Top 5 Best Tonneau Cover for Silverado Reviews & Buying Guide – Eco Driving USA

The open nature of a truck’s bed makes for a rather versatile “storage space” whenever you need to haul cargo. 

Have you thought about adding a tonneau cover to it, though? 

Tonneau covers are specifically designed to fit your truck – be it the Chevy Silverado, the RAM 1500, the GMC Sierra, you name it – shelter your valuable cargo, and keep it away from prying eyes. Plus, most can be either rolled up or folded to give you access to the entire truck bed when you need it! 

So, why not get the best tonneau cover for Silverado today? 

Top 5 Best Tonneau Cover for Chevy Silverado Reviews

1. BAK BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="400"] BAK BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover[/caption]

If you know me, then you’ve probably noticed that I’m a massive fan of BAK tonneau covers. I have tons of respect for the efforts they put into designing the most secure, highly-functional, durable, and accessible covers. 

And even though they’re not known for their budget-friendly price tags, I still consider their products money well spent – and the BAKFlip MX4 is no exception. 

First of all, I know that looks aren’t everything, but I still believe that the modern, streamlined, and stylish look of this truck bed cover is worth mentioning here. The matte black finish of the panels, which, by the way, are UV and scratch-resistant, and its overall flush-mount fit, look stunning. 

The cover boasts a durable, tri-fold design consisting out of aircraft-grade aluminum panels, which gives it exceptional rigidity and makes it resilient enough for all-season, everyday use. On that note, it does come with weather sealing caps that minimize the chance of leaks. 

At the same time, though, it still allows for quick and easy access to the truck’s bed, as you can open it from either side of your vehicle. Plus, you can do so without having to open the tailgate every single time. 

When the cover is folded upright – with durable prop rods to keep it in place – it lends you access to the entire bed. The third brake light will still be visible, though, so that you don’t compromise road safety.  

Pros: 

• A perfect balance of convenience and protection 
• Tri-fold, flush-mount, streamlined design 
• The panels are UV and scratch-resistant 
• Prop rods keep it upright when you need full bed access 

Cons: 

• Fairly expensive 

2. TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll-Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover[/caption]

Although I prefer hard truck covers due to the added element of security, soft ones are still far from inferior. The one I have here, the TruXedo TruXport, is a prime example of how convenient and durable some soft roll-up covers can be: 

It was long considered the best tonneau cover of 2019 for trucks such as GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado 1500! 

The top-mounted design of the cover, which sits a mere 1.5 inches above the truck’s bed, was one of the first things I noticed. Even though it doesn’t provide a flush fit, the profile is still low enough to give it that stylish look. 

Plus, the all-black, leather-grain fabric used in its construction doesn’t look that shabby, either. More importantly, though, it was designed to withstand harsh weather. 

Another essential part of its design is the pre-set tension control integrated into the latching system, which means that you can count on the cover to stay nice and tight. That not only prevents the cover from flapping and moving at higher speeds but minimizes wear and tear, as well. 

You’ll find dual paddle latches on both sides of the tailgate, which makes unlocking and rolling the cover up and out of the way, rather easy. And when it’s not in use, you can keep it tight and secure with the included straps. 

The only minor complaint I have is that the tailgate fit isn’t exactly tight, which could potentially lead to small leaks. 

Pros: 

• Installation doesn’t require drilling or special tools 
• The dual-latch system makes it easy to unlock 
• Pre-set tension control helps to keep the cover tight and secure
• The cover has a low, 1.5-inch profile 

Cons:

• It might leak a bit in the tailgate area 

3. BAK BAKFlip G2 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="400"] BAK BAKFlip G2 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover[/caption]

Are you honestly surprised to see yet another BAK tonneau cover for Chevy Silverado in my round-up? 

Now, you should know straight away that the MX4 I already talked about is the upgraded version of the G2 aluminum series that you’re looking at here. So, there are going to be some notable similarities – and a few differences – between the two. 

