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Tonneau covers are a super popular accessory for pickup trucks and offer numerous benefits such as protecting your cargo from the elements and improving fuel efficiency.
It’s important to consider all the ways in which you’ll use your truck before purchasing a tonneau cover, particularly if you plan to carry large, heavy, or lots of gear.
If you opt for one of the strongest tonneau covers on the market, you can basically double your carrying capacity.
But the question is, how much weight can a tonneau cover hold?
How Much Weight Can a Tonneau Cover Hold?
A tonneau cover’s weight-bearing capacity can vary widely depending on the type and construction of the cover.
Generally, tonneau covers can bear anywhere between 15 and 2,000 pounds on top, with hard covers typically being able to carry the most weight.
Soft covers, on the other hand, can range from practically no load-bearing capabilities to a maximum of 15-30 pounds.
As you can see, there is a dramatic difference between how much you can carry on different tonneau covers, so it is important to do your research if you are wanting to carry cargo on top of your tonneau cover as well as underneath it.
For an easy way to gain perspective on how much or little weight a tonneau cover can bear, an average sized ATV weighs around 405 pounds.
Weight Capacity Based on Type
While the load-bearing capacity of every tonneau is different, you will often find that specific types fall within a pretty common range and can at least help you filter out certain styles that don’t fit your needs.
Here are the different types of tonneau covers and their general weight-bearing capabilities:
- Hard tonneau covers: These types of covers are made from materials like aluminum, steel, or hard plastic, and typically range in weight-bearing capabilities from 200 to 2,000 pounds, depending on the specific make and model.
- Soft tonneau covers: These covers are typically made from vinyl, canvas, or another soft material, and generally have weight-bearing capabilities between 15 to 30 pounds.
- Fiberglass tonneau covers: These covers are made from a type of reinforced plastic and generally have weight-bearing capabilities between 80 to 200 pounds.
- ABS tonneau covers: These covers are made from a type of thermoplastic and generally have weight-bearing capabilities between 100 to 400 pounds.
It’s important to note that these weight-bearing capabilities are general guidelines and can vary depending on the specific tonneau cover model.
What Tonneau Cover Has the Highest Weight Capacity?
When it comes to weight capacity, hard tonneau covers are by far the best option on the market.
But even then, there are two contenders that stand far out from the crowd.
Renegade take the number 1 spot with their covers being capable of carrying up to 2,000 pound of weight, with DiamondBack following closely behind with a load-bearing capacity of 1,600 pounds.
These covers are costly, which may be a barrier to entry for some, but if you don’t mind paying the high price these covers are definitely worth it on every level.
With the ability to carry such a substantial amount of weight, it opens up a world of possibilities.
From moving house, to picking up that new fridge to hauling a large pallet of wood to your next job site, both of these covers have basically no limitations to how much weight you can carry.
Comparison of Popular Brands Weight Capacity
We’ve put together a handy list of some of the most popular tonneau covers on the market with their maximum weight-bearing capabilities so you can easily compare and find the one that fits your needs.
How Much Weight Can a Tonneau Cover Hold? – Final Thoughts
When it comes to the weight capacity of a tonneau cover, there is no single answer that fits all.
The weight limit can vary significantly depending on the type of cover, the materials used, and the manufacturer’s specifications.
However, as we have seen, the range of weight capacity can fall between 15 and 2,000 pounds, making it possible to find a tonneau cover that perfectly fits your needs.
Whether you need a cover to haul heavy cargo or simply want the capability to do so in the future, you won’t struggle to find one that can do everything you want.
Just make sure you do your research and don’t compromise due to cost – save for longer if needed! A good tonneau cover can last a lifetime.
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