Bakkies are one of Southern Africa’s most beloved vehicle styles. It’s safe to say that we are besotted with them. 

Think about it. You know someone who owns a bakkie. We all do. 

They’re incredibly adaptable, and let’s not even get started on double-cab bakkies that make every person’s heart do a little skip and a jump thanks to their ability to transport family while still having the benefit of a load bed in the back. These bad boys were made to haul literally anything that can fit in the loading space. For many locals, it’s the perfect combination of utility and off-road ability. 

And if you’ve got your own bakkie (which, let’s be honest, you probably do), we’re sure you’d like to personalise it and equip it with the latest and greatest so that it can do more for you. 

It may not surprise you to learn that one of the first accessories new bakkie owners do is purchase a cover for the back – for many reasons. Some do it to look cool, some do it because they’re bored, but most importantly, some do it for increased safety. A cover for the back of your vehicle is by far the most useful accessory since it aids in keeping your freight safe from risky weather conditions and theft.

We have a range of options to choose from: a tonneau cover, a Securi-Lid and canopies.

Now to decide which is right for you.

Tonneau Cover

Quick to secure, retractable and oh-so resilient, there’s no question as to why tonneau covers are so loved in Zimbabwe! These days, they are the more popular choice for bakkies than canopies. The top of the bakkie bed is flush with this sort of cover. The appeal might be based on the fact that a tonneau cover allows a bakkie to preserve its sleek design while also protecting the contents. 

These come in both hard and soft designs, each with its own set of pros and cons. Hard material covers come as one long piece that lifts up or as many pieces that move or fold back. These coverings have a reputation for being more durable. Unfortunately, when hauling tall items, one-piece strong coverings are less flexible and may reduce rear-view sight when raised. Because you can simply roll it back, soft-material tonneau covers are more adaptable than hardcovers.

Securi-Lid

Everyone can see what you’re transporting while you’re travelling with an uncovered load. This makes it easy for items to be stolen off the back of your car while it is parked or stopped at a traffic light. The sturdy Securi-Lid roll-top cover is made up of aluminium, making it impenetrable to the elements, and serves as a visible and physical barrier between your cargo and any sticky fingers. The cover is installed on top of the loading bay and does not require any changes to the body or loading bay of your bakkie.

This roll-top cover’s latch interlocks with the tailgate’s Grip-Lock to prevent the tailgate from being opened. When the cover is rolled back, the roll-top design offers access from all sides of the cargo bay and it even comes in a variety of colours so you can pick the one that brings out your vehicle’s eyes the best. This cover not only makes your bakkie safer but also makes it look good. 

Canopy 

A canopy is a rigid and windowed freight cover that is normally the same height as the bakkie’s cab and is popular among bakkie owners for a variety of reasons.

Some canopies give your bakkie an SUV look while also giving you a great spot to sleep on camping trips. While your bakkie bed is designed to withstand rain and other elements that Mother Nature may throw at you, the goods you’re hauling aren’t. Truck canopies provide the ideal amount of protection against rain, UV rays, and other weather-related dangers that might otherwise harm important equipment and items carried in your bakkie on a regular basis. 

You’ll need to prepare ahead for removing and storing your canopy. It will take more than one person to remove the canopy, and you will need to make sure you have enough storage space to keep it somewhere safe. 

Whichever one of these options you choose, you can rest assured that your cargo is protected from unwelcome strangers by all of these accessories. In fact, depending on whatever cover tickles your fancy, your loading bed may end up safer than your cab. These vehicle add-ons give added protection and privacy, and if they happen to increase the sleek factor of your vehicle at the same time – why not? 

At Autoworld Zimbabwe, you will find high-quality coverings for your bakkie that fulfil all your dreams and desires. You are welcome to pop in to our branch or contact us if you have any queries on our canopy items!