Who Are You? Crafting Your Tonneau Cover Identity

Wondering what to ask and what to look for when purchasing your next tonneau cover…?

“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.” It’s safe to assume the author – French existentialist and philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre – wasn’t talking about truck customization when he wrote those wise words in 1945. We suspect he never personally ascribed as a Ford or Chevy guy, either. But, in the year 2021, is there a better quote to describe how far the truck industry has come?

Consider that with the right trim and accessories, truck owners can easily mold their vehicles around their personalities, lifestyles, and interests. Trucks have become personal avatars on wheels for contractors, sportsmen, or adventurers. (Back off James Cameron, that’s my idea).

As the ultimate utilitarian choice, trucks are by far America’s favorite vehicle. Just last year, five entries made the list of top-10 most sold vehicles in the U.S. And, no surprise: Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and RAM 1500 lead as the three most purchased vehicles.

As if consumers didn’t already have enough choices, more truck models are on the way, thanks to the rumored Ford Maverick, updated Ford Raptor, and the beautifully redesigned 2022 Nissan Frontier.

If you find yourself among the millions of new truck owners each year, the best way to start accessorizing your vehicle is to simply ask, “Who am I?” Through this journey of self-discovery, the right purchases will reveal themselves.

In the case of tonneau covers, UnderCover is a company that works to satisfy everybody’s needs. So, if you fall into any of the following eight lifestyle categories, UnderCover definitely has a tonneau cover for you.

Hardcore Adventure Seeker

What to Purchase: RidgeLander

The UnderCover RidgeLander is one of the company’s latest tonneau innovations. Currently available for Chevy, GMC, and RAM truck owners, the RidgeLander pairs with more than 35 add-on accessories to fit any outdoor adventure, including fishing, hunting, snowboarding, biking, camping, kayaking and more.

The built-in perimeter track system on top of the bed cover will work with most T-slot accessories from Rhino Rack, Yakima, Thule, and more. Roof Top Tents can also be used with the RidgeLander with the support of a third crossbar for weight distribution purposes.

Each RidgeLander comes standard with the RidgeLander bed cover, four Quick Mount Legs, two Vortex Bars, the Tango Track System, and a single-point locking system. Built-in multifaceted weather seals help keep the elements out of the truck bed during any adventure.

Crafted of aircraft-grade aluminum, this cover is easy to lift off and put back on as needed.

Fifth Wheel RV Owners

What to Purchase: Flex and ArmorFlex

RV owners towing a fifth wheel can rejoice! UnderCover offers two hard folding tonneau covers that can protect cargo and support fifth wheel towing. The UnderCover Flex and UnderCover ArmorFlex provide three secure riding positions in a low-profile stylish design. And, while both are capable, we recommend the ArmorFlex for more rugged use.

With the tailgate closed and locked, the Flex provides full and secure bed coverage. Fold two panels back flat to provide 3/4 bed access, or prop the entire cover up with built-in prop rods for full bed access. These secure rods allow the truck to be driven with the cover fully open, or the entire cover can easily be removed with the quick release hardware, no tools required.

Each Flex has a bed rail mounting system equipped with rubber seals and drain tubes that carry water away from and out of the bed, keeping your gear dry and secure. Additionally, the heavy-duty aluminum panels provide strength and durability, while being lightweight enough for easy removal.

General Contractors

What to Purchase: ArmorFlex

The UnderCover ArmorFlex is the dent and scratch resistant cover created to take the most abuse. It’s also weather-resistant to keep equipment and tools dry.

Heavy-duty panels wear a LINE-X specialty automotive coating designed to provide advanced protection from bumps and bruises, even in the most extreme environments. Plus, the dual-action tailgate seal offers universal tailgate operation, allowing contractors to close the tailgate with the last panel of the cover up or down.

The ArmorFlex pairs wonderfully with UnderCover’s SwingCase toolbox, which provides easy access to tools from the back of the tailgate. And, this cover is so light, that removing it to haul a large load is no big deal — a huge selling point for contractors and handymen who do it all.

