A fifth wheel is a sort of extra wheel for a 4-wheeled vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle that is used for towing and a trailer.
They are referred to as 5th wheels because they are similar to the coupling commonly used on 4 wheel horse-drawn carriages and wagons.
In this case, a wheel is put on the rear frame portion of the truck, which at that time had only just 4 wheels, thereby making the extra wheel the fifth.
Now, how do you choose the best tonneau covers for pulling a 5th wheel? What are the factors to look out for when choosing these kinds of tonneau covers among the myriads of truck bed covers on the market?
If you’re in a hurry to just grab the best tonneau covers for pulling 5th wheels, we strongly recommend the bed covers below, they are most efficient based on several criteria we considered.
- Retrax RetraxONE MX Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
- Retrax PRO MX Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
- BAK BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
- TruXedo TruXport Doft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
Best Tonneau Cover For Pulling 5th Wheel – Buyer’s Guide
The following criteria will enable you to make very satisfactory choices for the best tonneau covers in pulling a 5th wheel.
Durability and designs of the tonneau covers
The best tonneau covers for pulling the 5th wheel should be manufactured with highly refined materials that can withstand the elements such as rain, snow or ice, sunlight, and excessive stress.
To this end, they should be made of strong metals that can resist corrosion in the face of the persistent presence of water or moisture.
Therefore, their rails and support columns should be made from corrosion-resistant metals like aluminium. Furthermore, any leather component should also be wear and tear-resistant as well.
They should have a design that is very appealing too by fitting snuggly over the bed of the truck. Tight water seals should be strategically mounted at their edges that will safely prevent the intrusion of water into the truck bed and its cargo.
Pulling along a 5th wheel implies that you have to pay attention to what is trailing behind. Your rearview mirrors are therefore of paramount importance in this.
Notably, therefore, the best tonneau covers for pulling a 5th wheel have low profile roll-up designs and they also unwrap fast to enhance your rearview while pulling.
They should have tailgates that are either manually or automatically operated too. In addition, they should combine industrial strengthened aluminium construction with resilient matte finishes that can withstand scratch and add aesthetics to the truck.
All these features are designed to provide reliable protection for the truck bed and also a patented low-profile design that will enhance the truck’s overall outlook.
The release of their flush-mounted latches at the touch of a button should provide you prompt access to the truck bed and cargo, such that no key will be required to do this and with just one hand.
Their aluminium panels should be able to withstand and support sizeable loads too, up to about 500 lbs, which should be evenly spread across all the wheels.
Locks should be put in place along the truck bed with a matte finish. These tonneau covers should also glide effortlessly on the sealed ball bearings and have a low profile without canister extrusion.
Finally, they should be lockable in any chosen position, thereby giving you unlimited flexibility and security for both the cargo and truck bed.
Availability and terms of sale
Even the very best truck bed covers should be sold at prices that are affordable to potential customers without any compromise in their performances and overall durability.
Along the same vein, they should equally be widely available such that you can get them easily wherever you may live or stay.
Furthermore, they should be sold on terms that make them eligible for a full refund, replacement and return should there be any dissatisfaction with the product. As a result, they should have reasonably long guarantees and warranty terms of sale.
Ease of installation and operation
You should be able to install them easily without necessarily drilling any holes in the truck and fast too. Due to this all-important requirement, most of these high-end truck bed covers are sold to the customers already assembled, and hence, all you may have to do is just mount them.
For easy operation of these tonneau covers, you have the option of operating them either manually or automatically and from either side of the truck as well.
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Best Tonneau Cover For Pulling 5th Wheel – Reviews
1. Retrax PRO MX Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
This is a retractable truck bed cover that fits so many vehicles, and hence, its popularity. It is compatible with trucks like the 2019 to 2022 Chevy or GMC Silverado/Sierra.
It is manually operated and is made of aluminium. It features a tailgate with a key and combines impressive resilience and industrial strength aluminium construction.
Its matte finish accords it improved scratch resistance and a more attractive look. This truck bed cover does not only provide excellent protection but also gives it a sort of rare low-profile design that boosts its overall appearance, beauty, and a perfect rear view of the 5th wheel trailing behind.
