Adding a tonneau cover amplifies the functionality of your GMC Sierra. It means unmatched protection for your cargo. Whether carrying expensive tools, working gear, or camping stuff, nothing will stand in the way of keeping your gear safe and protected, from extreme weather to snatching artists.
However, the only problem with the tonneau cover is the crowded market and you must research before getting one. We know your pain and that’s why we brought out the solution for you.
After a lot of trial and error, we finally uncovered the 5 best tonneau covers for GMC Sierra. These exceptional options will transform your truck into the envy of the road. Scroll down to know all the details.
Why Do You Need A Tonneau Cover?
The tonneau cover is an unmatched solution for security and weather protection. It’s a great addition to any truck. There are a few reasons that you should invest in a tonneau cover.
First of all, a tonneau cover provides ultimate protection for your truck bed and your gear. It acts as a shield against the elements. You don’t need to worry about rain, snow, or harmful UV rays damaging your cargo. With this cover, you can keep your belongings safe, dry, and protected from any surprises from Mother Nature.
Then if you want to hide your stuff from passers-by and thieves, you must install it on your truck. It’s like having your own personal storage space, keeping prying eyes away.
But it’s not just about protection. In normal driving, the air goes down and circulates in the truck bed, causing drag. It leads to reduced gas mileage which is not great for you. Anyway, a tonneau cover actually reduces dragging and helps to improve fuel efficiency. It is rated that the truck cover can increase by 10% gas mileage so that’s pretty cool.
On a serious note, I want to tell you that a tonneau cover can add a dose of style and sleekness to your truck. Not only this, but it will also stand out from the crowd. You will get various styles, materials, and finishes to choose from.
So, the reasons are clear. You should purchase a tonneau cover to ensure the protection, style, and functionality of your truck. It enhances your truck ownership experience in countless ways.
Our Recommended Top Products Comparison
Leather-grain vinyl material
Soft Roll-Up
Black Finish
Best At An Affordable Price
Style: Retractable
Low gloss Finish
Vinyl-over-aluminum material
Higher Price Point
Style: Hard Folding
Chrome Painted Finish
Aluminum Material
Mid-range Price
Top 5 Best Tonneau Cover Reviews For GMC Sierra Review
1. TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover
My first pick is the TruXedo TruXport which is the most trendy tonneau cover on the market for GMC Sierra. Well, it also perfectly fits Legacy Chevy and GMC Silverado truck beds.
This low-profile roll-up tonneau cover ensures superior protection against the elements like rain, snow, and road debris which is the major key point in choosing it.
Another reason is hassle-free installation without drilling. However, you may find the installation instructions a little bit confusing in the manual. So you can watch videos online for installation. It will be ready to go in 30 minutes.
Soft roll-up covers may not provide the best protection as they are just made of vinyl material. Someone can cut through it if they want to gain access to the bed. But despite them, it is still in the game, if you want to hide your content from the public and want to protect stuff from the weather.
As this tonneau is a roll-up cover, it is very easy to deal with. There are dual paddle latches that snap the cover to the rear of the truck. It securely locks the cover’s position to the tail rail when closed. Moreover, the pre-set tension controls keep the dual latching system nice and taut.
The ease of use of the cover is another impressive feature. When rolling up, just release the latch from both ends and simply go back. You will get a strap to hold the rolled cover. Now, you will get access to your entire truck bed to work on. Moreover, there will be no problem with rear visibility.
Specification:
- Dimensions: 6.38 x 100 x 5.75 inches
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Top Mount: The cover sits 1.5″ above the truck bed
Material: Leather-grain vinyl - Exterior Finish: Black
- Lock Type: Tailgate
2. Roll-N-Lock M-Series Retractable Tonneau Cover
Roll-N-Lock is a well-known brand name when it comes to tonneau covers. I have used the M-series retractable tonneau cover for over 1 year on my GMC Sierra and this hard shell cover exactly meets my demands.
Firstly, I like the low-profile, sleek, and flawless finish. Also, the black matte finish enhances the appearance. It’s a vinyl cover over an aluminum structure. Overall, the cover gives a classic look and the aluminum undercarriage ensures optimal protection.
The tonneau cover is fully weatherproof. It keeps your cargo dry and secure, no matter what the weather throws in. So no worries about your belongings getting soaked or damaged.
Secondly, this is the best retractable truck bed cover that I have ever seen. It’s so easy to use without any hassle of snapping, rolling, or folding. The cover features a patented locking mechanism.
