Installing the best tonneau cover protects your cargo from unpredictable weather and keeps the pickup’s bed dry and clean. However, the sheer variety of tonneau cover brands available out there could make selecting the appropriate product a challenge. This review walks you through the eight best tonneau covers for the Ford F-150 truck.
I’ve also described an informative buying guide to help you choose the right truck bed cover for your F-150. Read the review to the end to have a fair idea about quality truck bed covers for your vehicle.
Editor’s Picks
Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold | MOSTPLUS Soft Quad Fold | DNA Motoring Hard Solid Tri-Fold | |
---|---|---|---|
Best Soft | Best Budget | Best Hard | |
Rating | |||
Compatibility | 2015-2022 Ford F-150 | 2015 - 2022 Ford F-150 | 2004 - 2014 Ford F-150 |
Size | 5.5' bed | 5.5' bed | 5.5' bed |
Style | Soft Folding | Soft Quad-Fold | Hard Tri-Fold |
Material | Vinyl, Aluminum, Stainless Steel | Vinyl | Aluminum, Polyvinyl Chloride |
Best Tonneau Cover for F-150
Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
The Tyger Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover has everything going for it, making it ideal for your F-150 pickup. For a start, it is made of heavy-duty 24-ounce marine-grade vinyl. Additionally, its solid construction ensures that your truck’s bed remains fully protected from the elements throughout the year.
Clamps at the front and rear of the cover boost security and help in easy and fast latching, respectively. Prefabricated horizontal crossbars provide steady support to the tonneau cover while folding up easily to offer complete bed access when required. You’ll also like that this Tyger Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover’s innovative design ensures straightforward installation without drilling.
Moreover, the quick-release clamps facilitate safe and secure locking and hassle-free release. Weatherproof sealing makes sure valuable items in your F-150’s bed stay fully protected from snow, hail, UV rays, and rain.
Compatibility: 2015-2022 Ford F-150 with a 5.5′ bed
Pros
- Constructed from hardwearing, marine-grade vinyl featuring an aircraft-grade aluminum frame
- Simple no-drilling installation
- Fuel-efficient
- Preassembled crossbars provide support and complete bed access
Cons
- Vulnerable to leaking
- Not quite compatible or versatile
Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
The ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover by Gator provides your Ford F-150 bed comprehensive protection. It is tear-resistant vinyl reinforced with hardy aluminum crossbars for better durability and strength. Besides, installing this soft tri-fold truck bed cover is a breeze as you just have to compress the rails for fixing.
The rock-solid T-handle front and rear clamps can be conveniently adjusted to fit on your pickup’s bedrail. This soft tonneau cover’s tri-folding structure facilitates fast and hassle-free folding for storing and hauling larger and heavier loads.
Compatibility: Ford (2015-2020) F-150 with a 6’7″ bed
Pros
- Simple and quick installation without having to use a drill
- Lightweight but durable and resilient
- Offers thorough access to the bed
- Long-lasting: crafted out of industrial-grade vinyl with a rigid aluminum frame
- Premium perimeter sealing for protecting cargo from the elements
Cons
- Bounces and flaps at speeds of 30mph or above
- Poor design makes the cover susceptible to leakage
- The brackets are not as robust as they should be
MOST PLUS Quad Fold Soft Truck Bed Tonneau Cover On Top
Do you want to keep your F-150’s truck bed as well as your payload utterly safe while driving? Check out the MOST PLUS Quad Fold Soft Truck Bed Tonneau Cover on Top. Due to the integrated clamping system, you can install this soft quad-folding tonneau cover effortlessly and within minutes.
This truck bed tonneau cover from MOST PLUS comes with an installation manual and an essential harness for straightforward mounting. Thanks to the trouble-free clamp-on system, which is easily adjustable for installing this cover, you don’t have to drill any holes. Also, the high-quality vinyl with weather sealing makes this quad-folding soft truck bed extremely performance-driven and sturdy.
Compatibility: 5.5 ft bed of 2015-2022 Ford F-150 pickup trucks
Pros
- Built-in clip fastening mechanism for easier and safer installation
- Durable belt straps bolster protection of cargo
- Weather sealing to keep the truck bed clean and dry
- Hardwearing aluminum powder coated frames boost support during folding
- Customized coverage thanks to the 4-fold flip-over design
Cons
- Some of the installation instructions are misleading
- Cushioning pads on the first quad-fold section are loosely attached
TruXedo Lo Pro Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
TruXedo Lo Pro soft rollup tonneau cover for F-150 continues to be the top-selling truck cover in the US. This soft rollup cover is made from a toughened black leather-grain fabric along with a user-friendly opening latch. The frame has been shaped out of industrial-grade anodized aluminum, while the double-coated vinyl makes this tonneau cover incredibly resilient.
