A Complete Guide to Buying Pickup Truck Covers

By Seven Atoms, November 29, 2023

Pickup trucks are incredibly versatile vehicles, which is why they have been popular for decades. They are ideal for transporting goods, tackling tough terrain, and providing the freedom to explore the open road. They are ideal for transporting large and bulky items, including furniture, construction materials, and recreational equipment.

Pickup trucks are often equipped with powerful engines that allow for towing trailers, boats, and other heavy loads. This makes them indispensable for people who require towing capacity. Many pickup trucks are designed for off-road adventures. Four-wheel drive and rugged suspensions enable them to handle challenging terrain, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Unfortunately, owning a pickup truck also means facing the challenge of keeping it protected from the elements, prying eyes – and thieves – and potential damage while it’s parked. This is where pickup truck covers come to the rescue, serving as essential accessories to safeguard your truck and its contents.

Whether you're a contractor transporting tools, an outdoor enthusiast with sports equipment, or simply someone who wants to preserve the pristine condition of your truck, choosing the right pickup truck cover is a critical decision.

Pickup truck covers offer a range of features designed to safeguard your pickup truck, enhance your truck's aesthetics, and improve its overall functionality.

What to Look for In a Pickup Truck Cover

How do you choose the best truck cover for your pickup truck? Consider these factors when searching for the right pickup truck cover.

Versatility is key when it comes to your pickup truck cover. A versatile pickup truck cover serves multiple purposes or meets different needs like providing protection in various weather conditions, being adaptable to different makes and models of pickup trucks, being suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and providing durability and protection in different environments.
For your convenience, we recommend looking for a truck cover that is user-friendly. It should be easy to install and remove without hassle.
When considering truck covers, it's important to assess their ruggedness. Certain pickup trucks are designed to endure the rigors of long-term use. Look for covers that are crafted from sturdy materials, have water-resistant properties, and exhibit high-quality craftsmanship that can withstand the test of time and endure wear and tear.
Security is a top priority when selecting a pickup truck cover. It's essential to choose a cover that can effectively conceal your belongings. Look for covers with locking mechanisms, or choose one compatible with tailgate locks to deter theft. Some covers come with built-in security features such as grommets for cable locks. This adds an extra layer of protection against theft or unauthorized access to your vehicle.
Warranty coverage is crucial because you'll likely subject your truck cover to extensive use, and the last thing you want is to be concerned about unexpected defects that render it unusable. It is highly recommended to look for manufacturers that provide robust warranties for their pickup truck covers, even in cases where defects may emerge several years after your initial purchase. This ensures peace of mind and long-term protection for your investment. A good warranty demonstrates the manufacturer's confidence in the product's quality and durability.
When evaluating truck covers, it's essential to consider their weather resistance. Look for weatherproof truck covers that offer waterproof capabilities and are UV-resistant. Additionally, pay attention to the presence of effective weather seals and a snug fit, as these elements work together to keep your vehicle dry and shielded from the harmful effects of sunlight, ensuring its protection.
Compatibility is key when selecting a pickup truck cover. Make certain that the cover you opt for is compatible with other accessories or features on your truck.
A storage bag is a practical accessory, allowing you to neatly store the cover when not in use. Look for covers that come with a compact and durable storage bag for easy transportation and space-saving storage.
Aesthetic considerations play a significant role in your pickup truck cover selection. It's important to choose a cover that aligns with the style and overall appearance of your truck. Pickup truck covers are available in a variety of designs, colors, and finishes, allowing you to select one that enhances your vehicle's visual appeal.
Don't overlook the importance of the return policy when purchasing a truck cover. Be sure to examine the return policy provided by the retailer or manufacturer, as this can be a crucial safeguard in case you encounter any issues or concerns with the cover after your purchase.
Select a cover that is specifically designed for your pickup truck's make and model. This ensures a snug fit, minimizing the risk of damage caused by loose or flapping material.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a pickup truck cover that best suits your needs, whether it's for protection from the elements, added security, or a combination of both.

The Importance Of a Pickup Truck Cover

The significance of pickup truck covers extends beyond a mere protective layer. They play a crucial role in maintaining the condition and longevity of your vehicle. The following points will help you understand the importance of pickup truck covers.

Weather resistance. Pickup truck covers act as a shield, protecting your vehicle from the diverse and often harsh elements of weather. Whether it's the scorching sun, heavy rain, or snowfall, a quality cover provides a barrier that prevents damage to the truck's exterior.
Preserve aesthetics. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to paint fading and degradation of the truck's finish. Pickup truck covers, especially those made from UV-resistant materials, offer effective defense against harmful sun rays, preserving the vehicle's aesthetic appeal over time.
Prevent scratches. Parking your pickup truck outdoors exposes it to potential scratches, bird droppings, tree sap, and other debris. A reliable cover acts as a barrier, preventing these elements from reaching the vehicle's surface and causing unsightly blemishes.
Interior protection. Pickup truck covers don't just shield the exterior; they also provide a layer of defense against interior damage. They guard against the fading of the dashboard, seats, and other interior components caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Prevent theft and vandalism. A covered truck is less enticing to potential thieves and vandals. The added layer can act as a deterrent, discouraging unauthorized access and protecting your valuable belongings stored in the truck bed.
Preserve value. Regular use of a pickup truck cover helps maintain the vehicle's overall condition. This preservation of appearance and functionality contributes to retaining a higher resale value when you are about to sell your truck.
Reduce maintenance costs. By acting as a protective barrier, a cover reduces the wear and tear on your truck's exterior. This, in turn, minimizes the frequency of maintenance and repairs, saving you both time and money in the long run.
Customizable options for individual needs. Pickup truck covers come in various types, allowing you to choose one that aligns with your specific needs. Whether you need an indoor cover for garage storage or a heavy-duty outdoor cover for all-weather protection, customization options abound.

