2019 Ford F150 Bed Cover – Secure Your Cargo With The Perfect Tonneau
Selecting the right protection for your truck bed involves balancing security, weather resistance, and ease of access. This guide breaks down the best options for your F-150, ensuring you choose a cover that fits your specific bed length and lifestyle needs.
You probably rely on your truck for everything from the daily commute to hauling heavy gear on the weekends. It is frustrating when you cannot leave tools or camping equipment in the back because you worry about rain or theft. A high-quality 2019 ford f150 bed cover solves these problems while giving your pickup a much cleaner, finished look.
In this guide, we are going to walk through the different types of covers available and how they function in the real world. We will also provide a clear installation path so you can handle the job in your own driveway. By the end of this article, you will have the confidence to choose and install the best protection for your Ford.
Whether you are an off-roader needing dust protection or a DIYer hauling plywood, the right tonneau makes your truck more versatile. Let’s dive into the specifics of the 13th-generation F-150 bed configurations and what you need to know before buying.
Choosing the Best 2019 ford f150 bed cover for Your Lifestyle
The 2019 F-150 comes with three main bed lengths: the 5.5-foot short box, the 6.5-foot standard box, and the 8-foot long box. Before you start shopping, you must measure your bed from the inside of the bulkhead to the inside of the tailgate. Most manufacturers design a 2019 ford f150 bed cover specifically for these dimensions to ensure a weather-tight seal.
Your choice depends largely on how you use your truck bed daily. If you frequently haul tall items like dirt bikes or furniture, a folding or roll-up cover is usually best. If you prioritize security for expensive tools, a hard-shell or retractable option provides the highest level of protection against break-ins.
Consider the climate where you live as well. In areas with heavy snow, a soft cover might sag under the weight of a winter storm. In these cases, a hard-panel cover with a high weight rating is a much safer bet for year-round durability.
Soft Roll-Up Covers: The Budget-Friendly Choice
Soft roll-up covers are the most common entry point for many owners. They consist of a heavy-duty vinyl tarp that rolls up against the cab, secured by velcro or snaps along the side rails. They are lightweight and offer full bed access in seconds without requiring much physical strength.
While they provide excellent protection against rain and sun, they are the least secure against theft. A simple utility knife can bypass a vinyl cover easily. However, for keeping groceries dry or hiding gear from casual observers, they are an excellent value proposition.
Hard Folding Covers: The Versatile All-Rounder
Hard folding covers, often called tri-folds, consist of three or four rigid panels made of aluminum or composite materials. These covers offer a great mix of security and convenience. You can fold them back to the cab to carry larger items while keeping the rest of the bed covered.
Many hard folders can support several hundred pounds of distributed weight on top. This makes them popular for overlanders who might want to mount a bed rack system or a rooftop tent. They also typically feature a locking mechanism that is only accessible when the tailgate is open.
Retractable Covers: Sleek and Modern
Retractable covers slide into a canister located at the front of the bed, much like a garage door. They offer a very low-profile look that many F-150 owners prefer. You can often lock these covers at any point along the rail, which is perfect for securing partial loads.
The main downside is the canister takes up about 10 to 12 inches of space at the front of your bed. If you have a 5.5-foot bed, this loss of “real estate” can be significant. However, for those who want the ultimate in convenience and style, retractables are hard to beat.
Installation Steps for Your 2019 ford f150 bed cover
Installing a 2019 ford f150 bed cover is a straightforward DIY project that usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. You generally only need basic hand tools like a socket set or a Phillips head screwdriver. Most modern covers use a “no-drill” clamp system that attaches directly to the bed flanges.
Before you begin, ensure your truck bed is clean, especially the top of the bed rails. Use a mixture of soap and water or isopropyl alcohol to remove any wax or debris. A clean surface ensures the weather stripping adheres properly and prevents leaks down the road.
- Apply the Bulkhead Seal: Most kits include a foam or rubber seal for the bulkhead (the wall behind the cab). Peel the backing and press it firmly across the top of the bulkhead.
- Position the Side Rails: Place the left and right rails on the bed sides. Ensure they are pushed as far forward toward the cab as possible for proper alignment.
- Attach the Clamps: Use the provided clamps to secure the rails to the bed. Start with the clamp closest to the cab, then the rear, and finally the middle. Tighten them evenly to avoid warping the rail.
- Mount the Cover Assembly: Place the cover at the front of the bed and secure it to the rails using the provided bolts or clips.
- Check Alignment: Unroll or unfold the cover toward the tailgate. Ensure it latches securely and is centered between the rails.
If your cover is a hard-folding or retractable model, you will also need to install drain tubes. These tubes channel water from the rails out through the factory holes in the bed. Skipping this step will lead to a wet truck bed after the first rainstorm.
Tools Required for the Job
While every brand is slightly different, having these tools on hand will make the process smoother. Most 2019 F-150s use 10mm or 13mm bolts for bed accessories. Check your specific manual, but a standard mechanic’s tool set usually covers everything.