TruXedo’s soft tonneau cover sports a 4-way weatherproof sealing letting you secure the cover comfortably using your pickup’s hook-and-loop strips. Its subtle design means that it sits just ¾” above your truck’s bed, entirely covering your freight. Additionally, the aluminum-coated single trigger fastener just needs one finger to unlock the cover and bolt it for securing your consignment.
Compatibility: 2015-2021 F-150 with bed measuring 5’7″ in length.
Pros
- It can be fitted and removed with ease
- Automated tension control
- Leather-grained, tear-resistant vinyl furnishes all-round shelter from the elements
- Lifetime warranty
- Aircraft-grade aluminum bows capable of withstanding snow load
Cons
- The cover doesn’t close perfectly when the tailgate is closed
- Plastic fitting pieces are of inferior quality
- Cover may become rigid in a frigid environment
DNA Motoring TTC-HARD-001 Hard Solid Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover
If you’re looking for practical reasons to buy the DNA Motoring TTC hard solid tri-fold cover, you’ll find many. For example, this truck bed cover is as affordable as a rugged and heavy-duty tonneau cover as a softcover. It bestows comprehensive protection to your payload owing to its multipurpose design.
This tri-fold tonneau cover offers you the best of both words-the handiness of a soft cover with a hard cover’s security. The included clamps render fitment easy, while the functional design facilitates organized storage and shelters goods from bad weather. The truck bed cover from DNA Motoring keeps your valuable freight fully concealed and thus invisible to potential stealers.
Compatibility: 2004-2014 Ford F-150 featuring 5.5ft styleside bed
Pros
- Solidly built from polypropylene rubber and fibreglass reinforced polymer
- Boosts pickup’s aerodynamics and thereby fuel economy
- Metal bars offer excellent support during folding and opening
- 3-way adaptable coverage
Cons
- Installation calls for drilling
- Not quite hardy as you’d expect
- Product manufactured in China
- Installation instructions are not easy to understand
Kikito Professional FRP Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
You’ll find many good reasons to choose the Kikito Professional FRP Tri-Fold Truck Bed cover. This tonneau cover comes with LED lights that can be placed on truck beds, toolboxes, or any dim places. It also features a waterproof channel hinge system that quickly drains out accumulated rainwater, if any. So the bed of your Ford F-150 pickup always stays clean and dry.
In addition, the tonneau cover cap can be comfortably mounted onto the truck bed’s rail and removed with no trouble. It hardly takes five minutes to secure the cap using the latch for quick installation. Secure strap attached to the cover head guarantees thorough coverage of your supplies.
You can fit the cover securely in a tri-fold state without having to worry about hauling heavier cargo.
Compatibility: 2004-2014 F-150 with 5.5ft bed
Pros
- Tensile strength >150mpa: corrosion-, fire-, and high temperature-resistant
- Watertight, dirt proof and snow-proof
- Foldable to 1/3rd of its size enabling total bed access
- The locking lever can be comfortably opened and closed
- Honeycombed polypropylene core reduces weight while creating a more rigid structure
Cons
- Loose rubber strip around the cover
- Better aftermarket LED lights are available
- Deeply embedded pickup tailgate catches the bed cover’s back
Bak BakFlip G2 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
The G2 Hard Folding Truck Bed cover from BAK lets you use your entire truck bed while defending your load. The included clip system lets you drive with the tonneau cover closed, tossed up, or folded. You can keep this truck bed cover in a folded or closed state without enveloping the 3rd brake light.
The BAK BAKFlip G2 hard folding tonneau cover is integrated with two drain pipes to channel water. Additionally, the full-perimeter weather sealing allows you to drive when it’s raining without the need to tie tarps over your payload. This rugged and firm folding cover by BAK tends to furnish far better security compared to vinyl covers.
The signature automatic locking panel system ensures greater security of your goods when you shut the cover and lock the tailgate. Sitting close to the bedrail, the G2 supports up to 300lbs of uniformly distributed cargo and also maintains your pickup’s appeal.
Compatibility: 2015-2020 F-150 featuring 5’7″ bed
Pros
- Automated bolting panel mechanism
- 100% bed access
- 3rd brake light remains visible while driving with the cover open
- Prop rod for keeping cover erect while open
- It comes with a 3-year warranty
Cons
- Flimsy rubber seals
- Customer complaints about scraped side rails
LEER ROLLITUP Soft Rollup Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
The LEER ROLLITUP Soft Tonneau Cover comes equipped with many functional features, making it ideal for Ford F-150s. Crafted from marine-grade material, this rollup truck bed cover is perfect for pickup owners who drive in rough weather conditions. Besides, it sits very close to the bedrails, thereby preventing water, snow, or dust from entering the truck bed.
