Real Truck Family of Brands Have Tonneau Covers Covered With Exciting New Offerings

We’re revisiting a favorite here on The Engine Block: tonneau covers. I know what you’re thinking. What more could we possibly have to say about such an appealing exterior accessory? Well, a lot actually. And you know why? Because it’s an incredibly lucrative market segment that has yet to reach its full potential.

According to Ford, in 2022 the company sold 653,957 F-series trucks, with the majority of those sales happening in the U.S. And that’s just Ford. GM and RAM aren’t far behind America’s best-selling truck—holding the #2 and #3 spots respectively. Additionally, SEMA reports that while 34% of pickup owners reach for truck bed and utility accessories, only about 14% have added a tonneau cover. So, what do these numbers signify? Despite the growing popularity of pickup accessory upgrades, there are still a lot of naked truck beds on the road.

Several manufacturers are making the choice easier. With a variety of stylish tonneau covers that offer a host of innovative features, the following aftermarket brands under the reputable Real Truck (formerly Truck Hero) name are capitalizing on a ripe segment. Allow us to introduce you.

UnderCover

Check out the cutting-edge and incredibly versatile UnderCover Ultra Flex. This hard-folding cover with its ultra-low-profile design and stylish matte black finish features carpeted under panels and a dual-action tailgate seal for easy operation, making it an excellent option for any truck owner—young or old—who seeks maximum protection and cargo management.

For those who seek something a little less comprehensive, but still demand quality construction and a sleek low-profile design, the UnderCover Triad fits the bill perfectly. The Triad features the same matte-black finish and convenient tri-fold design as the Ultra Flex, but at a fraction of the cost. Solid and sleek, the Triad lends a certain maturity and cachet to any ride. It’s like slapping on a bumper sticker that says, “This truck goes to private school.”

And, if you’re really looking for a head-turner that will not only protect your truck bed, but also add some serious style to your ride, there’s the UnderCover Elite LX. Painted to match your truck’s factory paint job, it features a premium carpet headliner, integrated locking mechanism, and removable LED lighting that really impresses.

Extang

Man demonstrates Extang folding tonneau cover on Ford truck

Looking for a good price point and a great deal? Then look no further than the Extang Trifecta 2.0. As the latest release in the brand’s line of soft folding tonneau covers, according to the company, the Trifecta 2.0 is “sexier, stronger, and smarter” than its original best-selling tri-fold cover. (We’re inclined to agree.) With sleek lines and soft curves for a more cohesive look, a heavy duty frame and tarp for added strength and security, and a new clamping system for easier installation and operation, all wrapped up in a crazy fair price, this cover gets a big, shiny stamp of approval.

If hard-cover protection is what you’re after, Extang recently released the Solid Fold ALX (pictured above) — a cover packed with top-notch features that make it a coveted choice. Constructed from lightweight 1-inch thick EnduraShield panels, it resists scratches, dents, and UV damage, while also holding up to 600 pounds of evenly distributed weight. A secure rotary releasing latch system offers an easy “twist and lift” one-handed opening without the need for tailgate clamps, and the cover automatically latches when closed, adding to the product’s security. The icing on the cake? Installation is super quick and easy and doesn’t require a bunch of tools or a master’s degree in engineering to figure out.

And talk about longevity. These guys have been in the game since 1982! Just think how hard it was to sell tonneau covers back when people were still tossing their kids in the truck bed.

BAK Industries

BAK Industries offers the best of both worlds to burgeoning tonneau cover customers: “The strength and security of a hard cover with the convenience and ease of access of a soft cover,” says the company.

Its newest offering, BAK Revolver X4S, uses a rolling cover design, constructed of heavy-duty aluminum slats covered by an industrial-strength matte-finish vinyl. When closed, users get a sleek, low-profile look that sits tight and flush across the bed. Newly designed side rail seals and rear corner caps give a modern, smooth appearance. And when open, the cover rolls up tight for 100% bed access without blocking any rear views. Even better, the Revolver X4S uses a simple clamp-on installation that takes only minutes.

If tri-fold designs are more your style, then check out the BAKFlip lineup. There are four different options (which you can read about here), but we’d like to shout-out the BAKFlip F1. Constructed of sleek, glossy fiberglass reinforced polymer, this heavy-duty cover resists scratches, dents, dings, and UV fading like nobody’s business. The underside features strong but lightweight aluminum paneling that makes this cover ideal for severe working conditions.

TruXedo

Also offering uncompromising durability in a convenient roll-up design, is TruXedo’s newest offering—the Sentry. Sporting industrial grade vinyl with a striking leather grain finish over heavy-duty aluminum slats, this tonneau cover guards your truck bed with strength and security to rival an actual sentry.

The quick-release system makes it a breeze to use, while the slam latches ensure it stays in place and the flush-mount, extra-low profile gives a sleek and seamless look. The entire cover rolls up tight and sits up against the cab, providing full bed access without blocking any rear views or third brake lights.

Those looking for a more matte finish, can check out the Sentry CT (pictured). With all the same great features, it employs a premium dirt and UV-resistant woven fabric instead of vinyl. (If only actual tuxedos were that resilient, eh?)

Also to note, TruXedo is one of the few companies that manufactures custom tonneau covers for vintage and classic trucks.

A.R.E.

Leading the industry in single-piece, fiberglass truck toppers, A.R.E. has been quick to innovate tonneau covers as well. New to the lineup is the Fusion, the perfect balance between function and style. Great for people who like to have their cake and eat it too, the Fusion features painted-to-match tri-fold panels that open completely for quick and easy full-bed access.

Constructed of sturdy aluminum, the low-profile design gives you a seamless and modern edge appearance at the tailgate and allows for opening of your tailgate even when the cover is in its closed position.

Retrax

Not to be outdone, Retrax has melded cutting-edge technology with a modern look with its new Retrax EQ. This aluminum cover retracts automatically and can be operated using the included factory remote or via an app from your smartphone. The app also allows you to lock and unlock your truck and operate your power tailgate, giving you the ultimate in efficiency and convenience. As an added feature, you can also install various racks and baskets on top of the cover, almost doubling your storage capacity.

Also new to the brand (or, more specifically the brand’s U.S. market) is the Retrax IX, a versatile flush-mounted retractable tonneau cover constructed from rugged aluminum with a durable, UV-resistant matte powder coat finish. Some stand-out features include a cover canister with customized spiral design to reduce wear and tear on the cover when rolled up; a handy adjustable latch that can be locked in 3 different positions to give you your choice for the best hauling and storage capabilities; and an easy to use, quick-release handle on the driver’s side of the truck.

Roll-N-Lock

Another stellar offering in the retractable tonneau cover category is Roll-N-Lock. The company offers a variety of dependable and stylish covers to suit a wide range of budgets.

The apple of the Roll-N-Lock eye is the E-Series XT tonneau cover. It combines an electric-powered retractable cover with the well-designed T-slot MaxTrak System to give you individualized customization options. The remote key fob lets you automatically open and close the cover without having to touch a thing, and it stops automatically if it senses anything in the way. Couple that with your favorite T-slot accessory rack, basket, or bars, and you’ve got an overlander’s dream.

The somewhat more budget-friendly and entry-level offering is the M-Series. This hybrid tonneau cover features vinyl-over-aluminum laminated construction without the hassle of snaps to mess with. The slatted aluminum is rotationally joined by an interlocking hinge that eliminates the frustrations of fabric shrinkage, folding or solid hinge covers, and rolls or bundles that need to be lashed down or stowed. It’s an intuitive and clever design that many consumers love.

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