Best Tonneau cover Ram 1500: The best tonneau covers that actually get sworn by truck owners.

In the case of Ram 1500, where you have not yet added a tonneau cover, you are leaving your truck bed open to rain, theft, and UV. The choice of the most appropriate tonneau cover to fit on Ram 1500 is dependent on your budget, frequency of transporting gear, and the appearance of your truck.
This guide is a breakdown of the best available ones in the market today so you can no longer guess, and can begin to protect.

The reason why Ram 1500 Owners should have a tonneau cover.

A tonneau cover is not only a cosmetic accessory. It is among the most viable accessories that you can attach to your truck.
This is what a good tonneau cover can do to your Ram 1500:

Protect your equipment against rain, snow and direct sunlight.
Enhances fuel economy through less aerodynamic drag.
Hides your luggage and prevents theft.
Gives the truck bed a smooth finish.
Guarantees the truck bed liner is not cracked or faded.

The right tonneau cover is cost-recovered in a short time – particularly when you have to transport tools and equipment or other valuables on a regular basis.
While you are upgrading, go ahead and check out this full list of Dodge Trucks RAM 1500 accessories at https://myramcare.com/best-dodge-trucks-ram-1500-accessories/ — there are a lot of solid add-ons worth knowing about.

Ram 1500 Tonneau Covers.

It is good to understand what kind of cover suits your lifestyle better before we dive into the best ones.

Soft Roll-Up Tonneau Cover.

Most affordable option
Easy to install and remove
Superior in the daily driver who loads and unloads with a lot of frequency.
Not the safest when it comes to theft.

Hard Folding Tonneau Cover.

Most secure and accessible.
Folds back to allow full access to the bed.
Stronger against the weather than soft covers.
Mid-range to high price range.

Hard Retractable Tonneau Cover.

Slides into a canister at the cab end.
Most high-end appearance and smoothest profile.
Waterproofing and best security.
Premium price but worth the money.

Hinged One Piece Tonneau Cover.

Slaves like a trunk lid.
Extremely robust and very secure.
Restricted access to the bed except when open.
Excellent when the same size cargo has to be hauled regularly.

10 Best Tonneau Covers on Ram 1500.

1. TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll-Up Cover.

Best: Cost-efficient daily drivers.
TruXedo TruXport is not the most popular soft roll-up cover in the market without reason. It can be installed in less than 15 minutes and there is no drilling necessary, the tension control system ensures that it is drum tight at highway speeds.
Key Specs:

Low profile design is parallel to bedrail.
Buckle-free fastening system
Available for 5 ft 7 in and 6 ft 4 in Ram 1500 beds
Budget-friendly price under $300

Why Ram owners adore it: It will not flap when at highway speed and can handle light rain without leaking through the seams.

2. BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Tonneau Cover.

Best: The Truck owners who desire high-quality protection and complete access to the bed.
The BAKFlip MX4 has always been one of the most rated hard folding tonneau covers on the Ram 1500. The aluminum panels are tough and lightweight matte panels which provide the truck with a factory-finished appearance.
Key Specs:

Heavy-duty aluminum construction
Seat folds down to provide complete access to the bed.
Dual action tailgate seal to ensure better weather protection.
MSRP around $1,100 to $1,300

Unique selling point: The drainage system directs water off your cargo even during a down pour. It is among the finest hard tonneau covers in Ram 1500 in case you are used to severe weather.

3. Extang Solid Fold 2.0

Best: Heavy duty haulers that require utmost security.
The Extang Solid Fold 2.0 features aluminum panels of industrial grade and a rough dual-lock locking system. It is among the safest hard folding covers in this price range.
Key Specs:

Aircraft-grade aluminum slats
Third-fold folds to allow easy access to the bed either partially or fully.
Snap-in weatherstrip on all four sides.
Priced around $900 to $1,100

Pro tip: Works well with a spray-in bedliner to create a complete protection of the truck bed.

4. Undercover Ultra Flex Hard Folding Cover.

Best: Drivers desiring rigidity but not the premium cost.
The Undercover Ultra Flex provides hard cover security at a rate more akin to soft cover. The fiberglass-reinforced walls are impact resistant and can support hail and heavy loads on the top.
Key Specs:

Hinged panel tri-fold design.
Strip of LED lights embedded in the cover.
Supports as much as 400 lbs of weight evenly distributed.
MSRP around $700 to $900

Bonus feature: The inbuilt LED-lighting is a game-changer when loading gear in the dark.

