It is not necessary to become an expert to install a tonneau cover. Here you will find the best installation solutions and become one of the experts on tonneau cover!
How to Install Tonneau Cover With Bed Liner
Let’s find out how you can install the tonneau cover with bed liner
Should I Need an Expert?
To complete this task, the very first question arises in our mind, “Is it urgent to call a professional?” The answer is, “No”. Though installing a tonneau cover is a difficult and time-consuming job, you can do it yourself by following proper instructions. You may need another person as a helping hand. That’s it!
Necessary Tools
These tools are a must to finish your installation.
- Cover installation kits (User may find these in his tonneau cover set)
- Scissors
- Spring clamps
- Wrenches
- Screwdriver
- Drill machine
- Rubber seal
- Hand tightened screws
- Cleaning spray or rubbing alcohol (To clean the truck bed surface)
Installation Process
So easy! Just take a look.
Bed Liner Installation
You have to make bed liner installation first. So, instructions for bed liner are:
Clean Your Truck Bed
Open your tailgate. You will never find any access on the truck bed with your closed tailgate. Remove all handles and screws from your truck bed. Wash the truck bed. Use cleaning spray or rubbing alcohol (soft detergent with warm water is also useful).
Set Screws
Find the holes to set screws. If there is no gap or hole, use the drill machine. You will surely need to secure your linear with screws.
Dry the Bed
After washing, remove the excess moisture and water from the bed. Take a dry cloth or sponge.
Bed Liner Placing
Then place your bed linear. Fix all the screws and handles properly. Cover the screw holes with caps. Install the cab-side tailgate seals.
Side Rail Installation
Attaching Clamps with Side Rails
Place your side rail on the bed rail. Most of the covers available in the market are with two side rails. Fix the side rails with clamps. Place another clamp at a distance from the previous one.
Secure the Clamps
Clamps do their job by closing the gap between rail and truck. Tighten the clamps properly. The wrench of .5 inch can do it well.
Set the Perfect Rail Alignment
Check the alignment of rails and if you need, readjust them. Push them as they can touch the front of the box. These two rails must be parallelly perfect. Rails must be centered and flat enough. If need to adjust the rails, just loosen the screws and bolts slightly and fix them.
Point to be Noted
Installing side rails is very important. The user cannot set the cover properly for the unbalanced rails out of position. This step will take your time!
Tonneau Cover Installation
Rubber Sealing
Put rubber seals on the side rail. Rubber will provide weather protection (especially from snow and rain).
Set the Cover in Place
Take the cover and put it on the bed rail. Cut the extra portion of your cover. Use the scissors. Set the cover by ensuring the perfect tightness. Don’t make the cover so taut or so loose.
Remove all Gaps
If necessary, add shims to close the gaps on bed rails. To fix the large gaps of 10 mm (more than 3 inches), you can use shim brackets.
Final Steps
Fix the better cover tension by releasing the auto-latch button. (for several times). Tighten every screw, bolt, and clamp. Now keep your cover unfolded. Hand tightened screw is useful for unfolding. Finally, shut the tailgate and keep the cover tight using screws. If the cover comes out of its place, push it.
Safety Precautions
No Sitting/Standing
Don’t stand or sit on the cover. Never allow others to do the same. Don’t keep any object on the cover framework.
Do Wrapping as Shield
To remove moisture and dust, do the cover wrapping.
Lock the Cover When Needed
While running the car, secure the cover with a manual slide lock. Use safety straps in windy weather.
Further Issues
Don’t keep the cover under excessive sunlight. Check the bolts, screws, or clamps after a few days. The tonneau cover is airtight. If you keep any pets or animals in the box, keep the cover open.
Call the Professional
After all of these, if you face any problem completing the task, you should consult the manufacturers a professional. It is better to call an expert rather than making the cover parts damaged or faulty.
Time Needed
Time requirement in tonneau cover installation varies from person to person and from the type to type of the tonneau covers. For example, if you make a comparison between the hard and soft tonneau covers, installing the hard tonneau cover requires more time compared to the soft ones.
Generally, for a non-expert person, you can fix a tonneau cover with the bed liner in around thirty minutes and day by day every tonneau cover becomes easier to use.
FAQ
Q: How can I keep my cover looking gorgeous?
Ans: Use mild soap or soft detergent to clean. In fact, rubbing alcohol can do the same. Make cleaning once a week. Treat your liners and cover with UV protectant and reinforced vinyl. These materials will increase your cover lifetime too.
Q: Will the cover hamper daily car use?
Ans: Never. A tonneau cover keeps the car bed secure, increases car fuel efficiency. Moreover, it gives aerodynamic efficiency and extra speed while running. All the covers bear folding systems. So, it will not create any disturbance to open the tailgate too.
Conclusion
After purchasing your cover with a bed liner, there is no time to worry! Just follow the above instructions, get the fastest installation. Therefore, save you valuable time and make your truck box so useful.
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