| If you're the proud owner of a new pickup truck, | | | | take different approaches to security. Most hinged |
| don't overlook an essential aftermarket accessory | | | | covers, for example, can be locked down completely |
| for your pride and joy: the tonneau cover. If you're | | | | by using a locking tailgate. Hard tops and retractables |
| still pondering the purchase of a tonneau cover, | | | | usually have their own lock and key system that |
| here's a trio of reasons that make a truck bed cover | | | | latches shut at the rear of the truck. |
| not just a good idea, but even a great one! | | | | 3. One of the biggest benefits of a tonneau cover is |
| 1. Whether it's a new flatscreen TV, groceries or sod | | | | improved gas mileage. Left uncovered, a truck bed |
| for the lawn, a tonneau cover is great at protecting | | | | traps air that presses against the tailgate, causing an |
| your valuable cargo from the effects of Mother | | | | enormous amount of drag that reduces gas mileage. |
| Nature and the elements While it's probably true that | | | | Adding a tonneau cover creates a sleeker, more |
| no tonneau cover is 100% waterproof, several | | | | aerodynamic profile that can significantly increase gas |
| features help a cover keep the elements out of your | | | | mileage. Experts say a tonneau cover will boost your |
| truck bed. Weather seals do a good job of keeping | | | | truck's gas mileage by anywhere from 5 to 10 |
| your cargo dry and arched support bows give the | | | | percent, something almost universally confirmed by |
| tonneau cover a slight curve not unlike the camber | | | | real world experience. At today's gas prices, these |
| of a road. This promotes water run-off, which in turn | | | | fuel savings can go a long way to offsetting the cost |
| helps keep your cargo dry. | | | | of a tonneau cover. |
| 2. A tonneau cover is also a barrier between your | | | | There are roughly a dozen manufacturers of tonneau |
| cargo and someone who might be interested in | | | | covers in the United States and it's possible to get a |
| stealing it. By hiding your cargo from the prying eyes | | | | great deal on brands like Extang, Pace Edwards or |
| of a potential thief, you make a theft much less | | | | TruXedo at any number of truck-related websites. J |
| likely. Beyond the obvious benefits of covering up | | | | C Whitney or AutoAnything are good places to start |
| your possessions, different types of tonneau cover | | | | your search for an aftermarket tonneau cover. |