Truck bed covers are an excellent way to add style and security to your pickup. If you have a Chevrolet Colorado, and you’re wondering which bed cover you should buy for your truck, look no further.
We’ve gone ahead and compiled a list of some of the best Colorado bed covers on the market today. Most of these are roll-up and tri-fold style bed covers, which tend to be the most cost-efficient and easiest to install, making them ideal for new truck owners and casual, general-use drivers.
Tyger T3 Tonneau Cover
Editor’s Choice: Best overall
This is perhaps the best Colorado bed cover for newer models on the market. It is a tri-fold cover that comes in both hard-top and soft-top styles. Each style comes in three different sizes for optimum fit.
The Tyger T3 Tonneau Cover keeps your truck bed clean and dry even after repeated rainstorms and power washes. Long road trips are nothing for this well-designed bed cover. With proper care and installation, it will last for years.
Why we love it
- Quick and easy no-drill installation
- Inexpensive yet high-quality
- Fits perfectly as long as you order the right size
- Lifetime limited warranty
Made of heavy-duty vinyl, the soft cover has aluminum frames and stainless steel clamps for ultimate durability. The hard cover is made of aluminum layered with polymers for extra strength and security. It is lightweight, making it easy to install, open, close, and remove as needed.
This is a well-made, quality, affordable bed cover. In fact, Tyger is so confident in this product that they offer a limited lifetime warranty.
Check PriceMaxMate Soft Roll-Up Bed Cover
Editor’s Choice: Best roll-up
This roll-up truck bed cover, like the Tyger cover above, is made of vinyl, aluminum, and stainless steel. This cover is marketed specifically for 2015-2018 models of the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, but it will fit later models as long as the truck bed measures 5’2″.
The MaxMate Soft Roll-Up is super easy to use. Simply roll it back for quick access to any part of the truck bed. When you're ready to go, just unroll, seal the edges, and hit the road. It's that easy.
Why we love it
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
- Opens and closes in seconds
This bed cover comes with a 10-year warranty. It is easy to install and comes with side velcro stripping and a latch-lock seal at the tailgate. It keeps out rain and snow like a champ and stays in place even at high speeds.
This cover is made of marine-grade vinyl, supported by aluminum crossbars that roll up with the tarp; stainless steel clamps add to the cover’s durability.
The MaxMate Soft Roll-Up is an affordable, durable, hassle-free truck bed cover.
Check PriceGator ETX Truck Bed Cover
Editor’s Choice: Best style selection
This truck bed cover is offered in five different styles: roll-up, tri-fold, hard tri-fold, hard quad-fold, and hard retractable. All these styles are easy to install and made to fit 2015-2020 Chevy Colorado.
This Gator ETX Truck Bed Cover lets you pick your favorite style. Whichever one you choose, this bed cover is easy to install and made of quality materials.
Why we love it
- American-made
- A good truck bed cover at an affordable price
- Offered in four different styles, so you have several different options to choose from
Heavy-duty aluminum hard covers lock automatically when the cover is closed, while industrial-grade vinyl soft covers roll or fold up in seconds. The retractable cover has unique locking mechanisms that enable you to lock the cover in any open position. All styles of this cover mount on the inside of the rails, and tough latches provide extra security.
This cover offers superior theft protection and waterproofing capabilities. The Gator ETX is made in the USA and is a quality product for the price.
Check PriceHow to Choose the Best Bed Cover for Your Truck
The type of bed cover you choose will depend on what you want from it. If you’re looking for something cheap, suitable for casual to moderate use, and easy to handle, the best option would be a roll-up or tri-fold cover. These may not be as durable as the more expensive covers, but with the proper care and maintenance, you can get the best out of them.
One of the most appealing features of a Tonneau cover is that it will save you money on gas. Check out this experiment on gas mileage:
Many of the covers reviewed in this article are roll-up bed covers. These are one of the most popular types of truck bed cover, as they are easy to install and relatively inexpensive. They are also easy to use because they keep your truck bed and cargo out of the elements, and if you have something larger to haul, you don’t have to remove the cover–just roll it back.
