Choosing the right cover for your Silverado can be a bit overwhelming, there are lots of different styles and options.
Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a list of the best tonneau covers suitable for use with a Chevy Silverado truck.
Got some tools you need covered? Here’s our top pick:
In a hurry? This is our Winner!
Our Top Pick
9.4/10 Our Score
Gator EFX Hard Tri-Fold Truck Bed
- Suitable for 2016-2021 Silverados.
- Strong aluminum panel construction.
- Powder-coated, scratch-resistant finish.
- Easy installation. No tools required.
- Automatic locking system.
Best Tonneau Covers for Silverado Trucks – Top Model Compared
| Image | Product | Technical Spec | Price |
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OUR TOP PICK
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Gator EFX Hard Tri-Fold Truck Bed |
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EDITOR’S CHOICE
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Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed |
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BEST VALUE
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Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed |
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RUNNER UP
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Tonno Pro Lo Roll, Soft Roll-up Truck Bed |
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RUNNER UP
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Deebior 6.5ft Clamp On Soft Lock & Roll-up Top Mount |
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RUNNER UP
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BAK BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed |
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RUNNER UP
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Lund Genesis Tri-Fold, Soft Folding Truck Bed |
Brand: Lund
Model: 950193
Weight: 10 pounds
Dimensions: 73.75 x 30.5 x 4.5 inches
Item model number: 950193
|
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Best Tonneau Covers for Silverado Trucks
1. OUR TOP PICK: Gator EFX Hard Tri-Fold Truck Bed
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Summary
This cover is suitable for use with 2016-2021 Chevy Silverados making it one of the most highly compatible covers on the market.
Made from heavy-duty aluminum plates with a textured matt finish, this cover looks good and performs exceptionally well. The matt coating prevents scratches, fingerprints, and offers excellent UV protection.
The strength of the aluminum plates prevents thieves from stealing your kit. This, coupled with the automatic latching system, makes it one of the safest covers available. The latch system is much easier to operate than some other models. This is according to many satisfied users.
This cover can be fitted without any tools and should only take around 30 minutes to install. The whole system mounts to the bed rails and allows the cover itself to sit flush with the bed.
One of the best things about this cover is its water management system. It has rubber seals that prevent water, dust, and dirt from entering the bed area. Any particulates that do manage to work their way in are funneled away from your kit using channels.
The cover is tri-fold meaning you have easy access to your equipment and tools. When opened completely, the cover folds back to a few slim inches. It definitely won’t block your view or third brake light. This means you can carry large or oversized loads without having to remove your cover.
In comparison with other hard top covers, this one is pretty good price-wise. What we do enjoy is the 3-year warranty provided by Gator.
Gator stands behind their products and we are happy to see this extended warranty. It definitely gives us peace of mind when we are dropping a good few hundred bucks on it, and is what we consider to be the best tonneau covers for your Silverado truck.
Pros:
- Suitable for 2016-2021 Silverados.
- Strong aluminum panel construction.
- Powder-coated, scratch-resistant finish.
- Easy installation. No tools required.
- Sophisticated water management system.
- Can be driven in the open or closed position.
- Automatic locking system.
- Made in the USA.
- Somewhat vague instructions.
2. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed
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Summary
This is a hard retractable cover. They’re not easy to come across but it is refreshing to see.
This cover fits 2014-2018 Silverados. They do have other styles and sizes available but the retractable hard cover is only for 2014-2018 Silverados. It’s not the most compatible cover, but it does have a decent range.
Made from strong but lightweight aluminum slats, this cover will help protect your belongings from thieves as well as the weather.
The slats are coated in black matt powder giving it a sleek, modern feel. This is further enhanced by the low profile design that sits almost flush to the bed.
One of the best things about this cover is the custom locking options. You can lock the cover in place anywhere along its length. This means you can carry large or oversized items without exposing the rest of your stuff.
Installed with metal clamps on the bed rail, you shouldn’t need more than 30 minutes to get it in place. In fact, many customers are keen on the super quick installation.
The cover is fully waterproof thanks to the materials used and the really awesome snug fit. Unlike other covers, there don’t seem to be reports of leaks at the edges and joins.
We are really pleased to see this. Hard covers don’t tend to be adjustable so they must have a nice tight fit.
Pros:
- Fits 2014-2018 Silverados.
- Hard cover provides security.
- Made from lightweight but strong aluminum.
- UV and scratch-resistant.
- Custom locking capabilities.
- An expensive option.
