Undercover Tonneau Cover For The Tundra
Jason Lancaster | Jan 15, 2010 | Comments 7
Choosing a tonneau cover for your Toyota Tundra is often about compromises. Choose the least expensive tonneau cover, and you end up with a limited versatility accessory that doesn’t protect your cargo. Choose the most expensive tonneau, and you start to approach the price of a full-size topper without many of the benefits of a full-size topper/shell.
Undercover's tonneau is a decent option for covering your Tundra's bed.
One of the best middle of the road solutions when looking for affordable and effective cargo protection is a solid, hard plastic tonneau cover. Unlike a vinyl or cloth tonneau cover, hard plastic units are lockable and extremely resistant to cutting or “smash and grab” style thefts. Hard plastic tonneuas are also waterproof, impact and stain resistant, and unlike vinyl/cloth tonneaus, they won’t start to sag after a few years of ownership. Finally, solid hard plastic tonneaus are the most secure tonneau cover option – slightly more secure than any folding tonneau covers (like Extang’s Solid Fold Tonneau).
The Undercover Tonneau Cover is an ABS plastic unit that is offered in two different versions for the Toyota Tundra. The basic model starts at $599.00, and it stretches from the front of the cargo bed to just over the tailgate in order to provide total coverage for anything you might be hauling. Two separate locks make it hard for would-be thieves to jimmy their way underneath, yet it’s fairly simple to remove the tonneau when you need more cargo space. We also like the fact that this tonneau comes with some simple wall-mount hardware – a nice touch.
Undercover's SE tonneau is a more stylish version of their basic tonneau
The Undercover Tonneau Cover SE is an upgrade over the standard model designed for the style mavens out there who want more than just a smooth black finish on their cargo cover. With three “ribs” carved across its surface and a raised lip at the back that imitates a spoiler, the SE edition of this popular tonneau cover stands out from the crown. It also offers an interior LED dome light to help you see your gear in the dark. This upgraded cover is priced at $719.00.
What we like:
- ABS plastic is strong yet light
- The undercover tonneau works with the Tundra’s deck rail system
- The tonneau has a dual lock system for great security
What we don’t like:
- Only one color choice – black plastic isn’t everyone’s favorite color
- Reports of bracket/hinge problems – see the link below and check comments as well
According to an Undercover Tonneau Cover user review, the mounting hardware presents somewhat of an issue for Tundra owners. One report says the hinge/bracket has a serious issue with rivet failure, which can cause the need for hinge bracket replacement.
We previously reviewed the Duracover tonneau, another solid plastic tonneau that offered more features than the Undercover Tonneau for the same price. Unfortunately, the Duracover tonneau has been discontinued. Therefore, the Undercover Tonneau receives our endorsement as the next best solid plastic tonneau option.
On the whole, the Undercover Tonneau Cover is an appealing package for truck owners in need of a weatherproof cargo area that also keeps tools and other gear out of sight from prying eyes. Be wary, however, of the issues surrounding the cover’s bracket system, and see if you can talk to your cover dealer before purchasing about the possibility of improved mounting hardware becoming available from the factory.
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Do you own the Undercover Tonneau? If so, please leave a review here.
Filed Under: Toyota Tundra Accessories
With a chance in not letting this top scratch the paint is highly unlikely when you are by yourself. Kind of a hefty price also. At the price mention I rather go with a matching hard cover. Again when it comes to putting things like a washer & dryer you have to remove the top where as a soft cover just roll up. Sorry won’t change. Had soft cover well over 10 years with Extang. The current one is over 2 years and it doesn’t sag yet.
I have one. It can be painted to match. The issues are it will rub the paint if you don’t not check it once a month. The best way to describe it is it floats on the bed. It will shift from side to side and the mounts never loosen up. Hinges are made out of cheap soft metal and bend. I would not buy anther one!
Have not seen the paint scratch issue, but didn’t test one extensively. Completely makes sense – thanks to both of you for sharing.
I bought one of these about a month ago. I had to have it re-mounted about two weeks after it was originally installed because it shifted over and popped open on it’s own (apparently only one side of the mechanism had actually latched). Within 48 hours of having it completely remounted and straightened, it’s shifted enough that I can’t get it open without standing beside the truck and shoving the cover hard to the other side. The truck has only been driven on paved city roads since I bought the cover (It’s not like I’ve beat the heck out of it off-roading). I’m taking it back for a refund this week. This product simply could not have been tested prior to hitting the market. I’ll avoid their products from now on.
John – Thanks for the feedback. It’s beginning to sound like there’s a problem with the design of these covers.
bracket/hinge problems.
Would like to know how I can repair them with bolts, washers and screws?
Hello,
I had a similar problem. Both screws on the hinge corroded and broke. Does anyone know how to fix that?