5. Retrax ONE MX Retractable Tonneau Cover.

Best: Truck owners who desire the sleekest appearance and the highest level of security.
The Retrax ONE MX is the cover that appears like it was installed on the truck right off the factory. The matte aluminum slats slide quietly into a low profile canister at the rear of the cab.
Key Specs:

Matte aluminum construction
Maximum security canister that is key-locked.
One hand opens and closes within seconds.
MSRP around $1,400 to $1,600

Worth mentioning: This is among the finest tonneau covers to Ram 1500 when truck appearance is a key consideration to you.

6. Tyger Auto T3 Tri-Fold Soft cover.

Best: Ram 1500 owners with limited budget who desire good coverage.
The Tyger Auto T3 is way over its price. Its 24 oz marine grade vinyl is heavy-duty and more resistant to water, UV and light impacts than most covers in its price range.
Key Specs:

Tri-fold bed access design.
Weather resistance is enhanced by Velcro side seals.
Installation does not need any drilling.
Less than twenty dollars in the majority of cases.

Bottom line: It may not be the most glamorous, but it can do the job at the price.

7. Access Limited Edition Roll-Up Cover.

Best: Drivers seeking a basic upgrade to soft covers.
The Access Limited Edition has a ratcheting tension mechanism that maintains a tight and wrinkle-free cover in the long run. The high quality vinyl coating is not crackable in hot weather or during freezing.
Key Specs:

UV protective vinyl cover material.
Dual-strap tension system patented.
Fits the majority of Ram 1500 bed accessories.
MSRP around $350 to $450

Good to know: This cover can be used with Ram MultiFunction tailgate, which is a big deal with newer Ram 1500 models.

8. Lund Genesis Elite Tri-Fold Cover.

Best in: Premium soft cover appearance: Style-conscious Ram owners.
The Lund Genesis Elite is made with a soft diamond-stitched vinyl top that is stretched over a stiff frame. It appears far more classy than a normal soft cover, and the aluminum frame ensures that it does not give way with light loads or rain pools.
Key Specs:

Black vinyl exterior with diamond stitching.
Hard aluminum side rails and cross bars.
Folds in thirds to access the bed.
Priced around $500 to $650

Design note: This one is observed in parking lots. It resembles more closely a hard cover than most soft folding ones.

9. DiamondBack Hard Cover HD.

Best Uses: Work truck owners that require walking on their tonneau cover.
The DiamondBack HD is the toughest in this list. It is constructed of diamond plated aluminum and is designed to hold a maximum weight of 1,600 lbs in a static position. You can stand on it literally.
Key Specs:

Frame and panels 6061 aircraft grade aluminum.
Rack-mount with extra cargo.
Flush locks that fit in the bedrail.
High-end cost beginning at approximately 1800 dollars.

Who it is aimed at: Contractors, outdoorsmen, and anyone who works his truck seriously.

10. Fold-A-Cover G4 Elite

Best: People who need flexibility in hard cover access and own Ram 1500.
The Fold-A-Cover G4 Elite unfolds in a four-fold fold providing you with up to 100 percent access to the bed without being detached. The locking bar system guarantees serious security on the entire length of the cover.
Key Specs:

Fold design made of four panels of aluminum.
Can fold completely forward to the cab
Integrated seal gasket on all edges
MSRP around $1,200 to $1,400

Major advantage: You have the advantage of having hard cover security without losing any truck bed or access.

The Best Tonneau cover to use on your Ram 1500.

How You Use Your Truck, Match the Cover.

All Ram 1500 owners do not haul alike. The following is a brief summary:

Everyday driver who needs to haul occasionally: Soft roll-up, soft tri-fold.
Frequent transporting with safety requirement: Hard folding cover.
Fancy appearance and ultimate protection: Retractable hard cover.
Work truck with heavy load requirements: DiamondBack HD or hard one-piece

See That It Fits Your Bed Size.

Ram 1500 is available in three bed lengths, 5 ft 7 in, 6 ft 4 in and 8 ft. You should always make sure the cover is spec’d to match your bed length before ordering.

Think about Your Tailgate Type.

Newer Ram 1500 trucks come with the MultiFunction tailgate or the split tailgate. All tonneau covers do not fit, and you should visit the product page before purchasing.

Think About Installation.