When you turn the key, the cover slides open with a torsion spring and is stowed inside a 3″ aluminum casing. To pull back all the way, it has a built-in pull strap. The operation is so effortless that I’m a fan of it.
The cover offers three different open positions. So you won’t have any problems arranging your stuff. The contoured hinge design gives a smooth and frictionless rotation when you open or close the cover.
For installation, the cover features a clamp-on track design that works with a special tool included in the package. However, I found the installation process slightly tricky. You may have to go through some trial and error to get it right. When it’s properly structured, it seems secure and tough.
Specification:
- Dimensions: 74 x 13 x 15 inches
- Weight: 95 pounds
- Style: Retractable
- Finish: Low gloss
- Material: Vinyl-over-aluminum
- Mounting: Cover mounts inside bed rails
- Lock Type: Tailgate
3. BAK BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
If you require ultimate security and protection, then you must go with the Bak BakFlip MX4 hard folding tonneau cover. Though the price is more than the soft folding covers, it is worth the money for what you get.
Whether you’re caring for valuable items or camping gear for summer vacation, it’ll save your belongings from the weather and snatch artists. Surely, it is difficult to cut through the heavy-duty panels.
One of the standout features is the stylish matte finish. It doesn’t catch fingerprints, smudges, and scratches like the smooth painted finish. Eventually, it maintains a sleek, premium, and low-profile appearance.
There are durable and heavy-duty aluminum panels. They not only provide durability but also add a touch of sophistication to your truck. The aluminum bed cover is rated to support up to 400 lbs if evenly distributed. So you get another large area to get more stuff.
The cover is foldable in four parts and locks with automatic latches as it is closed. You can open the panels in one, two, or three as you need. You’ll get 100% bed access while using the cover. It can be fully folded upright against the cab to get access. Though it’ll block the rearview, it doesn’t obstruct the third brake light.
You can haul the cargo safely when the cover is folded. Because two durable prop rods securely hold the upright position. Additionally, you can open it from either side of the vehicle thanks to its injection-molded latch housing components.
Specification
- Dimensions: 69 x 23 x 8.5 inches
- Weight: 60 pounds
- Exterior Finish: Chrome, Painted, Polished
- Material: Aluminum
- Lock Type: Tailgate
4. oEdRo Upgraded Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover
My next pick is the oEdro soft tri-fold truck bed for the GMC Sierra. It perfectly fits in the 5.8 ft bed. However, I would recommend measuring your truck bed size or reaching out to the company before purchasing, just to be sure.
First of all, the installation process is a breeze. No need to deal with drilling or other tools. I simply attached the clamp-on rails and headers, adjusted the tailgate system with the dual T-screw latches, and it’s done. It took nearly 20 minutes and I appreciate how well the cover was securely in place.
The tonneau cover features pre-assembled aluminum frames and crossbars. And the soft vinyl fabric on top of the bed. The aluminum frame ensures maximum durability and stability. The vinyl top cover gives protection from the natural elements. The cover is soft yet it is double-sided marine-grade vinyl that is tear-resistant and lasts for years.
Plus, the sleek look of the soft tri-fold design adds a touch of style to my truck. To increase its sealing capabilities, there is a weather strip included that I attached around the tailgate. It safeguards the inside of the truck bed from dust, rain, and snow.
Overall, it’s a great experience using this tonneau cover. It is easy to install, has a smart appearance, and offers security and convenience. There are no major drawbacks so you can get it without hesitation.
Specification
- Dimensions: 70.47 x 25.98 x 4.33 inches
- Exterior: Painted
- Style: Soft trifold
- Material: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
5. Lund Genesis Elite Tri-Fold Soft Folding Tonneau Cover
If you have a GMC Silverado/Sierra with an 8′ 2″ bed, then you can get the Lund Genesis Elite soft folding cover. It is simple yet looks sleek, nice, and stylish cover. This is a soft tri-fold bed cover that gives you three points of folding for accessibility all over the truck, depending on your needs.
The cover comes completely pre-assembled and takes minimal labor to install. You need to just place the cover over the windshield and latch it down to the tailgate. Then after unfolding completely latch it again with the heavy-duty clamps.
Talking about material quality, it is more standard than its competitors. The cover features a premium twill-weave textured material that is water, dirt, and UV resistant. The twill fabric is better and more durable than vinyl. The top has a matte finish that doesn’t show dirt and fingerprints. The aluminum subframe holds up the cover against all the elements, especially in snowy areas.