Tri-fold covers are also quite popular. Folding bed covers come in both hard and soft styles. Hard tri-fold covers tend to provide the most security, while soft tri-fold covers are flexible, easier to handle, and often, more weatherproof. Whatever style you choose, tri-fold covers fold back in sections, exposing different parts of the truck bed depending on how many sections you fold.
Retractable bed covers “retract” into a compartment at the front of the truck bed, just behind the cab, making them easy to open for hauling bigger items. Some are rigid, while others are soft. Retractable bed covers are usually made of aluminum, vinyl, polycarbonate, or a combination of materials. They are often more expensive than roll-up and tri-fold covers and may be more challenging to install and remove, but once they are in place, they are super convenient to use.
If you want something durable but still relatively inexpensive, or if you haul many different types and sizes of items, a retractable cover may be for you. Keep in mind, though, you may need some help installing it, either from a friend or a professional.
High-impact covers and fiberglass covers are the most expensive and durable bed covers on the market. These heavy-duty covers are usually made of plastic, aluminum, vinyl, or, of course, fiberglass. Most high-impact covers are quite expensive and may reduce the storage space in your truck bed. They are usually quite heavy and may require two or more people, if not a professional, to install and remove.
If you need something really heavy-duty, perhaps for a work vehicle or a truck frequently used for hauling lots of different items, you may want to spend the extra money for a high-impact or fiberglass cover. In particular, the fiberglass cover may be preferable if you want a sleek-looking cover that seems like a part of your truck. Just keep in mind, both these types of covers will cost you a lot of money upfront and will be more permanent attachments to your truck.
Whatever cover you choose, you’ll want to make sure you order the right size. Measure your truck bed from just behind the cab to the inside edge of the tailgate. Chevy Colorado trucks will have either a short bed or a long bed. The short bed will measure 62.7 inches, while the long bed will measure 74 inches.
If you have a short bed truck, buy a cover with an advertised length of 5 or 5.2 feet. If your truck has a long bed, the 6- or 6.2-foot cover should fit more accurately.
The life of your bed cover depends on the type of cover you buy and how well you take care of it. For example, if you buy a soft roll-up cover and use it every day for long distances, in bad weather, and without proper care, it may last several months or a couple of years, but eventually, it will show signs of wear and tear.
3 Important Factors to Consider when Choosing a Truck Bed Cover
- The type of cover you want
- The cost of the cover
- The size of your truck bed
Other Truck Bed Covers You Might Consider
TruXedo Soft Roll-Up Truck Bed Cover
This bed cover comes in three variations of the basic roll-up style, two of which are made of leather-grain vinyl and one of a matte woven fabric. It fits 2015-2020 Chevy Colorado.
The TruXedo Soft Roll-Up is a sleek, low-profile cover. It provides protection from the weather and offers better security than other soft covers.
Why we love it
- American-made
- Close-fitting, simple look discourages theft
- Very affordable
Needs improvement
- May not fit some years and models
TruXedo covers are simple to install, and, when installed appropriately, they keep out the rain and don’t sag even under several inches of snow. The fabric covers are easy to roll and unroll and don’t wrinkle easily.
This cover serves as a good general deterrent, discouraging theft because it isn’t easy to break into. Though it can be cut with a bit of time and effort, it is not as easy to damage as you might think, and its low-profile appearance easily conceals whatever may be in your truck bed.
Be sure you are ordering the correct size and style for your truck. Some buyers have reported that the cover doesn’t fit quite right or has an awkward shape, though this could be due to mistakes made during ordering.
Made in the USA, this cover offers good-quality protection from the elements and potential theft at a very reasonable price.
Check PriceTonnoPro Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
This truck bed cover comes in hard tri-fold, soft tri-fold, and soft roll-up styles. It is affordable, easy to install, and made of durable materials resistant to damage and weathering.
This TonnoPro cover is made to last. With three different styles to choose from and a limited lifetime guarantee to give you confidence, you can't go wrong with this cover.
