Best Hard Tonneau Cover for Nissan Frontier 2005-2021

The Nissan Frontier has been around since 1997. Even though the company produced them as compact pickup trucks initially, since 2005 they have been replaced as mid-size trucks. This solid pickup truck has been a fan favorite thanks to its incredible driving experience and ease of maintenance.

However, one thing that always bothered the owners is a lack of OEM hard tonneau cover for the truck. There are some great aftermarket options but the sheer number will make anyone confused. To make things easy for you, here’s a list of the best hard tonneau cover for Nissan Frontier.

Types of Tonneau Cover

When it comes to pickup bed covers, many people prefer the hard tonneau covers. And it’s easy to see why. Heavy-duty truck bed covers tend to be the hard ones. However, there is a common misconception that hard tonneau covers are huge and slab-like.

In reality, most of the hardcovers are low profile with incredible durability. There are also different types of them. Even if you are going for the hard tonneau covers, the choices may range from:

• Hinged tonneau cover
• Snap tonneau cover
• Retractable tonneau cover
• Folding tonneau cover

All of these are hardcovers that are both rugged and low profile.

Best Nissan Frontier Hard Bed Cover Review

As we’ve said before, there are tons of tonneau covers options out there. But which one of them are the best fit for Nissan Frontier? Let’s find out.

When it comes to tri-fold tonneau cover for Nissan Frontier, hardly anyone does it like BAK. BAK is known for their durable after-market bed covers which provides excellent service.

The MX4 truck bed cover features durable, chromed, and matted aluminum panels. A useful feature of the panel is that they latch automatically regardless of whether the bed cover is semi-open or completely closed.

The matte finish also ensures against UV rays and minor scratches and dents. While folded up, the cover provides complete access to the bed area without hampering the cab brake light. The panels are designed to be rugged yet minimal.

This Nissan Frontier back cover with rack alignment technology provides a perfect seal on the railings. So, no matter how bad the weather condition is, your bed area will stay dry regardless. The cover also comes with a 5-year warranty just like all other BAK tonneau covers.

The next one on the list is also from BAK. The G2 hard folding truck bed tonneau cover is the perfect durable low-profile cover for any Nissan Frontier model from 2005 – 21.

The cover is made from brushed aluminum which gives it a low-profile look. The panels easily latch onto the side rail for easy access to the bed area.

Another useful feature of this cover is the dual operability. The cover can be opened and closed from both ends for easy access. There are quick-release cables on each end of the panels for easy opening and latching.

You might think that the durability is compromised with the low-profile, flush design of the cover. Rest assured the cover can hold up to 300 lbs. of evenly distributed weight. The cover also comes with a limited warranty of three years so you can stay worry-free for a long time.

Looking for something lightweight and durable for your Frontier? Well, look no further as the Tonno Pro hard folding cover hits the sweet spot between the two.

The cover comes in two configurations – a roll-up and a folding one. We will be talking about the folding one as it provides hard protection.

The marine-grade vinyl is rated to be completely waterproof and dustproof. You won’t have to worry about water leaking into the bed area thanks to the tight installation on the railings.

The installation process of this tonneau cover is also super easy. The cover comes semi-assembled out of the box. The EZ clamping system enables anyone to fit this cover without any hassle. There is no need to cut or drill any part of your truck. Worried about the durability because of the vinyl? The cover can hold up to 350 lbs. of evenly distributed weight. So, durability should be the least of your worries.

Extang is another well-known brand for tonneau covers. The Fold 2.0 is an amazing combination of lightweight and functionality. The panels are made from automotive-grade polymer panels. It’s completely scratch and dent resistant and offers superior UV ray protection.

Extang introduced their signature watertight seal for superior protection against the weather. The entire cover comes preassembled. Extang has used EZ clamps in the rails and tailgate with this cover. It’s very easy to install the cover and lock and unlock when necessary.

The cover sits a bit high on the bed. But that adds to the overall weight distribution and durability of the cover. There is also a 3-year warranty with this cover so you can use it without any worry.

To end the list, we a have hard tri-fold tonneau cover from Lund. This cover is designed for Nissan Frontier 2005 to the latest model.

The three individual folding panels are made from durable aluminum. The panels are covered with marine-grade, heavy-duty vinyl for increased resistance to wear and tear and improved waterproofing. The hard panels can hold up to 350 lbs. of weight. Lund claims it’ll take only 5 mins to install the cover as it comes partially preassembled.

The cover itself locks in place through a clamp mechanism. This makes the Nissan Frontier hard bed cover easy to install. There is added nylon strap in addition to the tailgate locks for increased protection.

The side rails align uniformly aligned with extreme seals. The tight alignment ensures weatherproofing unlike any other. Overall, this is a perfect low-profile hard tonneau cover that will get the job done without standing out.

Buying Guide of Best Hard Tonneau Cover for Nissan Frontier

The tonneau covers listed above are some of the best Nissan Frontier bed covers out there. However, you might feel like checking out more options. In any case, it’s important to look for some key aspects before you spend your hard-earned money.

Compatibility

There are two versions of the Nissan Frontier – one is the compact one which was in production till 2005 and the current model. Most of the tonneau covers out in the market today are made for the 2005 and later models. Make sure that you double-check the model and compatibility before making the purchase.

Cover Material

The hard tonneau covers come in several cover materials. The most common ones are aluminum, TPO, FRP, and vinyl. If you want rugged and heavy protection, go for the aluminum panels. But if lightweight is your jam, then the other can be great options as well. They are also much cheaper compared to the aluminum panel ones.

Brand

A good brand is an indicator of reliability and trust. Always try to make sure to buy from authentic brands with good reviews. A well-known brand will not only ensure a quality product but also provide superior after-sales service. Some of the notable brands include Tonno, Extang, BAK, Retraxone, and others.

Installation

Truck bed covers aren’t something that you’ll use daily. Depending on your usage, it’s better to opt for tonneau covers that are easy to put on and off. For easy installation, go for covers that have a clamp lock system. If you want something permanent, then there is always the option for screw-down ones.

Frequently Asked Question

Here are some of the common questions and their answers regarding tonneau covers.

Is it possible to carry the tonneau cover alone?

In most typical cases, you can easily carry the bed cover alone. But some hard slab-like covers require multiple people to handle.

How long does it take to install a tonneau cover?

It completely depends on the type of cover and how it comes. A preassembled bed cover with a clamp system will take less than 10 minutes to install. On the other hand, a screw-down cover will need over 30 minutes.

Are tonneau covers worth it?

Yes, they are. They offer superior weather protection as well as an anti-theft guarantee to your cargo. So, it’s worth getting one.

Are Nissan Frontier bed cover waterproof?

All Nissan Frontier hard fold tonneau covers are waterproof. You can purchase them without any worry.

Are truck bed covers expensive?

It depends on the budget and quality of the tonneau cover. You can find quality covers ranging from 150 dollars to upward of 900 dollars.

Final Thoughts

That concludes our take on the best hard tonneau cover for Nissan Frontier. There are also some other options out there in the market. But these are the best when it comes to durability and budget.

The buying guide will help you better assess any personal choices in this regard. Many people wonder whether bed covers are right for Nissan Frontier or not. We would suggest that you should get a tonneau cover as it provides more security and durability.