For instance, they both feature a sturdy, UV-resistant aluminum panel construction with a flush-mount design. However, in comparison to the upgraded version, the G2 has a slightly thinner foam core and can support up to 300 pounds of equally-distributed weight. 

Another difference is the look of the cover itself, with the G2 featuring a glossy black finish rather than the matte one. That said, it still looks stylish – and the level of protection and convenience it provides remained unchanged, too: 

The latch system sits on the underside of the cover, so that, when your tailgate is locked, you can count on your cargo to stay safe. Plus, it features perimeter seals for an added element of protection against sudden changes in weather. 

You can still have unobstructed access to the truck’s bed, though, as the cover can be not only closed or folded but flipped up, as well, with a set of propped rods to keep it in place. 

Another thing that didn’t change is the hefty price tag – the G2 is every bit as expensive as the rest of the BAKFlip series. 

Pros: 

• The aluminum panels are UV-resistant 
• Holds up to 300 pounds of weight 
• The cover can be folded, closed, or flipped up 
• Features perimeter seals for weather protection 

Cons: 

• It develops dents rather easily 
• The $1000 price tag is far from affordable 

4. Tyger Auto Soft Top T3 Tri-Fold Truck Tonneau Cover

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Tyger Auto Soft Top T3 Tri-Fold Truck Tonneau Cover[/caption]

If you’re interested in soft, tri-fold truck bed covers, the Tyger Auto T3 should be right at the top of your list. I recently review the version of this model that’s compatible with the RAM 1500. And yes, I was beyond impressed with its overall design and performance. 

I wasn’t big on soft covers, but this one changed my mind!

Furthermore, it doesn’t come with a budget-draining price tag. It’s an excellent option, even if you’re working with considerable budget limitations.

It deserves the title of one of the best-selling options on the market, and it’s probably the best tonneau cover for Chevy Silverado, too! 

The cover is made of marine-grade dual-coated vinyl paired with a heavy-duty aluminum frame and relies on stainless steel clamps to hold it in place. Even at first glance, it was clear that this was much more than your average soft truck cover durability-wise. 

The most important addition here is the horizontal crossbars which ensure support when the cover is closed, and fold up conveniently with the rest of the cover to give quick and easy access to the truck’s bed. 

Oh, and one more thing: 

Everything comes pre-assembled – including the crossbars – and doesn’t require any drilling or additional installation work. So, installation should be a breeze as long as your truck comes with under-the-bedrail bed-liner. 

Otherwise, you might experience some issues and will need to make slight modifications to get it to fit on a truck with over-the-bedrail bed-liners. 

Pros: 

• Stainless steel clamps hold it securely in place
• Features weather-tight seals around the edges 
• The tri-fold design allows quick and easy access to the bed
• Extremely easy to install and remove when needed 

Cons: 

• Installation on over-the-bedrail bed-liners is a bit tricky

5. BAK Revolver X2 Hard Rolling Truck Bed Tonneau Cover

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] BAK Revolver X2 Hard Rolling Truck Bed Tonneau Cover[/caption]

If you’re on the market for a hard rolling pickup truck bed cover, there’s one more BAK model worth considering – the Revolver X2. Now, let’s get the obvious issue out of the way, first: 

It does come with a hefty price tag, and I know that not all of you will be ready to invest nearly $1000 into a truck bed cover. Then again, if you look at it as an investment in security and protection of both your truck’s bed and its cargo, it’s worth every penny: 

It’s sleek and stylish, but it’s secure and built to last. 

The construction of the cover is such that it combines individual aluminum slats with a durable vinyl overlay. The result is a reliable and sturdy, attractive-looking cover that’s super easy to roll up when needed thanks to the automatic slam latches found on both sides. 

On that note, it doesn’t disrupt rear-view visibility, even when it’s rolled up all the way! 

Plus, it comes fitted with BAK rotational locking rails, a feature that ensures that the latches are automatically engaged on both ends of the aluminum slats along the full length of the side rails. You can count on maximum security, especially if you pair it up with a locking tailgate.

