waterproof truck cover

Waterproof Tonneau Cover

Are Tonneau Covers Waterproof? 

Truck-bed manufactures are hesitant to claim their tonneau covers are completely waterproof. They prefer terms like water-resistant, water-repellent, or watertight, and there are two reasons for this. They either know their tonneau covers won’t do the job, or they don’t want to disappoint customers when a stray droplet finds its way in the truck bed. There is a huge difference in these scenarios! But don’t worry, we have more info about a waterproof tonneau cover.

Is your prospective tonneau cover a low-performing product, or are the manufacturers overly cautious and exceedingly honest? How can you tell the difference between a tonneau cover that is truly vulnerable to the elements, versus one that might possibly let some water in if it encountered a tropical cyclone?

Heavy Duty Water Resistant Tonneau Covers 

Unless you’re planning to submerge your entire truck in a lake, a completely water-proof cover is probably overkill. It’s not a submarine, it’s a truck! 

waterproof tonneau cover

However, that doesn’t mean you should write off the importance of water resistant features. There are a ton of models out there that boast good water resistance, like the BAKFlip MX4, Gator SFX Tri-Fold, 

RetraxPro MX, and TruXedo TruXport. Others, like UnderCover Elite LX and UnderCover SE, say that being watertight is key.

Before you take the plunge, pay special attention to the following: 

  • The truck bed seal, not just the finish 
  • The versatility of the truck bed cover, not just its water resistant qualities 
  • The strength of the truck bed cover, since water (including snow) can put a lot of pressure on a truck bed cover 

Ultimate Protection from the Elements

Renegade Covers provide a water-shedding design and a water-tight rubber seal at every possible juncture. Since this trifold hard tonneau cover overlaps the bed rails, it boasts a continuous seal. 

While it’s theoretically possible that some extreme scenarios might allow water to get through a Renegade Cover, this isn’t something the Renegade Tribe has reported about their experience.

If you want to bolster your Renegade Cover even further, check out How to Waterproof a Tonneau Cover. This post highlights some great products, like truXedo’s truXseal and Storystore’s Self-Adhesive Foam Insulation Tape

For further instruction on waterproofing your truck bed, watch this:

Best Weather-Proof Tonneau Cover

Renegade has the cover you need, if you want a reliable seal and finish. Plus, being a heavy-duty trifold, aluminum cover, the options are limitless for using it. This is the strongest truck bed cover on the market, boasting 2,000 pounds of load-bearing power. 

But will it keep every last drop of water out in every scenario? It’s pretty darn close. Be ready to take on life’s storms with Renegade. Order yours today.

How to Waterproof a Tonneau Cover

Water vs. Truck Bed Cover

In your search for how to waterproof tonneau cover, you’ve seen other terms like water-resistant, weather-tight, water-repellant, and more. But it starts to seem like brands are trying to trick you into purchasing a low-performing product. When it comes to a tonneau cover, is it waterproof or bust?

While a waterproof truck bed cover might seem like the ultimate goal, this would simply mean it’s possible to submerge it. Unless you’re not planning on going deep sea diving in your truck, this feature is pretty irrelevant. So what type of protection from the weather is appropriate for your truck bed cover? 

What’s the Difference? 

At first, a cover that is water-repellant might seem just right. After all, this brings to mind a finish that will cause water to bead on it. Before you get too excited, consider this: truck bed covers that claim to be water-repellant may have a special finish, with no special attention paid to the seal at all. This leaves whatever you’re transporting vulnerable to falling rain or splashing mud. 

Wanting to protect bounty, you might be inclined to overcorrect, looking for a product that’s watertight. However, this is a feature focused on ensuring no water could get in (or out). It’s almost too focused on the seal, potential neglecting the durability of the cover itself. 

how to Water Proof tonneau Cover

This brings up the idea of weathertight truck bed covers. While this may sound promising, it is simply highlighting their ability to withstand the pressure of rain and wind. But how much pressure? They never really get around to saying. What’s more, despite having “tight” in common with watertight, something that is weathertight does not have a watertight seal. 

This leaves us with water-resistant, which, in the case of Renegade, describes the tonneau cover’s finish and its seal. Here, water is generally unable to get in, but it’s not a 100% guarantee. When it comes to the Renegade Cover, let us say this: While some small leaks are possible in theory, our users do not report noticing it happening in practice. But still, we want to be honest with you! Our tonneau cover is about 90% there. If that’s not enough for you, don’t fret, we have some ideas for how to make up that last 10%.

