Common Myths About Truck Bed Caps Debunked

In the world of pickup trucks, truck bed caps—often called truck toppers—might just be the most misunderstood accessory. If you’ve ever overheard someone at a tailgate arguing about how toppers hurt gas mileage or that they ruin a truck’s rugged look, you’re not alone. These myths spread fast, and too many truck owners miss out on the versatility and practicality of truck toppers because of them.

If you’re on the fence about getting one for your ride, read along to get some common myths about truck bed caps debunked. This helpful blog will set the record straight and help you learn why a truck bed cap may become your new best friend.

Myth 1: Truck Bed Toppers Kill Your Gas Mileage

This is one of the most pervasive myths about truck toppers, and the truth is surprising. In some situations, adding a truck topper can actually improve your gas mileage. How? By reducing drag. An open truck bed can act as a parachute, catching wind while you’re driving and increasing drag. Ultimately, this forces your engine to work harder.

Truck bed caps and toppers smooth the airflow over the bed. That said, not all toppers are created equal. A bulky, square-shaped topper that extends above the truck roof might slightly reduce efficiency. On the other hand, if you go for a lightweight option designed with aerodynamics in mind, you can improve your fuel mileage.

Bottom Line

A topper won’t necessarily hurt your gas mileage. By choosing the right one for your truck, your truck bed cap might even save you a few dollars at the gas pump.

Myth 2: Toppers Are Only for Contractors or Campers

When you think of truck bed caps, do you instantly picture a tradesman’s rig loaded with tools or a camper’s gear-ready adventure setup? While there’s no denying that contractors and outdoor enthusiasts love their toppers, they’re not the only ones who benefit from these accessories.

Do you haul groceries? How about furniture or sports gear? If you need to protect anything from the elements, a topper is your MVP. Forgot about an incoming rainstorm? No problem—a truck bed cap will keep your tools or groceries safe and dry. Do you need to move bikes or kids’ gear to the game? Toppers keep everything secure when driving. Whether you’re a weekend DIYer, a soccer mom, or someone who always has a cooler in the back, a topper can work for you.

Bottom Line

Toppers are versatile as heck—not just for campers or contractors. Think outside the stereotype and take advantage of these helpful accessories.

Myth 3: You’ll Lose the Tough Truck Look

We get it. You bought a truck to exude that tough, go-anywhere vibe. Some folks may tell you that installing a topper will ruin your truck’s aesthetic. But here’s the thing: modern toppers come in enough shapes, colors, and materials to blend seamlessly into your truck’s design.

Want a rugged, off-road-ready look? Go for matte black or a design that matches your truck’s factory paint. Do you prefer a sleek, polished aesthetic? Some manufacturers offer custom paintwork or smooth, stylish exteriors that give your truck an upscale vibe. If you add a roof rack, you can get that overlander appearance you’ve been drooling over on Instagram. Think of toppers as statement pieces that make your truck more functional and ready for adventure at any turn.

Bottom Line

Toppers don’t ruin your truck’s look. As long as you choose the right style, your truck bed cap can enhance your vehicle’s tough aesthetic.

Myth 4: Toppers Are Too Expensive

Okay, there’s no denying that truck bed toppers come with a fairly high price tag. But the investment can save you money in the long run.

When you leave your bed exposed, you make it vulnerable to rust from rain or damage from flying debris on the highway. Even small repairs add up! On top of that, stolen tools, equipment, or other lost cargo can cost you big time.

With a high-quality truck bed cap, you’ll protect your truck bed and your valuable cargo. A sturdy topper keeps your bed in better shape, increases your truck’s resale value, and provides a layer of security for whatever you’re hauling.

Plus, the price range for toppers varies. Yes, you can go all-in with a premium, fully loaded option, but there are also budget-friendly alternatives that still offer serious durability and functionality.

Bottom Line

Toppers may cost a pretty penny upfront, but they pay for themselves over time.

Myth 5: Toppers Are a Pain To Install and Remove

Have you been avoiding installing a truck bed topper because it seems like a giant headache? The installation probably isn’t as bad as you think! In fact, most modern manufacturers design truck bed caps with user-friendliness in mind. Depending on the model, you can use clamps or bolted systems to secure the accessory to your bed. Even better, Black River will do the installation for you at our headquarters in Altoona, Iowa! No stress or hassle necessary—simply contact us for an appointment.

Removing a topper is simple, too. If you need to switch back to an uncovered bed temporarily, you often just need to undo a few fasteners. If you want maximum flexibility, choose one of the many soft, lightweight options that are even easier to work with.

Bottom Line

Modern toppers are designed to be user-friendly, making installation or removal easier than you’d expect.

Myth 6: All Toppers Are the Same

This one’s way off the mark. Truck bed caps come in many varieties, so there’s an option for every truck owner. These are the most popular options:

• Fiberglass toppers: These are durable, lightweight, and often customizable to match your truck’s color.
• Aluminum toppers: Strong yet lightweight, these are popular with contractors due to toolbox-friendly features.
• Soft toppers: Perfect for light-duty protection, soft toppers are an affordable, easy-to-use option.
• High-rise toppers: These are great for extra storage or those who haul larger items.
• Commercial toppers: These are designed for businesses and equipped with racks, shelves, and tool compartments.

To choose the right truck topper, assess your specific needs. Should you prioritize weight, storage capacity, or visual appeal? Whatever the case may be, there’s a perfect match out there waiting for you.

Bottom Line

There’s a truck topper for everyone—you just need to find the one that fits your lifestyle.

Enhance Your Truck With a Bed Topper

Now that you’ve gotten some common myths about truck bed caps debunked, we hope you understand how helpful and versatile these accessories are. Don’t let outdated myths stop you from taking advantage of everything a topper has to offer—head over to Black River to discover your perfect truck bed cap today!