If you’re in a hurry and still want to grab the best tonneau cover for jeep gladiator, go for the Tyger Auto T3, confidently.
Jeep Gladiator is one big off-road driving beast.
It certainly does fulfill every expectation of a rugged landscape driver. However, as you must have heard from the experts, one thing that can complete the glory of this stunning vehicle is a Tonneau cover.
But why? And, to be exact, what is a Tonneau cover? Well, allow us to explain!
Tonneau, derived from French, refers to the car part that opens to the air and has no seats. In simple terms, Tonneau is a French word for the truck bed.
The Tonneau covers are coverings designed for the truck bed of a particular model. People opt for Tonneau covers due to their versatile usage and multiple pros. These include:
- Keeping the possessions safe from the outdoor elements and weather
- Extending the truck bed life
- Preventing theft of belongings
- Improving the looks of the truck
- Enhancing the truck fuel economy
The majority of Tonneau covers achieve these benefits for you. However, some covers may have a design suited for a specific reason, such as theft protection.
Having said this, you must be aware of the diversity of products available in the market. There are soft Tonneau covers, hard Tonneau covers, retractable Tonneau covers, and the list goes on!
The variety can make a buyer easily confused. To ensure a better purchase, an understanding of the Tonneau covers is essential.
Below, we have articulated all the top-rated and best Tonneau covers of all times for Jeep Gladiator. There is also a comprehensive guide to assist you in product selection. Read more to explore!
Comparing The Best Tonneau Cover for Jeep Gladiator in 2022
Tonneau Cover | Type | Functionality | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hard | Tri-fold | 5 years | ||
Soft | Tri-fold | Lifetime | ||
Hard | Tri-fold | 5 years | ||
Soft | Tri-fold | 30 days | ||
Soft | Roll up | Lifetime | ||
Soft | Roll up | 10 years | ||
Soft | Roll up | Lifetime | ||
Hard | Folding | 5 years | ||
Soft | Roll up | 3 years | ||
Hard | Tri-fold | 3-years |
Established in 2005, the Rugged Ridge Company has designed and released over 3000+ jeep automotive parts. The company has received massive appreciation for its innovative Jeep automotive products.
The Rugged Ridge Tonneau cover jeep gladiator is one of these products. It has outshone other competitors with its versatility and functionality. Let’s unravel all its features in this Rugged Ridge-Line X Tonneau cover review!
At a glance, this Tonneau cover is simply gorgeous. It has a black-colored matte finishing that enhances the appearance of your Jeep Gladiator.
It has an almost flat top that aligns with the Jeep Gladiator’s truck bed. So, there are no bumps and unevenness on the Jeep’s exterior.
What’s more, it is quite sturdy too. This Tonneau cover features heavy-duty aluminum panels, finished using Line-X specialty automotive coating. As a result, the cover has outstanding resistance against weather and scratches.
You will have a smooth Tonneau cover even after years of intensive use. It also means that the Rugged Ridge 13550.24 Armis Hard Folding with Line X bed cover will keep the truck bed contents secure.
The cover’s precise dimensions ensure it fits the Jeep bed easily. So, neither rain nor snow will be able to penetrate the bed. Hence, all the stored stuff will remain dry and safe.
As a tri-fold hardcover, the Rugged Ridge Tonneau cover has three sections. You can fold up one by one according to need.
Being hard, the surface of the cover does not bend or deflect. However, it does fold up quite easily.
Overall, the Tonneau cover is quite easy-to-use. You do not have to remove the cover completely or anything. Only open the sections as per the truck bed contents and fold them back down.
In case you want to store overlarge things, you can fold the Tonneau cover completely for full bed access. There is also an attached stand to push the cover vertically against the Jeep side. However, this may block the rearview for you.
Moreover, this cover has a simple yet unbreakable locking system. It will keep the truck bed contents safe against all types of theft.
The Tonneau cover uses clamps for installation that is quite easy and simple. One can do it himself without the need for special tools and equipment.
Also, it functions with Gladiators only, which ensures it’s compatible. Still, if you feel doubtful, the company offers an amazing 5-year warranty with the product!
