Early 1900s automobiles had an open rear passenger compartment that was called the tonneau, which is French for “barrel” or “cask”. A removable cover was designed to protect that area from exterior elements and shady passersby which is how the term “tonneau cover” came about. These days, tonneau covers (also referred to as truck bed covers) are primarily used on pickup trucks for much of the same reasons. They are offered in a number of different styles and from various materials by reputable brands who understand that keeping your belongings safe and secure proves extremely beneficial.
There are several different benefits to adding a truck bed cover to your Ford F-150 or Raptor. The most obvious reason is to protect your precious belongings and expensive gear from thieves, prying eyes, and even the weather. After all, cargo in an unprotected pickup truck bed can become damaged and corroded easily from exposure to harmful UV rays, rain, and snow. Heavy winds can also blow some of those objects out of the truck and cause debris to blow in and collect inside the bed.
A tonneau cover can also add a sleeker, more streamlined appearance to your truck’s rear end and can even add a bit of an aggressive appeal depending on the material. On top of all that, an open pickup truck bed created aerodynamic drag which causes the engine to work harder and takes more fuel. In other words, investing in a tonneau cover will not only provide added protection and styling, but it can also improve your truck’s fuel efficiency.
With so many options out there ranging from fold-up covers to roll-up covers and retractable ones in soft and hard variants, it can a bit daunting to wade through the plentiful options on the aftermarket to find the right one for your truck. That’s where Vivid Racing comes in with the following list of the top five best choices for your Ford F-150/Raptor. If you would like to browse through our complete inventory of truck bed covers, you can do so right here.
1. Bak Industries BAKFlip MX4 Bed Cover
As America’s number one best-selling hard-folding cover, the BAK Industries BAKFlip MX4 comes in first on our list. The latest version comes with new features like matte-finished cab corner caps, rail-end caps, clamps, and elevator bolts for a more streamlined look and feel. Other MX4 highlights include enriched functionality with pre-molded, die-cut, shock-absorbent bumpers, and secure prop rod clips. This heavy-duty, all-season truck bed cover is made with durable aluminum panels and rated for up to 400 pounds of evenly distributed weight.
This tonneau cover is designed to perform in the most extreme conditions to keep the gear in your Ford F-150 / Raptor safe. Its resilient construction is great for everyday use, with new upgrades to the components that provide even more utility with an enhanced appearance to boot. Moreover, the BAKFlip MX4’s solid and robust design is flush mount for a sleek appearance with easier full/partial access to your Ford’s truck bed. On top of all that, this cover is backed by an extended 5-year warranty.
Features:
- Premium matte finish
- Durable aluminum panels
- Rated up to 400 lbs. of evenly distributed weight
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
- Dual-action tailgate seal
- NEW finished corner caps featuring a softer seal for a more finished appearance
- NEW pre-molded and die-cut A-panel and B-side bumpers
- NEW secure rail end caps
- NEW prop rod clips securely designed for durability
- NEW matte-finished elevator bolts and clamps
2. Extang Trifecta 2.0 Tonneau Cover
The best-selling soft tri-fold cover just got better and it comes in at number two on our list. The Extang Trifecta 2.0 tonneau cover has softer curves and a sleek design that creates a smoother, more contoured, low-profile appearance. The tarp is crafted from heavy-duty, fade-resistant, leather-grained fabric with an integrated corner tuck system that boasts improved tarp tension. All of these elements work together to keep your truck looking great while protecting the equipment underneath it. This truck bed cover has been rigorously tested and carries a lifetime warranty.
The Trifecta 2.0 cover features a newly redesigned frame, hinges, and corners to provide more structural strength than ever before. As the strongest in the industry, the frame is crafted from lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum with new rugged MAX hinges that use a double pivot design. Extang’s exclusive snap-on seals eliminate adhesive and remain in place for the ultimate in all-weather protection. The clamping system simply attaches to your truck in seconds for an easy installation with EZ-lock clamps for additional security
- Durable tarp made from leather-grain fabric
- Lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Enhanced styling with smooth contours and a sleek low profile
- Deflects water and guards your bed against the elements
- Exclusive non-adhesive snap-on style perimeter seals
- Fast and easy to install; Easy to operate
- Two EZ-Lock clamps at the tailgate keep the cover locked
- Made for utility; Pairs well with your favorite toys
- Made right here in the USA
- Maximum Strength Lifetime Warranty
3. LUND Genesis Elite Roll-Up Tonneau Cover
The LUND Genesis Elite Roll-Up Cover is a low-profile, soft tonneau cover made from a premium twill weave fabric engineered to resist water, mold, mildew, dust, dirt, and UV rays. The specially designed luxury twill canvas makes this cover virtually maintenance-free, as no special chemical cleaners are needed to clean this truck cover. Simply rinse it with water and let it air dry to brush dust and dirt away. The innovative design of the Genesis Elite series utilizes a patented latching and internal tension control system to keep the top secured tightly to the bed. This way, you can hit the highway at high speeds without worrying about any vibrations or fluttering noises.
