How to Measure a Truck Bed for a Bed Cover

Are you thinking about buying a truck bed cover but aren't sure where to start? The first thing to know when shopping for a bed cover is the measurements of your truck bed. Truck bed covers are designed to fit snugly, which is why knowing the length of your truck bed is important.

Get ready to measure your truck bed by grabbing a measuring tape that's at least eight to ten feet long and a notepad to write your measurements down.

Step 1 - Lower your truck's tailgate and extend the measuring tape from the bulkhead behind the cab to the gap just before the tailgate.

Step 2 - Note the amount in inches and figure out the measurement in feet as this is how bed covers are usually listed (ie: 6.5 ft).

Step 3 - To double-check your measurements, look up your truck's make, model, year, and trim to see what the bed length is listed as.

Most bed cover manufacturers standardize their covers to certain makes and models of trucks. This means you can generally enter your truck's info and get a bed cover that fits.

What to Consider When Measuring for a Bed Cover

Once you've checked the measurements of your truck bed and double-checked it with a measuring tape, there are a few other things to consider. Let's take a look at some scenarios.

Do you have aftermarket or factory accessories on your truck bed? For example, if you opted for the RamBox with your Ram truck or the Deck Rails with your Toyota truck, you'll want to check out bed covers designed to fit these trucks.

Some accessories can prevent bed cover installation entirely, such as truck bed roll bars.

Does your truck have a bed liner installed? If so, that might also affect the space you have for a bed cover. Make sure to measure the area inside the bed liner instead of just over the bed liner. You might also need to cut through the bed liner when attaching the bed rails for the bed cover.

Types of Truck Bed Covers

The next step in shopping for a truck bed cover is to consider what type you want. This might depend on your budget as well as your needs. Hard bed covers made of fiberglass typically cost around $1,500 or more. A soft bed cover can be between $200 and $900.

Soft Truck Bed Covers

TruXedo TruXport Truck Bed Cover

Soft tonneau covers tend to be the most popular due to their affordability and versatility. They're lighter and easier to install than hard tonneau covers. They also come in a wide range of styles, including rolling covers, soft folding covers, and more.

The main drawback of a soft cover is that it's typically less secure than a hard cover. However, some soft covers are made with extremely tough material that isn't necessarily easy to cut.

Hard Truck Bed Covers

BAK BAKFlip MX4 Truck Bed Cover

Hard tonneau covers are usually constructed of fiberglass, hard plastic, or aluminum. These covers are more expensive than soft covers and heavier, which makes them somewhat more difficult to install.

Hard cover styles include folding, retractable and single-piece models with a hinge. A hard truck bed cover can usually be locked and is generally more difficult to break into than a soft cover.

Installing a Truck Bed Cover

Truck bed covers are typically sold fully assembled, which means all you have to do is put them on your truck. With a soft cover, this is a pretty easy and quick job. A hard cover, depending on the style, can be more difficult.

If you're not sure about installing a bed cover, you can get any bed cover purchased at H&H installed at any H&H location. Otherwise, follow the instructions for your specific bed cover.

The following are some basic steps for installing a truck bed cover.

Step 1 - Gather your tools and lay out the parts to ensure everything is there.

Step 2 - A bed cover is attached to the bed rails of your truck, so you'll need to position the cover on the bed rails. Don't attach the clamps yet.

Step 3 - Align the clamps accurately on the rails and then tighten the clamps.

Step 4 - Place the cover behind the cab and roll or fold out the cover toward the tailgate until it's fully extended. You'll likely need a second person with a heavier cover.

Step 5 - Folding and retractable bed covers usually come with drains to get rid of any water that might collect in the rails. Install the drain tubes according to the instructions and route them through the factory holes in the bed. If you have a bed liner, you may need to cut into it.

Shop a wide range of bed cover styles and brands at H&H Truck Accessories, including BAK IndustriesBAKFlip MX4, UnderCover Ultra Flex, RetraxRetraxPRO MX, and the Pace Edwards Switchblade. Don't forget any accessories you might need to make full use of your new bed cover.

UnderCover Ultra Flex Hard Folding Truck Bed Cover