Truck Bed Covers in the Central Valley: What You Need to Know Before Buying
If you’re a truck owner, you already know how important it is to protect your cargo from sun, dust, rain, and the daily wear, especially if you’re in the Central Valley of California. An upgrade you can never go wrong with is a truck bed cover, whether it’s a simple design or a tonneau cover. But are they actually worth the investment? And what type makes the most sense for your lifestyle?
At Nobile Brothers, we install a wide range of truck bed covers for drivers across Fresno, Clovis, and Hanford; these are the questions we hear the most.
Is A Tonneau Cover Worth It?
In many cases, a tonneau cover is worth the investment.
Benefits include;
- Protection from sun, rain, dust, and debris
- Security for tools, gear, and personal items
- Reduced drag and often better fuel efficiency
- Cleaner, more organized appearance
- Increased resale value by protecting the bed from wear
Are Truck Bed Covers Worth It?
Even if you choose a truck bed cover that isn’t a tonneau style, you still get value and helpful benefits for your ride.
- Keep your gear out of sight
- Reduce exposure to weather
- Prevent items from flying out while driving
- Improve overall functionality of your truck
How Does a Tonneau Cover Differ From Other Truck Bed Covers?
A tonneau cover is a type of truck bed cover, but the term specifically refers to low-profile, streamlined covers designed to sit flush with the bed rails.
Tonneau Covers;
Tonneau covers are known for these characteristics:
- Sleek and aerodynamic
- Available in soft roll-up, hard tri-fold, retractable, and one-piece styles
- Prioritize style + convenience + moderate security
Other Truck Bed Covers;
These may include:
- Camper shells / truck caps
- Toolbox + cover combinations
- Raised or specialty covers
These options provide more vertical cargo space or different functionality but typically don’t offer the low-profile look of a tonneau cover.
Is It Safe to Leave Stuff in a Truck Bed If It Has a Cover?
Bed covers on your truck provide extra security and protection but are not impenetrable. Most tonneau covers provide privacy and a barrier against theft, which stops crimes of opportunity. Hard covers (aluminum, ABS, or composite) offer the highest security, especially those that lock with the tailgate.
However, keep these in mind:
- A cover is not a safe or legal substitute for storing firearms.
- Soft covers can be cut open with enough effort.
- Electronics, valuables, or sensitive items should still be watched closely and handled carefully.
For everyday items such as tools, bags, luggage, supplies, groceries, and recreational gear, a covered truck bed is a safe place to store them while you’re parked or on the road.
Are Tonneau Covers Waterproof?
No tonneau cover is 100% waterproof, but most are highly water-resistant.
What to expect:
- Hard covers generally keep out the most water
- Soft covers may let in a small amount in heavy rain
- Proper installation makes a big difference
- Dust and water intrusion is still possible (common with all truck beds)
Can You Use a Tonneau Cover With a Bed Liner?
You can use tonneau covers in conjunction with a bed liner. They can work with any of the following:
- Spray-in bed liners
- Drop-in bed liners
- Bed mats
- Custom bed protection systems
Upgrade Your Truck With the Perfect Bed Cover
At Nobile Brother Truck Accessories, we supply and install:
Soft roll-up covers
Hard tri-fold covers
Retractable covers
One-piece lids
Commercial-grade covers
Toolbox-compatible covers
Bed rugs, mats, and liners
We serve truck owners throughout Fresno, Clovis, Hanford, and the entire Central Valley, making sure you get the perfect fit for your lifestyle, work needs, and budget. Contact us today to build the truck of your dreams!
