In today’s modern world, the appeal of a bakkie (South Africa) / truck (North America) / pickup (Europe) or Ute (Australia) has become ever more prevalent, with just about every automotive manufacturer having a model or 2 in their range lineup. Will we see a supercar brand bring out a model? It’s highly likely.
It’s the modern-day ” Swiss army knife” of vehicles, and now, with the levels of luxury, specification, hybrid and electric drivetrain options, and the insanity of something like the Cybertruck as an option, customers are spoilt for choice.
Along with this popularity, the demand and need for load bin accessories has grown. Once again, options abound. The 3 core products under consideration for this article, are:
- Aluminium roller load covers
- Textile / Canvas tonneau covers
- Canopies (fiberglass, polymer, aluminium, stainless steel)
Objectively, all three products have been designed with one core function in mind; to protect any items held, or stored, within the load bin of the vehicle. And all three do just that. They just do it a little differently.
Aluminium roller load covers:
Manufactured out of aluminium extrusions joined together to provide a rolling cover that is both aesthetically pleasing; in that it fits the profile of the vehicle in a powder-coated finish, as well as being incredibly safe, strong, durable, and effective in turning the load bin into a sealed and lockable storage area.
This style of load cover allows maximum safety for any items within the load bin. Operated manually, these rollers are ideal for retaining the functionality of your load bin in a convenient, attractive and efficient way.
They also function as platforms for bed racks, cargo racks, or any track-mounted accessory for tents, bicycles, canoes, fuel containers, or other items.
Pros: Attractive, strong, durable, waterproof, easy to use, and a deterrent to anyone looking to get their hands on your goods. Also, most units are removable and re-fittable should you change vehicles or can be sold separately. Cost-effective for the value delivered. Simple fitment process.
Cons: May lose a small amount of load bin space due to the roller box or side channels. Can only keep items that fit below the load bin sides under a secure cover.
Textile / Canvas tonneau covers:
Manufactured out of a textile or canvas cover, mounted on a plastic or aluminium mounting kit that generally sits on the top of the load bin sides, with tensioning bars across the load bin, these covers are the most cost-effective method of keeping items in the load bin out of the elements.
Sadly, however, they do not offer much security as the material can be cut with a knife, and items inside accessed. Due to their material nature, they also tend to wear and stretch causing a shorter lifespan than a solid roller cover. Gaining access is generally quite simple, however replacing and tensioning the cover can be a little tricky, especially if the cover is in icy conditions.
Pros: Lowest cost solution, simplicity of design, and removability of the cover, if required. Replaceable cover if damaged. Mounting kits can be fitment intensive.
Cons: Low to no safety of items in load bin, can be a bit of a fuss to open and close, high wear of the cover in high-use situations, allows dust in, can be noisy.
Canopies (fiberglass, polymer, aluminium, stainless steel):
Manufactured out of a range of fiberglass, polymer plastic, aluminium, or stainless steel and with a variety of shapes, sizes, and options, canopies have become a good option when it comes to utilising the load bin as a large volume use area.
Depending on the vehicle, usage, and the size of your wallet, you can opt for sleek and colourful, robust and capable, or vehicle design adaptive.
A canopy maximises the load bin by offering up to double the storage volume. Certain canopies are built fit for purpose and feature additions like cupboards, tables, drawers, and roof racks. Others are sleek, lightweight, and colour-coded and are used simply to provide a different profile to the vehicle with the addition of a closed storage space.
Canopies however are not impenetrable fortresses and do not supply as secure an option as aluminium roller load covers do.
Pros: Create a large storage space, provide accessory options for the addition of storage systems within the load bed, are generally aerodynamically beneficial. Moveable to another or a new vehicle.
Cons: The most expensive and heaviest choice available. Not fully secure, due to multiple doors, locks, and/or windows, may also not be 100% waterproof. Limits the vertical height of any object to be carried. Fitment requires care to provide waterproofing reliability.
The decision on what choice is the best one for you relies on the intended usage and level of simplicity and capability needed, as well as the budget available. Having these (and other) options available for any vehicle you choose isn’t an easy scenario, and hopefully, this post has helped give you more information to make a better-informed decision when it comes to buying an attractive, secure, useful, and efficient load bin accessory covering.