For a Toyota Tacoma, the tonneau cover you buy should match the bed length: 5-foot beds use a 60-inch cover, and 6-foot beds use about a 73.5-inch cover. Confirm your exact bed length before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.
Know Your Tacoma's Bed Length
The Tacoma has two common bed lengths, and the correct cover size hinges on which one your truck has. Quick knowledge of this measurement will save time and prevent fit issues when shopping for a tonneau cover.
How to determine bed length:
- Check the door jamb sticker or VIN plate for a bed length code (often listed as 5' bed or 6' bed).
- If the sticker isn’t readable, measure the interior bed length from the cab wall to the inner edge of the tailgate. Expect about 60 inches for a 5-foot bed or about 73.5 inches for a 6-foot bed.
- Cross-check with your Tacoma’s generation and cab configuration in the owner’s manual or Toyota’s official specs to verify bed length.
Conclusion: Knowing the precise bed length allows you to pick a tonneau cover that fits snugly and securely without gaps or overhang.
Common Tonneau Cover Sizes by Bed Length
Most tonneau covers are manufactured to fit the two primary Tacoma bed lengths. Use this as a quick reference when shopping.
- 5-foot bed (60 inches): Look for a 60" (5') tonneau cover, available in soft roll-up, soft folding, or rigid folding options designed for a 60" bed.
- 6-foot bed (≈73.5 inches): Look for a 73" or 74" tonneau cover; many brands list 73" or 74" for the 6' bed, with various locking and finish options.
- Always confirm fit with your exact year, cab configuration, and bed length, as some manufacturers label covers by "5 ft" or "6 ft" and may have slight variances.
Conclusion: Choose the cover size that matches your bed length, then verify fit with your specific Tacoma model year and configuration before final purchase.
Choosing Between Tonneau Cover Styles
Beyond bed length, decide on a cover style based on how you use the truck, climate, security, and ease of use.
- Soft roll-up or folding covers: Usually easier to install and remove, budget-friendly, and good for occasional weather exposure; sizes are typically available for 60" and 73"-74" beds.
- Retractable hard covers: Offer higher security and a sleeker look; sizes come in 60" and 73"-74" kits and may require rails or rails compatibility.
- Hinged or cantilever covers: Can provide quick access from the top with a sturdier profile; ensure correct length for your bed.
Conclusion: The cover style matters as much as size. Match the bed length, then pick a design that fits your daily routine and local weather while ensuring compatibility with your Tacoma's year and cab configuration.
Summary
In short, the right tonneau cover size for a Toyota Tacoma is determined by bed length: 5-foot beds require about a 60-inch cover, while 6-foot beds require about a 73–74 inch cover. Confirm bed length via VIN, door sticker, or a precise measurement before purchasing. Choose a style (soft, folding, retractable, or hinged) that suits your needs and climate, and always verify compatibility with your specific Tacoma year and cab configuration.