Truck’s Protective Cloak Against Thievery

Trucks are made for hauling heavy loads. It has plenty of space in the bed for everything. However, an open truck is susceptible to thievery – thievery of both the load and the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

“My brother and I once left our luggage in the back of our truck while we ducked into the mall for not more than 15 minutes, and when we came out, it was all gone,” said Tim Martin of Agri-Cover Inc., a manufacturer of the Access Roll-up Tonneau Cover. Truckers are used to storing their tools in the rear portion of their vehicle. However, to keep their tools and protected they utilize the protective cloak called truck tonneau covers.

Tonneau covers do not give thieves the opportunity to pry over the truck’s load. Hence, any attempt to rob will not be consummated. Fiberglass tonneau covers are also good at protecting the contents of the truck from rain, snow, dirt and other foreign elements. When the covers are rolled up the user gets immediate entry to the truck bed. Some of these tonneau covers have an automatic locking system to keep the cargo safe and sound.

Recent studies show that one significant aerodynamic benefit of a truck cover is the increase in fuel efficiency by up to 10 per cent. Earlier, it was reported in Motor Magazine that on an 8-foot box, the improvement in fuel economy with a full tonneau could be 1.35 miles per gallon, or a saving of 243 gallons over 100,000 miles of driving. With the inflation in gasoline prices, acquiring a tonneau cover would definitely pay off.

One of the in-demand tonneaus is the Access. According to a customer in Ankeny, Iowa, “This product has improved my gas mileage, and made my bed into a gigantic lockable truck, while still being easily accessible. I will own an Access cover from here on.” Another customer even reports, “I am amazed at the savings in gas mileage I’m getting with my cover, and the Access Roll-Up Cover is such an attractive addition to my truck. It really finishes the look I want.”

Tonneau covers come in a wide variety of choices. From hard covers to soft vinyl, retractable covers to hinge; the auto industry is showered with ample of choices. The covers could fit to whatever truck a trucker drives. There is a wide selection for Ford, Chevy, Dodge, GMC, Toyota, Nissan and other brands.

The installation of truck tonneau covers has been made easier. There are those equipped with a unique clamp-on installation with storage straps. To close the tonneau, the quick release straps have to be unbuckled and the cover would have to be rolled towards the tailgate. The roll-up or the tensioning bar would then be responsible for securing the cover. To unlock the cover, the user could just push the Slide-Locks at each rear corner. When the truck is given the tailgate lock, the cover and the bed tailgate of the truck can be secured.

Tonneau manufacturers have subjected the covers to various tests to last in all four seasons. The tests made ensure compatibility of the cover to different bed accessories like the bed caps, cab spoiler, down hooks, tailgate protectors and more.

Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 38 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications.