Ah, the tonneau cover. A necessary evil for those of us who want to keep our belongings safe from the elements – and nosy parkers. But for all their usefulness, tonneau covers can be a real pain in the, well, you know. They flap in the wind, they get stretched out in the sun, and they always seem to be in need of adjustment.
If it’s constantly flapping in the wind, it can be a real pain (literally and figuratively). But never fear, there are a few things you can do to stop that pesky cover from making all that noise. First, check to make sure that all the screws are tight. If they’re not, tighten them evenly across the cover. Remember: even tension is key! Otherwise, you might end up stretching the cover, which will only cause more problems down the road. Secondly, take a look at the weatherstripping. If it’s worn or damaged, it could be letting in air, which would also cause the cover to flap. Replacing the weatherstripping should do the trick. By following these simple tips, you should be able to stop your tonneau cover from flapping in no time.
1. Check the Clamps
The tonneau cover is an essential piece of equipment for any truck owner who values their privacy – and their stuff. But what many people don’t realize is that the tonneau cover doesn’t come with clamps included. Instead, there’s a small bin filled with metal pieces that need to be assembled. It’s not difficult – just time-consuming. So, next time you’re looking at your tonneau cover and wondering why there are no clamps, remember: it’s because you have to assemble them yourself. Just take each end and connect it to the long back piece that corresponds to the brace you are constructing. Pretty soon, you’ll have a fully functioning set of clamps that will keep your tonneau cover secure. And, as an added bonus, you’ll have a sense of satisfaction from knowing that you built them yourself.
So, you’ve got your new clamps and you’re ready to get to work. But before you clamp down the rails for the tonneau cover, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, these clamps are only meant to be a temporary measure – they should be holding the tracks loosely in place while you’re working with the fabric. And secondly, take extra care to make sure that the rails are level and even before you move on to the next step. After all, you want your tonneau cover to look good when it’s finished!
Just make sure that all of the clamps are tightened securely. Over time, these can loosen and cause the cover to flap.
2. Align the Cover Properly
If you’ve ever had a tonneau cover that wasn’t properly aligned, you know how frustrating it can be. Constantly having to adjust and readjust the cover is a real pain, not to mention the fact that an uneven cover can drastically reduce your fuel efficiency. So why is it so important to make sure the cover is aligned correctly?
Well, for starters, if the cover is off by even a fraction of an inch, it can cause all sorts of problems. The wind will catch it and cause it to flap around, which makes a lot of noise and can damage the cover. Not to mention, an uneven cover will let in dust and dirt, which can quickly ruin your paint job.
Start by aligning the corners of the cover, then move on to the center. Once the cover is even at the top and the center, shims can be added as needed to perfect the alignment. By following this simple rule, you will ensure that your tonneau cover functions properly and looks great.
Next time you’re putting on your tonneau cover, take the extra time to make sure it’s aligned properly. Trust us, it’ll save you a lot of headaches down the road.
3. Clamp It Firmly
The next step is to make sure it’s secure. That means clamping it down tight so it won’t come loose. Use whatever kind of tool is needed, usually an alan wrench or socket, and tighten the clamps down. Just be careful not to overdo it – if you tighten the clamps too much, you could strip the braces and weaken their hold. But get them nice and snug, and your tonneau cover will be locked in place.
4. Install Rail At The Center
Rails at center may seem like an unnecessary step, but it’s actually crucial for tonneau cover longevity and preventing damage to your truck. If the rails aren’t placed correctly, you could be looking at a shorter life for the cover and some serious repair bills down the road. So take the time to do it right, and save yourself the hassle of having to fix it later. Thanks, rails at center!
5. Weather Seals
If you really want to extend the life of your tonneau cover and keep it looking great, weather seals are a must. These handy little devices seal the gap between the cover and the bed of the truck, preventing water and dust from getting in. They’re easy to install, and they make a big difference in how well your cover holds up over time.
So there you have it – a few simple tips on how to get the most out of your tonneau cover. By taking care of it and following these simple guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy your cover for years to come.
