Choosing Between Gaylord and Undercover Hard Bed Covers

The Initial Dilemma

A guy at the local truck parts store once told me that buying a tonneau cover was a waste of money and time. His argument was that no one west of the Rockies needed to cover their truck bed because snow was the only thing worth keeping out. He believed that water would seep through any cover and dry out quickly. Knowing he was mistaken, I bought a cheap, soft cover anyway. A month later, after pieces of my vinyl tonneau were stolen, I returned to confront him. If no one needed or wanted a cover, why was mine worth stealing? He had no answer, just a dumbfounded grunt.

The Search for a Better Cover

My next steps were clear: find a new truck parts shop with knowledgeable staff and choose a cover without loose, accessible, or soft parts that could be easily stolen. I concluded that a hard truck bed lid was my best option. Although they are more expensive than vinyl covers, you get what you pay for. They look better and are significantly more secure, which was now my top priority.

Gaylord Truck Bed Covers

The first option I considered was a custom Gaylord truck bed cover. These covers are made from fiberglass, feature gas strut lifts, keyed openings, and custom paint matching. There's no denying that a Gaylord lid is impressive, but the price is steep—about six times more than the soft cover I was replacing. Additionally, it's heavy, making it a two-person job to remove. You also need a place to store the lid without damaging the paint. Fortunately, I had a suitable storage spot and a wife willing to help with the lifting. The only hurdle was the price.

Undercover Tonneau Covers

Next, I looked at my friend's bed cover. He found the receipt and told me it was an Undercover tonneau cover. Unlike the Gaylord, the Undercover wasn't smoothly painted to match the truck; it had a rough texture. However, the black surface would look fine with my dark blue GMC, and it was significantly cheaper. The Undercover cover is made from a lighter plastic material, making it a one-person job to remove. While it looked less sturdy and less custom-made, the price—about half of the Gaylord cover—was appealing.

Weighing the Options

I considered how I used my truck. While I don't often carry large items, I like the flexibility to use my truck as needed without worrying about scratching the lid. A custom-painted cover wasn't essential, but it would look nice. Ultimately, I chose the Gaylord truck bed cover for two reasons: I didn't want the same cover as my friend, and I decided to treat myself to the nicer lid as a reward for surviving a prostate exam later that week.

Interesting Stats and Data

• Market Size: The global automotive tonneau cover market was valued at approximately $1.3 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2021 to 2028 (source).
• Security: According to a study by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, vehicles with visible cargo are 20% more likely to be broken into (source).
• Fuel Efficiency: A tonneau cover can improve a truck's fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag. Studies show that a tonneau cover can improve fuel economy by up to 10% (source).

Conclusion

Choosing between a Gaylord and an Undercover hard bed cover boils down to your priorities: cost, appearance, and ease of use. While the Gaylord offers a custom look and robust security, the Undercover provides a more budget-friendly and lightweight option. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

This article provides a detailed comparison of Gaylord and Undercover hard bed covers, helping you make an informed decision based on your priorities and usage.