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When you drive a truck you care about, a tonneau cover is an essential accessory for your vehicle. A quality tonneau covers the rear of your pickup while remaining stylish and sleek. It practically blends in with the truck itself, which is the best part.
Tonneau covers are all a bit different from one to the next. You can buy one that folds up or covers up, but they all serve the same purpose: to protect your car and the cargo inside from wind, rain, hail, and other harsh weather.
Is it time to cover your truck bed? Are you not sure what the best tonneau cover for your Ram 1500 is? You’re not alone. Deciding on which tonneau cover to get for your Ram truck can be challenging. When you're driving the "new king of the hill among luxury pickups," you need a tonneau cover of the same quality.Tonneau covers are one of the most popular aftermarket upgrades for a good reason. There are a ton of great brands, features, and benefits out there. It’s essential to take the time and have patience while you familiarize yourself with the different options on the market. This crucial first step will set you up for success in finding a cover that will protect your truck bed while driving.
Below, we’re going over the leading tonneau truck cover options on the market currently. Based on the best tonneau cover for Ram 1500 reviews, features, specs, and pros/cons, we’ll help you determine which product is the right choice for you.
Keep reading below to get familiar with the top covers out there and find the cream of the crop.
1. Best Overall Ram 1500 Tonneau Cover: Extang Encore
If you’re looking for the best overall Ram 1500 tonneau truck cover, look no further than the Extang Encore. This folding hard tonneau cover has just about every feature that you could imagine. Thus, it was easy to decide which cover would land at our #1 spot.
Overview
- Type: Hard, tri-fold model.
- Fit: For Ram 1500s made between 2009 - 2018
- Weight: 54 lbs.
Highlights
The Extang Encore features a 3-panel design that makes it easy to fold up as little or as much as you need. When you need to cover the whole truck bed, you can layout all three panels. You can also leave one panel up rather than enclose the entire area. The partial enclosure would make whatever you’re keeping in the bed much more accessible.
Truck owners will love its lightweight yet sturdy construction. You can rest assured it won't break down on you, but it also won’t weigh your truck down or be a pain to use or remove.
The hinges play a significant role in the ease of use of a tonneau cover. They should be durable enough that they will keep for several years. They should also be resistant to wet conditions. This qualification is because one of the main reasons to use a tonneau cover is to protect from the rain.
Even if you live in an area where it doesn’t rain much, strong cover matters. If your cover is durable enough, it will also serve as a great piece of security. Any time you store valuable items in the truck bed, the vehicle becomes vulnerable to theft. A cover that you can lock down removes that risk entirely.
Another excellent aspect of this cover is the fact that it can have a bolt lock that matches your ignition key. That means there’s no need to carry around an extra key.
We’re confident that this Extang Encore is the best Ram 1500 bed cover out there. We know you’ll think so, too.
Pros
- Durability - sturdy and long-lasting material and hinges
- Lightness - not too heavy or bulky, easy enough to lift on and remove
- Locking ability - keep your possessions in the bed of your truck safe from theft
- Tri-fold design - makes it easy to lift just one part or the whole thing
Cons
- Small leakage - any cover will allow a little bit of leakage, but you can avoid most of this by installing drainage tubes.
- Dull finish - some customers prefer the shinier finish of earlier models
2. Best Value Ram 1500 Tonneau Cover: Tyger Auto
Hands down, our pick for the best value tonneau cover for Dodge Ram 1500 is the Tyger Auto 5.7 Soft Top.
Overview
Type: Soft, tri-fold model
Fit: Works with Ram 1500s made between 2009 and 2019
Weight: 30.1 lbs.
Highlights
Most people prefer buying a product that will last them a long time over something that’s cheaply made and short-term. Part of what makes the Tyger Auto Tonneau Cover so great is that all Tyger products come with a fantastic limited lifetime warranty that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. The lifetime warranty adds so much value to the product because if something that’s out of your control happens, you have the assurance of getting a new replacement, covered through the brand!