3. BEST VALUE: Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed
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Summary
Made from 24oz marine grade vinyl, this cover is robust and weatherproof. The fabric is tear-resistant but as with every soft top, you’ll want to keep sharp objects away.
The fabric is supported by a brushed aluminum frame. The horizontal crossbars are pre-assembled which will make installation much easier. It does mean that the package is quite large. That’s not necessarily a bad thing but something to bear in mind if you’re not feeling particularly strong.
It’s not only the crossbars that make this cover easy to install. You do not need tools to install the cover as it fits into the bed rails and secures with clamps. If you have an over the rail bed liner, you will need to cut small holes into the liner. This can be done with a Stanley knife.
The aluminum frame is lightweight meaning you can open it up and fold it back easily. The frame is really quite sturdy despite the lightweight nature. It can cope with several inches of snow piled on top without bending or bowing. You can’t ask for much more than that!
One of our favorite things about this choice is the fact that it comes in 3 different lengths and 5 different styles. The styles are ever so slightly different to accommodate changes in the Silverado designs. These 5 styles cover Silverados from 2004-2021 which really is incredible.
Another awesome feature is the lifetime warranty that Tyger provides. It is a limited warranty in that it has some conditions that are not covered by the warranty.
These conditions tend to relate to using the cover improperly. For example, if you drive with the cover open and unsecured damage will not be covered by the warranty.
Pros:
- Available to fit 2004-2021 Silverados.
- Marine-grade vinyl fabric.
- Sturdy and durable construction.
- Tear-resistant.
- Available in 3 different lengths.
- Easy installation.
- Will need to cut your bed liner if it is an over the rail liner.
- Some reports of clamps being a bit flimsy.
4. RUNNER UP: Tonno Pro Lo Roll, Soft Roll-up Truck Bed
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Summary
The soft cover is made from marine-grade vinyl which is tear-resistant. The fabric is waterproof, windproof, and stormproof. The reinforced stitching prevents water from sneaking in at the seams.
This cover installs without tools. It uses strong metal clamps to attach to the bedrail. We love the fact that these clamps are all metal. It’s increasingly difficult to find non-plastic clamps on these covers. The metal is much stronger and is less likely to snap or break.
Some users report that the installation can be a bit confusing because a number of spare parts are included in the package. They recommend watching the installation video supplied on the manufacturer’s website. This makes it much easier.
One of the great things about this cover is the low profile. It doesn’t ruin the lines of your truck and, in my opinion, just looks a lot sleeker and more stylish.
The cover seems to fit pretty well. There are a few reports of seepages at the seams and edges. The package is supplied with weather stripping which can help to make a better seal. This is particularly useful as some users report that there is a small gap at the end of the bed.
Pros:
- Fits 2014-2018 Silverados.
- Strong, durable materials and construction.
- Sleek, low profile design.
- Range of sizes and designs.
- Quick installation.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
- Some reports of seepage.
- Confusing installation according to some customers.
5. RUNNER UP: Deebior 6.5ft Clamp On Soft Lock & Roll-up Top Mount
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Summary
This 6.5ft cover fits Silverados made between 2007 and 2013. It only fits trucks with a standard body. If you have a classic body or one with a factory-fitted utility rail, then you will need to look elsewhere.
This is a roll-up cover meaning you slide the cover away from the tailgate and it winds itself around a roll. There are crossbars built into the cover to provide some strength and stability. These crossbars roll up with the cover so don’t disrupt usage.
There is also a tension locking system built into the rails. You can set the tension using a hex driver to achieve a custom fit. If the cover is too loose you can increase the tension. This helps you get a tight and complete seal to keep water out.
If we’re talking about weatherproofing, this cover has nylon reinforced stitching and seams to help stop water seeping in. The material is also cold and UV resistant allowing the cover to be used in all weather conditions.
One thing to keep in mind is that this is a top-mounted design. It doesn’t sit flush with the top of the bed but sits on top of the bed. Some people don’t like this design for aesthetic reasons.
If you’re not fussy, then this is a great choice, especially when you consider how much cheaper this cover is compared to the rest.
Pros:
- Fits 2007-2013 standard body Silverados.
- Easy to operate roll-up design.
- Simple, tool-free installation.
- UV and cold weather resistant.
- Lower price.
- Top-mounted design.
- Can be a bit stiff initially.
6. RUNNER UP: BAK BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed
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Summary
This is one of the best hard top tonneau covers out there. It provides excellent security for all your tools and equipment with a stylish matt finish.
The cover is made of heavy-duty aluminum panels that fold back to give you easy access to the contents of your bed. The hardened aluminum will prevent thieves from stealing your tools and equipment much better than a vinyl cover.