Busy Parents

What to Purchase: Classic

There’s no reason to complicate things further when taking the kids to hockey practice, picking up the groceries, or packing up the family for a weekend getaway. The UnderCover Classic is a sleek and affordable cover that keeps your cargo secure and dry.

The Classic was UnderCover’s original ABS tonneau. It features a dual-point locking system, a UV-protective, scratch-resistant polymer finish, and an LED lighting system with a self-contained battery source. The textured black finish gives this ABS cover unparalleled strength at nearly half the weight of traditional fiberglass covers.

Each Classic is designed with a custom fit and a double seal to keep water and weather elements out of the truck bed.

Show Truck Owners

What to Purchase: Lux and Elite LX

The UnderCover Lux and Elite LX tonneau covers provide paint-match capabilities – especially nice if your truck is a jaw-dropper at car shows.

The Elite LX is the latest addition to the painted cover lineup. Its premium upgrades include the carpet-lined underside and a flawless paint job that is color-matched to your truck. As an added bonus, the Cargo Retriever tool helps extend your reach the entire length of the bed. As a bonus, it conveniently stores away within the cover.

Need a light? A super bright LED system is installed toward the rear of the cover. Slide the release to remove the light, fold out of the hook to hang it, use the magnet to stick it, or stand it up on its built-in feet.

Those who buy the Lux will appreciate its single-point locking system that controls both hinges on the underside of the cover. The ABS composite construction makes the cover lightweight and easy to handle, ensuring simple installation or removal. Brilliant style lines provide a clean, low-profile look and feel, providing unmatched style and functionality.

Campers & Desert Rats

What to Purchase: Ultra Flex

The Ultra Flex is in a category of its own. It’s perfect for those with a lot of cargo and who also need a lot of light at night – a.k.a. campers and desert rats.

This hard-folding truck bed cover, topped with an attractive matte finish, features an integrated luminous rail light system for enhanced night vision. A dual action tailgate seal allows for easy operation, meaning you can close the tailgate with the cover up or down. Multiple riding positions allow the user to ride with full access to their bed, and full weather protection is available if the cover is in the fully closed position.

Ultra Flex uses an easy clamp-on installation thanks to UnderCover’s L-Rails. The Ultra Flex also features UnderCover’s best warranty, good for five years.

Jeep Gladiator Owners

What to Purchase: Elite, Elite LX, or Ultra Flex

UnderCover is one of the best tonneau manufacturers at responding to market developments. The company was early to release a cover for the Jeep Gladiator, and now three of its products fit Jeep’s pickup. We’ve already previewed the Elite LX and Ultra Flex, so for the purposes of this brief, we’ll focus on the Elite.

The one-piece Elite is a textured bed cover with an added handle and integrated locking mechanism. An included Cargo Retriever extends users’ reach the entire length of the bed, while an upgraded removable LED light makes finding cargo a breeze.

The Elite’s unique X-Effect design keeps this cover strong and durable, giving the cover a weight rating of 500 pounds of evenly distributed weight, while only weighing an average of 70 pounds.

Photo Source: N-FAB

Budget Buyers

What to Purchase: SE, Classic, or Flex

Budget buyers have many choices with UnderCover, whether they’re looking for a hard-folding cover like the Flex, or a one-piece like the SE and Classic.

The SE boasts all the features of the original Classic cover, but with added style lines and a rear spoiler for today’s modern truck owner. The raised ribs create aerodynamic styling, putting this cover in a class of its own.

The upgraded single-point lock controls both hinges on the underside of the cover, providing the same security as the Classic, but with only one key point. Additionally, the textured black finish is scratch-resistant, durable, and comes in at a weight of only 58 pounds. The SE also comes in a smooth version, ready to paint in any custom color to match the user’s truck.

So, what will it be? Which tonneau cover best suits your identity? Head over to www.undercoverinfo.com/ to find out!