How to Waterproof a Tonneau Cover

As you’ll see in the video review below, in intense environments, like a pressurized car wash, water may get in at each of the corners of the truck bed; even so, this is only a few drops. We recommend storing any items that are particularly sensitive away from the corners. 

Water Proof Truck Bed Cover
Water tight Truck Bed Cover

The other place that may leave your truck bed vulnerable is not due to the cover, but the gap where the tailgate meets the bed on the bottom. Adding a gasket sealer here is a great way to keep water and dust from getting into to your truck bed.

A product we love is called truXedo’s truXseal. Not only is it easy to install, but it works with all makes and models of trucks. 

how to waterproof a tonneau cover

Another good option is Storystore’s Self-Adhesive Foam Insulation Tape. Most people just call it weatherstripping, and are used to seeing it around windows or doors. But this product in particular is made of the same material as a surfer’s wetsuit, Neoprene.

Renegade Tonneau Cover or Bust 

At the end of the day, we aren’t going to come out and say the Renegade Cover is perfect, or that it will keep every last drop of water out in every scenario…but it’s pretty darn close. So if you’re looking for an aluminum water-resistant tonneau cover that’s simple to install and highly durable, your search is complete. 

The Renegade Cover can also carry up to 2,000 pounds on top, while protecting whatever you store below, making it one of the most versatile covers on the market. Plus, with a tri-fold design, you can easily access your truck bed without exposing it to the elements.

With Renegade, you’ll find the ultimate tonneau cover, and one that’s ready to take on life’s storms. Plus, thanks to the L-Track system on Renegade’s Tonneau Cover, you will be able to mount most any kind of truck bed accessory to it. So order your cover today, and get back to planning your next great adventure.

Waterproof Truck Bed Cover

Choosing the right waterproof truck bed cover can depend on your needs, the planned use of your truck, important features, and your budget. You can check out tonneau cover reviews to help you decide which cover will meet your requirements. You will find many truck covers in the market today.

For example, the Renegade heavy duty tonneau cover is built to resist harsh weather like rain, dirt, and snow. That said, there is no hard truck bed cover that is perfectly waterproof or impervious to water. A good tonneau cover will prevent almost all water from entering your truck bed.

To give the best possibility of weather protection, here are some of the most important areas to consider additional waterproofing in your truck bed.

Truck TailGate Gap

weather proof tonneau cover
Picture of a Renegade Tonneau cover. This truck bed cover is resistant to water, snow, dust, and mud.

You might have noticed that there is a vertical gap between the bed and the tailgate. If you work with trucks and have towed sand, you may have tried to shovel the load out of the truck. You may have experienced getting sand, or loose gravel stuck in the tailgate gap. Dust from a dirt or gravel road can also easily enter the gap.

There is a simple solution to this problem. You can purchase a window seal at your local hardware store or shop for one online. Seal out dust and dirt by installing the seal on the inside of the truck bed where the tailgate meets the bed.

Front Bulkhead of the Truck

The front bulkhead of a truck (the area that meets up with the cab) may not be completely level with the sides of the truck bed. This feature is common in most truck vehicles. It may not be obvious, but there is a very small gap that does not get covered. This very tiny opening can allow water to enter and sneak into your truck bed.

Truck Bed Rails

Your truck may have long metal bars on the top of the truck bed walls. These are your truck bed rails. Typically truck bed rails are used as tie-down points for different items being transported within your truck bed.

Although truck bed rails are very useful and practical, some bed rails are not constructed to be flat and cannot be secured by a waterproof seal. Without the right truck bed cover, water can enter the bed.

Get a Water-Resistant Truck Bed Cover Today

A pick up truck tonneau cover is a great asset to any truck. A heavy duty tonneau cover would stop a downpour from damaging the load you are carrying. Not all truck tonneau covers are created equal, so taking your time to find the best one will certainly pay off.

Order your Renegade Cover today to get a high-quality tonneau cover that protects your cargo from whatever the weather tries to throw at it.

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America’s Toughest Cover

Built for Adventure, Overlanding,
Construction, and Daily Use
People Love the Quality, Security, and Versatility

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America’s Toughest Cover

Built for Adventure, Overlanding,
Construction, and Daily Use
People Love the Quality, Security, and Versatility

We’ve Got You Covered

Unleash Your Full Potential