To further enhance your rearview as you pull along, suitable tonneau covers for 5th wheels should unwrap as fast as possible to permit regular monitoring of the extra wheel.
Access to the truck bed does not require more than just releasing the flush-mounted latch at the touch of a button, which also means that it needs no key, for you to make it glide silently out of the way instantly.
This truck bed cover remains bright in its rails as well as generates a reliable seal that assists in keeping the elements at bay, thus protecting your cargo.
It is so durable that it can withstand support as much weight as 500 lbs, which is evenly spread across all the wheels of the truck, and its stylish matte finish adds to its glamour.
You can also lock it up from anywhere around the truck bed. This elegant product noiselessly glides on sealed ball bearings either to open or close the truck bed. Durability is assured by its aluminium panels and rails. It maintains a low profile without any canister extrusion.
Its price is quite affordable and it can be bought practically anywhere you are since it is a much sought-after luxury. It is also covered with a three-year warranty as well.
Increasingly, this cover locks through an electromagnetic brake. Installation and removal can be executed in mere minutes without any tools or drilling of holes. It is a sure protection against water, ice/snow, and dirt for your bed and cargo.
Pros
- It has an electromagnetic brake.
- It is very durable.
- This truck bed cover adds to the overall appeal and class of the truck.
Cons
- Sometimes, it is supplied with some damage to the sidewall.
2. Retrax RetraxONE MX Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
It is a roomy bed cover that measures about 5′ 7″ in size for the Super Crew and 67.1″ for the bed. Its resistance is boosted by its style of construction with a one-piece polycarbonate material that provides resistance to sudden impact and shocks, and its canister lies snuggly on the truck bed.
You can lock it from anywhere all around the rails thereby making it glide effortlessly on its sealed ball bearings. It also commands a low profile with no canister extrusion too.
The material used in its productions, like in the case of most bed covers of the same class, is improved polycarbonate. You can find it anywhere and it is sold at an affordable price.
In addition, you are given a 3-year warranty agreement. Notably, this truck bed cover does not have joints or hinges which can trap particles of debris, get worn out, or even freeze altogether. It is fitted with a secure key-lock that provides security more than any competing brand.
Again, access to the truck bed is very much simplified, which you can get at the touch of a button that will release the flush-mounted latch for the cover to glide noiselessly out or in.
More importantly, these truck bed covers stay flush at the rails that create a reliable seal, and equally, keep out the elements from either your cargo or the truck bed.
The material of the cover itself is polycarbonate which will provide rare performance and impressive security. While its durable construction gives it resistance to sudden impact and protection from sunlight in any climate.
Its polished look is thanks to the stylish low-profile matte finish that makes it resistant to easy scratches even under the toughest conditions.
This low-profile design also accords you with the much-needed view of the extra wheel behind for safe pulling. Furthermore, tonneau covers should glide fast out of the way to enable you regularly monitor what comes behind in the rearview mirror.
It is produced entirely from a single piece of material to enable it to retract easily even though there are no hinges or joints that commonly attract dust, which can easily cause it to wear out as well or even freeze altogether.
Its design and rail seals add to its general appearance and distinction. It also provides protection against the elements. The canister rail stays flat on the floor of the truck bed thereby making it one of the cutest truck bed covers around.
Pros
- It is very easy to install and remove.
- This bed cover is as durable as any of its kind.
- It comes at a very affordable price.
Cons
- Prolonged exposure to moisture can deface or damage it.
3. TruXedo TruXport Doft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
This may be a soft tonneau cover, but it is still widely regarded as one of the very best judging from the impressive customer reviews it enjoys.
It has a size of about 6′ 6″ for the bed and is therefore large enough to accommodate reasonably sized cargo. The material used in its production is black vinyl that commands great appeal and is both wear and tear-resistant too.
Its high-quality leather-grained vinyl material is also resistant to stretch, and it mounts perfectly onto the top of the truck bed thereby preventing the access of water, debris, or ice into the bed and its cargo.
This bed cover is so designed that its installation is both easy and fast without the need for tools or drilling of holes. It is very easy to both open and close.
