Putting a cover on your truck bed is easy if you know the right steps. This guide will show you how. We’ll cover checking if your cover fits, getting your truck ready, and putting on the cover.
First up, make sure your truck bed works with the cover. Things like bed rail caps usually don’t cause problems. However, diamond plate types might. Always begin with the tailgate down to make things easier. Place the side rails right at the bed’s front edge. Use clamps or a friend’s help to keep them in place temporarily.
Your kit should have toothed clamps, eight for regular beds or six for shorter ones. Put these clamps in the rail grooves and hand-tighten them. You might need shims to get rid of any gaps. That makes sure everything’s straight. After everything’s lined up, tighten the clamps all the way to fix the rails firmly.
For a weatherproof seal, your cover might include a rubber seal. It’s important to stick it to a clean surface. Don’t forget to use all parts like storage straps and tension screws. Lay the cover over the rails, making sure it’s even and stretched tight. Then, lock it in place with bolts.
Follow these steps, and your truck will have a snug, weatherproof tonneau cover. It’ll look great and be more functional.
Choosing the Right Tonneau Cover for Your Truck
Choosing the right tonneau cover for your truck is important. You need to think about protection, durability, and how easy it is to use. There are many covers out there. Finding the one that fits your needs is key. Let’s look at the types of covers, what to consider, and how to measure correctly.
Types of Tonneau Covers
There are many kinds of tonneau covers:
- Hard Covers: These are strong and help protect against theft.
- Soft Covers: They are light and easy to put on and take off.
- Roll-Up Covers: These are handy and provide quick access.
- Tri-Fold Covers: They give you more access with sections that fold.
- Retractable Covers: These are stylish and offer different ways to use them.
Products like the WeatherTech Roll Up Pickup Truck Bed Cover show the range available. The WeatherTech AlloyCover is another example.
Factors to Consider
Think about these things when picking a tonneau cover:
- Durability: Choose covers that last and can handle the weather.
- Customer Reviews: Learn from others who have the same cover.
- Price Range: Prices vary from $200 to $3,000, depending on the cover.
- Warranty: Look for a good warranty for peace of mind.
Consider brands like GatorTrax, BAK BAKFlip, and RealTruck Retrax.
Measuring Your Truck Bed
Measuring your truck bed right is key to a good fit. You need to know two main things:
- Length: Measure from the front of the bed to the tailgate.
- Width: Measure the inside width between the bed rails.
Correct measurements mean you get the right size cover. This makes installing it easier.
| Brand | Model | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| GatorTrax | GatorTrax | 4.3 | $1,599 – $1,799.99 |
| RealTruck | Retrax PowertraxPRO | 4.2 | $2,949.99 – $3,149.99 |
| BAK | BAKFlip G2 | 4.0 | $1,099.99 – $1,149.99 |
| Gator | Recoil | 4.0 | $999 |
| Gator | SFX Trifold | 4.0 | $299 – $319 |
| Tyger Auto | T1 | 3.6 | $207 |
Keeping these tips in mind will make choosing and installing your new tonneau cover easier. It’ll also make your truck more useful and fit your lifestyle better.
Preparation Steps for Installing Your Truck Bed Cover
Before installing your truck bed cover, make sure you have all the parts and accessories. Getting the surface ready is important for a successful installation. This guide will show you how to get your tools together and clean your truck bed.
Gathering Necessary Tools
A smooth truck bed covers installation needs the right tools. Be sure to have:
- Wrenches
- Additional clamps
- Tape measure
- Protective eyewear
- Scissors
With these tools, you can make the installation process smoother and ensure everything fits right.
Cleaning the Truck Bed Surface
Cleaning the truck bed surface is key for the best protection. Remove any dirt or debris first. Using alcohol pads can help clean the surface well. This step helps the weatherproof seals stick better, keeping dirt, snow, and rain away from your cargo.
| Brand | Time Efficiency | Installation Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| WeatherTech | 10 minutes | One to two friends |
| Sawtooth Tonneaus | Under 6 minutes | One person |
Getting ready for the truck bed covers installation helps ensure a perfect fit. It also boosts your truck bed’s protection and makes your accessories work better.