And surprisingly enough, it’s capable of holding up to 400 pounds of weight, too – as long as you distribute it evenly. I’m guessing that it’s not something that you should do regularly, but the option is still there. 

Pros: 

• Combines individual aluminum slats with a vinyl overlay 
• Offers exceptional security, but doesn’t compromise ease of access 
• Doesn’t disrupt rear-view visibility when it’s rolled up 
• Handles up to 400 pounds of weight 

Cons: 

• It’s not exactly budget-friendly 

Best Tonneau Cover for Chevy Silverado: Buyer’s Guide & Considerations

[caption id="attachment_630" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Best Tonneau Cover for Chevy Silverado: Buyer’s Guide & Considerations[/caption]

Now that you’ve seen what the market has to offer, it’s time to discuss the factors and considerations that could help you pick out the best tonneau cover for your Silverado – and show you why you need one, in the first place. 

Let’s get down to business! 

What Is the Best Tonneau Cover for Chevy Silverado?

I know that you’re probably hoping for a straightforward recommendation – and I promise that we’ll get to that in a second. 

But first, let’s go over a few factors that will help you pick the best tonneau cover for your Chevy Silverado: 

• Suitable Size – Okay, this one’s pretty obvious, but you need to make sure that you’re getting the right model for your truck. Start by measuring your truck’s bed and then look for an option that matches those dimensions perfectly. 
• Functionality and Limitations – Not all tonneau covers are made equal, and they won’t offer the same level of convenience, either. That’s why you need to consider how and where you’ll be using your cover, and whether you’ll need occasional full truck bed access, an added locking mechanism, and other similar features that affect the cover’s functionality. 
• Fit and Finish – There are plenty of different styles of tonneau covers for Silverado, and if you’re shopping for one, feel free to be picky. Opt for a low-profile, flush-mount model with a durable – and preferably UV and scratch-resistant – finish that won’t show signs of wear and tear. 
• Set a Budget – Take a moment to decide how much you’re willing to spend on a tonneau cover because the prices can vary significantly. Keep in mind that you typically get what you paid for with truck bed covers, though. So, it might be useful to spend a bit more if you want your cover to offer reliable protection and last for years to come. 

Now that we’ve gone through all that, it’s time for that recommendation I promised you earlier: 

Based on everything we’ve discussed – and my hands-on experience – I’d say that the Tyger Auto Soft Top T3 Tri-Fold Cover is probably the best tonneau cover for Silverado currently available on the market! 

Truck Upgrades: How Does a Tonneau Cover Work? 

Back when it was first introduced, the term “tonneau” meant something entirely different than it does today, describing the rear, open-air compartment of a car that contained passenger seats. Over time, though, people started using it to refer to the canvas cover that protected these passenger seats when they weren’t in us. 

And today, it has turned into an exclusively truck-related term.  

The idea behind any tonneau cover – regardless of design – is protecting your truck’s bed and any cargo that might be stored in it, keeping it away from prying eyes, and shielding it from the elements. 

The basic functionality of a tonneau cover sounds rather simple when you put it like that. However, don’t let that fool you into thinking that choosing the right tonneau cover for your Silverado will be a simple task.

I’m guessing that you’ve currently in the so-called “research phase” of your cover purchase. So, you’ve probably seen that the market is overflowing with tons of styles, features, and even price tags.  

But how does it work? 

As I pointed out already, a tonneau cover’s basic functionality is that of protecting your truck’s bed and all of its contents from the elements, prying eyes, and any other form of accidental damage. It sits over the truck’s bed and is held in place by a temporary or semi-permanent set of clamps and fasteners. 

More importantly, though, these covers are designed in a way that doesn’t disrupt or take away from your truck’s original body lines. They don’t stick out due to their shallow profile, they don’t affect the appearance of your vehicle – and in some cases, they can even add a touch of style to it! 

Keep in mind that, depending on the materials used and the overall construction, there are two significant types of tonneau covers – soft and hard. 

