Top Tonneau Covers for Your Ford Ranger: Enhance Style and Security
June 27, 2023
Michael Collado is a car buying expert and has been a professional automotive writer since 2009. He’s written about dealership sales, vehicle reviews and comparisons, and service and maintenance for over 100 national automotive dealerships. Previously, Collado was a copywriter at the ad agency TBWA/Chiat/Day where he worked on brand campaigns for Nissan, ABC Television, Sony PlayStation, and Energizer. His recognition in the ad industry includes awards from Communication Arts and The Clios.
Collado has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Marketing.
Find the Perfect Tonneau Cover to Protect Your Ford Ranger Bed
The Ford Ranger is one of the most popular small trucks on the road today. If you own a Ranger, ensure your truck bed’s contents are well protected.
To help you narrow your search, we've created this list of the best tonneau covers available for your Ford Ranger.
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Table of Contents
- Best Overall Tonneau Cover: Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
- Best Budget-Friendly Tonneau Cover: Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
- Best Hard Tonneau Cover: MOSTPLUS Tri-Fold Hard Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
- Best Soft Tonneau Cover: CARMOCAR Soft Roll-Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
- Best Retractable Tonneau Cover: Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
- Best Folding Tonneau Cover: XCOVER Low Profile Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
- Best Roll-Up Tonneau Cover: CARMOCAR Soft Roll-Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
- Best Hinged Tonneau Cover: MOSTPLUS Tri-Fold Hard Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
- Best Snap Tonneau Cover: Stehlen Hidden Snap Tonneau Cover
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall Tonneau Cover: Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
In our overall testing, we found that the Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover is the ideal choice if you are looking for a durable and attractive cover that will perfectly protect your truck bed’s content. The highlight of this cover is its tri-fold design. We also found the Installation process to be simple. We did not have to perform any drilling and our tests were done in minutes.
On the downside, the cover did experience some wind noise during our road testing. However, this was the only negative we could find on this excellent cover.
Pros
- Durable construction that scores high marks.
- Excellent scores in weather testing.
Cons
- Higher than average road noise.
Best Budget-Friendly Tonneau Cover: Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
For those looking for an excellent cover on a budget, we choose the Tyger Auto T3 Soft Tri-fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover. This cover features a tri-fold design that allows for easy access. In fact, we had no problems opening and closing the cover to get essential items in rain testing. We are also fans of the dual-coated marine-grade vinyl that feels strong and looks great.
On the downside, we found this cover to test poorly when it comes to overall security. However, if you keep your Ranger in a safe area, then you should be fine.
Pros
- High marks in affordability.
- Scores well in installation time.
- Lightweight design.
Cons
- Lower than average scores when it comes to security.
Best Hard Tonneau Cover: MOSTPLUS Tri-Fold Hard Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
Our editors are big fans of the MOSTPLUS Tri-Fold Hard Truck Bed Tonneau Cover if your primary concern is security and protection. The heavy-duty aluminum panels scored high marks with all of our editors. We are also fans of the tri-fold design, which allows for quick access to smaller items. Our editors also noted that this hardcover has a sleek design that allows for low wind resistance.
The biggest downside is price. This is among the most expensive covers that we have tested for the Ranger.
Pros
- Top scores when it comes to security.
- Excellent construction.
- High scores in design.
Cons
- One of the most expensive covers we have tested for the Ranger.
Best Soft Tonneau Cover: CARMOCAR Soft Roll-Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
When it comes to soft covers, the CARMOCAR Soft Roll-Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover is a real winner when it comes to durability and price. Our editors are big fans of the durable, tear-resistant vinyl design that is easy to install and manage.
During our road testing, the noise from the cover was a little higher than average. However, we don’t think that this will be a big issue if your windows are up. Overall, an excellent value for those on a budget.
Pros
- High scores for its lightweight and durable design.
- Easy to open and close.
- Top budget choice.
Cons
- May experience higher than average wind noise.
Best Retractable Tonneau Cover: Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
If you want to get top security and easy access to your entire bed, then we highly recommend the Gator Recoil Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover. Our testing team loves the smooth action of the retractable design. During our weather testing, we found the cover to be resistant to both rain and snow. High scores also go toward the excellent aluminum construction. We are also big fans of the sleek design that helps when it comes to fuel economy.