The majority of soft covers are installed without any drilling in 15 to 30 minutes. Hard folding covers normally require between 30 and 60 minutes. The maximum time is 90 minutes and two individuals may be required to lift the retractable covers.

Ram 1500 Tonneau Cover Compatibility Quick Reference.

This is a basic guide on how to match cover type to Ram 1500 model year:

2009-2018 Ram 1500 (4 th gen): Compatible with majority of brands.
2019 to present Ram 1500 (5th Gen): Check MultiFunction tailgate compatibility
Ram 1500 Classic (2019 to present): 4th gen bed dimensions, check specs.

If you are building out a 5th Gen Ram right now, the 10 best running boards at https://myramcare.com/5th-gen-ram-1500-running-boards/ are worth a look too — they pair well with a clean tonneau setup.

Tonneau Cover Care and Maintenance Tips.

With a cover installed, a bit of maintenance will do you a long way.

Wipe down the soft vinyl with a soft soap and water solution after every few months.
Coat vinyl covers with UV protectant to avoid cracking and fading.
Spray hard cover hinges and latches yearly with a dry lubricant spray.
Crack or gap weather seals after extreme cold weather.
On retractable covers, keep the drain channels open to avoid water stagnation.

Pro tip: A properly taken care of tonneau cover can survive 10 or more years with simple maintenance.

More Must-Have Accessories to your Ram 1500.

A tonneau cover is only a beginning. And in the process, you might want to consider the following additional upgrades:

• If you want to keep building out the truck, this roundup of Dodge trucks RAM 1500 accessories at https://myramcare.com/dodge-trucks-ram-1500-accessories-3/ has a lot of the popular add-ons worth considering alongside your new cover.
• Do not forget the interior. The best seat covers for Ram 1500 at https://myramcare.com/ram-1500-seat-covers-guide/ are worth checking out — your seats take just as much daily abuse as the truck bed.
• If you pull a trailer, make sure the wiring is solid before your next haul. This guide on how to rewire a 2012 Ram 1500 trailer at https://myramcare.com/how-to-rewire-a-2012-ram-1500-trailer/ walks you through it clearly.

Conclusion

The search of optimal tonneau cover of Ram 1500 is not universal. You can find a solid option of this list regardless of whether you require a budget-friendly soft roll-up to use on a daily basis or a fully lockable hard retractable cover to use in a work truck.
The BAKFlip MX4 is our overall choice among the majority of drivers, as it is durable, provides weather resistant features, is secure, and has a better appearance compared to nearly anything at that cost.
However, when you are tight on cash, the TruXedo TruXport will not disappoint you. And when money is not the issue and you are in search of the best of the best then the Retrax ONE MX or DiamondBack HD are difficult to argue.
Choose the cover that suits your driving style, your load, and the appearance you desire your Ram 1500 to have. Then go have fun in your truck.

 Frequently Asked Questions.

Which is the most suitable brand of tonneau cover in Ram 1500?

Some of the most rated brands of Ram 1500 at all times are BAKFlip, TruXedo, Retrax, and Extang. BAKFlip MX4 is the best bet as a combination of durability, protection against weather and a clean appearance.

Does a tonneau cover enhance my Ram 1500 fuel economy?

Yes, but the improvement is different. In the real world, the tonneau cover has been tested to increase the fuel economy by 1 to 5 percent, depending on the type of cover and the speed at which it is driven.

Do tonneaus keep the water out?

A majority of tonneau covers are not entirely waterproof but resistant. Rubber-sealed hard covers are as close to waterproof as possible. Soft covers do not splash much in rain but can be leaky during heavy downpours.

What is the time to install a tonneau cover on a Ram 1500?

Soft roll-up applications usually take between 15 and 30 minutes to install. Hard folding covers take 30 to 60 minutes. Retractable ones can require up to 90 minutes.

Does a tonneau cover fit on a Ram Box?

Yes, but not all covers are compatible. Particularly target tonneau covers that are claimed to be Ram Box compatible, because the bedrail is a different shape on Ram Box models.

What size bed does my Ram 1500 have?

Ram 1500 comes in three bed sizes: 5 ft 7 in (short bed), 6 ft 4 in (standard bed), and 8 ft (long bed). Check your door jamb sticker or VIN for your exact configuration before ordering.

Do care more about paying more on a hard tonneau cover?

Yes, in case security, long-term durability and weather resistance are important to you. Hard covers are more expensive to buy initially, but tend to last longer than soft covers and offer more protection to your equipment.