Choosing one or the other should be your first step towards finding the best tonneau cover for Chevy Silverado – and it ultimately comes down to what level of protection you need. As you’re about to find out, while their primary purpose remains unchanged, they perform in slightly different ways: 

• Soft Tonneau Covers – Soft covers retain a relatively low profile and a smooth finish by employing materials such as polyester, vinyl, or canvas in their construction. They’re designed to shield your truck bed and cargo from the elements, but they won’t offer too much resistance if someone tries to find their way inside your truck’s bed. 
• Hard Tonneau Covers – These covers are typically made from more durable materials, boasting aluminum, polypropylene, and even fiberglass in their frame and panels. Not only do they give a more robust and rugged appearance to your truck, but work as an added element of protection, too, keeping your belongings safe from thieves. Some models even feature integrated locks that keep them in place even when the tailgate is down. 

Both soft and hard tonneau covers are held in place by snaps, latches, and other types of fasteners distributed along the side rails. However, depending on the design and setup, they’re not always that easy to remove. 

So, what about scenarios where you need to free up your truck bed for hauling tall cargo that wouldn’t fit under the cover? 

If you know that you’ll often switch between covering and uncovering your truck’s bed, you should certainly make sure that you get one that allows quick and easy access. I highly recommend folding panels, retractable covers, and even roll-up ones with integrated slats that help roll both ends up equally. 

Benefits of Having a Tonneau Cover: Why You Need One?

Whether you need one due to your job requirements, recreational purposes, or other lifestyle interests, one thing’s certain: 

You got your Chevy Silverado because of its larger-than-average truck bed and all the extra cargo space that comes with it. 

Regardless of the reason, though, one can’t deny the fact that the additional cubic feet of cargo-hauling space unlock a ton of benefits. It’s the one thing a regular car can never compete with and come out a winner. 

However, it also comes with one significant downside: 

The truck’s bed is open and fully exposed to the elements, and there’s always a risk of your cargo getting stolen if it’s not locked up or tied down properly. 

The solution to such problems is rather simple, though. It’s as simple as installing the best tonneau cover for Silverado! 

And that brings me to the numerous benefits of tonneau covers: 

• Appearance – Okay, this one’s all about preferences and personal taste, and while I have no facts or reasoning to back it up, I’m pretty sure that some of you will agree that truck bed covers can look cool. More importantly, they can make your truck look a whole lot better – more rugged, complete, and ready for action. 

Plus, something as simple as a cover can help you protect your truck’s bed from rust and sun damage, reducing wear and tear and the exposure to the harsh elements. 

• Protection Against the Elements – When truck owners start considering the option of investing in a tonneau cover, more often than not, it’s the protection against the elements that they’re looking to achieve. Everything from sun’s UV rays to the sudden weather changes and factors such as heavy rain, snow, and hail, can be potentially damage-causing to both your cargo and the truck itself. 
• Privacy and Security – These two benefits go hand in hand. You see, when your cargo – be it tools, luggage, or equipment – isn’t left out in the open, there’s less of a chance that someone’s going to walk away with it. Not everyone will be able to see what you have sitting in your truck bed, which not only adds some privacy but provides an element of security, too. 

Some models take security very seriously, though, and include an additional locking mechanism in their design. 

• Fuel Economy – Increased gas mileage is the benefit that a lot of people feel “iffy” about or disregard altogether. If you think about it, there’s a solid logical explanation behind it: 

When you drive around in a truck with an open truck bed, the air gets stuck in it, increasing air drag. A covered truck bed, however, can lower the wind resistance and improve the aerodynamics of your vehicle, which, in turn, results in better gas mileage.  

Conclusion 

If you paid attention, then you already have a pretty good idea about my recommendations regarding the best tonneau cover for Silverado. Then again, I know that some you probably skimmed through the whole thing and want to hear my final verdict. 

So, here it is: 

If you want unmatched value for money, go with the Tyger Auto Soft T3 Tri-Fold Cover. The BAK BAKFlip MX4, on the other hand, is quite an investment, but if you have the money, then, by all means, go for it. 

Either way, you won’t regret your purchase! 

Eco Driving USA