- Contemporary aesthetics
- Sturdy
- Weather-resistant
- Complete theft protection
- Full-bed access
- Easy-to-install
- Easy-to-maintain
- Good compatibility
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- Blocks back view when opened
Tyger Auto T3 is the best pick to keep the items of your cargo out of sight. This tonneau truck bed cover will steal the spotlight due to its monumental attributes.
The unconditional love for this premium-quality truck bed cover is due to its sensational specifications. Dimensionally, it is about the size of 64.14 x 22.41 x 2.13 inches. So, it is quite compatible with the Jeep Gladiator.
The professionally designed Tri-fold cover weighs only 26.3 pounds. So, you don’t need to bother about the additional weight of hard metal truck bed covers.
Its lightweight construction is due to the usage of high-quality vinyl. Hence, the Tonneau cover doesn’t compromise durability. Also, this cover is easy to carry. The hassle-free portability and installment take your traveling experience to another level.
The Tyger Auto T3 is a soft tonneau truck bed cover but holds fabric made of vinyl. The Polyvinyl polymers beat all other fibers in terms of stiffness and sturdiness. The resistant vinyl adds to the premium quality of this Tonneau truck bed cover.
Moreover, the Tyger Auto T3 cover holds clamps both at the front and rear parts. The front clamp is made of integrated steel and offers enough holding force. The robust clamp at the back end is sturdy and durable enough to drag.
The Tyger tri-fold tonneau cover comes with frames made of metal alloys or aluminum. The usage of aluminum in the setting frames supports quick and faster latching. The aluminum frames also add to the security and resistivity of the softcover.
Soft tonneau truck bed covers are excellent for keeping your truck items out of vision. The lightweight of these covers makes them more revolutionary than the hard metallic tonneau cover.
However, people think that insurmountable security is achievable only through truck bed covers made of hard metal.
Soft tonneau truck bed covers may lag in terms of security. As a result, it will be easy for someone to reach the contents of your cargo with a softcover. But it will never let the items drench in the rain. Complete weather protection is available in this trifold Tyger Auto A3.
The innovative design of the Tyger cover is robust enough to withstand a couple of inches of snowfall. The extreme weather conditions are bearable with this tested Tyger tonneau cover.
You don’t need to bother about the scorching heat of the sun or prolonged hail. Your items will be secure inside the tonneau cover.
People using truck bed covers often worry about the installation of the covers. However, this next-level Tyger Auto A3 promotes easy installation. Quick latching is far no more due to the metallic braces at the front and rear parts.
You can set the truck bed cover in a small duration of 5 minutes without using and specific mechanical tool kit.
Hence, this startling cover also frees you from the fear of an extra installation cost. Plus, the jeep bed cover fits over the rails. Therefore, it provides secure fitting.
- Quick installation
- Fuel-saving
- Portable
- Sturdy
- Weather-resistant
- Foldable
- Grayed-out security
BAK BAKFlip MX4 is the ultimate solution to fulfill your need for a truck bed cover. You don’t need to wade anymore in search of a sensational truck bed cover that offers startling features.
The BAK BAKFlip MX4 Bed Tonneau Cover adds easiness to settings because it has a segmented body. The foldable segments enable the user to access the entire bed of your Jeep gladiator. You can bend one part or more according to your needs.
The user also enjoys the simplistic installation of the truck bed cover. The installation time of this truck bed cover is short. Without using any handy tool for installation, you can set it up in just 5-10 minutes.
Aesthetically, the BAK BAKFlip MX4 is also lavishing. The black glossy finish of BAK and the matte surface of MX4 are appealing. So, your help gladiator or truck gets a dynamic and vibrant look. The coal-black color of the aluminum panels also makes the outlook of your vehicle premium.
The matte surface is also invulnerable to any damage. It is because it locks globally sourced durable material and finely ground powder in its finishing. So, it is impervious to UV radiation or scratches.
The confidential and technical specifications are also convincing. This truck bed cover weighs only 55.9 pounds. So, it is not a big deal to carry this truck bed cover. Moreover, the product dimension is competitive. This product has a volume of mere 68 x 8 x 23 inches.