- Ratchet and socket set (Metric and Standard).
- Phillips and Flathead screwdrivers.
- Isopropyl alcohol and a clean microfiber cloth.
- Tape measure for centering the rails.
- A friend to help lift heavier hard-shell covers.
Maintenance and Weatherproofing Tips
To keep your 2019 ford f150 bed cover looking and functioning like new, you need to perform regular maintenance. The vinyl on soft covers can dry out and crack if exposed to constant UV rays. Use a dedicated tonneau cover cleaner and protectant every few months to keep the material supple.
For hard covers, check the hinges and mounting hardware twice a year. The vibrations from driving on rough roads or off-road trails can loosen the clamps over time. Use a torque wrench or a standard ratchet to ensure everything remains snug and secure.
If you notice water leaking into the bed, the culprit is usually a misaligned seal or a clogged drain tube. Clean the rubber gaskets along the edges with a damp cloth to remove grit. Applying a thin layer of silicone lubricant to the seals can prevent them from sticking or tearing in freezing temperatures.
Dealing with Dust in Off-Road Scenarios
If you take your F-150 off-road, you know that dust gets everywhere. While a bed cover keeps the top sealed, dust often enters through the gaps around the tailgate. To solve this, consider installing a tailgate seal kit.
These kits consist of adhesive-backed rubber strips that fill the gaps on the bottom and sides of the tailgate. When combined with a well-fitted cover, this creates a nearly pressurized environment. This is essential for keeping your camping gear or recovery equipment clean on dusty trails.
Safe Operation and Cargo Management
Never drive with a folding cover partially open unless it is specifically designed with buckle straps or struts to hold it in place. The wind caught under an unsecured panel can rip the cover off or damage your rear window. Always double-check that the latches are fully engaged before hitting the highway.
Also, be mindful of the weight limits. While many hard covers can hold weight on top, they are not designed for concentrated loads. If you are hauling heavy equipment, secure it inside the bed rather than on the cover to avoid structural damage to the panels.
Maximizing Utility for Riders and DIYers
For those who ride motorcycles or ATVs, a 2019 ford f150 bed cover needs to stay out of the way. Retractable covers are often preferred here because they don’t block the rear window. However, some folding covers can be flipped up against the cab, providing 100% bed access while acting as a headache rack.
DIYers who frequently haul 4×8 sheets of plywood should look for covers that can be easily removed. Some brands feature quick-release knobs that allow you to take the entire cover off in less than five minutes. This flexibility is vital when your truck needs to transition from a secure commuter to a full-blown workhorse.
If you have the Ford BoxLink system installed, ensure your chosen cover doesn’t interfere with the cleats. Most high-quality covers mount inside the rails, leaving the BoxLink interface fully accessible for tie-downs and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2019 ford f150 bed cover
Will a bed cover improve my gas mileage?
Yes, adding a bed cover can improve aerodynamics by reducing wind drag over the open bed. While the gains are often modest (usually 1-2 MPG), they can add up over long highway trips. The smoother profile allows air to flow over the truck more efficiently.
What is the best 2019 ford f150 bed cover for security?
Hard-panel folding covers or aluminum retractable covers offer the best security. When paired with the 2019 F-150’s locking tailgate, these covers create a trunk-like environment that is very difficult to breach without heavy tools. Always ensure your tailgate is locked to fully secure the system.
Can I go through a car wash with my cover installed?
Most hard and soft covers are safe for automatic car washes. However, “touchless” washes are generally safer for the finish. If you have a soft roll-up cover, ensure it is tightly tensioned and latched so the high-pressure blowers do not cause it to flap excessively.
How do I know which bed size I have?
The easiest way is to measure the floor of the bed from the bulkhead to the inside of the tailgate. A measurement of roughly 66 inches indicates a 5.5-foot bed. Approximately 78 inches means you have the 6.5-foot bed, and 96 inches is the 8-foot long box.
Do I need to drill holes in my F-150 to install a cover?
Most modern covers for the 2019 F-150 are completely drill-free. They use specialized clamps that grip the underside of the bed rails. The only exception might be for specific heavy-duty commercial covers or if you choose to route drain tubes through plastic bed plugs.
Final Thoughts on Upgrading Your Truck
Investing in a 2019 ford f150 bed cover is one of the most practical upgrades you can make for your pickup. It transforms your open bed into a secure, weather-resistant storage area, making your truck significantly more useful for daily tasks and weekend adventures alike.
Remember to prioritize the features that matter most to you, whether that is the rugged security of a hard-folding cover or the sleek convenience of a retractable model. Take your time with the installation, ensure your seals are tight, and maintain the material to get the most out of your investment.
By following these steps, you will protect your gear and keep your F-150 looking sharp for years to come. Stay safe on the road, keep your cargo dry, and enjoy the added peace of mind that comes with a high-quality tonneau cover!
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