ship as soon as it’s built.

Explore why Magnum^® produces the best headache racks for your truck:

Construction

Magnum^® truck racks are constructed entirely of aluminum using metal inert gas (MIG) and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding techniques. The aluminum is powder coated for additional protection. Each Magnum^® rack has a precision fit to a specific model of truck, making them the best-fitting racks available in the market. Magnum^® racks also include an accessory track that makes them compatible with Magnum’s full line of back rack accessories. This feature allows these back racks to be customized for a particular cargo or task.

Unlike steel racks, Magnum^® aluminum racks don’t rust. While manufacturers of steel back racks implement additional protective measures against rust, all steel back racks will eventually rust – and if the paint is scratched they will rust immediately. That’s not a pretty sight on a beautiful truck. For this reason alone, aluminum racks are the better choice.

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“I love your product! The craftsmanship is outstanding and it was so easy to install. It is very evident that a lot of thought and technical skill went into the design. This really sets my truck apart from others.”

–Shawn Halverson

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Warranty

Our above-and-beyond warranty on our products is a true testament to the confidence we have in our merchandise. We have the best warranty in the truck headache rack industry, period. We warrant, to the original owner, that “the aluminum Truck Rack will be free from defects in craftsmanship and material for a period of his lifetime. The warranty period begins the day of purchase by the original end user.”
Read our full warranty here »

Style

Magnum^® offers the best truck headache rack in two basic profiles: Low Pro and Standard (the High Pro is the same height as the Standard). Common variations on these basic styles include lights and cut-outs that allows passengers to look out of the cab’s rear window without obstructions.

• The Low Pro profile is approximately cab height. This model includes the stop/tail/turn and reverse lights. The Low Pro is Magnum’s #1 selling rack. At nighttime, the 4 LED lights in a row create an impressive look for those following behind. Having these stop/tail/turn lights up high, increases safety.
• The Standard profile strikes a balance between appearance and functionality. This rack is ideal if you want to carry ladders or other objects where you’d like more distance between the roof of the truck and your cargo. This profile is also ideal for professional contractors who need a truck rack with a rugged, modern design.
• The High Pro is the same rack as the standard but includes lights.

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“Magnum headache racks are the only racks on the market that look good on a truck! I have been searching for a rack for about a month and couldn’t find anything that would look good on my truck! They nailed it when they made this rack. I am a builder and I just bought a new F250 and I wanted to be able to move my material from job site to job site, but I didn’t want my truck to look like a work truck with a permanent rack on it. Thanks again, Magnum, for making an awesome rack!!!”

–David Johnson

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Installation

Magnum^® back racks are easy to install with standard tools. Most installations use the included custom Stake Pocket Tie Downs. These back racks can also be installed on trucks with an inside-the-rail Tonneau cover. A custom wiring harness (Plug-n-Play) comes with each lighted rack.

We understand that some of our customers enjoy figuring things out themselves, especially when it comes to modifying their trucks. That’s why we’ve worked to come up with fresh video content, step-by-step instructions and other ways to help inform you on the best way to install your Magnum^® products.

Explore our Installation instructions »
Visit our Video Tutorial page »

Summary – the Best Truck Headache Rack on the Market

At Magnum^®, we realize we aren’t the only headache rack manufacturer, but we’re confident that we’re the leader in our industry. We created Magnum Manufacturing more than 10 years ago to fill a void in the truck accessory industry. What began with a few welding machines in a small shop has grown into the nation’s largest producer of aluminum headache racks–one of F3 MFG’s products. The Magnum^® and DuraMag^® product lines are now produced in 128,000 sq’ of manufacturing space in Waterville, Maine.

Our goal is to provide our customers with the best truck headache rack and products that make your truck stand out above all else – whether it’s on the construction site or simply to impress someone that’s important to you; to make your truck so striking that strangers ask you where you bought your rack with the cool lights (this will happen).

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“Not only do these racks look amazing, but they’re also super tough and durable. Everywhere I go I get compliments on how great they look. I highly recommend them whether you’re a contractor or an outdoorsman. Give them a shot. You won’t be disappointed.”

–Dan Webster

The Top Vehicle Accessories for Traveling Sales Reps

If your job requires you to spend a lot of time in your car, finding great vehicle accessories is essential. By discovering which tools can make your job easier while on the road, you’ll be maximizing your work day in no time. Whether you drive a company car or your own personal truck, there are tools to make working out of your vehicle much easier. From organizational packs to mobile desks, we’ve got you covered. Explore some of the top vehicle accessories for traveling sales reps today.

