Best Tonneau Cover For Ram 1500: Truck Bed Reviews

The tonneau is the part of a truck that is open. The Ram 1500 has a truck bed, which requires a tonneau cover if you desire to secure goods and cargo. You can choose a variety of options, each with its own benefits. That’s why we’ve put together this buying guide to find the best tonneau cover for Ram 1500. If you have been wondering what the best tonneau cover for Ram 1500 is, we have the answers.

We will discuss the materials, styles, and installation of various tonneau covers for a comprehensive guide for your Ram 1500.

Why Tonneau Covers Are a Good Investment

The most significant benefit of finding a tonneau cover for a 2019 Ram 1500 or other model is the protection you receive. Your bed holds plenty of cargo, but the cover is what helps to protect it from the elements and thieves. Of course, the right truck bed covers for a 2019 Ram 1500 also help to upgrade the look and improve gas mileage as well.

Types of Ram 1500 Truck Bed Covers

Folding

The folding tonneau covers are available in both soft and hard options. It’s one of the most popular designs among truck owners and available as a bi-fold or tri-fold construction.

Retractable

The retractable option is one of the strongest and provides maximum protection. You can choose the low-profile, sleek design with some automatic locking features and complete luxury. This is also one of the more expensive choices.

Roll Up

The roll-up tonneau cover is one of the more affordable choices and also comes in both soft and hard variations. The installation is nearly instant, making it simple for anyone to use

Hinged

This hinged tonneau cover allows for easy opening, with just one hand. You can choose a perfectly-painted option that matches your truck perfectly.

Difference Between Soft Top & Hard Tonneau Cover

Features to Look for in a Ram 1500 Tonneau Cover

Purpose, Bed Size & Cover Weight

First, you need to figure out what you want from a tonneau cover. If it is merely for the appearance, then the function won't matter much to you. If you need security, you will prefer to look at those features. Because there are multiple types of covers available, it’s not difficult to find the best tonneau cover for a Ram 1500, if you know what you need.

Durability

You don’t want to invest in a tonneau cover only to have it wear out over time. That’s why you must examine the material it is made from. While the hard tonneau cover tends to last longer, it’s possible to find weather-resistant, durable, high-quality soft covers as well. Read through the reviews to find the most durable options available to you.

Vehicle Compatibility

Obviously, it makes no sense to purchase a Ram 1500 tonneau cover that’s meant for a different truck bed. You must ensure compatibility with your model year Ram before buying. To do this, check the size of your truck bed and compare it to the dimensions of the tonneau cover. Remember to factor in any accessories you might have that could interfere with the operation of the tonneau cover. This includes your bed liner, truck tool boxes, and bed extenders.

Security & Safety

Are you planning to purchase a bed cover for protection? You might require investing in the best retractable tonneau cover for a Ram 1500. These designs tend to provide maximum security, but also come with a higher price. If you are lugging tools around and expensive equipment, the investment is worth the expense.

Aesthetic Design

You can find plenty of cheap tonneau covers for a Ram 1500, but it might not contain the seamless appearance you were hoping for. If you spend a little more, you can find something that matches your truck exterior perfectly, so it looks like it came right from the factory.

Installation & Maintenance

While the tonneau cover is one of the more expensive accessories you can purchase for a truck, you want to make sure it lasts. This starts with a simple installation and easy maintenance. Read the instructions to determine what steps you will need to take to care for your tonneau cover. If these aren’t things you are willing to do, you can expect the cover to wear out faster.

Price & Warranty

Finally, you want to look at the price. If you have to buy a tonneau cover on a budget for your Ram truck, it’s still possible to find a higher-end model. Read through the reviews to see what other people experienced with each model. Furthermore, you will want a cover that comes with a warranty for some additional peace of mind.

1. TruXedo TruXport

What makes the TruXport unique is the simple design. This option is the best soft roll-up tonneau cover for Ram 1500 and is easy to open. Just unlock each tailgate latch and roll it to the cab. You will buckle it, and you are ready to go. Installation couldn't get any easier, meaning you don't need tools or professional help to get going.

The cover sits 1.5-inches above the bed, which adds to the appeal. It is constructed from a stylish black leather fabric that cleans off easily and won’t fade. If you want to keep your cargo dry during inclement weather, you can rely on this tonneau cover. When you manually adjust the tension, you keep the water out.