One of the best things about the cover is its convenient use. Multiple folding accessibility allows you to reach every inch of your truck bed and grab your gear hassle-free. The folded cover does not cover the third brake light or obstruct your view.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 75 x 37 x 5 inches
- Style: Folding
- Exterior Finish: Premium matte canvas
- Material: TPO, Aluminum
- Lock Type: Tailgate
Are expensive tonneau covers worth it?
As far as we tested, the hard tonneau covers come with a more expensive price tag than the soft covers. Literally, their price range starts at about $1000-$1800.
So if you consider the value of these tonneau covers, they are worth the price. Because they feature a high level of quality and durability that can withstand any harsh situation. Most of them are made out of aluminum frames and panels which can survive extreme weather conditions, resist UV damage, and provide long-lasting performance.
While an expensive tonneau cover can hurt your budget, it could offer long-term cost savings. So if you want a cover that will stand the test of time or prioritize maximum security, then investing in a higher-priced option is worthwhile.
Why Trust Our Review?
There’s no doubt that we only provide hands-on product reviews. Our team conducted extensive research on the tonneau cover market where we explored different brands and models.
Once we received the products, our team members delved into their specifications and performance to get a comprehensive understanding of what they offer. Then our leading experts cross-checked all the information to add valuable insights.
We also paid attention to the experiences and feedback of real customers who have used these tonneau covers on their GMC Sierra trucks. Considering our experience and customer satisfaction level, we have listed our best products. So there is hardly any chance of imperfections in our guide.
How We Picked Our Products?
Choosing the right tonneau cover for your GMC Sierra is a significant decision. So when it comes to selecting products, we always give priority to their quality, so that they prove a worthwhile investment. Here’s a glimpse at how we picked our products:
Compatibility
We selected tonneau covers specifically designed for GMC Sierra trucks. We carefully examined compatibility information, bed sizes, and truck models. The selected covers have the compatibility to fit in GMC Sierra 1500, 2015-19. Still, when buying your truck cover, you must measure your truck bed size and cross-examine the cover’s compatibility.
Cover Type
Tonneau covers are available in a few categories like roll-up, folding, retractable, and hinged covers. Though each of them has its own advantages. So we include a variety of types in our testing process so that you can choose according to your preference. You can choose the specific one that suits you best.
Quality Materials
We prioritize tonneau covers that are made of high-quality materials. Specially, we consider heavy-duty frames, hardware, and a durable top cover. So these covers will be fully weather resistant and give you long-term performance. These selected covers are built to withstand the demands of everyday use and various weather conditions.
Ease Of Installation
We seriously consider covers that require minimal labor for the installation process. Our selected tonneau covers are pretty easy to install and require minimal tools and no drilling. Some covers come with straightforward clamp-on installation, while others may require a bit more complex mounting procedures.
Budget
Lastly, we know that everyone has different budgets. So we have arranged our products in such a way that there is something for every customer. You can get a budget-friendly tonneau cover or a premium one based on your requirements and priorities.
FAQs About GMC Tonneau Cover
Do hard tonneau covers save gas?
Whether it is a hard or soft tonneau cover, the working functionality is mostly the same. So just get one of these covers and you can improve your truck’s gas mileage.
Which is better soft or hard truck bed cover?
It depends on various factors. Like if you consider the price, then soft covers are cheaper than hard covers. On the contrary, hard covers offer more security, protection, and long-lasting performance. So it fully depends on your priorities.
What are the disadvantages of tonneau covers?
Tonneau covers are optional accessories. Though it offers a wide range of benefits, it comes with a high price tag which is a major disadvantage. So consider your budget before buying.
Final Words
Here’s the end of our review. We hope our expert guide will add notable insight to your decision. These 5 best tonneau covers are all really good options for your GMC Sierra. Now, it is up to you which one fits your needs and budget.
Still, if you need a final push, then I will recommend the TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover as a budget-friendly option and the Roll-N-Lock M-Series Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover for high performance.
References
- https://www.in-depthoutdoors.com/community/forums/topic/truck-tonneau-covers/
- https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/is-tonneau-cover-necessary.36583/
- https://www.gmc.com/gmc-life/trucks/top-with-a-tonneau-cover
- https://www.autoweek.com/gear/a38727380/choosing-a-tonneau-cover-which-one-is-right-for-you/
- https://www.off-road.com/blog/gmc-sierra-tonneau-cover-install/