Best Hard Tonneau Cover (2023 Guide)

Will Moore studies, tests, and writes about auto products and accessories. He's determined to separate the junk from the truly useful for the everyday driver. When he isn't comparing dash cam specs or installing child car seats, Will likes to go hiking with his wife, child, and dogs.

Reviewed By: Charles Noyes

An easy-to-use tonneau cover that can lock in any position.

An incredibly well-designed tri-fold tonneau cover.

A secure and waterproof locking hard tonneau cover.

A folding cover with hydraulic stands for full truck bed access.

A low-cost yet reliable folding hard tonneau cover.

The best hard tonneau cover is one that is secure, easy to use, and won't let too much rain into your truck bed. Expect to spend at least $800 on such a cover, and possibly more if you have an especially large truck bed.

In this review, we suggest a variety of top-rated hard tonneau covers. We’ll help you find the right truck accessories for your needs, budget, and style.

Photo Credit: DiamondBack Covers

To select the hard tonneau covers featured in this buyers guide, our team first combed through dozens of resources such as DIY mechanic and auto enthusiast forums, manufacturer and hard tonneau cover-specific websites, instruction manuals from manufacturers, and reviews from online retailers. We pay particularly close attention to quality reviews and recommendations that highlight the quality of warranties, customer service support, build quality, materials, and overall reliability.

We also factored in the quantity and quality of online retailer reviews from websites such as Amazon, RealTruck, Advance Auto Parts, and more. We looked at factors such as standout customer reviews, prices, meaningful superlatives, and discount shipping eligibility.

Since 2020, we have published over 200 auto product reviews in an effort to make shopping for auto products easier. Our team of writers, editors, researchers, and product experts collaborates to thoroughly vet top products. We try to perform in-house testing on real vehicles whenever possible before making our recommendations.

When testing is not feasible, however, our aim is to make your life easier by doing all the online research for you and presenting that research in the form of easy-to-read product comparisons and buyers guides, rather than outright recommendations. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

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The GatorTrax Tonneau Cover separates itself from other retractable tonneau covers as it can lock in any position. Most standard retractable tonneau covers only permit locking every 12.0 inches. Sealed ball bearings ensure your tonneau cover will never freeze shut and require no maintenance.

This hard tonneau cover is made from impact-resistant polycarbonate slats, meaning the GatorTrax is built to withstand whatever you throw at it. It should be noted that the GatorTrax works well with most fifth wheel hitches.

The GatorTrax Tonneau Cover is the very first tonneau cover our team got their hands on. We found the instructions to be frustrating to decipher. While there were instructions included for many vehicle types, the instructions for each specific vehicle type weren't very detailed or helpful.

Our team prides itself on our extensive knowledge of various aftermarket vehicle parts. That said, we had limited knowledge of tonneau cover installation prior to putting the GatorTrax through its paces. While installing the heavy and unwieldy cover was tiring, it did work well once installed.

Additionally, this tonneau cover's design and overall quality stood out to us. We don't foresee customers needing to replace this tonneau cover for a number of years.

RealTruck Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on over 170 ratings

Customers love the GatorTrax Tonneau Cover and reviews online reflect this. A commonly noted feature by reviewers is the easy installation, with some saying it took them as little as 30 minutes to get this tonneau cover installed, though this didn't quite line up with our experience.

One reviewer chose this tonneau cover for its waterproof design. This claim was put to the test using a water hose sprayed along the seams of the cover. The reviewer claims their truck bed was bone dry afterward.

The Gator SFX Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover is made from marine-grade vinyl and is covered under the Gator Guarantee. The Gator Guarantee ensures that if you’re not happy with this tonneau cover for any reason, you can swap it for another Gator tonneau cover within 30 days under the company's "love it or swap it" guarantee.

Tear-resistant vinyl ensures this tonneau cover doesn't rip, while Monster Bows reinforce the corners of the Gator SFX to support the cover in cases of heavy rain, snow, and hail.

RealTruck Review Score: 4.8 out of 5 based on around 3,500 ratings

Thousands of customers online have left their two cents on the Gator SFX Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover, with a huge number of reviews citing its quick and easy installation. One review even openly questioned, "Why can't everything work as well as this [tonneau cover]?" Several customers also note the Gator SFX's durability and bang for your buck.

The UnderCover SE tonneau cover is a good pick for those who want a way to keep the items in their truck bed dry and secure. This one-piece cover has a single-point lock and, according to most user reviews, is effectively waterproof.