While you might think that since the Tyger cover is our pick for the best value, its low price means they skimped on quality. That couldn’t be further from the truth. This cover consists of 24-ounce marine-grade vinyl and aircraft-grade aluminum. These materials offer heavy-duty, robust protection.
The aluminum in the panels features dual-coating and strong steel clamps. The construction makes installation a breeze. The Tyger Auto also might be the easiest to install on our list. With horizontal crossbars that come pre-assembled and a foldable cover, accessing what’s under the cover is no challenge.
If the value is the name of your game, don’t pass up the Tyger Auto Tonneau Cover. It might be just the thing you’re seeking.
Pros
Durable - made from marine-grade vinyl and airplane-grade steel
Pre-assembled for quick installation
Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
Soft Fabric Drawbacks: A few customers that live in areas known to get a lot of rain saw the soft fabric degrade quicker than they’d like.
3. Best Budget Ram 1500 Tonneau Cover: Gator ETX
If you’re on a tight budget, you can still find a decent product. Read on to learn why the Gator ETX was our best budget pick.
Overview
Type: Soft, tri-fold model
Fit: For Dodge Ram 1500s made between 2009 and 2018; also fits the 2019 Classic 1500 model
Weight: 25 lbs.
Highlights
If sticking to a low budget is the most important thing to you, we get that! But a small budget doesn’t mean you have to buy a poorly-made tonneau cover. Many of the best tonneau cover Dodge Ram 1500 reviews will show that there are affordable yet durable products. Here in our guide, we’re highlighting the Gator ETX as a premium choice that meets these qualifications.
Many Ram drivers love and recognize the Gator brand. One of the best things about their products is their limited lifetime warranty. Just like the cover above, this is one that you can pretty much “buy for life.”
The Gator cover is excellent for those shopping on a budget who still want a reliable product. Its soft cover material means it's incredibly lightweight and easy to move on and off the bed. The aluminum framing also contributes to a light and movable body versus heavy aluminum sheets.
Do you want assurance that your possessions are safe? A rail seals the cover right up against the frame of the bed. Rest assured, nothing will get in, neither people nor water. With the extra help of cover buckles and a tailgate seal, the cover isn’t going anywhere.
There’s no shame in sticking to a budget when you’re shopping for consumer goods. We think the Gator brand is an excellent choice for someone who doesn’t want to break the bank. We hope it will work for you!
Pros
Simple operation - easy to use at full-cover or partial cover for access
Lightweight for easy installation and removal
No-tool install - installation within ten minutes without tools
Cons
Sagging - some sagging in the center from pooled water after heavy rainfall
Roll out - rolling up cover can be challenging for some consumers find it challenging to roll up the cover; requires you to stand within the bed of the truck.
Other Great Ram 1500 Tonneau Covers
Just because these two featured here didn’t make the cut for the above Ram 1500 bed cover reviews, it doesn’t mean they’re not premium. These are all excellent Ram 1500 bed covers. Take a look below to see the incredible features each offers and find out if they’re the right product for you.
4. TruXedo TruXport
We understand that the way a truck looks can be of great importance to truck owners. If you’re looking for something sleek and sophisticated, check out the TruXedo TruXport.
Overview
Type: Soft roll-up model
Fit: Fits any Ram 1500 made between 2009 and 2018 and fits any Classic Ram 1500 made between 2019 and 2020.
Weight: 24 lbs.
Highlights
If none of the previously mentioned covers has tickled your fancy, you might like the Truxedo Truxport Ram 1500 bed cover. This roll-up designed cover does double duty. It creates a safe, weather-tight space while also keep secure any valuables stored inside. With help from the truck’s tailgate, the cover will lock in place for peace of mind. As long as your tailgate has a locking function, everything inside is theft and damage-proof.
With a top-mounted design, the cover sits just barely above the bed at 1.5 inches high. Its heavy vinyl material looks similar to grain leather for a sleek and sexy finish. With its incredibly user-friendly roll-up design, you can adjust how much of the bed you want to be covered at all times. If you need full access to your truck, simply roll it out of the way without having to remove it.
