If you have a truck, one of the challenges you may face is keeping your items protected or safe when you are out shopping or during periods of inclement weather. According to PowerNation, just over 16% of all vehicles that are driven in the United States are pickup trucks, so you aren't alone. Adding a bed cover can help to cover your truck bed, giving you some security while also protecting items in that area from outside weather. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you hone in on the type of truck bed cover that's ideal for your needs.

What Do You Plan on Storing?

The first question you should ask yourself is what you plan on placing in the bed of your truck. If you regularly place large items that exceed its height, you need some type of rolling or retractable cover. Hard covers have to be removed to accommodate items that exceed the height of your truck bed, which is time-consuming if you do it regularly.

Is Convenience Important to You?

The next question you want to ask yourself is how much time you want to invest when you need to cover or uncover the bed. Roll-up or retractable covers pull out and latch into place, making them extremely fast and easy to use. Hard covers lift and then lift back down, which also makes them fast to use. Folding covers need to be carefully folded and unfolded, making them a bit more time-consuming.

What's Your Budget?

Lastly, you need to think about how much money you want to spend on the cover itself, as well as the cost of installation. Hard covers are the most expensive to buy and install, but they tend to last the longest. Rolling covers tend to be the cheapest, but they have the shortest lifespan.

There are different types of covers that you can select from. Many vehicle owners have no idea how to tell which type of truck bed cover is best for them. By taking the time to ask yourself specific questions, you can hone in on the cover type that's right for you. If you're looking to purchase a new truck bed cover, visit Shell Land, and let us help you select the one right for your needs.