The 100% access to the gigantic truck bed is enjoyable due to the foldability of the cover. The startling thing about it is that you can open the cover from either the front or rear part. The rest of the segment can be locked in its place with the help of sturdy clamps.
The user can secure the opened segment by buttressing the clamps on the underside of the panel. So, there is no fear of jolting the truck bed cover while traveling over the hills.
The innovativeness in the model is due to the just arrived shock absorbers. These bumpers placed along the sides of panels prevent the cover from any damage during wrathful driving. The shock absorbers dampen all the vibrations and provide you with a safe drive.
This BAK BAKFlip hard folding is enough to accommodate you in any extreme weather conditions. Whether it is heavy rain or the blazing heat of the sun, it will protect your cargo from any possible damage.
Another plus point of these backflip covers is the addition of two tubes on either side for drainage. These dual tubes deviate the water from its path and protect the truck bed cover.
Moreover, the mainstream feature is that it is impervious to water. A high-end and durable seal is available along the entire perimeter of the panel. It prevents any water intrusion into the truck bed. So, your items or goods will be safe inside any extreme rainfall.
- Shock resistant
- Impervious to water
- Foldable
- Durable
- Sturdiness
- Top-notch locking system
- Flimsy panel
Gator is an American automotive product manufacturing company. It has been developing high-quality Jeep accessories for a long time. Through this, it has established a loyal and honest fan base all over the globe.
The Gator ETX Tonneau cover is another premium product offered by the company at an affordable price. It is a soft tri-fold Tonneau cover that provides good security and weather protection.
Looks-wise, the Gator cover has a dark-colored exterior. Its flat profile and matte surface go well with the overall Jeep Gladiator aesthetics.
The Tonneau cover consists of a high-grade aluminum frame covered with vinyl. Hence, the cover has great durability and strength.
It has a soft surface, which is bendable and flexible. You can store slightly oversized things in the truck bed with the cover closed. However, it won’t support the carrying of too many oversized things.
Similar to other tri-fold Tonneau covers, this Gator soft bed cover has three sections. You can fold each one upwards to access the bed.
As it is soft and lightweight, the sections fold up on each other easily such that you can do it with one hand.
When needing 2/3 bed access to haul large things, you can open the Tonneau cover and secure it with an integrated buckling system. Hence, making it easier to haul both large and small things.
As for installation, the Gator ETX Tonneau cover has simple and easy-to-e clamps. You will have to place the cover on the bed and tighten the clamps. It requires no special tools or equipment.
You can install the Tonneau cover yourself in less than 10-minutes. However, be careful when installing as the clamps are two near the bed lights.
The Gator ETX tri-fold has the dimensions to fit Jeep Gladiators of 2020-2021. Regardless, several users have reported the dimensions to be not accurate.
Upon installation, the cover may stick out or be short from some places that reduce the weather and theft protection level. The water from rain or snow may seep in through the gaps, making things wet.
Or, a thieve might slip his hand in or any device to take out small items. This situation can be particularly dangerous for people carrying expensive items. Nonetheless, the Gator ETX tri-fold is one of the best Tonneau Cover for Jeep Gladiator as it gives a value-for-money option that offers good qualities.
- Visually-pleasant
- Durable
- Good weather protection
- Good security
- Quick installation
- Full bed access
- Limited compatibility
A truck bed cover that supports full bed access with providing enough space for mounting other accessories becomes the cause of unconditional love. However, all these features are not available in one place.
A premium quality makeover of your truck becomes possible using this truxedo lo pro soft roll-up tonneau cover.
The black matte finish of the grain vinyl leather gives a dynamic look to your jeep gladiator. Moreover, the fabric is also durable and useable with a lifetime warranty.
The size of this lol pro bed cover is 81 x 10 x 6 inches only. So, you can mount it only on a bed size in this range. The weight of the truck cover is also reasonable. It weighs only 27 pounds that is not too much.
The vinyl component of the fabric is also tear-resistant. The rough and tough environment or extreme climatic conditions are easily survivable with this premium-quality tonneau bed cover.