This tonneau cover for a Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab comes complete with a five-year warranty, so you don’t need to worry about anything going wrong. By looking at the reviews, it’s clear that there are no major defects to be concerned about.

Plus, this soft tonneau cover is constructed in the United States. While this model is specifically made to work with the five-foot seven-inch bed without a RamBox, you can choose other variations of this cover for other truck styles. You can’t beat the price either, so you receive adequate protection without breaking the bank.

2. Tyger Auto

Another popular option for the best truck bed cover for Ram 1500 without spending a lot of money is this selection from Tyger Auto. It features a dual-coated design constructed from 24-ounce heavy-duty marine-grade vinyl. The frames are built from aircraft-grade aluminum for maximum durability. With the stainless steel clamps, you can also count on an easy installation.

The pre-assembled crossbars provide additional support, plus fold up easily when you need full bed access. This tonneau cover also comes with a lifetime warranty. If there are any defects in manufacturing, you will be covered. Considering the low price, it’s astonishing to see the company stand by the product in this way. Maybe that’s why the reviews are off the charts. Customers seem to be completely satisfied.

While you don’t need to drill anything for installation and all of the mounting hardware is included, you will need to put some small holes in your bedliner. This only applies to over-the-bedrail style bedliners. The reason for this is to secure the tonneau cover clamps for a secure installation. If you have an under-the-bedrail bedliner, you won’t need to make any modifications. This cover fits 2009-2019 Dodge 1500 trucks with a five-foot, seven-inch truck bed.

3. Gator ETX

If you drive an older model Ram 1500, this made in the USA roll-up tonneau cover is an ideal option. It also features a limited lifetime warranty as our previous model and uses USA-based customer service. Based on the nearly perfect reviews, it’s unlikely you will ever need to reach out to this team anyway.

If you want a fast install, this roll-up tonneau cover has what you desire. You don’t need a drill to clamp the rails onto your truck. The cover assembly includes everything you need for installation. When you roll the cover towards your truck cab, you gain full access to the cargo. You can also utilize the handy storage strap.

Because you have an inside mount with this cover and low profile design, you can use other accessories with ease. In addition, the low-profile look adds further appeal to your truck. It's important to note that the lifetime warranty only applies to the frame. Still, the company is generous enough to supply a ten-year warranty on the tarp, so you know it is constructed to be durable. While it might not be as secure as a hard cover, it will do the job. This model fits the 2002-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 with an eight-foot bed.

4. Roll-N-Lock LG447M

If you require maximum security, you will want to splurge on this Ram 1500 tonneau cover. It features a retractable function that allows for closing or opening in seconds. The vinyl-over-aluminum construction is rigid and strong.

As far as installation, you won't have to deal with any annoying snaps. You also don't need to lash down or stow the bundle. Plus, it doesn't feature crossbars, and the fabric won't shrink. All in all, you are receiving a system designed with security in mind. Each slat is joined with an interlocking hinge. The geometry of these hinges offers this unit its strength and quiet operation. You won't deal with any binding during operation as it rolls up and down smoothly.

Even though the hinges lay flat inseparably together, there is no metal-to-metal contact occurring. This model fits 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks with a five-foot, seven-inch bed without the RamBox. It also comes with a three-year warranty, which doesn’t seem like a lot considering the expensive price.

Still, you can’t argue with the reviews that all talk about the overwhelming sense of security and durability this cover provides. Keep in mind that the heavy-duty construction also increases the weight. This model tops the scales at 90 pounds.

5. Gator FX 8828227

If you need the best roll-up tonneau cover for a 2019 Ram 1500, this Gator option is an ideal choice. It works with the newer 2019 and 2020 Dodge Ram trucks with a five-foot, seven-inch bed without the RamBox. This hard quad-fold design offers superior truck bed protection. It is constructed from heavy-duty aluminum panels that lock into place automatically when you close the cover.

This Gator FX tonneau cover provides 100% bed access when you need to load large items. Simply fold it entirely against the rear window. When in use, it offers complete protection to keep all of your cargo safe. Plus, installation is simple. It takes less than 30 minutes to complete the installation without the use of tools. Just mount it to the inside of your truck bed to enjoy the low-profile design. It lies flush, so the stake pocket holes remain exposed for other accessories.

