Jeep Gladiator Bed Cover — How to Choose the Best Fit
You finally got the best of your dream, but how do you go about maintaining its appearance and value? While your Jeep Gladiator’s bed is one of the important features, an open bed can be a hindrance. That is, not only your truck bed is prone to wear and tear but your cargo is also exposed to damage. So the best way to cap off your truck bed is using tonneau bed covers which will add aesthetics, guard your cargo, and allow your rig to cut through the wind easier. All in all a practical solution to all your problems!
However, finding a cover can be tricky if you don’t know the basics. Starting with the types, materials, and brands in the market, it can be overwhelming to find a cover that fits your requirements. We have narrowed down a few considerations so that you can get the right cover for your pickup truck.
Expand your hauling capacity, enhance your truck’s aesthetic, cover your cargo and bed cover with a tonneau cover! Your jeep gladiator is made to tackle head-on every challenge you put in front of it, whether you take it to the snowy mountain tops, muddy fields to off-roading, and everything in between.
So when you are considering making some investment and making significant additions to your truck, it is essential that you ensure that whichever style you pick is designed to fit your truck’s make and model. Obviously, when you are making an investment, you don’t want to hinder your truck’s capabilities, exceptional design, and other utility options you enjoy. For this, you need to choose a cover that looks part of it and also works with your truck and your needs.
What is a tonneau bed cover?
‘Tonneau’ is just another word for an area of a vehicle that is open at the top. Though this applies to both cargo and passenger spaces. For our use, we are referring to the Jeep Gladiator’s bed.
A bed cover is usually designed to perfectly fit the lines of the truck- meaning that it can be flat or flush, hard or soft, can be rolled, folded, retracted, or otherwise molded in a variety of ways as well as provide 100% access to your truck bed. If you are one of those truck owners who want to maintain security, prevent the elements from getting into the truck bed, and haul cargo from one site to another, then you will need all the gains a bed cover has to provide.
Note that: Bed covers can be made out of metal or fabric, depending on the type you choose, can lock for security, or fold or roll easily into the canister. What all aftermarket covers have in common is that they are simple to install and offer a variety of benefits.
Why do you need a tonneau cover? Benefits it offers
To simply put, these covers are removable and secure on the top of the bed and lock the load in place, protecting your cargo and truck bed from extreme weather conditions. This is just a basic benefit, let’s explore what more it has to offer:
1. Increased security: You can avoid a large number of theft issues by obscuring your truck bed with a tonneau cover. You can simply find lockable covers that will definitely give you an extra layer of security when moving your cargo around. The battle here is between a hard or soft cover:
- A hardcover will offer more security and is best suited for rugged job sites and demanding trail rides.
- While soft covers are more versatile, and a name-brand cover also offers a locking mechanism but is not as secure as compared to a hardcover.
- The decision just depends on your use and requirements.
2. Aesthetic benefits: Want to make your Jeep Gladiator more streamlined? Much like making a bed, covering your Jeep Gladiator or SUV with a bed cover will give it a tidy look. With a wide range of options, you are certain to find a cover that clings to your truck bed like a second skin. It is also about choosing the right make and model so that the covered bed looks more appealing than a gaping truck bed. It is extremely important to choose the right type if you regularly use your truck to haul cargo. Not all covers offer the same features, let’s explore the most popular options:
1. Tri-fold covers: The right balance of easy access and affordable price with tri-fold covers. There are three individual panels made of UV-resistant vinyl or aluminum which allows quick access to the cargo by simply folding the panels over each other. These come in three variants:
A. Hard tri-fold gives a more rugged and aggressive appearance.
B. Soft tri-fold, lightweight covers with an easy-to-use design.
C. Hard low-profile bed cover which sits flush gives your truck a sleek appearance.
2. Retractable covers: If you want excellent protection and ease of use, these covers include a locking feature and cover that automatically retracts into the canister. The hard and rigid construction is the best buy for truck owners who struggle with rolling or folding.
Now that with a short brief, you know the difference between a hard and soft cover, tri-fold and retractable cover, before you choose ‘The One’ for your Jeep Gladiator, here are a few questions to answer:
1. Why do you need a bed cover?
a. security
b. function
c. appearance
2. How often do you need to access the truck bed? Whether you need quick or efficient access, both tri-fold and retractable can be a great pick.
3. How much you can invest in this addition? Tri-fold covers are inexpensive and do a great job, while if you have the budget retractable covers are a good idea.
Other factors to consider:
- Compatibility with your truck make and model, as you don’t want a cover that fits awkwardly.
- Depending on the purpose, truck bed security, and driving conditions, you need to choose the right material. Vinyl is easy to install, however, when it comes to durability and security aluminum makes a good choice.
- You need covers that are easy to install, with just basic hand tools.
There are several different manufacturers of tonneau bed covers available in the market today all claiming to offer quality products. The key is to look for manufacturers who offer brand-specific covers for every make and model.