ROLLITUP by LEER not only shelters your pickup’s bed from extreme weather but also enhances the vehicle’s overall appeal. You can fit this tonneau cover on the truck bed in 15-20 minutes without resorting to drilling. Velcro hook & loop lining, along with a single-step cable release, helps unlock this tonneau cover.
Compatibility: Companionable with 2015-2022 Ford F-150 has a 5.6′ bed
Pros
- Adjustable and durable clamp-on mounting
- The strap keeps the cover in place while rolling it
- Creates an aerodynamic profile, reducing wind resistance and eventually fuel costs
- Three crossbars extend support when the cover lies flat
- It lets you access the bed fully
Cons
- The single long Velcro strap absorbs rainwater which seeps inside the bed
- It takes over 20 minutes to install this cover
Buying Guide
Opting for a premium F-150 tonneau cover keeps your freight more secure and also heightens your vehicle’s looks. Updating yourself with the essential or standard features of a truck bed cover helps you choose the right product. The following section has discussed some critical aspects of tonneau covers that will influence your buying decision.
How to Choose the Best Tonneau Cover for F-150?
Keep the following factors in mind before you proceed to buy a top-quality Ford F-150 tonneau cover:
Compatibility
The first thing you need to ensure is that the tonneau cover fits on your vehicle’s bed. Selecting the right size of truck bed cover is not an issue. This is because the manufacturer always mentions the product’s compatibility. For instance, the Gator ETX tonneau cover fits all F-150s (from model years 2015-2020) with a 6’7″ bed.
Other factors affecting a tonneau cover’s companionability are the vehicle’s bedliner type, utility truck system, tie-down rings, and bed extender.
Type
Once you’ve found the appropriate size, your next step would be to decide the truck bed cover type. Making up your mind on selecting the type you need means you’ll have to choose from fewer models or brands. There are two broad types of tonneau covers: hard and soft.
Again, the ‘hard’ category has several subcategories, including folding, rollup, hinged, and retractable tonneau covers. The soft truck bed cover is subdivided into tri-fold, quad-fold, rollup, and folding versions. Of course, the hard covers tend to be more durable and weatherproof than their softer counterparts.
Material/Materials
You can pick a tonneau cover for your Ford F-150 made of vinyl, aluminum, or plastic. Aluminum and tear-resistant vinyl truck bed covers tend to be more durable than plastic tonneau covers.
Convenience
A user-friendly tonneau cover installs without any difficulty and allows you to use the entire bed. Tri-folding and rollup covers are ideal if you want complete access to your pickup bed. Alternatively, retractable tonneau covers happen to be the most user-friendly.
Aesthetic appeal
Though this aspect is not significant, functionally speaking, many truck owners buy a tonneau cover because of its aesthetic appeal.
Which is better: Soft or Hard, Rollup or Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover?
You might get confused when choosing the tonneau cover type. This review briefly outlined the different tonneau cover types in a previous section. I’ll discuss the fundamental distinctions between those tonneau cover types in detail.
Soft Truck Bed Covers vs. Hard Tonneau Covers
Soft truck bed covers
A soft truck bed cover is usually shaped out of synthetic fabric, vinyl, or canvas. When choosing an excellent soft tonneau cover that is weatherproof and hardy, go for vinyl. Of course, canvas truck bed covers are hardwearing but not as much as the vinyl ones.
However, a canvas and a polyester tonneau cover provide better protection from rain, snow, and hail than vinyl covers. Nevertheless, most soft truck bed covers flutter a lot when the pickup is moving at high speed. Additionally, many softcover brands feature Velcro straps that soak rainwater that trickles down to pickup beds.
You’ll find it convenient to fit a soft cover over your truck’s bed and can also effortlessly adjust the tension. If you use your F-150 primarily to transport lightweight cargo, opt for a soft tonneau cover.
Pros
- Transportable and movable
- Modest looks
- Convenient to install
- Pocket-friendly
Cons
- Less taut than hard covers and therefore flaps more
- It tends to absorb rainwater leading to leakage
Hard tonneau covers
As the expression implies, a hard tonneau cover is exceptionally hardy and resistant to wear and tear. Hard pickup bed covers typically constructed from fiberglass, toughened metal, or plastic are highly weatherproof and impact-resistant. And unlike soft tonneau covers, hard covers are less susceptible to damage and more robust.
Pros
- Exceedingly hardy and enduring
- Furnishes more effective protection in comparison to soft covers
- An appearance more low-profile than milder versions
Cons
- Difficult to install
- More expensive than their weaker counterparts
Roll-Up Tonneau Covers vs. Tri-Fold Tonneau Covers
While rollup truck bed covers may suit some truck drivers, many truckers will find tri-fold tonneau covers suitable. Both roll-up and tri-fold truck bed covers have distinct advantages and drawbacks.