 

A Tablet Organizer

Never lose your iPad or Kindle underneath your car seats again. Consider buying a tablet holder to keep track of your devices more easily. If you opt for an organizer that straps to the back of your driver seat or front passenger seat, you can easily access it while traveling. Most tablet organizers can be found online for less than $50.

 

A Mobile Desk

If you spend a lot of time traveling in your car, it’s time to consider a mobile desk. Mobile desks are among the top vehicle accessories for traveling sales reps. Consider all the times you’ve had to pull over to check your email, access a file on your laptop or reference important information on your computer. A mobile desk offers a “stable, sturdy work surface for your laptop, notepad and other desktop devices,” according to Auto Anything. Think about the functionality that you need in a portable desk before researching options online to avoid becoming overwhelmed. For example, if USB ports or charging outlets aren’t necessary for you, stick to a more basic mobile desk. The fewer bells and whistles you need, the less expensive your portable desk will cost.

 

Electronic Device Holders

Having a secure place to keep your mobile devices as you drive is key. While it’s never a good idea to email, text or type while driving, having your phone or tablet within reach is important. There are several types of electronic device holders to consider. Some of the most common holders secure your device to your front windshield with a suction cup. Other holders secure to your heat and air vents. Both of these types of holders are great for freeing up your cup holder and keeping your phone somewhere more secure.  Talk about the ideal vehicle accessories.

 

A Power Source

If you’re traveling for several hours per day and relying on your computer for 8+ hours, you’ll want to consider an alternative power source to charge your devices. Most cars in 2018 offer USB ports to charge your cellphone or tablets, but very few offer electrical outlets to plug your laptop into. According to PC World, there are options that can give you a standard A/C adapter via your 12-volt cigarette lighter socket. Consider a “small adapter that provides a self-contained three-prong outlet (and sometimes a bonus USB port, too). These adapters are near-commodity items now and can put out 100 to 200 watts of power (enough for almost any laptop) at a price of $20 or less.” Keep in mind, your car’s electrical system can only take so much abuse, so you might want to consider upgrading to a stronger battery if you’re going to be frequently charging your computer, a portable printer and more (Thrillest).

 

A More Advanced Navigation

Your standard navigation gets you to and from your meetings just fine without getting you lost. It may even provide suggestions on the nearest gas station or restaurants in the area. However, if you’re a sales rep who travels frequently, you may need a more advanced system. Explore a MileTrack GPS that assists with your record keeping as you travel. Consider some of the following questions from PC World:

• Do you bill clients based on mileage?
• Would you like to get a bird’s-eye look at where you’ve been during the day?
• Would you like to better understand an overview of your travels over time in order to plan where local marketing efforts should be focused?

 

If so, the MileTrack GPS lets you leverage the information you gather during your day on the road.

  

 

A Convenient Catch-all Organizer

As Best Products says, “sometimes the simplest car organizers can be the best.” There is nothing worse than losing your phone, tablet, or your latest snack to the crack between your seat and the center console. Avoid dropping items into this no-man’s land by getting a simple folder-style organizer. The organizer tucks in between your seat and the center console, providing a “practical slot to hide paperwork, car chargers, or other compact automotive necessities” (Best Products).

 

The Ultimate Coat Hanger for Your Suits

Never show up to an important meeting again with a wrinkled suit. Making the investment for a sturdy, good-quality coat hanger is worth it all day if you’re a frequent traveler. Choose a head-rest mounted hanger that won’t fall down or break on you. “Need to bring a week’s worth of suits with you? Get an expandable shower rod and mount it between the pillars behind your front doors” (Thrillest).

 

Sources:

https://www.autoanything.com/top-travel-products-for-car 

https://www.pcworld.com/article/2039686/my-car-my-office-essential-gadgets-for-the-road-warrior.html

https://www.bestproducts.com/cars/auto-accessories/g671/best-in-car-organizers/

https://www.thrillist.com/cars/transform-your-car-into-a-formidable-mobile-office# 

 

 

Introduction

Once you have the tools, experience, drive, determination, and the know-how to get the job done, the next question is, what pickup truck can get you and your payload to the site and back? For contractors, the right work vehicle is an important part of the job. Whether you’re hauling the everyday tools you need to a job site or transporting heavy machinery, you need to be able to rely on your truck. Below, we’ve explored how to determine the best truck for you if you’re a contractor.

