Although Jeep is most commonly related to rugged SUVs, the Gladiator is actually Jeep’s pickup truck. When you look at the Gladiator from the front, you’d think it’s just another Jeep, but when you take a look from the side, you quickly realize that aside from a spacious cabin, there’s a spacious cab fitted at the back, too.
The Gladiator is a fairly new Jeep model, with the first units leaving the factory in 2019. Adding accessories to keep your truck in the best condition possible is recommended for several reasons, one being that you’ll be able to maintain its resale value for longer. Tonneau covers are used to protect the truck bed from various external factors too.
In this guide, find which tonneau cover brands are best for the Jeep Gladiator, what tonneau covers are used for, available types of tonneau covers, and how they protect cargo located in the truck bed.
Which Brands are Best for Jeep Truck Beds?
There are countless truck bed cover manufacturers out there, but there’s only a limited number of them that offer Jeep Gladiator tonneau covers. It’s a matter of time before additional manufacturers start adding tonneau covers to their product catalog, but so far, you’ll find tonneau covers from BAK Industries, Rugged Ridge, Bestop, Extang, TruXedo, and a few more.
Even with the limited number of manufacturers, Jeep Gladiator owners can still choose between soft and hard tonneau covers, and folding, retractable, or roll-up tonneau cover types.
As time goes by, more manufacturers will start providing tonneau covers for Jeep Gladiator. This is a common practice for the automotive aftermarket.
What are the Best Uses of Tonneau Covers on Gladiators?
Tonneau covers are used for a variety of reasons, not just for the improved aesthetic look. We’ll cover a few of the best uses for tonneau covers on Jeep Gladiators.
Normally, the first thing that’s noticed when a truck is fitted with a tonneau cover is the look. Many truck owners use tonneau covers to improve their truck’s visual appearance, and tonneau covers are the perfect addition to do that.
Another use for tonneau covers can be found in better fuel economy. The truck bed has, by far, the biggest effect on a truck’s aerodynamics. As soon as the truck bed is covered, a truck’s aerodynamics are significantly improved, and you’ll instantly notice better fuel economy, especially if you drive your truck on the freeway often. Even with a 5% increase in gas mileage, investing in a tonneau cover will pay itself off quickly.
Aside from the obvious uses, tonneau covers are also used for keeping the cargo in the truck bed safe from external factors and theft. Whether you’re hauling work tools, luggage, or anything else, there’s no better way to keep these things safe from different weather conditions and theft. The fact that tonneau covers aren’t see-through reduces the chance of theft, but hard tonneau covers require time to break through as well. This alone will help you keep your valuable things safe and secure. Unpredictable weather can also damage your cargo, and a properly fitted Jeep Gladiator tonneau cover will effectively prevent snow, rain, and various debris from reaching the cargo.
Lastly, tonneau covers increase your truck’s resale value, but not just because they’re fitted to the truck, but because the truck bed is protected at all times from different factors. The sun, by itself, can fade paint, and with a tonneau cover, you don’t need to worry about this. A potential buyer will know that you’ve done your part in protecting your truck’s condition, and you’ll likely be able to sell your used truck for a better price.
Types Of Jeep Gladiator Tonneau Covers
When it comes to tonneau covers, there are two main types to choose from. These include soft tonneau covers, and hard tonneau covers. Each of these types has subtypes, but which one you’ll choose depends solely on your preferences and requirements.
Soft tonneau covers are a lightweight solution for keeping your cargo safe. They’re made from either vinyl or canvas, and in most cases, these are more affordable than hard tonneau covers. Compared to hard tonneau covers, soft covers provide less safety against the elements, but are much easier to install, and store.
Hard tonneau covers are made from different materials such as plastic or aluminum. They’re more expensive than soft tonneau covers, but they also provide better protection against the elements and theft. The downside is that they’re heavier, and require much more space if you don’t use them. Also, hard tonneau covers are far less flexible if you need to carry something larger in the truck bed.
How Do Tonneau Covers Protect Your Precious Cargo?
You might ask how tonneau covers protect cargo if they’re made from materials such as plastic or vinyl. The truth is, soft tonneau covers provide minimal physical protection, but what they do offer is hiding cargo from plain sight.
Compared to when your precious cargo is out in the open, there will be a far lower chance of someone taking your cargo from the truck if the cargo is not visible.
Hard tonneau covers, on the other hand, provide much better mechanical protection from theft and elements due to the strength of the material, and because most hard tonneau covers include a locking mechanism, so you won’t have to worry if anyone will be able to lift the cover and grab any of your things.
Aside from theft, tonneau covers provide protection against weather elements such as rain, snow, wind, and harmful sun rays. Often, the cargo that’s carried in the truck bed shouldn’t get wet or exposed to wind or the Sun, and covering the cargo with waterproof materials is difficult due to the wind. A tonneau cover will provide cover from all weather elements, including wind, snow, rain, and the sun.
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