The panels are coated in a matt finish which helps mask scratches and maintains the sleek appearance. You can get this in a glossy finish if you prefer. Personally, we prefer the matt finish.
The BAKFlip has a zero profile design which means that it doesn’t stick up above the level of the bed. This helps prevent drag and maintains a slick appearance.
The installation seems to be fairly simple. An installation video is available on the product listing and the company website. This provides all the necessary information to get this cover fitted in under an hour.
One of the great things about this cover is that you can drive with it fully covered, half-open, and fully open. When folded back, the cover does not cover the rearview mirror or the third tail light. This is great to see, it shows that the manufacturer has considered all the little details.
Another little detail we love is the pre-molded, bumper rails installed on the aluminum panels. This helps protect the panels during bumpy rides. What we love about them is the fact that they extend the life of the overall cover.
This cover is fully waterproof and will provide a safe and secure place for all your tools. The downside to this cover is the price tag. It comes in at double, sometimes quadrupling the cost of other models.
Pros:
- Fits 2019-2021 Silverados.
- Sturdy aluminum panel construction.
- Folds fully flat against the cab.
- You can drive with the cover closed or open.
- Automatic latches.
- Fully waterproof.
- Molded, shock-absorbing rails.
- Can hold 400lbs of weight spread evenly across the cover.
- Very expensive model.
- Latches can be quite fiddly.
7. RUNNER UP: Lund Genesis Tri-Fold, Soft Folding Truck Bed
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Summary
There’s a lot to love about this one.
First of all, this is a sturdy cover. The fabric is tear-resistant vinyl. In fact, it is marine-grade vinyl. It is completely waterproof and will stand up to a decent amount of use and abuse. Of course, as a soft top, you’ll want to try and keep sharp things away from the cover.
The vinyl is supported by a corrosion-resistant aluminum frame. It is sturdy but lightweight, meaning it won’t add too much weight to your truck. It also means that opening and closing the top is not a weightlifting event.
Speaking of folding and unfolding, this cover has two clamps at either end of the tailgate. To unfold, all you need to do is release the clamps and fold the cover back.
It is a tri-fold design meaning you can fold it back once to access things closer to the tailgate and fold it back again to open up the whole bed. Tri-fold designs are really efficient designs. They give you easy access when you need it without having to reveal the whole truck.
Installation is easy according to the many happy customers. It should take only about 20 minutes to install as the cover uses clamps to secure to the bed rails. We like the fact that it won’t require any tools to install. It makes our lives infinitely easier.
The cover may fit to the bed rails, but the cover itself fits snuggly over the bed. The low profile prevents added drag and maintains a sleek look. You can manually tighten the cover if you need a snugger fit.
The snug fit also helps prevent water from sneaking in under the cover. There are a few reviews that mention water leaking into the bed or wind slipping underneath the cover. This may be a few poor fits rather than an actual design flaw.
Pros:
- Fits 2014-2018 Silverados.
- Easy and tool-less install.
- Heavy-duty vinyl material.
- Easy access with the trifold design.
- Strong aluminum frame provides stability.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Some reports of leakages.
- Won’t prevent theft.
- Instructions are slightly unclear.
Which is the Most Suitable Option for your Silverado Truck
To give help you wade through the huge range of options we’ve put together a buyer’s guide.
The aim of this guide is to give you information that will help you choose the most suitable cover for your truck and your needs.
Silverado Dimensions
Over the years, Chevrolet has made some adjustments to the Silverado designs and dimensions. The difference that matters is the length and width of the bed. For each of the covers we’ve recommended, we have specified what Silverado years they are suitable for. Choosing a cover designed for the wrong year will likely mean that you’ll have gaps in your coverage or it will be too large to install.Hard or Soft?