A ½ Ton vs. ¾ Ton Pickup Truck

A “½ ton” refers to the maximum amount of payload a truck is able to haul. To further explain, if a ton is 2,000 pounds then it would be expected that a 1/2-ton pickup truck should be able to safely transport 1,000 pounds of cargo and passengers (and a 3/4 ton would transport 1,500 pounds of total weight). It is important to note, however, that these standards were set in the 1960’s and that truck manufacturers have made vast improvements allowing for more weight carried-although the references to the trucks have remained the same. The term ½ ton and ¾ ton are still used today but more on a relative basis than an absolute basis. To determine your pickup truck’s capacity, read your manual.

There are several pros and cons to both the ½ ton and ¾ pickup truck. To determine which truck is best for you, consider how you will be using it most. Do you primarily haul heavy cargo? Or do you put a lot of highway miles on instead? How often do you tow, and what types of equipment are you towing? Below are some general things to consider when deciding which type of truck best fits your needs:

• For trips back and forth to the job site, carrying smaller loads, workers and supplies-your best bet would be the one-half ton.
• However, if you will be using your truck to haul heavy loads (either in the bed or pulled behind) very often then the three-quarter ton may be the better option.
• No matter which one you choose always make sure that it fits your specific weight capacity requirements.

Understanding Your Payload Requirements

According to Work Truck Online, there are three components to determining the payload requirement for your company’s vehicle: payload weight, the volume of the payload and the type of payload.

Payload Weight

Ask yourself how much weight will the truck need to carry in its daily workload? One way to determine actual payload is to take a normally loaded truck and weigh it at a truck stop that has scales. Another method is to weigh the front and rear axle. This will tell you if you are overloading the whole truck or just one of the axles.

Volume of Payload

Your company pickup truck needs to be large enough to handle the volume, or size of the payload. Payload size will also help determine if the cargo can be loaded and unloaded by hand, or whether you will need a power Liftgate or some other type of assist to get your payload into the body or onto the bed. You also need to know if the payload is stackable, or limited to the floor space? Finally, how will you secure the product? Bottom line: the size of the payload matters.

Type of Payload

The third component is the type of payload. Are you hauling loose gravel, pallets, or boxes of merchandise? This will determine the type of commercial truck body, van body, or box truck configuration you need to choose.

In summary, “spec’ing the truck to the minimum necessary payload rating (by basing it on an average load) means that the vehicle will be operating at peak capacity most of the time, which may compromise safety and the length of its service life. Conversely, too much payload capacity is wasted capacity,” according to Automotive Fleet.

Considering Fuel Efficiency

A controllable fuel expenditure is the elimination of unnecessary idling. According to Work Truck, drivers should avoid idling whenever possible. If a driver leaves the truck, the employee should be instructed to turn off the engine. It is also important to keep in mind that an engine wears out twice as fast idling as under normal operation.

“When considering fuel efficiency, another way to reduce both tire and fuel costs is to establish a process for drivers to regularly monitor tire inflation. This will increase tire wear-and-tear and reduce fuel efficiency. To control replacement tire costs, eliminate driver behaviors that decrease tire tread life, such as speeding, excessive braking, and driving over curbs.” (Automotive Fleet)

Which Types of Vehicles Do Contractors Prefer?

According to a 2014 study by “Tools of the Trade”:

• GCs who do new construction prefer pickup trucks over other types of vehicles. They also prefer trucks with sufficient towing capabilities.
• Handymen do some of everything so it should be no surprise that they drive some of everything, though pickups are by far the most popular.
• The finish carpenters who answered the survey are big on pickups, standard vans, and trailers.
• The electricians who took the survey are as likely to drive standard vans as pickups and make high use of trailers.

 

Truck caps, both aluminum and fiberglass, commonly dominated the market for pickup covers through the early 1980s. They provide a dry environment for transporting materials and marginally increased the security of the payload. With the advent of mini vans and subsequently SUV’s, the need for truck caps was diminished. Sales fell off tremendously and many manufacturers turned their efforts to other products.

