How to Install a Tonneau Cover?

If you own a pick-up truck, you are already familiar with the term tonneau cover. It is an automotive terminology which refers to a hard or soft cover to save your vehicle and improves its gas mileage. Installing the cover has many other advantages. In this article we will discuss how to install a Tonneau Cover step by step and why it is important to install one such cover. Let’s first install Tonneau Cover.

Step 1:

The First step is to find the Tonneau Cover that is compatible with your truck. Compatible means it will best fit with your vehicle.  

Step 2:

open the box and find the manuals that describe the manufacturer’s instruction process. Generally, Tonneau Cover is a one piece truck accessory that is folded and no other tool is required to install the cover.

Step 3:

Join the rails of your tonneau cover with  your truck bed. In case of over the over-the-bed rail liner, You may need to cut notches in it to make sure that tonneau’s clamps are poking through.   

 Step 4:

Arrange all rails in a straight line. Use mounting hardware that comes with the tonneau to holds the rails in place. Do not tighten the mounting hardware first. Make sure that the rail is fully aligned. Then fully fasten the mounting hardware.

Step 5:

Install other accessories for example, cab-side seals

Step 6:

Place the tonneau cover on top of the rails and ensure that the cover sits uniformly across the perimeter of the rails. If it does not, recheck the position of rails and make necessary adjustment in rail alignment.

Step 7:

Inspect the cover to find out any noticeable gaps or protruding. If tonneau cover is not seated evenly, you need to adjust the rail position.

Step 8:

Some tonneau cover comes with draining out tubes. If your tonneau includes such tube, your job is to attach them  to the edge of the bed.  

Let’s now know why to install a tonneau cover? Installing tonneau cover offers you several advantages.

Protection:

A truck bed is a convenient place to carry heavy materials. But without any cover over the bed means your materials are exposed to elements. Exposure to sun, rain, snow can cause significant damage to your materials. The particular importance can be understood when you carry something under rain and the stuff is sensitive to moisture.

Security:

Carrying goods without any cover on it means they are unattended. So, the chances of stealing goods are higher.  Installing a tonneau cover allows truck owners to turn their truck bed into a secure trunk.  They get full mental satisfaction that their precious goods will not be stolen.

Outlook:

A tonneau  cover enhances the outlook of your truck. Think about that your truck bed has no cover. Having an empty space behind the backside of your truck definitely does not look good. Instead a cover with matching color of the truck body gives your truck a unique and pleasant look.