The heavy-duty Velcro hook and loop fasteners run along the full length of the side rails for a secure seal against dust and moisture to keep your cargo protected. Additionally, when in use, the cover helps improve the overall aerodynamics of your F-150/Raptor, thereby reducing drag and increasing overall fuel economy. The cover easily rolls up in seconds, allowing for complete access to the bed and your gear. The Genesis Roll-Up top is custom-designed to fit your Ford F-150’s model year and bed size. The cover comes pre-assembled, with all the necessary mounting hardware, including heavy-duty adjustable clamps, for a simple no-drill installation. Best of all, your Genesis Roll-Up Cover is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Features:
- Available in Genesis Elite Twill and Genesis textured vinyl
- Front and rear rubber seals protect against dust and moisture
- Heavy-duty aluminum rails and bows
- Low-profile design with stitched seams and tapered corners
- Rolls up in seconds, allowing complete bed access
- Latching system with quick release for easy bed access
- Easy no-drill installation process
4. Tyger Auto T5 Alloy Hardtop Truck Bed Cover
The Tyger Auto T5 Hardtop Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover is made from black powder-coated aircraft-grade alloy metal sheets to provide the highest levels of durability and protection for your Ford F-150/Raptor. The aluminum alloy panels sandwich thick PC polymers arranged in a special honeycomb structure to deliver maximum protection. The cover is further supported by strong, heavy-duty aluminum frames with hardware made from stainless steel and tough glass-filled nylon for even greater durability.
In addition to safeguarding your belongings, this tri-fold alloy tonneau cover can provide gas savings ranging from 10 percent to 13 percent on average. What’s more, the T5 Hardtop Cover offers a sleek design and mounts right on top of the truck’s bed rails. It also boasts an even weight distribution capacity of up to 500 pounds! It comes pre-assembled with a unique quick-release clamping system for an easy no-drill installation; removing the bedside rails and cargo racks is required, though. It also folds up seamlessly and quickly for speedy access to your truck bed in a convenient, tight sealed package that also offers a customized look together with a strong line of defense against weather and sticky fingers.
Features:
- U.S. Design Patented
- Made from aircraft-grade alloy aluminum panels
- Thick PC polymers arranged in a strong honeycomb structure
- Offers maximum protection for your truck bed
- Even weight distribution capacity of up to 500 lbs
- Cover is supported by heavy-duty aluminum frames
- Included stainless steel hardware for great durability.
- Comes pre-assembled with a unique quick-release clamping system
- Easy no-drilling installation (bedside rails and cargo racks will need to be removed)
- Backed by a 5-Year No-Hassle Warranty
5. Roll-N-Lock A-Series Retractable Tonneau Cover
The all-aluminum A-Series Retractable Tonneau Cover from Roll-N-Lock is built with rugged durability to stand the test of time. The unique, powder-coated aluminum cover body of the popular A-Series is bound together by a patent-pending hinge technology that delivers a virtually impenetrable seam. The A-Series tonneau cover allows you to open or close it with no snaps to manipulate or heavy folding panels to lift. A simple rotation of the lock lever and the cover retracts into Roll-N-Lock’s ultra-compact housing to offer easy and instant access to the entire truck bed.
The A-Series boasts an ultra-sleek appearance that is further enhanced by a low-profile, aerodynamically styled housing lid. Unlike other aluminum bed covers on the market that provide only out-of-sight, out-of-mind security, Roll-N-Lock’s A-Series is the real deal. The built-in tailgate lock completes the extremely high level of security offered by this cover with powerful a 38-inch torsion spring for effortless opening. The cover can be locked in place at a quarter, half, or three-quarters open position. With no exposed rubber seams and a patented tailgate locking system, knife-wielding thieves don’t stand a chance against this tonneau cover.
Features:
- All -Aluminum Construction
- Weather-Resistant Material
- Ultra Strong and Durable
- Drainage Tubes Help Keep Cargo Dry
- Custom Fit to Your Truck Bed
- Clamp-on Installation Process
- Built-in Tailgate Lock for Added Security
- 3-Year Limited Warranty
6. Truxedo Lo Pro Tonneau Truck Bed Cover
Simple functionality, stylish design, and heavy-duty protection are what make the Truxedo Lo Pro is North America’s best-selling roll-up truck bed cover on the market. Its sleek, low-profile design (as the name suggests) is the signature point of the Lo Pro. Made from industrial-grade leather grain with a heavy-duty anodized aluminum frame, this cover can withstand a beating without any lasting effects. What’s more, the tarp features a durable double-coated vinyl to further protect against the elements. This tear-resistant fabric sits just three-quarter inches above your Ford F-150’s truck bed to enhance its overall appearance without bringing too much attention to itself.
The heavy-duty construction and patented automatic tension control help keep the Truxedo Lo Pro cover looking great no matter the weather. This tonneau cover mounts inside the rails of your Ford’s truck bed, providing full access to stake pocket holes for use with additional accessories. A slanted rail design with one-inch wide Velcro strips allows for the streamlined look and holds the cover down better than stretching it over the rails. The Velcro strips are free-floating, which allows them to expand and contract in extreme temperatures. What’s more, the quick-release system with rear latching makes this bed cover a breeze to remove items without any tools at all and keeps them locked in place until you open the tailgate.
Features
- Industrial-grade leather grain finish
- Vinyl and Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Low-profile appearance with free-floating Velcro technology
- 10 to 20 minute average installation time with no tools required
- Patented tension control system automatically self-adjusts to keep the cover tight
- Conveniently rolls up and self-stores behind your cab with built-in straps
- Easy single trigger release requires only one finger to open the cover
- Cover can be easily removed without any tools, providing 100% bed access
- Backed by a Lifetime Warranty on all parts