Truck Caps Today

Today, truck caps are still available although they are less popular and considerably more expensive than Tonneau covers. Truck caps provide for hauling larger payloads under cover, but in a less secure environment than a hard Tonneau cover where passersby cannot see the payload. They are generally color matched or coordinated with the truck color, while Tonneau covers are frequently black. Truck caps are removable as they’re installed with C clamps or bolts – but it’s a bit of a nuisance to take it off and on as they’re heavy and you’re likely to need to replace the foam tape between the bottom sill of the cap and the truck rail. So unless it’s really important, you’re limited in hauling capacity to what goes under the rear door.

Tonneau covers don’t have this restriction. Tonneaus come in a variety of styles, from roll-up covers to retractable or hard folding or hard non-folding tonneau covers. Most of these offerings allow for hauling with a completely open bed (aside from any space occupied up from with storing the cover). This is a big benefit. The non-folding hard Tonneau cover traditionally opens with gas prop arms and is not easily removable, therefore limiting the payload. However, it is one of the most secure systems for protecting cargo.

An additional benefit to Tonneau covers is that they decrease gas consumption by reducing the air drag against the tailgate.

Common benefits to both caps and Tonneau covers include protection from weather elements such as snow and rain, as well as security against theft. Many truck owners also install truck covers to enhance the appearance of their vehicle.

Types of Secure Truck Covers

Hard Non-Folding Flat Tonneau Cover

The most secure Tonneau cover is the hard non-folding version. These covers are not easily removable and should not be driven with the cover in an open position. So this limits available space for cargo. If someone is looking for an option to maximize covered cargo space, this is not the right choice. This is the best option, however, if you’re looking for a cover that’s low profile, sleek and stylish, highly secure and generally color matched to your vehicle.

Aluminum Truck Caps

Aluminum truck caps provide more cargo storage than Tonneau covers and typically come with windows on the sides and back. They are significantly less expensive than fiberglass caps and hard Tonneau covers and have a boxier look than a fiberglass cap (that can mold to contour the shape of the truck’s cab).

While most aluminum truck caps are built from lightweight aluminum frames and purchased primarily based as an inexpensive option to cover the back of the truck, some manufacturers build commercial aluminum caps that are designed for a more heavy duty use. These caps have wood frames, heavier wall aluminum or steel. These aluminum truck caps are an affordable option for contractors who don’t want to invest in a service body.

Both consumer aluminum caps and commercial aluminum caps offer all the options like roof racks, side doors, shelving, etc.

Fiberglass Truck Caps

Fiberglass caps offer a molded, EOM truck look. In most cases, you might think it was part of the original truck. Fiberglass wins the award for best looking, strongest, most durable and most expensive. They custom mold to each specific truck to provide a snug fit – not like an afterthought that bolts onto the back of your truck. You can color-match a fiberglass cap in gel coat from the factory in order to match your truck. Fiberglass caps offer all the options that aluminum caps offer – and then some.

Common benefits of Truck Caps:

All truck caps cover the payload from weather, have a locking rear door, provide options of windows, walk-in doors, roof racks, tinted windows, etc.

Benefits of Specific Types of Tonneau Caps

Roll-up Tonneau Covers

• The least expensive Tonneau cover option
• They’re easy to install and require no drilling
• Made from a soft material, usually consisting of vinyl or cloth
• Provide the benefit of decreased fuel consumption with minimal investment

Retractable Tonneau Covers

• A more durable Tonneau cover option
• Requires a semi-permanent installation
• Usually made of vinyl or aluminum materials
• Provide the benefit of decreased fuel consumption

Hard and Folding Tonneau Covers

• Made of aluminum or fiberglass
• Made to be sturdier and long lasting
• Hard Tonneaus require a more permanent install, involving drilling
• Provide the benefit of decreased fuel consumption

How to Properly Care for your Truck Cap

• Regularly Check Your Tonneau Cover
• Does Your Hardware Fasten Tightly?
• Understand the Proper Way to Wash Them
• Avoid Leaving Heavy Gear on Your Cover
• Know Your Cleaning Chemicals

Explore each of these tips in depth, in our blog post, “5 Important Tonneau cover Maintenance Tips” »

 

Benefits of a Retractable Tonneau Cover

A tonneau cover is a common pickup truck accessory that’s used to secure items in the truck bed area. Truck owners choose to add tonneau covers for both functionality and appearance. There are many benefits of a retractable tonneau cover, such as increased protection against snow and rain for the items in your truck bed. An additional benefit of a tonneau cover is security against theft. Pickup truck drivers also install truck covers to enhance the appearance of their vehicle. Similar to truck racks and bed rails, tonneau covers are functional and also give a truck a more rugged, cool appearance.