Whether it is the harshest hailstorm or blazing sunstroke, the polymer-made leather fabric will be persistent enough to cope with the environment.
Peoples usually prefer a bed cover for their jeep gladiator that is easy to install. Truxedo lo pro soft roll-up tonneau cover has easy installation. You can mount it on your Jeep without the help of any mechanic or any mechanical tool kit.
There is no need for any drilling machine or nuts and bolts for mounting it on the truck. You can set it on your bed by yourself in just 30 minutes.
However, this bed covers lies about ¾ above the truck bed. So, there is enough room for your cargo and other accessories like winches, tools, etc. Latches or clamps for opening and holding are available only on one side of the cover.
Another startling feature of this bed cover from TruXedo is the automatic tension controlling system. The user did not need to adjust the tensional force or stress on the bed cover manually.
The truxedo lo pro soft roll-up will automatically set the strain and protect your precious cargo from any calamity. The simplicity and uniqueness in the design are all due to the single pull unlocking system.
You can unclamp the bed cover from one side with a single jerk and roll it up for easy access to your items. The truxedo lo pro soft bed cover is roll-able to its maximum. So it makes possible the approach to the entire bed cover.
So, this truck bed cover locks a maximum number of features in contrast to other models of its line. Packed with durability and uniqueness, it is the best pick for your jeep gladiator.
- Lifetime usability
- Super easy installation
- Durable
- Customized control
- Easy installation
- Terrible fitting
MaxMate Soft Roll Up may not make it to our preferred jeep gladiator retractable tonneau covers. But it is most certainly our favorite in the roll-up options.
The tonneau cover comes crafted from heavy-duty marine-grade vinyl. It weighs merely 24 ounces but comes double-coated. Hence, despite its lightweight feels, this beauty can take storms.
Although its thick exterior makes the sides thicker, it also makes them more intact. The cover fits well enough to protect the bed from all adverse effects of weather. Be it a thunderstorm or sandstorm.
Plus, it comes equipped with Velcro straps on the sides as well as a latch lock system on the tailgate. It secures the cover in place.
The tension system enables the users to adjust the tension of the cover atop the bed. It keeps the vinyl wrinkle-free and tightly intact in its place.
Thus, preventing any external particles from seeping in and any internal components from spilling place. (Since this is a softcover, it’s a major concern for most!) Also, the company recommends it ideally for a 5’2” bed.
You won’t need to ring up an expert friend or rush to the mechanic to get this installed. Rather, you can do it on your own at home, with ease. There won’t be a need to drill holes except for the Bedliner that too only in vehicles with over-the-bedrail Bedliner.
Plus, the latter comes with a decade of warranty! Yes, that’s right. Maxmate offers you such an extended warranty, not only to gain your confidence over the reliability of the company but also to exhibit its very own pride in the quality of products. Speaks volumes. Doesn’t it?
Apart from being tough and convenient, the Maxmate soft roll-up truck bed tonneau cover is also quite stylish. On the outside, the cover is sleek and smooth. The vinyl covering is stain-resistant, so you need not even worry about constant maintenance.
- Easy installation
- Tear-resistant
- Sleek design
- Smooth appearance
- Comes with a 10-year warranty
- Bulky sides
The Extang 2.0 Trifecta has a stylish, smooth grey-colored top. It has softer and more contoured corners that do not stick out oddly. There is also an integrated corner tuck system, which prevents the softcover from sagging.
The Tonneau cover has a leather-grained fabric coating that looks extremely cool. Once installed, this Trifecta Extang cover gives your Jeep Gladiator an amazing high-end appearance.
On the inside, this Extang Jeep Gladiator cover has a sturdy frame composed of aircraft-grade aluminum. The high-quality material, as well as redesigned frame, offers exceptional structural strength.
Hence, the cover can withstand all sorts of damages. You can drive the Jeep Gladiator in the roughest of terrains and climates. Still, the cover will appear and function as well as new.
Being lightweight, the Extang Trifecta Tonneau cover is easy-to-carry and use. It has three soft foldable sections. Simple, open your tailgate, release the integrated EZ-Lock Clamp, and fold the sections to access your bed.
