The tonneau cover is a funny name but it has a historical throwback. Back in the days when cars were brand new, they came up with this idea of adding seats in the rear for passengers. These were rounded like a barrel and called the Tonneau. The word is French and it means cask.
Back then all cars were open bodies. You were exposed to the elements, that’s just the way it was. In the 1930s people started racing cars and they realized that these bucket style seats weren’t the best for airflow. To gain that extra competitive advantage, they started copying what pilots were doing. That was covering all gaps with canvas to improve the airflow.
So, they started covering their tonneau. This reduced drag and these cars were able to go faster. A benefit because of this is improved gas mileage. Depending on your truck bed and how it affects the aerodynamics of your drive, it’s reasonable to expect a very slight increase.
What are the types of Tonneau covers?
Styles of covers are roll-up, tri-fold, snap and permanent. Most common materials used are fiberglass, metal(primarily aluminum), fabric, and plastic.
There is a lot of versatility in having a cover as it basically adds a trunk to your car. Many companies have sprung up solely selling these products.
What do you use to clean a tonneau cover?
There are tons of cleaning products on the market, but since this cover is going to be exposed to the elements most of the time it’s probably(in our judgment) a waste of time. Unless your cover got messy specifically, a piece of metal or plastic is going to wash clean in the carwash just like the rest of your car.
If you have a fabric tonneau cover, we recommend the following six steps.
1. Get a bucket of hot water
2. Get a brush or a towel if you don’t have one
3. Agitate the area with the brush and hot water
4. Mix a 7:1 solution of vinegar to baking soda.
5. Dip your brush in this solution and agitate again
6. Wipe clean with a towel and repeat as many times as necessary to fully remove stains