Why we love it
- Easy to install, fold back or roll up, and remove
- Damage-resistant cover
- Good, clean fit
- Affordable and covered by a limited lifetime warranty
Needs improvement
- Low-quality hardware prone to breaking
The soft covers are made of double-layer, tear-resistant vinyl, making them durable and secure. The hard cover offers even more security and is constructed of vinyl-topped aluminum panels. It also has water-resistant edging, which helps to keep out the rain and snow.
This cover is lightweight and comes fully assembled, making for super-easy installation and removal (the tailgate must be open in order to remove it). Many users consider it the most easy-to-use tonneau cover on the market.
Some buyers consider this TonnoPro cover lower-quality than some of the other covers on this list. For example, the clamps are made of plastic, and the aluminum frame may bend, causing the cover to sag under heavy snow.
That said, if installed correctly and cared for properly, this is a functional cover at a very affordable price.
Check PriceLund Genesis Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
Lund Genesis covers come in hard tri-fold and soft roll-up styles so you can choose the one that works best for your individual needs. This cover’s patented latching system and tensioner help ensure a tight hold on your truck bed.
The Lund Genesis Tonneau Cover is one of the most easy-to-use covers you'll find. It comes fully pre-assembled and maintains a firm seal on the top of your truck bed, keeping bad weather and potential thieves out.
Why we love it
- American-made
- A functional, low-profile look
- Inexpensive
Needs improvement
- Hard-to-follow installation instructions
- The cover sometimes runs a little small
Made in the USA, these covers come with a lifetime warranty. They are made of high-quality, durable vinyl and aluminum that hold up well under rain, snow, and high winds. These covers also boast a one-of-a-kind latching system, tension control, and hook-and-loop sealing to keep your truck bed weatherproof and secure.
Some buyers report difficulties with installation, claiming the instructions were difficult to follow. Others had trouble positioning the cover to fit correctly. But once it is on and in the proper position, this cover keeps your truck bed dry and doesn’t flap around in the wind. It’s a practical, low-cost option that works well on a budget.
Check PriceBAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Bed Cover
The BAKFlip MX4 is a sturdy hard tri-fold cover that can withstand up to 400 lbs of evenly-distributed weight. Durable aluminum panels lock automatically when the cover is closed for secure and hassle-free use.
This tri-fold cover provides excellent theft protection. Heavy-duty panels keep your cargo hidden safely in the truck bed while making it difficult for thieves to break in.
Why we love it
- Secure
- Quality, weather-resistant matte finish
- 100% truck bed access
Needs improvement
- May leak in heavy rain
This BAKFlip cover has a sleek, no-profile design and durable matte finish, both of which will add to your truck’s appearance. The unique tailgate seal allows you to close the cover while the tailgate is either up or down, so it’s easy to simply keep the cover in place, slide your cargo into the truck bed, shut the tailgate, and go.
While this cover is more expensive than some covers, it makes up for it in durability and security. This is a good, American-made product with a lot to offer.
Check PriceJJ Soft Vinyl Roll-up Waterproof Tonneau Cover
This roll-up tonneau cover is made to fit 2015-2020 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks. It comes in 5-foot-and 6-foot sizes.
This inexpensive cover offers a simple, no-nonsense solution to keeping your truck bed clean and dry. Easy to install and even easier to use, this cover is sure to provide you with a hassle-free truck bed experience.
This is a top-mount style cover, allowing for better water runoff. The cover is made of UV- and cold-resistant materials to help reduce weathering. The manufacturer claims it will “reduce gas mileage up to 10% by improving aerodynamics.”
It is easy to install, looks great, and holds up remarkably well for the price.
Why we love it
- Cost-efficient but well-made cover
- Quick and easy installation
- Sleek appearance
Needs improvement
- The manufacturer only offers a 3-year warranty
Conclusion
Buying a truck bed cover is a fantastic choice if you want to protect your cargo and keep your Chevy Colorado in top shape. Regardless of the type you choose, it may cost you a bit of money upfront. But if you choose wisely, your bed cover will save you money and hassle in the long run.