In case you want to drive with the cover folded, then there is a buckle to secure it in the open position. When closed, the EZ-Lock Clamp automatically locks itself for added security.
The Trifecta 2.0 Trifold Tonneau cover also features double-pivot MAX hinges and exclusive Snap-On-seals. These things seal the gaps, offering excellent protection. No outdoor element can reach your Jeep Gladiator bed with this cover.
As for installation, the Tonneau cover has a simple yet highly-effective clamping system that attaches to the truck bed in seconds. You can do it yourself!
There are two types of clamps; the front and the rear. The Jaw-Grip front clamps tighten vertically as well as horizontally. This particular method prevents overtightening of the clamps and bed damage.
On the rear side, there are EZ-lock clamps that self-lock for cargo security. These clamps are quite strong, which makes them unbreakable.
Amazingly, the cover also comes fully assembled. All you must do is place the Tonneau cover on the truck bed and tighten the clamps.
However, this requires a slight technique that may be difficult for some people. You will have to slide your fingers between the bed and the back of the cab to mount the washer. Nonetheless, the overall mechanism is quite simple.
The Extang Trifecta 2.0 Gladiator Tonneau cover offers a diversity of amazing features for the price, making it the best Tonneau Cover for Jeep Gladiator.
- Great looks
- Nice Security
- Good Weather protection
- Durable
- Easy-to-use
- Installation issues
Crafted from premium-quality aluminum, Undercover Flex Ultra is one of the most lightweight yet phenomenally sturdy Tonneau covers out there. The manufacturing company seems to have realized the lackings of the other material that dominates the market, i.e., fiberglass.
Since this tonneau cover resembles BakFlip MX4 quite a lot (both in terms of appearance and performance!), you will find people wondering which of the two is better during your shopping survey. However, let us tell you, Undercover Armor VS BakFlip mx4 is a more accurate and worthy concern.
That’s because these two are more competent with one another than any other. With that said, all undercover variants have more similarities with BakFlip Max 4 rather than differences. Thus, it’s safe to consider more or less the same.
For example, similar to BakFlip Max4 can withstand rough handling and adverse effects of weather substantially well. As mentioned earlier, it features non-ferrous aluminum. Hence, it does not rust even in the most humid of conditions.
Externally, the aluminum panels come polished with black paint, which gives it its matte look. The finish protects the cover from fading even in the driest or humid weather and maintains a uniformity in its classy appearance.
The aluminum itself may have some sharp edges. However, once installed, you will not feel this to be a bothersome aspect.
You can place this Jeep Gladiator hard tonneau cover in three different positions, including:
- Fully closed
- Partially closed
- Open
In the open position, you will have the Tonneau cover entirely folded up, occupying little space. You will have complete bed access, so if you wish to carry large items, you can do that conveniently. The dual pop-rods will lock the cover in its place.
For increased security, the panel comes equipped with an automatic latching system. It locks the tonneau cover firmly with the side L-rails.
Plus, the installation process is super easy. You can easily mount this tonneau cover without the need for drilling or anything that intensive. In case you feel like removing it, later on, you can do that too conveniently.
Undercover also caters to the need of lighting up at night time and so you can get an LED strip. It will lighten up your bed at night and will bring those cool vibes. Apart from that, the lights come in real handy when it gets too dark.
What’s more, Undercover wants you to be highly confident as you purchase this product. And for this very reason, the company backs this tonneau cover with a complete 5-year-long warranty. Should there be a need, you can get a complete free-of-cost replacement.
- Easy installation
- Foldable cover
- 5-year warranty
- Automatic Latching System
- Weather-resistant
- Aluminum panels may have sharp edges
Lyon cover is the simple, trouble-free, and most suitable way to cover and defend your truck bed. Soft roll-up Truck bed of cover will become the center of attention due to individuality in its characters.
These startling specifications of the Lyon cover proved to be the main reason to remain in focus. Structurally, it is about 64.17×5.12×9.84 inches with only 25.3 pounds weight.
The competently planned Lyon cover has lightweight because its fabric is made up of vinyl so, devoid of building any negotiation on product sturdiness.
