Pick-up truck drivers often install tonneau covers on their vehicles to protect against theft, reduce wind resistance, and generally improve storage capacity. Tonneau covers come in a range of shapes, sizes, colors and materials. Vinyl tonneau covers protect precious cargo against the elements and deliver long-term performance in rugged conditions.

Paneled tonneau covers allow access to compartments within the pick-up truck back. These panels can be hinged, or they can be rolled up. You can also get tonneau covers made of fiberglass and metal, although metal tonneau covers are increasingly unpopular, since they add weight, conduct electricity, and corrode more easily than their fiberglass and vinyl counterparts.

Tonneau covers also give pick-up truck owners extra protection against theft. You can lock your covers or replace vinyl tops with hard-covers for long outings or for travel in rough neighborhoods. For many years, it was a popular practice to replace the back doors of pick-up trucks with mesh netting. Unfortunately, studies showed that mesh netting backings failed to protect cargo adequately.

Since tonneau covers impact both wind resistance and driving performance so much, you may need to adjust your driving style. Make sure not to travel too fast, or you could fishtail. Professional landscapers, construction workers, and laborers use tonneau covers to shield their equipment from the hazards of highway driving. To get a bead on which kind of tonneau cover is appropriate for your vehicle, talk to other owners online or call manufacturers directly for recommendations.