It is widely available in retail outfits everywhere for easy and quick purchases. For the satisfaction of the customers, this product is sold subject to a 5-year warranty provision.
It is a soft roll-up type of truck bed cover that can be opened easily and fast with just one finger trigger latch on both sides of the tailgate.
Also, its low profile and the speed at which the bed cover unwraps are important, if you must keep constant watch of what is behind while pulling.
This bed cover provides a smooth and flat appearance when it is closed. Its dual paddle latches can be easily accessed from both sides of the rear of the truck, which can also securely fasten the tail rail in a locked position whenever you close the cover. It is built to see your cargo safely through the harshest of weather conditions.
Pros
- It has a dial latch system.
- It is very affordable and available in most places for purchase.
- Its installation takes only a couple of minutes to accomplish fully
Cons
- Exposure to perpetual and very harsh weather can damage it over time.
4. TruXedo TruXport Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
This truck bed cover is made of strong and very durable black vinyl material and it has a tailgate too. The vinyl material for its production is durable and attractive leather-grained material that is resistant to quick tear, premature wear, and unnecessary stretch.
It is easy to either close or open and is covered with a 5-year warranty agreement. It is widely available and is sold at affordable prices too.
Its dual paddle latches are easily accessible from both sides at the rear of the truck and they fasten the tailgate securely in a locked position whenever the cover is closed.
Like all tonneau covers for pulling 5th wheels, it has a low-profile feature to give you a constant and unhindered view of what is behind in the rearview mirror.
Therefore, this bed cover unwraps hurriedly, when operated, to ensure the continuous monitoring of the 5th wheel tagging behind.
Pros
- It is sold at affordable prices.
- Its installation is easy and fast.
- It is as durable as any other soft truck bed cover you can find anywhere.
Cons
- It is not suitable for some commonly used truck models.
5. BAK BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
This product is also suitable for many truck beds and is made from aluminium which confers on it impressive durability.
Furthermore, it has a stylish matte finish and automatic matching panels with superior perimeter seals and a dual-action tailgate seal too.
Access to the truck bed is easy and is also covered with a 5-year warranty. It is widely available and is sold at affordable prices too.
Both its installation and removal are easy and can be completed in minutes without tools or drilling of any holes in the truck.
The bed cover closes and opens fast at the touch of a button, to get out of the way quickly, thereby giving you unfettered access to the extra wheel behind in the rearview mirrors. In addition, they are produced with a low-profile feature for enhanced monitoring of what trails behind constantly.
Pros
- It commands a long-lasting performance.
- It is easy to install quickly.
- It provides enhanced security to your cargo.
Cons
- It can leak slightly when poorly installed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
(1). Can you tow a 5th wheel with a tonneau cover?
Yes, you can do so since the pin box may be fine. However, there is still the risk of damaging the truck bed cover. Therefore, the most advisable thing to do is to remove the tonneau cover and lay it on the truck bed before towing a 5th wheel.
(2). Which tonneau covers can you use to pull/tow 5th wheels?
The best possible tonneau to use in pulling or towing a 5th wheel is the RetraxPRO MX, which is retractable.
(3). Are there precautions to take when pulling your 5th wheel with tonneau covers?
The best advice is to remove the tonneau cover entirely before pulling a 5th wheel. On the other hand, if you must leave it installed while pulling, make sure that you drive carefully and within permitted speed limits.
Furthermore, maintain it regularly as instructed in the manual of operation and use your rearview mirrors very well while towing for the close monitoring of what is behind you.
(4). What is the best truck to pull a 5th wheel with?
Some of the best trucks for towing a 5th wheel are Dodge Ram 3500, Chevy Silverado 3500HD, Ford F-450 Super Duty, GMC Sierra among many others.
(5). How do you move the 5th wheel without a truck?
There are several ways you can do this. These are using dealer transport, borrowing a truck, using a rent a truck, with the aid of a trailer valet, and using shipping marketplaces.
Conclusion
The choice and use of some of the best tonneau covers for pulling a 5th wheel have been discussed in great depth, and if you adopt the procedures given, there is a pretty good chance that pulling the 5th wheeler can be done conveniently and safely across any sort of terrain.
