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Towing a 5th wheel or gooseneck changes the rules for tonneau covers. You need full bed access, low profile at the bulkhead, and zero interference with the pin box during tight turns. This 2026 guide ranks covers that play nicely with common hitches like B&W, CURT, and Reese across short and standard beds on Ford, Ram, Chevy, and GMC trucks.
We combined dealer insights via the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), hands-on checks at the SEMA Show 2025 in Las Vegas, and field notes from owners towing in Texas, Colorado, and Florida.
Towing Priorities vs Regular Daily Use
- Full bed opening – folding covers that secure fully upright or retractables that disappear into a slim canister.
- Low profile at bulkhead – avoid tall boxes that can contact the trailer during tight maneuvers.
- No rails above the bed edges – keep the pin box and pivot area clear.
- Weather and dust control – when not towing, seals and drain management still matter.
Tow tip: target at least ~6 in cab-over clearance on a 5th wheel. Short beds often need a sliding hitch for 88° – 100° turning without cab contact.
Top Towing-Friendly Covers – 2026
RetraxPRO XR – Best Retractable for Towing & Racks
- Type: Retractable aluminum slats with T-slot rails
- Typical price: $1,799 – $2,299
- Why for towing: low canister, full-length opening, no side obstruction
Popular with F-150 5.5 ft weekend towers and 2500/3500 long-bed haulers. T-slots accept Yakima or Thule when not towing. Keep the canister clear of cargo to avoid debris near the kingpin area.
Roll-N-Lock A-Series XT – Slim Canister Choice
- Type: Retractable aluminum, compact canister
- Typical price: $1,599 – $1,999
- Why for towing: among the slimmer canisters, keeps the bulkhead area tidy
Good for short-bed setups where inches count. In tight campground turns the low profile reduces chances of contact at the front corners.
Roll-N-Lock Tonneau Covers Website
Pace Edwards UltraGroove – Retractable with Rack Channels
- Type: Retractable with integrated rack tracks
- Typical price: $1,599 – $2,099
- Why for towing: clean retract action, accessory-ready rails for non-towing days
Well liked by Silverado/Sierra 1500 owners. Keep crossbars off while towing 5th wheels to maintain clearance.
BAKFlip MX4 – Hard Folding that Stows Upright
- Type: Hard folding aluminum
- Typical price: $999 – $1,199
- Why for towing: folds against the cab, near full bed access
When fully upright, secure the prop rods so the stack stays stable at highway speeds. Great daily-driver versatility if you tow only part of the year.
BAKFlip Tonneau Covers Website
UnderCover ArmorFlex – Durable Folding for Work + Tow
- Type: Hard folding with coated panels
- Typical price: $1,099 – $1,299
- Why for towing: upright-stow option, tough finish, good sealing
Solid call for dusty routes and mixed weather. As with any upright-stow folder, verify cab-light clearance.
Quick Fit Map by Truck & Bed
| Truck | Common Bed | Recommended Types | Towing Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 2021 – 2026 | 5.5 ft, 6.5 ft | Retractable low-canister (XR, A-Series XT), folding upright (MX4) | Short beds may need sliding hitch for 88° turns |
| Ford F-250/F-350 2020 – 2026 | 6.75 ft, 8.0 ft | Retractable with drains, folding upright | Long bed simplifies 5th wheel clearance |
| Ram 1500 DT 2019 – 2026 | 5.7 ft, 6.4 ft | Retractable slim canister, folding upright | RamBox requires specific brackets |
| Ram 2500/3500 2019 – 2026 | 6.4 ft, 8.0 ft | Retractable with drains, one-piece lids not recommended | Gooseneck ball access must be unobstructed |
| Silverado/Sierra 1500 2019 – 2026 | 5.8 ft, 6.6 ft | Retractable low canister, folding upright | Watch stake-pocket accessories near pin path |
Towing-Safe vs Towing-Risky Cover Types
- Towing-friendly – retractables with slim canisters; hard folding covers that lock upright; soft roll-ups that fully clear the bed without rails in the way.
- Use caution – tall toolboxes or high canisters at the front wall; fixed racks while towing a 5th wheel; crossbars left on during hitching.
- Generally avoid – one-piece lids for active 5th wheel use. They block full bed access and complicate hitch coupling.
Model Comparison – Towing Features
| Model | Type | Towing Advantage | Typical Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RetraxPRO XR | Retractable aluminum | Low canister, zero side obstruction, T-slots | $1,799 – $2,299 | Short bed towing + rack days |
| Roll-N-Lock A-Series XT | Retractable aluminum | Very compact canister | $1,599 – $1,999 | Tight clearance at bulkhead |
| Pace Edwards UltraGroove | Retractable track system | Clean retract, removable crossbars off tow days | $1,599 – $2,099 | Accessory-ready towing setups |
| BAKFlip MX4 | Hard folding | Upright stow for near full bed access | $999 – $1,199 | Mixed daily use + seasonal towing |
| UnderCover ArmorFlex | Hard folding | Rugged finish, upright stow option | $1,099 – $1,299 | Work trucks that tow |
Hitch & Clearance Notes
- Hitches – popular 5th wheel options include B&W Companion, CURT A-Series, and Reese lines. Match hitch height to achieve ~6 in cab-over clearance.
- Short beds – consider a manual or automatic slider to avoid cab contact during 90° turns.
- Gooseneck – ensure the cover fully clears the ball area. Retract or stow upright before coupling.
- Stake pockets – remove uprights/crossbars on tow days to keep the pin path clean.
Setup Checklist Before Your First Tow
- Open or retract the cover completely before backing under the trailer.
- Verify tailgate clearance with the trailer pin box at different heights.
- Confirm no contact between canister or upright-stowed panels and the trailer during a parking-lot 360° sweep.
- Remove crossbars and tall accessories on tow days.
- After coupling, perform a slow 90° turn test in an open lot to confirm clearance.
FAQs
Which tonneau cover works best for a 5th wheel?
Retractable low-canister models like RetraxPRO XR or Roll-N-Lock A-Series XT are the most “tow-and-go” choices. If you prefer folding, BAKFlip MX4 or ArmorFlex can stow upright for near full bed access.
Do I need to remove the cover to tow?
Usually no. Retractables roll into the canister. Folding covers secure upright. One-piece lids are the exception – they complicate 5th wheel towing and are generally not recommended.
Will a retractable canister hit the trailer?
Quality canisters are low profile. Keep cargo away from the bulkhead and verify clearance with a slow 90° test. Slim designs like the A-Series XT minimize risk at the front wall.
How much clearance do I need?
Aim for about 6 in between the trailer overhang and the truck bed rails. Short beds often need a sliding hitch to reach 88° – 100° turning without cab contact.
Are soft covers OK for towing?
They can be if they roll completely out of the way and don’t leave rails protruding into the pin path. For frequent towing, retractables or upright-stow folders are easier to live with.
Final Thoughts
For 5th wheel or gooseneck towing, prioritize full bed access and a clean bulkhead. RetraxPRO XR and Roll-N-Lock A-Series XT are the simplest retractable solutions, while BAKFlip MX4 and UnderCover ArmorFlex cover the folding crowd. Measure carefully, do a slow-speed clearance test, and remove crossbars on tow days – you’ll tow confidently and protect your gear when the trailer is unhitched.