This high-quality hard tonneau cover has raised rib styling for improved aerodynamic performance. Available in a smooth finish for custom painting, the UnderCover SE also comes with an LED lighting system. All these factors combine to make this one of the best-designed hard tonneau covers on the market.

RealTruck Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on over 100 ratings

Reviewers praise the UnderCover SE for its relatively low cost and solid build quality. Many say this truck bed cover is easy to install and very good at keeping out water. A few reviewers have complained about leaks, but others suggest this may be a result of improper installation. It must be perfectly aligned along the bed rails to form an effective seal.

There are a few who dislike the locking mechanism, saying that a two-lock system is a more secure alternative. Another issue some have with this hard tonneau cover is that it is not weight-bearing.

Retractable hard tonneau covers are some of the easiest to use, and the Gator Recoil is no exception. It features a quick-release hatch and a springless, ball-bearing retraction design that reduces the likelihood of parts failure.

The matte black powder-coated aluminum slats retract into a small canister allowing for full bed access. This versatile truck bed tonneau cover can be partially retracted to the latch stops, which can be positioned anywhere along the truck bed. Finally, this cover increases security, as it cannot be retracted if the tailgate is locked.

RealTruck Review Score: 4.2 out of 5 based on over 85 ratings

Reviewers like this hard rolling cover because it looks good and is inexpensive for a retractable cover. For most, it works well and is worth the cost.

Some complain about a challenging installation process and question how weather-resistant this hard tonneau cover really is.

The BAKFlip G2 is a folding tonneau cover that can be flipped up against the cab to allow for full bed access. It is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum panels with a powder-coated black finish for increased UV resilience.

The edges of the G2 are lined with EPDM rubber seals to keep out the rain. Built-in drainage channels along the sides of the cover also help to keep your truck bed dry. Overall, the BAKFlip is a good option for those in need of an easy-to-use hard tonneau cover that can provide full bed access without being removed.

If you’re looking for something a little more durable, but don't mind spending more, the BAKFlip MX4 hard-folding truck bed tonneau cover is a similar alternative. This cover has four folding sections instead of three, has a higher surface weight tolerance (up to 400.0 lbs.), and is compatible with the BakBox storage box.

RealTruck Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on around 700 ratings

The traits users seem to most appreciate about the BAKFlip G2 are that it is easy to install, easy to use, and allows for full truck bed access. A recurring comment is that this tonneau cover fits perfectly.

While most reviewers mention that the G2 is exceptionally easy to install, there are some negative reviews that claim the opposite. There are also some (relatively few) who complain about quality control, so difficult installation may be a result of faulty parts.

Reviews about the G2s waterproofing are mixed, with most claiming that it is effectively water-tight, while others say that their G2 tonneau cover leaks, especially at the tailgate as it ages.

The Gator EFX is a hard tri-fold tonneau cover that comes at a relatively low price. It's made with aircraft-grade aluminum that can hold up to 300.0 lbs. of evenly distributed weight. EPDM rubber hinges and drain tubes help keep your truck bed dry. This hard tri-fold cover locks when fully closed, adding a layer of security.

It should be noted that the Gator EFX fits Ford F-150s from 2015 to 2021, but not the two most recent models of the truck. Additionally, this tri-fold truck cover does not fit a Dodge Ram 1500, GMC Sierra, or any Toyota trucks.

RealTruck Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on around 400 ratings

Most reviewers are pleased that this low-cost truck cover works so well. It is easy to install and allows for minimal water intrusion when properly fitted. Owners of the EFX like the appearance and the light yet durable design.

Reviewers mention that this hard tonneau cover is not completely waterproof. Some have pointed out that if you have a truck bed liner installed, the Gator EFX may not seal perfectly unless you first trim back the liner.

The Truxedo Sentry CT looks and works similarly to a soft top roll-up tonneau cover. It also shares some of the same low-profile design advantages. Aluminum slats are covered with woven fabric which gives a smooth appearance with the heavy-duty durability of a hard folding tonneau cover.

This hard tonneau cover is lightweight and easy to remove. The latching system makes this tonneau cover simple to operate. The Sentry CT is equipped with slam latches so all you need to do to lock up this cover is to push it closed. Center security clamps add a small measure of security.

If you like Truxedo's tonneau covers but would prefer a soft vinyl truck cover instead, the Truxedo Truxport Tonneau Cover has received rave reviews from customers.

RealTruck Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on over 40 reviews

A lot of people say they buy the Sentry CT because of its simple, sleek appearance. Those who have reviewed the cover say it is secure and good at keeping rain out of the pickup truck bed. One reviewer claims this hard tonneau cover fits his 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500HD perfectly.