By investing in a quality cover, you will not only protect your truck's appearance and functionality but you will also contribute to its long-term value and performance.

Types of Pickup Truck Covers

Prior to selecting a cover for your truck, it's essential to determine the parking location for your vehicle – whether it will be indoors or outdoors.

#1. Indoor Pickup Truck Covers

Indoor pickup truck covers are designed specifically for vehicles stored in enclosed spaces, such as garages or indoor parking facilities. These covers are designed to protect your truck from various elements encountered in indoor environments.

Purpose:

Ideal storage solution. Indoor covers are tailored for trucks stored in controlled environments where the primary concern is protecting the vehicle from dust, dirt, and minor scratches.

Features:

Lightweight materials. Indoor covers are typically crafted from lightweight materials, making them easy to handle during installation and removal.
Breathability. To prevent moisture buildup and condensation, indoor covers often feature breathable materials, ensuring proper ventilation and preventing mold or mildew growth.
Soft inner lining. Many indoor covers come with a soft inner lining that adds an extra layer of protection, preventing potential scratches or abrasions to the truck's finish.

Advantages:

Dust and dirt protection. The primary function of indoor covers is to shield your pickup truck from dust and dirt particles that can accumulate over time, particularly in garage environments.
Scratch prevention. The soft inner lining provides a protective barrier against scratches, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your truck's exterior.
Minimal wear and tear. By preventing dust and debris from settling on the vehicle, indoor covers help minimize the wear and tear on the paint and finish.

Considerations:

Limited outdoor use. While effective for indoor protection, these covers may not offer the robust weather resistance required for outdoor storage in challenging weather conditions.
Storage bag. Many indoor covers come with a convenient storage bag, allowing you to neatly store the cover when not in use.

Usage Tips:

Regular cleaning. Due to their primary function of protecting against dust, it's advisable to regularly clean both the inside of the cover and your truck to maintain optimal cleanliness.
Gentle installation. When putting on or removing the cover, handle it gently to avoid transferring any dust or dirt particles onto the truck's surface.

Indoor pickup truck covers are a specialized solution for preserving the cleanliness and appearance of your vehicle when stored in controlled indoor environments. Their lightweight, breathable design makes them a practical choice for safeguarding your truck from common indoor contaminants.

#2. Outdoor Pickup Truck Covers

Outdoor pickup truck covers are designed to shield your vehicle from the diverse and often harsh elements encountered in outdoor environments. These covers provide incredible protection against rain, snow, UV rays, and other outdoor elements that can potentially damage your truck.

Purpose:

Weather resistance. Outdoor covers are specifically engineered to withstand exposure to various weather conditions, making them suitable for protecting your pickup truck in outdoor settings.

Features:

Durable materials. Outdoor covers are typically crafted from durable, weather-resistant materials such as polyester or polyethylene. These materials provide reliable protection against rain, snow, and the damaging effects of prolonged sun exposure.
Waterproofing. Many outdoor covers feature effective waterproofing to prevent moisture penetration, ensuring your truck remains dry and protected even during heavy rainfall.
UV resistance. UV-resistant materials shield your vehicle from the sun's harmful rays, preventing paint fading and deterioration over time.

Advantages:

All-weather protection. Outdoor covers offer comprehensive protection in diverse weather conditions, making them ideal for year-round use.
Prevent debris damage. The cover acts as a barrier against outdoor debris, such as bird droppings, tree sap, and leaves, preventing potential damage to your truck's exterior.
Minimize sun damage. UV-resistant materials protect your vehicle from the adverse effects of prolonged sun exposure, preserving the paint and finish.

Considerations:

Breathability. While outdoor covers provide excellent protection, it's advisable to choose covers with breathable materials to prevent condensation and mold growth during extended use.
Secure fit. Ensuring a secure and snug fit is crucial, especially in outdoor environments where covers may be exposed to wind and other elements that can cause shifting.

Usage Tips:

Regular cleaning. Due to exposure to outdoor elements, it's recommended to regularly clean both the cover and your truck to maintain optimal cleanliness and protection.
Secure fastening. Securely fasten the cover using tie-down straps or other features to prevent flapping in windy conditions, ensuring continuous protection.

