BAK Industries specializes in aluminum tonneau covers. As the leader in tonneau cover innovation, we have made it our continuous mission to come up with the best materials with which to produce hard tonneau covers. So it is no surprise that we lead the way in the production of aluminum tonneau covers. Our best selling folding tonneau cover, the BakFlip G2 is an all aluminum tonneau cover. So too is the RollBak G2 an all aluminum retractable tonneau cover.

Most aluminum retractable tonneau covers are made from aluminum extrusions. We generally refer to these aluminum extrusions as slats. Our RollBak aluminum tonneau cover incorporates upwards of about 40 slats that are interlinked to create one continuous cover that retracts into a canister. The aluminum tonneau cover slats are powder coated which gives the RollBak all aluminum tonneau cover an incredibly rugged feel. Our retractable aluminum tonneau cover is the strongest aluminum tonneau cover made, anywhere in the world. The great thing about an aluminum retractable tonneau cover like the RollBak is that if ever a slat is damaged, it can easily be replaced. Rather than replace the whole tonneau cover, an aluminum tonneau cover slat is all that's required. This can make a big difference to your pocket book if ever you damage your tonneau cover.

There's little doubt that an aluminum tonneau cover can also weigh more than many other kinds of tonneau covers, however, while the RollBak aluminum tonneau cover is indeed a heavy unit, the BakFlip aluminum tonneau cover is actually very light. This is another really important feature of what an aluminum tonneau cover can do for you.

Since the BakFlip aluminum tonneau cover is made from a series of tonneau cover panels, the aluminum is not solid all the way through, but rather laminated to a polystyrene core. This means that there's a sheet of aluminum on either side of half inch thick EPS polystyrene. The end result is not just that the aluminum tonneau cover is lighter, but also that it is very well insulated against heat, cold and water penetration. An aluminum tonneau cover like the BakFlip will give you unrivaled strength with the ease of operation unlike any other tonneau cover.

 

Advantages of Aluminum Tonneau Covers:

Aluminum tonneau covers have better rigidity. They do not flap around in the wind. An all aluminum tonneau cover will remain perfectly still when driving at freeway speeds. We often see soft vinyl tonneau covers vibrating and flapping around. This won't happen with an all aluminum tonneau cover.

Another great thing about aluminum tonneau covers is their ability to withstand heavy loads on top of them. An aluminum tonneau cover can definitely handle lots of snow and ice, so consider aluminum tonneau covers if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow in the winter.

 

Facts to consider before buying an Aluminum Tonneau:

One downfall of aluminum tonneau covers is the fact that when subjected to direct sun, they can heat up very quickly. While they are generally insulated so that the inside of your bed will still remain relatively cool, the top surface of aluminum tonneau covers can get very hot. if you live in an area like California, Arizona, Nevada or Texas, you should be aware of how hot an aluminum tonneau cover can get. With all the benefits of an aluminum tonneau cover, they do come with a price and heat is really what that price is.

 

Cost of an aluminum tonneau cover:

While you will generally find that an aluminum tonneau cover costs more than a soft vinyl tonneau cover, aluminum in not that expensive. An aluminum tonneau cover will typically cost less than a fiberglass tonneau, and when you consider that of all the hard tonneau covers, aluminum is the least expensive, it is well worth the cost. In addition, an aluminum tonneau cover is generally lighter to operate than other hard tonneau covers and built to last much longer so when you weigh up the cost, most tonneau covers work out to be a terrific deal.

 

Aluminum tonneau cover finishes:

Aluminum tonneau covers are generally painted or powder coated. Powder coated finishes are typically more expensive, but will certainly last way longer than a painted aluminum tonneau cover.

 

Wear and tear of aluminum tonneau covers:

Aluminum tonneau covers are strong! They are built tough and can withstand a tremendous amount if impact. That's why hurricane shutters are built from aluminum panels. It's why many aircrafts are built with aluminum. Aluminum is lighter than steel and can even be lighter than plastic, but don't be fooled, aluminum is as tough as nails! Aluminum will also last long because it will not corrode, it cannot rust and will not expand and contract. Aluminum tonneau covers cannot crack either. An aluminum tonneau cover will not bend or break. When it comes to a tonneau cover that will stand up to the test of time, an aluminum tonneau cover will exceed your expectations!