Do Tonneau Covers Keep Water Out?

Tonneau covers are purchased for various reasons, one of which is to protect cargo from rain and snow. Understandably, adding a cover would protect anything you’re carrying from a deluge. But, whether you’re just starting to look at truck tonneau covers or are about to purchase, you may be asking, “do tonneau covers keep water out?”.

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: What’s the Difference?

The distinction between waterproof and water-resistant arises here. An utterly watertight truck bed cover is impossible to achieve. There are even spots on your truck bed that can let water in, such as around the sides of the tailgate. In addition, water seeps in through cracks that aren’t always visible.

Even if your tonneau is in excellent condition, a small quantity of water may leak in, leaving water spots everywhere. However, you’ll still benefit from your tonneau’s water resistance. There’s a considerable difference between rain pouring into your truck bed and a small amount of water leaking around the sides of your truck bed while your gear stays mainly dry. Usually, just being water-resistant will suffice.

Do Tonneau Covers Keep Water Out?

In typical circumstances, tonneau covers can keep most water out, like 98-99 percent of the time. But, after all, nothing in life is flawless. And the better your tonneau cover fits your requirements, the more likely it is to meet your expectations. If you’re hauling old timber about and don’t mind if it gets wet now and then, go ahead and get whatever truck bed cover you need. If you have items in your truck bed that may melt, explode, or be ruined if they get wet, you should consider a hard tonneau that wraps over the edge and tailgate. Unless, of course, you enjoy living on the edge.

On the other hand, most tonneau covers will keep your goods dry for the majority of the time. Most water, including rain, will be deflected from entering your truck bed with decent covers that seal along the edges. Heavy rains, driving along the highway in the rain, and cleaning your truck will all put your cargo at risk of getting wet.

Is It True that Tonneau Covers Are Waterproof?

Although soft tonneau coverings are water-resistant, they are not waterproof. As a result, if you require anything in the rear of your truck to keep it entirely dry, it’s usually better to use hard covers. Soft tonneau covers resist water, whereas hard waterproof tonneau covers block it out. If you can’t buy a hardcover, you should know that softcovers are also quite reliable. However, they might not be fully watertight.

How to Make a Tonneau Cover Waterproof

Is there anything you can do to improve the water-resistance of your tonneau? There are a few things you can try depending on your tonneau model. Also, double-check your tonneau cover measurements.

Use the Tonneau Parts That Came With It

Don’t leave any components out when putting your tonneau cover together. Some models include elements that make them more water-resistant, such as:

• Water-resistant seals that adhere to the tonneau’s sidewalls. These are frequently supplied to fit in regions where the tonneau might leave a little gap, so be careful while installing them.
• Drain tubes that direct water away from the bed rails or off the cover.

DIY Waterproofing Options

Consider installing more seals if you’re still concerned about water getting into your truck bed. The tailgate area, as previously discussed, might have enormous gaps between the truck bed and the tailgate itself. Fortunately, there are many aftermarket tailgate seal choices available to aid with this issue. In addition, specific tailgate seals perform better than others, depending on the make and model of your truck.

If you’re still getting a lot of water in your truck bed after doing those procedures, it’s time to think about whether you have the correct tonneau.