We believe this model is great as-is. If you want to take it to the next level, there are a few accessories to purchase additionally.
Pros
Top mount design - sits slightly above the truck
Quality fabric - looks like a leather grain
Easy to use - simply roll up or roll out to use
Cons
A little short - some customers might wish for an extra half-inch of fabric in the front and the back
No adjustable tension - there could be an adjustable tension for a better fit
5. Undercover Flex
If you’re looking for an option that fits well, features all the bells and whistles, and comes in at a reasonable price, consider the Undercover. We think it’s one of the best products out there. We think you’ll love it, too.
Overview
Type: Hard, tri-fold model
Fit: Any Dodge Ram 1500 made between 2002 and 2020. It also fits any Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500 created within the same time frame.
Weight: 43.8 lbs.
Highlights
There are several reasons to love the Undercover Flex hardcover. The main reason is aesthetic. Hands down, this is the best-looking option on our list. Set on any Ram 1500, this cover will look great. It has an incredibly low-profile design that won’t distract from the beauty of the truck itself. It also features a matte black finish for an added dose of sleekness.
More than that, this Ram 1500 bed cover has incredible features to boot. When you don’t need to use your cover, built-in prop rods make it easy to secure it down and out of the way. With help from the plastic buckles and straps included, this is a breeze.
Its trifold design is typical to find in a tonneau cover Dodge Ram 1500. The best part about this design is the convenience and security it allows all in one. Customers will be able to smoothly fold it up and lay it back down without too much trouble.
Pros
Low profile design
Prop rods for extra truck security from weather and theft
Easy removal - no tools necessary
Cons
Missing hardware - a few customers said their shipment was missing a few pieces of hardware
Small blemishes - a few customers saw a few scuffs or scratches on the material caused during shipping
Types of Tonneau Covers for the Ram 1500
If you want a little more clarity on the types of covers available before you make your purchase, here’s the information you need to know:
Folding Tonneau Covers
Folding tonneau covers might be the most popular option. Of the folding options, you’ll see the tri-fold type most often. There may be other options with more folding points. The benefit to this model is the ability to fold the amount you need to access without having to remove the entire thing. If you have to haul awkward cargo, a tonneau would make it easy to adjust accordingly.
Roll-Up Tonneau Covers
A roll-up tonneau cover for the Dodge Ram 1500 is another common choice. These models can roll up all the way to the cab of the truck. Just like rolling up a mat, this makes it easy to altogether remove and replace the cover as needed. As with the folding covers, the roll-ups let you gain partial or complete access to the bed. Rather than being determined by pre-set folds, you can access only the space you need.
Retractable Tonneau Covers
If you’re looking for something with easier use and functionality, retractable tonneau covers would be a good pick. It is similar to a roll-up cover but with an automatic element. The automation removes the need to roll it up physically. Instead, it will automatically retract on its own with your signal. The technology reduces the labor needed and makes it easy to adjust the coverage.
Hinged Tonneau Covers
If you are looking at hinged tonneau covers, you know they are bed covers with just one hinge at the bulkhead of your Ram 1500. With this style, you can lock in the cover at either the opened or closed position. It’s critical to note that you won’t be able to open the cover partially. You must either open or close it entirely. Many truck owners simply prefer the look of a hinged tonneau.
Snap Tonneau Covers
Lastly, snap tonneau covers consist of an aluminum frame with small snaps that attach to a separate vinyl cover. The design allows unique access to remove the cover only as much as is necessary. The main benefit here is that you can accommodate varying sizes and shapes of cargo.
Final Thoughts
By now, you have familiarized yourself with the main types of covers, top cover options, and helpful benefits/features of tonneau covers. With this research, your decision should be much easier. We encourage you to check out the products listed above to see if they might fit your needs and desires. For tonneau covers for other truck makes and models, check out our other reviews!