What a Lorado tonneau cover is and why truck owners choose it
A Lorado tonneau cover is a hard or soft tonneau cover made by Lorado, a tonneau manufacturer owned by Lund International Holdings. It covers the truck bed from behind the cab to the tailgate, protecting cargo from weather and theft while improving fuel economy by reducing aerodynamic drag. Lorado makes several cover styles—folding, rolling, and hinged—each with different access patterns, durability levels, and price points.
Truck owners choose Lorado covers because they offer a middle ground between budget soft covers and premium hard covers. The brand has been in the tonneau market for decades and is widely available through truck accessory retailers, which means parts and support are easier to find than with newer or smaller brands. If you haul cargo regularly but don't need a truck bed cover that doubles as a work surface, a Lorado cover can reduce wind noise, keep rain and snow off your load, and make your truck bed harder to access without a key.
Key Takeaways
- Lorado makes folding, rolling, and hinged tonneau covers in both soft and hard materials, each with different trade-offs between access speed, weather protection, and cost.
- Installation takes two to four hours for most models and requires basic hand tools; some covers bolt directly to existing bed rails while others need new mounting hardware.
- Soft covers are lighter, cheaper, and easier to remove, but hard covers last longer and provide better security and weather sealing.
- Lorado covers fit specific truck models and bed lengths, so you must verify your truck's year, make, model, and bed length before ordering.
- Most Lorado covers come with a manufacturer warranty covering defects, but coverage varies by model and does not include damage from installation errors or misuse.
Lorado tonneau cover styles and what each one does
Lorado's main product lines are folding covers, rolling covers, and hinged covers. Folding covers (such as the Lorado Pro Series) fold up in sections toward the cab, allowing you to access the front of your bed without removing the cover entirely. They work well if you load and unload frequently from the front. Folding covers are usually aluminum or vinyl-over-aluminum and cost between mid-range and premium pricing.
Rolling covers (such as the Lorado Tonneau) roll up from the tailgate toward the cab and store in a compact canister at the front of the bed. They give you full bed access when rolled up but take up space in the bed when stored. Rolling covers are typically vinyl or soft material and fall in the mid-range price category. Hinged covers are single-piece hard covers that swing open from the side or rear, offering maximum weather protection and security but requiring you to open them fully to access the bed.
Soft covers are lighter and cheaper to buy and remove, making them a good choice if you plan to take the cover off seasonally or frequently. Hard covers are heavier, more durable, and provide better security and weather sealing, but they cost more and are harder to remove if you need to haul something taller than the cover height.
How to verify your truck fits a Lorado cover
Tonneau covers are not universal. A Lorado cover designed for a 2020 Ford F-150 with a 5.5-foot bed will not fit a 2020 F-150 with a 6.5-foot bed, and it will not fit a 2019 F-150 at all. Before you order, you need your truck's year, make, model, and bed length. The bed length is stamped on the inside of the driver's door jamb or on the door edge itself, or you can measure from the inside of the cab to the inside of the tailgate.
Once you have that information, use Lorado's fitment tool on their website or call a retailer's sales line to confirm which Lorado cover models fit your truck. Some retailers also cross-reference by VIN, which is faster and more accurate. Write down the exact model number of the cover you want—for example, "Lorado Pro Series Folding Cover, Ford F-150 2015–2020, 5.5 ft bed"—because ordering the wrong bed length or year range is the most common mistake.
Installation steps and what tools you will need
Most Lorado covers install in two to four hours with basic hand tools: a socket set, wrenches, a drill (for some models), and a rubber mallet. The cover comes with mounting brackets, bolts, and an instruction manual specific to your truck model. Read the manual before you start, because installation varies significantly between folding, rolling, and hinged designs.
The general process is: remove any existing bed rail covers or accessories, position the tonneau cover on the bed, align the mounting brackets with the bed rails or frame, drill holes if required by your model, bolt the brackets down, and test the cover's operation. Some Lorado covers use existing factory bed rail holes, which speeds installation. Others require you to drill new holes, which takes longer but is still straightforward if you follow the manual's template. If your truck has a spray-in bed liner, you may need to drill through it, which some owners prefer to avoid; check the manual before you buy.