Tonneau covers come in a variety of types and are made from several different types of materials. Common tonneau cover types include roll-up covers, retractable and hard (fiberglass or aluminum) covers. Common materials used for tonneau covers are cloth, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass. Let’s explore common tonneau cover types and the benefits of a retractable tonneau cover benefits, below.

Types of Truck Tonneau Covers

First, it’s important to understand the different types of truck covers available on the market, so you can determine which type is best for your truck. There are three common types of tonneau covers which include roll-up covers, retractable covers and hard covers. Let’s explore a little more about each type:

Roll-up Tonneau Covers

Price: Roll-up covers are the least expensive tonneau cover option.

Installation: They’re easy to install and require no drilling or damage to your truck.

Materials: Roll-up covers are made from soft materials, such as vinyl or cloth.

Retractable Tonneau Covers

Price: Retractable truck covers are generally more expensive than cloth covers and less expensive than hard tonneau covers.

Installation: This cover requires a semi-permanent installation, where it’s mounted at the front of the truck bed as well as the sides.

Materials: Retractable tonneau covers are more durable than roll-up versions. They’re usually made of vinyl or aluminum and are more secure and long-lasting than soft covers.

Hard Tonneau Covers

Price: Hard covers are the most expensive of the tonneau cover options.

Installation: Hard tonneaus require a more permanent install. Therefore, if you’re looking to avoid drilling into your truck, this is not a good option for you.

Materials: A hard tonneau cover is made of aluminum or fiberglass. They can be locked which allows truck drivers to secure their cargo when they truck is unattended.

Ultimately, there is not one best type of tonneau cover for all truck drivers. Each of the three types of truck covers has benefits and drawbacks for truck owners. When shopping for a cover, it’s important to consider your budget, and how you plan to use the cover most. In general, tonneau covers are a great way to protect your truck bed as well as your cargo.

3 Key Benefits of Retractable Tonneau Covers

Overview

Retractable tonneau covers are generally made of materials that interlock together in panels. If you’re looking for a durable, yet easy-to-maneuver truck cover option, a retractable cover is a great option. These types of covers allow pickup truck drivers to easily access the cargo in their truck bed without having to take the cover completely off. They are also less likely to rip or tear than a cloth cover. Finally, they’re easier to install than a semi-permanent hard tonneau cover.

Benefits

1. They’re tougher than cloth covers: Due to the fact they’re usually made of a semi-hard material, these covers provide better protection for your cargo than flimsy cloth covers.
2. Better access to your cargo: The retractable truck cover is the only cover that lets you easily get to the items you need in your truck bed without having to unsnap the entire tonneau.
3. Enhanced truck appearance: These covers give an added tough appearance to your truck without having to be permanently installed. They don’t tear or fade in the sun like soft tonneau covers and they don’t require you to drill into your truck like hard tonneaus do. Also, if you’re not sure how long you’re going to keep your truck, the retractable cover is the way to go because it’s not a permanent truck accessory.

Will My Tonneau Cover Work with a Truck Rack?

In most cases, your tonneau cover will work on your truck with your Magnum truck rack. If you’re unsure if they will work together when installed, please reach out to our team and we can help figure this out with you. Check out our video overview on how to install your truck rack with a tonneau cover:

Qualities to Look for in a Retractable Tonneau Cover

Durability

Your truck cover should be made of a durable material that can withstand weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow or sleet, depending on your location. It should also be easy for you to open and close, store and take off whenever you want. Choose a tonneau cover that offers a good warranty to ensure your investment is protected.

High-Quality

Before purchasing a retractable tonneau cover, make sure it fits your pickup truck perfectly. If you’re unsure, ask the manufacturer of the truck cover about your specific truck make and model, regardless if you drive a Ford, Chevy, GMC, Dodge, or other type of truck. You don’t want any issues with the fit, installation process or removal process so it’s better to invest in a trusted name brand that you can rely on for good quality products.

Great Appearance

At the end of the day, your tonneau cover should enhance your truck’s appearance, not detract from it. A retractable tonneau cover will not only make your truck look more polished, but it will protect your truck bed as well. Be sure the materials used in your truck cover will be long-lasting and continue to look great over time. If you are looking for tonneau cover maintenance tips, we have you covered.