The only real downside our editors found was the price. This was the most expensive cover in our test.
Pros
- Highest scores when it comes to security.
- Sleek design scores highly on road test.
- Easy access to full truck bed.
Cons
- Highest priced cover in our test.
Best Folding Tonneau Cover: XCOVER Low Profile Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
If you want to get a low-profile cover that will last, then we highly recommend the XCOVER Low Profile Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover. Our testing team found the low-profile aluminum design to be among the best of the group. Your payload will not only be secure, but you will also get excellent mileage on the road. Our editors also note that the cover did well in weather testing and provides excellent security.
The only real downside is the installation which took up longer than usual. Overall, an excellent choice for those who want a secure, durable, and attractive cover for their Ranger.
Pros
- Durable design scores highly on road and weather testing.
- Sleek low profile design.
- High scores for security.
Cons
- Low scores for installation time.
Best Roll-Up Tonneau Cover: CARMOCAR Soft Roll-Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
If you want a simple cover that will give fast access to your truck bed, then we recommend the CARMOCAR Soft Roll-Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover. This cover scored well when it came to durability. That’s thanks to the weather-resistant vinyl that is both rain and snow resistant. Also, our editors are big fans of the simple roll-up design that allows for easy access to the truck bed. We also scored the cover high marks for its fast installation time.
The one big downside is the low scores in our highway road testing. This is one noisy cover at highway speeds!
Pros
- High scores for installation.
- Durable design for a roll-up cover.
- Easy to access entire bed.
Cons
- Low scores on highway testing.
Best Hinged Tonneau Cover: MOSTPLUS Tri-Fold Hard Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
For those looking for a hinged cover, we recommend the excellent MOSTPLUS Tri-Fold Hard Truck Bed Tonneau Cover. Our testing team gave the cover high marks for its heavy-duty aluminum panels and trifold design. We found the cover to be among the most secure in the group. Also, the cover scored high marks when it comes to rain and snow tests. Installation time was also pretty good, considering the high weight of the cover.
The one big downside is the price. Expect to pay more for such a durable and well-built cover.
Pros
- High marks for security.
- One of the most durable covers tested.
- Good installation time.
Cons
- Relatively higher price point.
Best Snap Tonneau Cover: Stehlen Hidden Snap Tonneau Cover
Looking for a simple cover that will last? Then we recommend the popular Stehlen Hidden Snap Tonneau Cover. The highlight of this cover is the hidden snap design which makes it easy to open and close. Our editors were able to quickly install the cover in minutes. In our weather testing, we found the cover to do well in most rain tests.
However, the cover did have some issues when it comes to highway road testing. The cover made higher-than-average noise and did not help with fuel economy.
Overall, however, this is an excellent cover if you are looking for something on the lower end of the price range.
Pros
- Among the least expensive covers tested.
- Easy installation with snap-on design.
- Scored well in most weather testing.
Cons
- Higher than average noise at highway speeds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are tonneau covers waterproof?
While tonneau covers provide a high level of protection against the elements, it's important to note that most tonneau covers are water-resistant but not completely waterproof. They can withstand rain showers and light moisture, but heavy downpours may result in some water seepage.
Can I install a tonneau cover by myself?
Yes, many tonneau covers are designed for easy installation and come with detailed instructions. However, the complexity of installation may vary depending on the specific tonneau cover model. It's recommended to carefully read the instructions and, if necessary, seek professional assistance for a seamless installation.
Can I use a tonneau cover with other truck accessories?
In most cases, tonneau covers are compatible with other truck accessories such as bed liners, bed extenders, and some ladder racks. However, it's always advisable to check the compatibility of the tonneau cover with other accessories to ensure proper fitment and functionality.
Can I drive with a tonneau cover open?
No, it is not recommended to drive with a tonneau cover fully open as it may cause damage to the cover or the truck bed. Most tonneau covers are designed to be partially opened or completely closed while driving to ensure the safety of your cargo and maintain aerodynamics.
How do I clean and maintain a tonneau cover?
The cleaning and maintenance requirements vary depending on the material of the tonneau cover. For vinyl or fabric covers, mild soap, water, and a soft brush can be used for regular cleaning. Hard covers may require specialized cleaning products. It's best to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific care guidelines.
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