The lightweights of the Lyon covers make them more innovative than hard-weight clanging covers. People consider that a hard-weight metallic bed cover provides more security, but this is not so.
You don’t need to bother about the color, attractiveness, and hygiene of his truck bed as it locks electrophoretic hardware that does not grow fainter, ensuring finer stability by making the hardware more challenging to deteriorate.
Challenging or changing weather conditions cannot compete with the product’s durability. The vinyl-made material along Electrophoretic treatment can endure water, snow, or dirt. Incoming UV –rays from the sun cannot reach Lyon cover.
Windproof strip sealing adds to the quality of the Lyon cover. It enables the bed cover to hold out even fierce windstorms. One should not bother scraping the heat of the sun or delayed hail. His/ Her items will remain safe inside the truck bed.
The Lyon cover comes with aluminum frames. The handling of the aluminum inside frames supports rapid and more rapid latching. Moreover, the aluminum frames are also put into the security and wellbeing of the Truck bed.
People prefer to use the covers that not only décor your jeep gladiator. But it must secure any item carried in the vehicle. It can prevent your stuff from being stolen up or fluttering up while traveling at elevated rapidity.
One using Truck bed covers remained confused about its installation, but this is not with Lyon covers. Lyon covers make possible the easy assemblage by a clamping system.
You can install it in a short duration of 5-6 minutes without any motorized apparatus. You only need to fold up from the frontage and backside.
Then raise off to enjoy this marvelous bed cover on your gladiator. Moreover, Use of light-weighted vinyl material lets it conventional to take out and reinstall when needed. Hence this frees the user from extra installation.
The hassle-free handiness and simple setting up take your traveling practice to a different point. Lyon covers are not much worrisome in hygiene maintenance. You can soak clean with water and dry.
- Extreme Weather Resistant
- Foldable
- Immediate setting up
- Well-built
- Handy
- Flimsy casing
RDJ has been in the automotive industry since 1988. It is a small family-owned and operated company that firmly believes in offering only the finest truck accessories to people.
The RDJ Hard Folding Tonneau cover is one of the many value-for-money products offered by the company. It is a tri-fold hard Tonneau cover that fits the Jeep Gladiator perfectly.
This RDJ Tonneau cover, having well-thought dimensions, is highly compatible with all Jeep Gladiator models that feature a 5ft truck bed. There will be no gaps or bumps on the bed, giving it a flat and uniform look.
As for aesthetics, the RDJ Trucks 65-Series Hard Folding Tonneau cover has a black powder finishing that won’t fade due to sunlight. It means that the cover has UV protection.
Hence, the Tonneau cover will maintain its conditions even after years of usage. Plus, you can store some temperature-sensitive things easily in the bed. The sunlight won’t damage anything.
There is also a rubber Q-seal on the cover that seals every single gap, keeping the weather out. No rain, snow, or hail can enter the jeep bed with this Tonneau cover closed.
The RDJ Tonneau cover features an aluminum and fiberglass construction. The usage of marine-grade aluminum tubing and honeycomb-supported sub-panels makes the cover highly durable.
It can withstand corrosion, heavy loads, and damages easily. Your cover will stay with you for years!
Moreover, this Tonneau cover also offers good theft protection. But, the security depends on the tailgate lock. If you have a tailgate lock, then this cover will make stealing your cargo impossible!
As a hard tri-folding cover, this Tonneau cover provides easy bed access. You can open one or two sections to get the desired things and then close them.
However, as it is hard, the cover does not provide full bed access. You cannot push it against the truck side or something. The cover will fold to the last section and stay there horizontally.
It also indicates that you cannot take oversized or large cargo with this cover installed. For such purposes, you will have to take the cover out completely.
As for installation, the RDJ Tonneau cover is quite easy to connect to the Jeep Gladiator. It uses a simple clamp-on mounting system. So, there are front and rear clamps to keep the cover secured.
The complete process requires hardly 5-minutes to install. You don’t need any specific tools for it. Instead, the cover comes fully assembled! Undeniably, it is an excellent value-for-money product. Also, it comes with a 3-year warranty too.
