Are Truck Bed Covers Interchangeable? (Complete Guide)

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Written By Waylon Joe

Hey, It’s Waylon “Joe” Kite here. I am a West Virginia native and a die-hard pickup truck fan. My story with trucks started with my dad’s 1989 Ford F-150, and it's still going on. I'll share all my trucking experiences (both great and gross ones) with you. I have a garage full of tools to fix and renovate trucks and a freezer full of ales. Do you want to join me?

I was checking whether a Bak Revolver or TruXedo tonneau cover will fit on my two trucks. While putting the make and model of the trucks on their website, it seems like they do.

But, there is a catch. Both sites show two things “Custom built,” and each cover shows different parts numbers for different truck models and sizes. So, what do you think are truck bed covers interchangeable?

Typically truck bed covers are not interchangeable. Each of the covers is custom built for one particular truck model, and you can’t use them on others. Yes, some truck covers will work on different models, but they are coincidental. And you may have to compromise with the safety features then.

Before you check any tonneau cover fit guide, let me help you to get a clear idea about the possibilities of a universal tonneau cover.

Are Tonneau Covers Universal?

Unfortunately, there is no universal or one-size-fits-all truck bed cover on the market. If you are looking for some high-end and high-quality tonneau covers, they will all come in custom-built.

If you try to order a Bak Revolver X4s for your 2020 Ford-150 with a 5’7″ bed, the part number will be 80329. However, the part number will be 80328 for an 8’2″ truck bed.

According to several forum posts, some Chevy truck covers work on different models, but the outcome was not very promising. You simply can’t rely on such coincidence and risk the precious cargo at the back.

Are Truck Bed Covers Interchangeable

Should you go for a Universal Tonneau Cover?

Universal Tonneau Cover is a myth. So, it’s better not to go for it. Most of the time, people check for it while buying a used truck bed cover.

If the parts number matches, you can use one cover for two or more trucks. But believe me, that will be highly unlikely.

Who will have two same size and same model Chevy or Dodge Ram, in the garage?

Can you use one Tonneau cover on multiple trucks?

Hypothetically and if luck favors, you can somehow manage one truck bed cover on more than one truck bed. But there will be installation, safety, and water resistance issues.

Auto mechanics and repair professionals suggest getting separate covers for each truck. Yes, it may cost you a few hundred bucks, but the truck bed and the cargo will be safe.

If you still insist on using one cover on multiple trucks, it will be better to install it by a professional. You may need some add-ons to keep the cover in place safely and securely.

>> Tonneau Cover Fit Guide

What to Look for When Buying a Used Tonneau Cover?

Just like with any other type of vehicle, there are a few factors that you need to take note of when trying to figure out if truck bed covers are interchangeable. The first thing you need to think about is the size of your truck bed.

Cover size

If you have a smaller truck, you will be unable to put a huge cover on it. Some trucks have a differently shaped bed than others, affecting whether a particular cover will fit properly. Also, you need to think about the type of cover you want.

Cover types

There are three types of covers such as hard covers, soft covers, and folding covers. Each type of cover has its benefits and drawbacks, so you need to decide which one is right for you. Once you’ve decided on the kind of cover you want, you can start looking at specific models.

Cover quality

When looking at a used tonneau cover, inspect it thoroughly to look for any damage. You don’t want to end up with a cover that’s in poor condition and won’t be able to protect your truck bed adequately.

Cover price

Finally, it would be best if you thought about the price. Tonneau covers can range from a hundred to a thousand dollars, so you must decide how much you’re willing to spend.

You might consider buying a used cover if you’re on a budget. Before purchasing the cover, you need to make sure that the cover is all ok. There are a few things to remember when trying to figure out if truck bed covers are interchangeable.

>> Undercover Truck Bed Cover Problems & Solving Guide

How to Choose the Best Used Tonneau Cover

If you’re looking for a used tonneau cover, it’s essential to find one compatible with your truck. Besides, you need first to decide what type of cover you want.

There are hard, soft, and folding covers; each has its benefits and drawbacks. To choose the best-used tonneau cover for you, then you should check the below these features:

Material

The material is one of the most important factors when choosing a truck bed cover. The three most common materials are fiberglass, aluminum, and plastic. Fiberglass is the most expensive material, but it’s also durable.

It’s resistant to UV rays, scratches, and dents. Aluminum is the second most expensive material, but it’s not as durable as fiberglass. However, it’s still resistant to UV rays and scratches. Before buying that used tonneau cover, be sure about the cover material.

Tonneau cover Model

You also want to consider the model of your truck when choosing a cover. This is because some covers are designed to fit specific models and makes of trucks.

So, if you’re looking to buy a used tonneau cover, it’s probably best to find one made for your specific make and model of truck. That way, you can be sure it will fit properly and be easy to install.

What Size Tonneau Cover Do I Need? Find Out Now!

Color

Color is another important factor when choosing a truck bed cover. You will find many color tonneau covers for your car in the market. You can select a cover of any color that matches your vehicle. The color might fade over time if you want to buy a used cover.

Warranty

When you’re buying a truck bed cover, you want to ensure that it has a good warranty. If there are any problems with the cover, you can get it replaced or repaired. Depending on the companies, tonneau covers usually have a 1 to 5-year warranty.

So, when you buy a used tonneau cover, check the warranty first; if it has a good warranty, you can buy it without any problem.

5 Common Gatortrax Tonneau Cover Problems And Solutions

Price

The price is another essential factor when choosing a truck bed cover. You will find many used tonneau covers in the market, and you can choose one that fits your budget. But remember that the cheaper covers might not be as durable as the more expensive ones.

Read also: Bakflip Mx4 Problems

FAQs

Is It Impossible To Swap Tonneau Covers?

Some might say it’s impossible to swap tonneau covers, but that’s not true. While swapping covers might be a little more challenging than swapping tires, it’s not impossible.
If you’re thinking about swapping covers, you first need to figure out what size cover you need.

Does Tonneau Cover Truck-Specific?

The short answer is no; tonneau covers are not truck-specific. While some covers might be designed to fit a specific make or model of truck, most covers are universal and will fit on any truck.
But for some covers, you must ensure that you have the right hardware to install them.

Conclusion

Let’s debunk the myth. If someone asks, “are truck bed covers interchangeable” you know what to reply now.

There is nothing called a universal tonneau cover. Some models may be used on different models, but that’s not the norm. You better get separate covers for each truck.

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