When you decide whether to go for a hard top or a soft top you’re really deciding on security and cost. Soft top covers tend to be less expensive but they are less secure. A good pair of shears or a sharp knife will cut through soft top covers. If you aren’t going to be leaving things unattended in your truck bed then a soft top may suit you. Hard tops are more secure. They tend to be made from aluminum sheets or molded plastic. These are much better for you if you plan on leaving kit in the truck while you’re elsewhere. The trade-off is that they are much more expensive than soft tops.Installation
Most of the covers we have suggested are easy to install with a limited need for tools. They tend to be mounted to the inside bed rails which allow the cover to sit flush with the top of the truck. Most of the time you’ll only need a wrench to install the cover. If you have a bed protector or an over the rail liner, you might need to make some adjustments to make it fit. Our advice is if you’re shopping around, do a bit of research into how long it takes to install the cover. You don’t want to spend hours cussing this cover out!Fold or Retractable
One of the main things you look for in a cover is how easy it is to access your stuff. A cover that prevents you from accessing your tools or equipment is a bit useless. Most covers tend to be folding as they are cheaper to produce. They also tend to be less susceptible to breaking as there are fewer moving mechanical parts. Folding covers will be labeled as tri-fold or quad-fold. This just refers to the number of folds that it makes. Retractable covers let you manually slide the cover back towards the cab and onto a roller. These tend to require less effort to move, but they do break more often than folding covers.Warranty
Covers are not cheap. You’ll want to make sure that you are protected against any accidents or issues. Look out for products that have long warranties. Ideally, you’re looking for a few years on the warranty. One thing to bear in mind is that some warranties are limited. Limited warranties are, well, limited. They only cover parts that are listed in the warranty. If an unnamed part does end up breaking, the warranty will not cover it and the company is within their rights to refuse to replace the part or the whole item. Do read the warranty carefully before you buy. You can usually find the text of the warranty on the product listing.Are Tonneau Covers Compatible with Tailgate Ladders for Pickup Trucks?
Certainly, highly recommended tailgate ladders for pickup trucks are designed to function perfectly even with tonneau covers in place. The presence of a tonneau cover does not complicate or hinder the use of the tailgate ladder. This attribute makes it easier for truck owners to benefit from both accessories without experiencing any difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they called tonneau covers?
The name is much older than the trucks they cover. Tonneau is actually a french word meaning barrel or cask. It was used to refer to the cloth covers that were stretched across wagons to protect the contents from the dust and rain. If you’re having trouble picturing it, think Oregon trail. The barrel-shaped frame over the wagon is then covered by a tarpaulin. Obviously, as technology improved, they became somewhat redundant. But it was revived in the 1930s as automobiles began to gain popularity. Drivers tried to set land speed records but the open design of cars at the time wasn’t very aerodynamic. Thus, snap-on covers were born. Since then, they have become the top-selling aftermarket for pick up trucks.Do they increase your miles per gallon?
Just in case you were wondering, your miles per gallon is a measure of your vehicle’s fuel consumption. The more miles you can get out of a gallon of fuel, the better it is. This is because you’re going to go further with the same amount of fuel as a car with a lower mpg rating. A lot of things have an impact on your mpg. One of the biggest factors is your driving. If you accelerate and brake harshly, you’ll increase your fuel usage and decrease your mpg. The load in your car will also affect your mpg. A heavier vehicle needs more fuel than a lighter one. So if you fill your truck with tools and equipment it is naturally going to decrease your mpg. But, we’re discussing tonneau covers. You might assume that as the cover adds weight to your vehicle it decreases your mpg. However other factors come into play. You see, it decreases drag on your vehicle. Essentially, it makes it more aerodynamic. Without a cover, the bed of your truck has lots of walls and edges that act a bit like parachutes. The air resistance pushes against them making it harder for your engine to move the car. This causes the fuel consumption to go up and your miles per gallon to drop. It smooths out the otherwise drag heavy bed part of a flatbed truck. It covers up all those walls and angles that create drag. Think about racing cars and jet planes, they have smooth bodies and as few angles as possible. Your pick up might not be a Ferrari but a tonneau cover might make it more streamlined.Can I use a car wash with one?
We’ll get to the details in a second, but ultimately no you should not take your cover through an automatic car wash. There may be an abundance of videos circulating showing then going through car washes but you need to bear in mind that the problems can be cumulative rather than immediate. The worst car wash you can go through with a tonneau cover is one with roller brushes. These can scratch your cover or even knock it out of place. At the very least this will be annoying and you’ll need to refit the rack. In worst-case scenarios, it could cause lasting damage to the cover. If you go to a contactless car wash then you may get away with keeping your cover in place. The only thing that will hit your cover is pressurized water. There are some reports that the pressurized water can tear soft tops, but this seems to be a rare occurrence. The final thing to consider is the wax. You do not want hot wax sprayed on your cover; it will leave a slick film on your cover. You can choose a wash cycle without wax if you insist on taking your cover through the car wash. Ultimately, you don’t want to take your cover through the car wash. If you’re going to use the car wash, take the cover off. Or, do it the old fashioned way and hand wash the car.Our Top Pick
9.4/10 Our Score
Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed
- Suitable for 2016-2021 Silverados.
- Strong aluminum panel construction.
- Powder-coated, scratch-resistant finish.
- Easy installation. No tools required.
- Automatic locking system.