- Stylish looks
- Good weather resistance
- It Fits Jeep Gladiator perfectly
- Easy installation
- Good theft protection
- Does not provide full bed access
Tonneau Cover for Jeep Gladiator: Buyer’s Guide
The most fundamental and significant step towards purchasing a satisfactory product is to research. As a buyer, you must know your needs and wants.
Do you seek weather protection of your belongings from the Tonneau cover or theft protection only? Perhaps, you need both features.
Once you have the boundaries drawn, you should be able to analyze the product for the desired specifications. Each product is different, and in the case of Tonneau covers, you will find different properties.
To help you get started, we have compiled all the value-holding features of a Tonneau cover in one place. Read more to explore!
Types of Tonneau Covers
In the market, you will come across a diversity of Tonneau cover types. You will find them differing in style and structure. Some might even be hybrids with a design resembling different cover types.
Here are some primary Tonneau cover types and their significance regarding Jeep Gladiators:
A Jeep Gladiator soft Tonneau cover will have a flexible and bendable design. If you press the cover with your fingers, the body of the Tonneau cover will bend down.
Yes, there will be resistance to the applied force. Hence, the cover will not completely bend in or out. Instead, it will have some limitations. If you apply too much force, the soft Tonneau cover can tear.
However, this limited flexibility of the soft Tonneau covers offers amazing benefits. For example, you can store extra stuff or larger stuff in the jeep bed while keeping it all covered.
The soft Tonneau cover variants are also much more lightweight than their counterparts. You can easily lift and move them.
Plus, these soft covers are one of the cheapest options available in the market. So, you get to save lots of money!
However, there are some downsides too. The soft Tonneau covers are tear-able which means a moderate level of security.
In times of snow or hail, the soft Tonneau cover can collapse under the weight. Hence, risking the contents covered by the Tonneau.
Unlike soft covers, the hard Tonneau covers are tough, rigid, and resistant to everything. These have zero flexibility, which means you cannot store limited things in the bed with the cover opened.
If you do so, the Jeep Gladiator hard Tonneau cover is likely to break. The damage won’t be repairable so be vigilant.
On the brighter side, the hard Tonneau covers benefits by offering excellent protection against theft and weather. It does not bend upon weight, and it certainly does not tear.
So, you can rest assured in these aspects. However, you will have to pay slightly more for these efficient properties.
Functionality
Did you know different Tonneau covers open up differently? Well, apart from the material, these covers differ in functionality too.
The type of functionality can either make or break your Jeep Gladiator riding experience. These types include:
A Jeep Gladiator roll-up Tonneau cover is an excellent way to get both protection and versatility. The innovative design allows you to roll the cover all the way back and secure it. So, you can use the jeep bed to its maximum.
It is a quite easy-to-use tool. You do not have to constantly hold the cover or detach it every single time.
You will find the roll-up design in both hard and soft materials. Usually, the Jeep Gladiator hard roll-up Tonneau cover is more preferable to the soft variant. It is simply because of better weather resistance and theft security.
These types of covers fold up into three sections, which makes accessing the bed a lot easier.
You can fold one or two sections to take out the required stuff instead of removing the complete cover. A Tri-fold Tonneau cover Jeep Gladiator is available in both soft and hard variants.
A retractable Tonneau cover has a sliding mechanism. It slides in and out of its opened position like a sliding glass door. Depending on the design, it may as well coil itself in a built-in canister.
There are two types of retractable Tonneau covers; motorized and manual. The motorized ones have a button or a remote for opening and closing the cover. However, in manual retractable ones, you have to get out of your jeep and open it by hand.
While the retractable Tonneau covers offer amazing aesthetics to your jeep, they may take up considerable bed space.
The Hinged Tonneau covers are in one solid piece, attached to the truck bed with hinges. So, when you open the cover, it is like one big hinged lid. These covers offer excellent weather protection and security as they are no moving parts.
However, these are often very heavy and difficult to install. Plus, the cover does not allow you to haul oversized cargo.