Rollup tonneau covers
A rollup truck bed cover has a modest appearance and is very comfortable to operate. As the name indicates, you simply have to roll out these tonneau covers to envelope your cargo before you start. Alternatively, rolling back the cover to its original position and strapping it lets you load or unload cargo with ease.
Simply put, rollup tonneau covers allow you to access your entire truck bed. You don’t have to remove a rollup cover while loading or unloading large, heavy items, thus letting you save time. Also, rollup tonneau covers are lightweight and compact and therefore hardly add to your vehicle’s overall weight.
Installing them is convenient as well as these truck bed covers come with clamps that don’t need any drilling. A rollup tonneau cover is very affordable and perfect for truckers with a very old truck model.
Pros
- Easily installable and storable
- It lends a smooth aerodynamic appearance/li>
- Compatible with old models of pickups
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Opening and closing is quite time-consuming
- Less sturdy compared to tri-fold covers and therefore offers less security
Tri-Fold tonneau covers
Stronger and more resilient than their rollup variant, tri-fold tonneau covers are available as hard and soft tri-folds. Hard tri-fold truck bed covers happen to be sturdier than their milder versions and therefore provide better security. Soft tri-fold tonneau covers, being more lightweight, are easier to fix and remove.
Pros
- Durable and stable
- Opens easily
- Suits truckers transporting larger and heavier loads
- Provides better protection to cargo than rollups
Cons
- Complicated installation and removal
- Heavier than rollup tonneau covers
Is a tonneau cover worth it?
It makes practical sense to go for a quality tonneau cover if you regularly carry cargo in your truck bed. A top-quality tonneau cover not only secures your valuable payload but also keeps the pickup’s bed clean and dry. Below are some benefits of owning a tonneau cover.
Convenience to carry any type of cargo at anytime
Most people opt for a pickup truck primarily for hauling a large cargo volume over long distances. The bed of your F-150 truck has sufficient space for storing and transporting various items in bulk. When you use a heavy-duty tonneau cover, you can drive with complete peace of mind as your freight stays safe.
Boosts MPG (miles per gallon)
Many truck bed cover manufacturers confidently claim that their tonneau covers can aid in boosting your vehicle’s mileage. Yes, installing a truck bed cover can indeed go a long way in improving your pickup’s gas mileage. Many truck bed covers have an aerodynamic profile that matches your vehicle’s design, effectively decreasing wind resistance.
Consequently, your vehicle’s engine works less complicated when you accelerate or speed up, leading to less fuel consumption.
Accentuates your vehicle’s overall appearance
More often than not, tonneau covers help boost your pickup or truck’s overall appearance. A good number of truck owners buy a cover for their vehicle’s bed solely because it improves the pickup’s look.
All-round protection
You never know when the weather can take a turn for the worse. And there’s always the risk of your goods getting stolen while you’re taking a break from driving to have lunch. And this is precisely where a tonneau cover comes to your rescue.
Final thoughts
You can’t go wrong with the best tonneau cover F-150 especially when you’re driving with cargo in your pickup’s bed. This review closely looked at eight top-notch tonneau covers for Ford F-150, five soft and three hard. I’m confident that my honest reviews will help you opt for the right product for your pickup.
Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold
MOSTPLUS Soft Quad Fold
DNA Motoring Hard Tri-Fold
Read more: Ford F150 Lariat vs. King Ranch vs. Platinum
FAQs
Are Tonneau Covers Universal?
No. They are designed and constructed for specific truck or pickup models. All the tonneau cover brands reviewed above have been made for particular Ford F-150 models of specific years.
Are Tonneau Covers Easily Removal?
Whether a particular tonneau cover is easily removable or not depends upon the brand and model. But generally speaking, most truck bed covers can be taken out with remarkable ease.
Does a Tonneau Cover Improve MPG?
Yes. Using a premium cover for your F-150’s bed can offer you better mileage up to 9-10% for every gallon of fuel.
Can Tonneau Covers Keep Water Out?
That again depends on the tonneau cover type you’re using. However, retractable or folding covers tend to be the most effective in keeping water from a truck bed.
Can I Put Things on Top of a Tonneau Cover?
No. You should not place or pack items atop a tonneau cover, or else you’ll be adversely affecting its functionality.
Will I Be Able to Utilize Any Additional Accessories With My Bed Cover?
Your truck model and tonneau cover type determine if you’ll be able to use any additional accessories. However, doing so may make your warranty null and void.
How Do I Clean My Bed Cover?
The product manufacturer gives complete information on cleaning and maintaining your tonneau cover.