Installing the Side Rails
Getting the side rails right is key to installing a tonneau cover. With this tonneau cover installation guide, you’ll protect your truck bed well. You’ll also keep the cover secure.
Positioning the Side Rails
First, place the side rails along your truck bed sides. The weatherstrip should touch the bed’s lip. Push them forward to the bed’s front. This ensures a tight fit.
Clamping the Side Rails Open Tailgate
Then, clamp the side rails in place. Start from the cab and move towards the tailgate. Use about 30 lbs of force to engage each clamp. This secures the new rail caps with 3M adhesive tape. Proper clamping means better protection for your truck bed.
Ensuring Alignment and Leveling
Check the rails’ alignment. They should be level and even with the truck bed top. Ensure the rail height matches the tailgate when shut. You might need minor adjustments. Make sure the clamp teeth and rail grooves are fully engaged. This keeps the rails aligned, ensuring the cover fits well and works right.
Once you’ve got the side rails set and level, do the same on the other side. Look at the WeatherTech guide for more help. Doing it step by step ensures a good installation. This gives your truck better protection and a snug cover fit.
How to Install Bed Cover on Truck
First, place the pickup truck tonneau cover at the front of the truck bed. Check it’s centered before unfolding or rolling it toward the back. Keeping the cover inside the side rails is key for it to fit right.
WeatherTech has two top options: the WeatherTech Roll Up Pickup Truck Bed Cover and the WeatherTech AlloyCover. Both come with a lifetime limited warranty, ensuring they last. More on how to install these can be found here.
After placing the cover, you need to tighten it correctly. This is done by adjusting the tensioners on the sides. The goal is a snug fit around the tailgate.
The steps for installing include:
- Put on the side rails with wrenches and clamps.
- Add the front header seal to block moisture and dust.
- Fix and tighten the tension adjusters.
- Attach the cover to the rails and align it properly.
Here’s a quick guide to various tonneau cover styles:
| Type | Description | Installation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Rolling Covers | Easy to install, grants full bed use, good for general use. | ~20 minutes |
| Hard Rolling Covers | More security thanks to heavy-duty aluminum slats. | ~20 minutes |
| Soft Folding Covers | Keeps sports gear safe, easy to attach with clamps. | ~5 minutes |
| Hard Folding Covers | Provides a tough surface, offers complete or partial bed use. | ~20 minutes |
| Retractable Covers | Allows flexible use of bed, works with adventure racks. | ~30 minutes |
To get the best from your bed cover, follow the installation instructions closely. Make all needed adjustments for it to work smoothly. While initial setup is key, you can always make minor tweaks later. This makes sure your cover stays tight and secure.
Detailed instructions and pro tips are available here.
Securing the Tonneau Cover onto the Rails
After placing your tonneau cover on top and lining it up, the next move is to attach it to the side rails. You might snap the cover into place as you roll it out. Or you may use the bolts from the kit to firmly attach it. The kit should have large bolts, washers, and nuts to ensure the cover stays put.
For a snug fit, you’ll need to use the clamps provided. Short beds need four clamps, while long beds need eight. Make sure to distribute them evenly. Tighten the clamps well to keep the cover from moving or loosening while you drive. Having the rails aligned right is key; they need to be parallel and as close to the truck bed edges as possible.
Do a final check on all clamps and points where the cover attaches. It’s important to make sure everything is secure. Truck Covers USA checks every cover for quality before shipping. This makes sure customers get a great product. Need help? Call them at (888) 808-2872, Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm PST. For more tips on fitting your vehicle with covers and accessories, go to this resource. Following these steps will help your cover protect your truck bed as expected.
Hey there, I’m Alex Hanson and I’m passionate about all things covers! Whether you’re looking for a car seat cover to protect your vehicle or an oven cover to keep your kitchen clean, I’m here to help. With years of experience in the industry, I have plenty of knowledge and insights to share with my readers. So, if you care about protecting your belongings and making them look their best, you’re encouraged to read my blog as I explore the perfect cover for every need.