Durability
A Tonneau cover is constantly exposed to the external environment. It does through a lot of wear and tears in its lifetime. Hence, ensuring the durability of a Tonneau cover is very important.
The material type attributes for the Tonneau cover’s durability. It also affects the cover’s weight and waterproof level. So, the initial-most step in ensuring durability is to check the material of the cover.
There are five common types of materials used in Jeep Gladiator Tonneau cover waterproof by the manufacturers;
Hard Tonneau covers often use premium-grade aluminum panels in construction. These are quite durable and lightweight than other materials. You will find them either covered in vinyl or hardened with black matte finishing.
Fiberglass Tonneau covers include a resin-filled honeycomb pattern that gives the cover extra strength and durability. The innovative honeycomb pattern evenly distributes load and weight.
These Fiberglass covers can weigh anywhere between 80 to 110lbs. Also, these are the only ones to provide complete protection against water.
ABS Polymer covers are considerably lightweight and durable. Under the top covering, there is a network of plastic crossbows molded together that makes it lightweight. These covers weigh 60lbs or less.
The softness of canvas in comparison to other materials makes it ideal for usage in folding covers. It is quite lightweight and easy to use. However, the Tonneau cover offers little weather protection.
Installation
The Jeep Gladiator Tonneau cover installation is another important aspect of making a good purchase. First, decide whether you want a temporary, removable installation or a permanent one.
Most people prefer a removable one as it allows them to remove the cover when hauling large things. Usually, the Tonneau cover gets installed with bed rails.
These bed rails attach to the jeep bed using clips. This temporary installation is quite easy and simple so that even beginners can do it.
Permanent cover installation includes drilling that may affect the resale of your Jeep later. Also, one needs special tools, equipment, and technical knowledge for it. You will probably require professional assistance.
Compatibility
One thing that purchasers often miss out on is the compatibility of the Tonneau cover with their truck size. Each Tonneau cover has different dimensions to fit a specific truck bed size. For example, the Ford 150 Tonneau covers a range from 5-ft to 8ft in length.
Meanwhile, Chevy Silverado covers are available in 5ft 8in, 6ft 5in, and 8ft. For Jeep Gladiator, you will have Tonneau covers ranging from 5ft to 6ft.
Maintenance
Yes, Tonneau covers require regular maintenance and checkups too.
The longevity of these protective truck bed coverings might reduce if not provided the required level of care. Usually, Tonneau covers have a similar and simple maintenance mechanism.
Once in a while, you have to examine the installation parts, such as bed rails, clamps, and bolts. Ensure these are not lost or rusting.
Also, check whether the cover has some stuck debris or dust. Accumulation of these things does not only look unpleasant but also becomes an obstacle to smooth functionality.
In case the Tonneau cover is dirty, you can easily clean it with some soap and water. Make a soapy mixture and rub it gently on the cover. For vinyl covers, it is better to go with a vinyl cleaner. Once clean, dry the cover thoroughly.
Brand & Budget
Choosing a product manufactured by a reputable brand has its own perks. Brands that have a good name in the market not only offer a quality product but a quality service too.
When purchasing from brands like Tyger and TruXedo, you will know that you can get issues fixed if any arise.
Technical support, warranties, and guarantees are some of the factors offered by these brands that secure your purchase. Plus, these brands value customer feedback and improve the product.
Some of the best brands to consider when buying the perfect Tonneau cover for Jeep Gladiator include Tyger, TruXedo, Undercover, MaxMate, and Bestop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Time for us to pick the best. Although we have given a complete and comprehensive list up above, we know how challenging it is to settle for only one best tonneau cover for Jeep Gladiator.
The variety of only the very best tends to confuse a lot. No? Well, in case you are looking for a safe purchase, we suggest MaxMate Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover. The latter is not only a safe purchase in terms of performance but also in terms of functionality and looks.
Other than that, our all-rounder favorite is none other than Rugged Ridge Armis Hard Folding Tonneau Cover. We truly appreciate the durability and safety provided by this tonneau cover.
Regardless of our best picks, we encourage you to assess and analyze your needs and make a purchase only after ensuring that your pick corresponds with your needs. Happy shopping!
