How to Install a Tonneau Cover

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Access Lorado Tonneau Cover at RealTruck.com

Tonneau covers are made by a number of manufacturers, but some universal instructions can be used for some of these installations. Here’s a general overview.

Steps

1. 1
   Open your tonneau cover kit box.

   
   
2. 2
   Review the instructions and save them.
3. 3
   Unpack the small contents and leave the on the tailgate.
4. 4
   Leave the vinyl tonneau cover rolled up and set it near your work area.
5. 5
   Lay the left side rail on the driver’s side with the nylon bracket to the rear of the truck. (Some models come with under body rails, these install in a similar fashion.)
6. 6
   Then lay the right side rail on the passenger side with the nylon bracket to the rear.
7. 7
   Open the hardware bag and lay out 4 clamps for each side rail (a total of 8 clamps used).
8. 8
   Get into your truck bed .
9. 9
   Align the left side rail along the driver’s side of the box. Slide it forward to the front. Keep it flush with the outside of the box. Use a spring clamp to help keep your side rail in place while you place and tighten your clamps with your wrenches.
10. 10
    Check the position of your rail. Tilt the rail up or down to ensure it is level.
11. 11
    Install the second clamp.
12. 12
    Move the back of the truck and lift the rail to match the height of the tailgate. While holding the rail in place, install the third clamp.
13. 13
    Install the fourth clamp about ten inches forward.
14. 14
    Recheck the third clamp to make sure it’s tight.
15. 15
    When you are done, the rail should be level across and in some model, level with the top of the tailgate.
16. 16
    Repeat steps 9 through 14 to install the right side rail on the passenger side.
17. 17
    If your tonneau cover came with a rubber seal, peal of the backing paper from the seal and install it at the head of your truck bed as your instruction show. Most models start by aligning against the drivers side rail and move right toward the passenger side. Cut to needed length. Remember to press firmly while installing your seal.
18. 18
    Some tonneaus come with weatherguard seals as well. These will go on either end of your rubber weatherseal you installed at the head of your truck bed.
19. 19
    Install the storage straps by setting your pre-rolled cover on the tailgate. (Some tonneaus come with straps pre-installed.)
20. 20
    Space the nuts on your tonneau equidistant from the sides in preparation for your straps.
21. 21
    Remove the straps from their packaging and insert the leading edge until the bracket hole aligns with the nut. Then attach the strap to the roll up cover with a bolt and nut.
22. 22
    Repeat this procedure for the second strap.
23. 23
    Install the dial tension adjusters. Each one is labeled and is factory set to the model of your truck depending upon brand.
24. 24
    Attach the left hand to the driver’s side with a bolt and repeat the process for the right adjuster on the passenger side. Leave the bolts loose for the time being.
25. 25
    Carry the pre-rolled assembly to the head of the box and set it between the vertical legs on the front of the rail behind the cab.
26. 26
    Slide the left tension adjuster against the left rail, making sure it engages under the rail. Align the rails, insert a bolt from the top, add a washer and nut and tighten on the driver’s side.
27. 27
    Repeat this process on the right.
28. 28
    To install the cover frame use a measuring tape to center it between the two side rails. Tighten the front bolt of the tension adjuster on the driver’s side and the passenger side.
29. 29
    Unroll the cover.
30. 30
    Engage the rear bar into the strikes on the rails, push down until it latches.
31. 31
    To seal your sides, simply ensure the Velcro is attached by running your hand along the passenger and driver’s sides. (Some models use snaps to seal.)

    
    

Video

A guided installation of an Access Tonneau Cover.

Tips

• When installing clamps on the side rails, sometimes the 4th clamp is not required on shorter beds. Clamp numbers and procedures may vary on truck bed size.
• Clean out the bed of your truck before installing the tonneau cover. Especially near the head of your box due to the fact that you will be installing an adhesive based seal.
• If your cover is too tight or too loose, make adjustments using your dial tension adjusters.

Warnings

• Always wear protective eye gear when working with power tools.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• Spring Clamps
• Scissors
• Measuring Tape
• Protective Eye wear

Sources and Citations

• How to Install a Tonneau Cover - permission to distribute.

• Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Install a Tonneau Cover. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.