If you are not comfortable drilling into your truck bed or working with bolts and brackets, most truck accessory shops will install a tonneau cover for a labor fee, typically between $150 and $300 depending on the cover type and your location.
Maintenance and weather performance of Lorado covers
Soft Lorado covers need occasional cleaning with mild soap and water to prevent mildew and mold, especially if your truck sits in a damp climate. Vinyl can crack or tear if exposed to extreme cold or direct sunlight for years, so parking in shade or under a carport extends the cover's life. Hard Lorado covers are more weather-resistant but still benefit from regular cleaning and occasional waxing to protect the finish.
Both soft and hard Lorado covers reduce wind noise and water spray compared to an open bed, but they are not completely waterproof in heavy rain or if water pools on top. If you park on a slope or in an area where water collects, water may seep in at the seams. Lorado covers are designed to shed water, not to create a sealed container. If you need absolute waterproofing, a hard cover with gaskets and a tight seal will perform better than a soft cover, but even hard covers can leak if they are damaged or installed incorrectly.
Warranty coverage and what is and is not included
Lorado covers come with a manufacturer warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. The length and scope vary by model—some covers carry a three-year warranty, others five years or longer. The warranty typically covers the cover itself, the frame, and the hardware, but not damage caused by installation errors, misuse, accidents, or normal wear.
The warranty does not cover leaks caused by improper installation, damage from hitting the cover with cargo, tears or cracks from impact, or fading from sun exposure. If you install the cover yourself and something goes wrong during installation, the warranty may not explore. Keep your receipt and the original manual, because you will need proof of purchase and the model number to file a warranty claim. Contact Lorado or the retailer where you bought the cover to start a claim; they will ask for photos and a description of the defect.
Cost comparison: Lorado covers versus other brands
Lorado tonneau covers typically cost between $400 and $1,200 depending on the style and truck model. Soft folding covers are usually on the lower end, while hard hinged or rolling covers are on the higher end. Budget brands like Tyger Auto or Gator cover cost less but may have shorter warranties and less availability for replacement parts. Premium brands like Truxedo or Bak cost more but often include features like integrated LED lighting or power operation.
The real cost difference is not just the purchase price but also durability and resale value. A Lorado cover will likely outlast a budget cover by several years, and if you sell your truck, a Lorado cover adds more perceived value than a no-name brand. If you plan to keep your truck for five years or more and use the cover regularly, a mid-range Lorado cover often costs less per year of use than a cheaper cover you will have to replace sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Lorado cover if my truck has a bed liner?
Yes, but it depends on the liner type. A spray-in bed liner works fine under a tonneau cover; you may need to drill through it during installation. A drop-in plastic liner can interfere with the cover's seal and may need to be removed or trimmed. Check your specific Lorado model's manual or call the retailer before you buy.
Will a tonneau cover improve my truck's fuel economy?
A tonneau cover can reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent on highway driving, depending on your truck's speed and design. City driving shows less improvement. The savings vary by truck model and driving habits, so it is not may provide.
Can I open a Lorado tonneau cover from inside the truck bed?
No. Tonneau covers are designed to be opened and closed from outside the truck. If you are inside the bed, you will need to climb out to operate the cover. Some hard covers have manual latches you can reach from inside, but this is not standard across all Lorado models.
What happens if I need to haul something taller than the tonneau cover?
You will need to remove the cover. Soft covers can be rolled up or folded and stored in a garage or tied down in the bed. Hard covers take longer to remove and require storage space. If you frequently haul tall cargo, a soft folding or rolling cover is more practical than a hard cover.
Do I need to remove the tonneau cover for a car wash?
No. Tonneau covers are designed to withstand car wash pressure and brushes. You can wash your truck with the cover on. Avoid high-pressure spray directly at the seams for extended periods, as this can force water inside over time.