With the four-year warranty and US-based support, you know that you have the protection you require. You will put out a little more cash to get this model, but the Gator FX reviews suggest that it is money well-spent. If you need a hard tonneau cover for a newer model Ram, you can’t go wrong with this style.

6. MaxMate TCD169014

If you need a low-cost tonneau cover, you want to check out this soft roll-up model from MaxMate. Don’t let the lower cost fool you; it has a dual-coated construction and features 24-ounce heavy-duty marine-grade vinyl. The horizontal crossbars are built-in to provide additional support when the cover is flat. Simply roll it up to gain full bed access to your cargo. The aircraft-grade aluminum side rails only add to the durability.

Use the stainless steel clamps and Velcro strip to secure the cover to your bed. It even features a latch lock system for the tailgate. The available tension system is simple to adjust so you can pull the cover tight and keep a wrinkle-free finish in all weather conditions.

You receive a ten-year warranty with this unit. Plus, it fits the 2002-2019 Dodge Ram 1500 models. For most installations, there is no drilling required. If you have an over-the-bedrail bedliner, you will need to put small holes in the bedliner for installation. Otherwise, you can expect to put the cover on without any modification. It's the ideal option for anyone on a budget, and it works with the six-foot, four-inch bed models without a RamBox. Protect your cargo without spending more than is necessary.

7. BAK 39213

These locking tonneau covers for Ram 1500 provide maximum security. This design features locking rails, which secure the entire truck bed length, so you know your cargo is safe. For simple use, this model comes with an Automatic Slam Latch that you can use from either side of the bed at the tailgate. The Revolver quickly rolls up behind the cab and stores tightly to allow for bed access to all of your cargo in just seconds. 

If you want a cover that doesn’t require any lifting, this is an ideal option. With complete access to the Stake Pocket Holes after installation, you can also add other truck accessories down the road. It works with 2009-2019 Dodge Ram 1500 models that have a six-foot, four-inch truck bed without a RamBox.

Because of the hard design, you can expect this to be heavier than many other tonneau covers. In fact, it weighs a whopping 75 pounds, but that only adds to the security. The company also provides a five-year warranty with this cover. Of course, you will have to pay for these extra features. The price on this model does go up significantly compared to a soft tonneau cover, but the reviews back up the fact that this cover is worth investing in.

Ram 1500 Truck Bed Cover Material Types

Measuring the Truck Bed

You can find additional guidance with this helpful video.

Installing Ram 1500 Truck Bed Covers

Semi-permanent clamping models will follow these directions.

With a retractable tonneau cover, you want to follow these instructions.

With a hinged tonneau cover, try these instructions.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What is a Rambox & why is it an important consideration?

The RAMBox Cargo Management System helps to keep everything organized. This durable storage system is located on the side rails of the Ram truck. Because of where it sits, you will need a varying type of tonneau cover that works seamlessly for ideal operation.

Do truck covers really save a lot of space in the bed?

A soft roll-up tonneau cover that has a low-profile design will only take up a few inches once it is rolled up. This saves lots of space overall, but you need to look at each cover individually to determine if it fits your needs.

How long is the bed on a Ram 1500 Crew Cab?

There are two varying bed lengths on the newer models of the Ram 1500 Crew Cab. You might have a 5’7” or 6’4” bed length.

Can I drive with my cover open?

You can drive with some tonneau covers open, but it isn’t always your best option. Not only can it cause damage, but the cover can bang against items in your truck bed.

How can I lock a tonneau cover?

The majority of Ram truck tailgates have factory locks installed. This allows you to secure your tonneau cover. On top of that, several hard bed covers come with keyed locks, which add extra security.

Are Ram 1500 tonneau covers waterproof?

It depends on what material you choose and the design. Read through our truck bed material descriptions to get a better idea of what truck bed cover is best for your Ram 1500.

Do tonneau covers really increase mileage?

There is a lot of speculation about whether tonneau cover parts decrease or increase fuel economy. Many people swear that the tonneau cover improves gas mileage, but you will have to do your own experimentation to decide for yourself.

How long do tonneau covers last?

This strictly depends on how you maintain the cover and how durable it is. Read through the reviews to find a model that will stand the test of time.

Conclusion