Outdoor pickup truck covers are a reliable solution for safeguarding your vehicle against the rigors of outdoor elements. Their durable and weather-resistant features make them well-suited for protecting your truck in a variety of outdoor environments and weather conditions.

Universal vs Custom-Fit Pickup Truck Covers

Selecting the right pickup truck cover is crucial for ensuring optimal protection. Both universal-fit and custom-fit covers have their own set of advantages and considerations. While universal covers may fit certain vehicles, custom-fit covers are tailored to the exact dimensions of your truck, providing a more secure and effective protective barrier.

#1. Universal-Fit Pickup Truck Covers

Universal-fit covers offer a budget-friendly solution for vehicle protection.

Advantages:

Budget-friendly. Affordability is a notable feature of universal-fit covers, making them an economical option for truck owners seeking practical and cost-effective protection. The cost of universal-fit covers is generally lower compared to custom-fit options, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Ease of availability. Due to their broad compatibility, universal-fit covers are often readily available online and in physical stores, providing truck owners with easy access to these protective solutions. Universal covers are convenient and user-friendly, especially for individuals who appreciate the ease of purchasing a cover that can accommodate various truck models.
Budget considerations. If cost is a significant factor and you prioritize affordability without compromising basic protection, a universal-fit cover may be suitable.

Considerations:

Fit accuracy. Universal covers may not provide the precise and snug fit that custom-fit covers offer. This can result in a looser fit, potentially leaving certain areas exposed to elements like wind and debris.
Appearance. The appearance of a universal-fit cover may be more generic compared to a custom-fit cover. The fit might not be as streamlined or tailored, impacting the overall aesthetics.

While universal covers may not provide the precision fit of custom covers, the affordability and availability factors make them a practical choice for truck owners who are looking for accessible and budget-friendly protection.

#2. Custom-Fit Pickup Truck Covers

Custom-fit pickup truck covers are meticulously crafted to provide a precise and snug fit for specific makes and models of trucks. These covers offer superior protection and a tailored appearance, ensuring optimal coverage for your valuable vehicle.

Advantages:

Tailored design. Custom-fit covers are uniquely designed to match the exact specifications of your truck's make and model. This ensures a precise fit, covering every contour and curve.
Secure fit. The snug fit of a custom cover minimizes the risk of shifting or flapping, thereby providing enhanced protection against wind, rain, and other outdoor elements.
Additional features. Many custom-fit covers come with features like mirror and antenna pockets, ensuring that every part of your truck is covered for comprehensive protection.
Precise protection. The tailored design of custom covers means every inch of your truck is shielded, offering superior protection against elements like dust, debris, and weather conditions.
Enhanced aesthetics. Custom-fit covers provide a sleek and tailored appearance, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your truck even when covered.
Optimal security. The secure seal of a custom-fit cover not only protects against environmental factors but also acts as a deterrent, enhancing security against potential theft or vandalism.

Considerations:

Higher investment. Custom-fit covers are typically more expensive than universal-fit covers. However, the higher upfront investment often translates to long-term value in terms of protection and durability.
Specific compatibility. Custom covers are designed for specific makes and models, limiting their usability if you own multiple trucks or frequently change vehicles.
Precise protection priority. If you prioritize precise protection tailored to your truck's exact specifications, a custom-fit cover is the ideal choice.
Aesthetic considerations. For truck owners who value a sleek and tailored appearance, a custom-fit cover enhances the overall aesthetics of the covered vehicle.

Custom-fit pickup truck covers offer an unparalleled level of protection by providing a snug and tailored fit. While they may come with a higher initial cost, the benefits in terms of precise coverage and enhanced aesthetics make them a preferred choice for those who prioritize optimal protection for their valuable vehicles.

Why Choose a Seal Skin Cover for Your Pickup Truck?

At Seal Skin, we offer some of the best pickup truck covers on the market. You can find a wide range of semi-custom-fit pickup truck covers that are affordable, durable, and reliable. Our covers are a highly effective alternative to custom-fit pickup truck covers, delivering a similar level of protection while being notably more affordable.

Here are some remarkable features of our semi-custom-fit pickup truck covers:

The high-density material of a Seal Skin waterproof truck cover efficiently prevents dust and rain from infiltrating the pickup truck's engine system.
Constructed with heavy-duty material and high-reflective aluminum, our truck covers are built for durability. The resilient aluminum guarantees UV resistance, effectively keeping your truck cool, especially in the heat of peak summer.
Our waterproof truck covers, made from high-performance woven fabric, are designed to prevent mildew, mold, and rot. The fabric layers are permeable enough to allow moisture to escape, ensuring a protective and breathable cover for your truck.
The elasticized hem and hooks guarantee a secure and snug fit for our covers. Additionally, the buckle straps are in place to ensure that the cover can withstand strong winds, preventing it from being blown away and leaving your truck exposed and unprotected.

Our products are not just reasonably priced, but we will also ship your order right to your doorstep at no additional cost, without any delay. We offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee and a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty with every purchase.

You can call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST) and we will help you find the right pickup truck cover that fits your needs and budget. We will also help you if you have any questions about our products, shipping policies, and exchange/refund policies.