Jake Martinez parked his Ford F-150 outside a Denver hardware store and went about his business thinking nothing of it. Upon returning, however, he saw pry marks on his tonneau cover locking mechanism. Luckily for Jake, the thieves abandoned their plan, but the experience forever changed how he looks at truck cover bed security. Stories like Jake’s are becoming common: They show the truck owner’s concern who, at a minimum, is relying on their truck bed cover for more than just weather protection.
Understanding the Purpose of Your Truck Cover Bed
Many truck bed cover owners purchase bed covers simply for aesthetic reasons, ignoring the good looks-keeping functions of the systems. Truck bed covers, among a few more things, protect truck bed cargo from rain, snow, and ultraviolet radiation. However, the protection of the cargo bed covers by the bed covers systems themselves, against opportunistic thieves, is becoming more important. These systems, examples including a modern tonneau cover, hard folding lids, and other retractable systems, protect against the opportunistic thieves who view the uncovered truck bed as low-hanging fruit.
For today’s truck owners, reality is harsh. The insurance industry reports that tools and equipment stolen from truck beds result in thousands of dollars in losses every year. A high-quality truck bed cover provides a first line of defense, creating a physical barrier that, while not insurmountable, makes casual theft significantly more difficult.
Real Attempts at Theft: What Actually Happens
The Portland phone theft saga shows how technologies work during attempts at theft. Having purchased expensive tools for her landscaping business, Sarah Chen, a Portland-based business owner, installed a hard tri-fold cover on her Toyota Tundra. Three months later, a security video recorded two people attempting, for almost 15 minutes, to penetrate the cover, ultimately giving up. The lock worked, and the reinforced aluminum panels resisted the tools they brought to pry it open.
Now, consider the case of Chen’s neighbor. An uncovered Chevrolet Silverado parked just two spaces from Chen’s Tundra was cleared of tools worth more than three thousand dollars in under 90 seconds. The difference was not by luck: it was the secured truck bed cover that thieves would have to spend time and noise trying to circumvent. Those are resources most thieves are not willing to spend.
For two years in Minneapolis, construction contractor Robert Williams recorded numerous attempted thefts. None were successful, as they left little to no damage. The most persistent thief spent close to twelve minutes working on the locking rail until the security light activated and scared him off. Each attempted theft, however, was covered by Williams’s truck bed dimming the lights. Williams’s retractable truck cover bed is heavy duty.
How Different Cover Types Perform Under Pressure
Soft Tonneau Covers
Soft tonneau covers are harmless. They conceal the valuable items in the truck bed, making the cover serve as an invitation to theft. Potential criminals do not see the valuable items when the cover is closed and thus will not cause damage to the truck. In heavy theft environments, soft covers are the last defense.
Hard Folding Covers
Hard folding covers have theft deterrent measures as well. These truck cover beds are made with hard panels, and theft to access the items is anticipated with locks. During a camping trip the Garcia family in Phoenix learned the hard folding cover was successful in theft avoidance. Someone cut their tent in search of valuables, but left the locked truck bed that had thousands in camping gear.
Retractable and One-Piece Hard Covers
Retractable and one-piece hard covers offer maximal protection. These covers are built with reinforced materials and commercial-grade locking systems that can endure sustained attacks. They’re most useful for contractors, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who regularly transports items that are high in value. The potential loss of measurable value makes the high initial investment worthwhile.
The Critical Security Features That Make the Difference
The quality of locks separates good truck bed covers from bad ones. Standard key locks are basic and offer virtually no protection, but these are much better. Rotary latches and slam locks provide a degree of protection that is more substantial. Automotive security consultant James Cooper states that integrated locking systems that link to the truck’s existing lock cylinders offer better security with the added convenience of integrated locking systems.
Breach-resistance is directly correlated with the thickness of materials. Covers made of aluminum need to measure double-walled construction and covers made of fiberglass need reinforced edges. The attachment system is equally important. Covers that bolt through the bed rails are way more secure than clamp-on covers that can removable be entirely to a determined thief.
Security is not always guaranteed regardless of the intended features. For insurance purposes or police reports, it is important that the rear covers are able to show attempted entry damaging the rear cover. This was important to Maria Rodriguez, after her first truck cover bed was compromised through the front panel. Rodriguez’s replacement model has reinforced entry points and indicators of attempted entry.
Common Security Failures
Not for all truck bed covers do the promises of security hold true. Lower priced models have no or poor quality locking mechanisms, or use plastic materials that will snap easily. Plenty of online forums report that new owners of economy covers have been victims of theft after their cover failed to deliver security after its first test. For many owners, the economy left them feeling not only unprotected, but also losing items that had been left inside their truck beds.
Even quality covers are compromised by poor installation. Loose mounting bolts, unaligned locks, or gaps around seals create weaknesses to theft. This is why many people have to rely on professional installation. Taking a DIY approach but following the instructions to the manufacturer closely is another way to achieve a greater sense of security. Furthermore, the security adaptability of some truck bed covers can also change based on the climate. In the winter, some locks become brittle, and corrosion eats away at other components. Under bad weather conditions, the truck bed cover is more likely to break down the longer it is exposed to the weather.
Increasing the Protective Value of Your Truck Bed Cover
When bed covers are paired with other security additions, the result is comprehensive protection. A good quality tonneau cover will work with bed-mounted lock boxes, GPS trackers, and alarm systems. This layered security approach led contractor Kevin Patel to successfully identify theft suspects with the help of his locked cover and motion-activated dash cam after an attempted theft.
To keep security measures working optimally, regular maintenance is required. If locks are not lubricated, and the mounting hardware is not inspected, and the drainage channels are not cleaned, the covers will slowly become more vulnerable to breaches. While maintenance checks may take only a few minutes each month, they ensure your truck bed cover will work as intended, even when it is needed the most.
Cover parking strategies are also very effective. Well-lit parking lots with security cameras, parking near building entrances, and reverse parking into areas that limit access are all very helpful when combined with a truck bed cover, as they offer added protection against theft.
Making Your Choices for Your Security Needs
Choosing the right truck cover bed is about finding the right compromise between security worries and practical considerations. Premium covers are more expensive and offer better peace of mind, but in the event of a theft, the potential loss and financial impact would be much greater. Your specific circumstances (what you transport, where you park, and local crime rates) should guide your decision.
Quality tonneau covers like the ones purchased by truck owners Jake, Sarah and Robert, can actually prevent theft, and by studying their backgrounds, we can conclude that these are not just accessories, but security accessories for truck owners who use their truck beds for valuable cargo. Knowing how covers withstand various attacks can help make informed choices to protect property and provide peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any truck bed cover that a professional thief cannot bypass?
All security measures have their risks and limitations, but most covers do much more than other truck bed covers. A lot of the more professional thieves will not even attempt to breach these covers and will instead abandon their pursuit and move on to an easier target.
Do insurance companies view tonneau covers as protective devices?
Some insurers give discounts on vehicles equipped with security features like locking hard covers. If your insurance company is one of these and you have documented installation of a cover bed on your truck, you may be eligible for these discounts, but policies may differ from provider to provider.
Where does one manufacturer score better than another?
Test agencies assess tonneau covers for locking mechanisms that may result in a breach, but there is no standardized testing. From a security perspective, there is value in assessing customer feedback for actual theft versus manufacturer claims.
What do I do if I have a truck bed cover and it was damaged in a theft attempt?
Make a police report, and contact your insurance company prior to making repairs. Evidence of the attempted breach is important for insurance claims and may be helpful in identifying the person responsible.
