In-Depth Review: Peragon Tonneau Cover

The Peragon truck tonneau cover is a hard, retractable cover that consists of a series of aircraft-grade aluminum panels that fold up accordion-style at front of the bed. It’s designed for quick access and quick removal, while not taking up any of your precious bed space. We took some time with this tonneau cover and conducted some research to see what others were saying about their experience with the Peragon. This is what we found.

Main Features

• Solid aluminum construction
• Independent locking system
• Low profile
• Powder continued finishes

Competitive Products

• Syneticusa Aluminum Roll-Up Retractable Hard Tonneau Cover
• Pace Edwards SWC3250 Switchblade
• RetraxONE MX

What We Like

• Completely removable
• Entire bed is usable
• Compatible with a variety of accessories

What We Didn’t Like

• Difficult to install
• Need to carry extra key

 This review is outdated, we recommend checking out our review of the best retractable tonneau covers 

Overall Design and Construction

The Peragon retractable truck tonneau cover is designed to be a versatile cover that offers quick access to your truck bed via a series of folding panels yet not take up any bed space. Peragon makes this all happen by incorporating high-grade aluminum into virtually every part.

The guide rails are extruded from solid aluminum and the panels are CNC precision punched and formed into single pieces. These main parts fit together to offer a low profile tonneau cover (approximately one inch over your bed) that does not require a canister or box to store the panels in when the cover is retracted. Each panel of the Peragon is baked at 400 degrees with a satin black powder coat to help protect the metal from the elements and keep it looking great through years of use.

The rails and panels operate with sealed ball-bearings for a smooth opening and closing, which can be done either by pressing down the panels or pulling them closed with a cord. Once in place, the cover stays where you want it. The cover can be completely removed in a matter of 30 seconds by flipping the release clips on the support struts.

The front panel of the cover includes a key lock and deadbolt mechanism to keep bed contents safe. The locking mechanism can be upgraded to a dual deadbolt system that includes a 3/8” steel passenger-side deadbolt.

While the Peragon starts out with a satin black finish, it is also avaible in Artic White and Paint Match, which basically allows to you choose just about any color you can come up with.

Features

It’s readily apparent that the Peragon truck tonneau cover is different from other covers. It’s accordion-style retractable panels are just the beginning. The Peragon boasts a variety of features, including a few upgrades to ensure you get both the look and functionality that you want.

One of the stand-out features is the Peragon’s compatibility with a host of accessories you have installed or may want to install in the future. This includes ladder racks, fifth wheel hitches, bed liners, rail caps, and cargo management systems. Some accessories may require special adjustments, but Peragon states that their customer service division will help walk you through the process.

Another item that gives the Peragon a boost is the lack of canister or box to store the cover at the front of the bed when folded up. The cover takes up about six inches when folded, so you don’t lose much in the way of bed space. The quick removal system allows to get the cover out of the bed, and because of its size it’s easy to store, either in the back of your crew cab or in the corner of your garage.

Finally, getting the product that works for you is all part of Peragon’s customer service. They offer a 100-day trial for their tonneau cover with free returns for a full refund. There are a few restrictions, but it is good to know that you aren’t stuck with something you don’t like.

Use

Getting the most out of the Peragon tonneau cover is pretty straightforward. You slide it open or closed as needed and the aluminum bed rail system does most of the work for you. It locks into place so that you can drive it while folded. Removing it when needed really is just as simple. A couple flips on the quick release system and it lifts away. The cord used to close the cover turns into a handle to help you transport the cover.

No folding tonneau cover is completely waterproof, but the Peragon’s EPMS rubber seals handle the job as well as can be expected. A few drips or trickles may seep through in heavy rain or a car wash but otherwise the bed should remain dry.

One of the uncommon traits of the Peragon is that opening and closing of the cover does not require the tailgate to be opened. Simply pressing down on the two panels behind the cab and the cover slides open. The perfect grab-and-go situation.

As for security, the deadbolt locking system at the front of the cover is about secure as you can get for a tonneau cover. Because of this, the dual deadbolt add-on seems almost like overkill. But inevitably, security is a matter of personal choice.

Installation

If there is a true drawback to the Peragon truck tonneau cover, it is found in the installation process. It requires several tools, and in some cases, even a drill. Drilling a hole in your truck may be a deal-breaker, so we suggest consulting with Paragon’s customer service before making your order.

Peragon suggests it will take 2 to 3 hours to install the cover, but we’ve found that this isn’t necessarily the case. There are plenty of steps to complete just to assemble the rails before you mount them on your truck bed and if it isn’t done exactly right, your cover won’t function properly.

Some owners have complained of the difficulty in installation and have turned to third parties to install the cover for them. Taking this option can add hundreds of dollars to the total cost.

Conclusion

The Peragon truck tonneau cover meets just about any need a truck owner may need. It opens and closes as smooth as any cover on the market, it offers the security and weather protection required to haul around gear, and it removes from the bed as easily as any owner could ask for. Getting it installed may be difficult (and expensive) but in the end, the Peragon makes for a great buy and a lasting investment for your truck.