There aren't many who complain about the Sentry CT. But a few have mentioned that theirs squeaks while motoring on the highway.

The first thing to know about hard tonneau covers is that they are model specific. Tonneau covers form a seal over your truck bed and so are individually sized to ensure proper fitment. Before purchasing any tonneau cover, make sure you are selecting the right size for your particular truck bed.

The best hard tonneau covers share a few important qualities: weatherproofing, durability, and ease of use. You may find yourself regularly removing and attaching your tonneau cover, so ease of installation is also important.

Broadly speaking, there are three common designs for hard tonneau covers: one-piece, folding, and retractable.

A one-piece hard tonneau cover consists of a single slab of plastic or fiberglass. These typically have hydraulic struts that allow you to lift and close the cover like a trunk. One-piece covers are typically well-sealed, offering excellent weather protection. They are also the most secure type of tonneau cover.

One-piece covers are generally the least-expensive types of hard tonneau covers. A drawback of this type of cover is that it does not allow full access to the truck bed.

Folding tonneau covers can roll up (usually in a tri-fold or a quad-fold). This allows for full trunk access. Depending on the specifics of the design, this type of cover may block your rear view when rolled up. The cover offers better trunk access than one-piece covers, but typically (though not always) prevents full trunk bed access.

Retractable tonneau covers roll or fold into a small storage compartment behind the cab. These are often the most expensive type of tonneau cover but also allow for the most access to your truck bed when fully retracted.

Soft tonneau covers are often less expensive alternatives to hard tonneau covers. However, these are less secure as they can easily be ripped open. That said, many hard tonneau covers can also be opened by a dedicated thief, though it takes a little more effort.

The primary advantage of a hard tonneau cover over a soft cover is that hard covers are much more durable. They are likely to last longer and so can be less expensive in the long run. Another advantage of a hard cover is that you can set things on top of the cover, providing an additional workspace that some truck owners appreciate.

Below is a list of tonneau covers that our experts recommend due to their build quality, design, and rave reviews from customers online.

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The Lund Genesis Roll-Up Tonneau Cover increases security, enhances your truck's aerodynamics, and ultimately saves you money at the gas pump. Constructed from heavy-duty vinyl, this tonneau cover sticks to the truck bed like glue thanks to commercial-grade velcro. Although this vinyl cover is built to last, it's incredibly easy to open and close due to the integrated cross bar design.

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Featuring a spiral canister design, the RetraxPRO MX Tonneau Cover prevents the cover from rubbing against itself when retracting. Sealed ball bearings means this hard tonneau cover can operate in extremely cold weather and won't free up with no maintenance required. Another clever design feature is the fact that sealed drainage tubes allow runoff water in the canister to exit the vehicle without getting your truck bed wet.

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The BAK Revolver X4S utilizes patented rotational locking rails to secure this hard tonneau cover across the entire length of your truck bed. Made from aluminum slats and covered in a durable matte black vinyl finish, even the slats and clamps don this matte black finish. This truck cover can hold 400.0 pounds of evenly distributed weight and is even compatible with most fifth wheel hitches.

Based on our research, we like the UnderCover SE because it is durable, secure, waterproof, easy to install, and easy to use. It's an excellent basic truck cover for locking up your valuables.

The SE is a one-piece truck cover, and many prefer the functionality and appearance of retractable or folding truck covers. Our favorite retractable cover is the Gator Recoil, which is easy to use and allows for full bed access when completely recoiled.

Our pick for the best foldable cover is the BAK BAKFlip G2, a well-known and respected tonneau cover brand. The BAKFlip is easy to install and can double as an extra work surface. (It is able to support up to 300.0 lbs.)

If you are in need of something to protect the contents of your truck bed, a hard tonneau cover can be worth it. While this type of cover is more expensive than a soft tonneau cover, it is more durable and liable to last much longer.

A hard, one-piece tonneau cover is likely to be the most secure type of tonneau cover. That is because there is often no way to open or detach these covers without unlocking the tailgate.

BAK Industries is the name of the company that produces BAKFlip tonneau covers. These covers are manufactured in the United States (Springfield, Missouri specifically).

The best hard tonneau covers are waterproof. However not all hard tonneau covers are created equally, so weather resistance depends on the brand. We think that Truxedo and UnderCover manufacture waterproof hard tonneau covers.

Tonneau (plural tonneaux) refers to a rear compartment of certain types of motor vehicles (like a truck bed). The word is derived from the French word "tonneau," which can mean barrel or refer to a unit of space on a ship measuring 100.0 cubic feet.

*Data accurate at time of publication.